headlight upgrade xs1100e 1978

[JustJoeV]

Hi Folks!

I'd like to upgrade the kind of dim headlight on my bike. My question is: could I use a rectangular sealed beam lamp? It looks like it is about the same dimensions as the ones on my C4 corvette so it has me thinking.
What says you?

thanks in advance
Joe Viola
Wenonah Nj

[skids]

Does yours have a sealed glass headlight? One of my 78's had one, a Stanley, and I bought a housing/lens and went with a Sylvania H4 bulb (I think).

[MaximPhil]

Hi Joe,
There are a number of reasons for dim headlight. as Skids points out some, but not all, 78 came with Sealed beams. Check yours and see if it takes an H4 (9003?) bulb. If so replacing the bulb may get you back your light as they do dim over time. yes the more expensive once give more light.

Often the cause is LOSS OF VOLTAGE to the light assembly: cleaning ground points and upgrading fuse panels and connectors are all in this category.
Without full voltage nothing is going to be very bright.

No longer shiny reflector is another area to look at and why most do not benefit from merely replacing the bulb with an LED one.

Search the forum for threads about LED conversions if you want to investigate that as there has been a lot of discussion on that topic. Mixed reviews so read them all before jumping to a conclusion.

Phil

[JustJoeV]

Thanks for the info ,I'll check into all that was mentioned!