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Eclipze · 07/06/2010, 11:17

Converting H4 Headlight Bulbs to Fit a CBR250 H4R Socket

CBR250's use H4R bulbs, which are not a common size. Subsequently, they cost more, harder to find and a smaller selection. There is an easy way to convert a common H4 bulb to fit.

BTW... this method is not my idea. People have been doing this mod for a long time, for various other bikes.

H4 bulbs have 3 tabs, all point outwards from the centre.

[Image: h4r_conversion_01.jpg]

By folding the tabs over something thin, like a nail, you can create two new tabs to the side needed to fit a CBR250 H4R socket.

[Image: h4r_conversion_03.jpg]

I prefer to use a half a split pin, rather than a nail. If you use a nail, you definitely need a long thin one to be able to wrap the tabs over. I find split pins work better, as they are thinner than a nail and have a flat side to sit against the bulb base. I use 2.5x40mm split pins, which you can get at hardware shops and a lot of auto stores.

[Image: h4r_conversion_02.jpg]

Here is the converted bulb in place...

[Image: h4r_conversion_04.jpg]

Without additional wiring mods, the CBR250's don't like 55/60W bulbs. They are only designed to handle 35/55W bulbs. Using higher wattage bulbs often causes the headlight switch contacts to melt (fails). It also very common to have battery problems, as the battery doesn't get any charge at idle and the headlights suck significantly more power. It can make it harder to start the bike too, unless you can turn off the headlights to start.

If you touch the glass on the bulb, remember to clean it with something like acetone to get rid of the oil/fingerprint. Don't use kero, as it leaves a residual film.

Wink

Changing the bulbs...

1. Pull the bulb socket off.
2. Pull the rubber boot off.
3. Unclip the wire retainer, which work like a safety pin.
4. Remove bulb.

[Image: CBR250RR_right_headlight.JPG]

35/55W or 60/55W Bulbs???

35/55W = 35W low beam, 55W high beam
60/55W = 60W low beam, 55W high beam

If you use 60/55W bulbs, the contacts in the switch gear will likely fail. The current is too high for this switch, as it was only designed for the lower wattage bulbs. The current going through the switch is just too much, and it causes the plastic to melt and the contacts push away. Poor contact then causes the charring.

Unfortunately 60/55W bulbs also cause flat batteries... the CBR250's just don't put out enough current while sitting at idle rpm, and it results in no end of battery problems.

I made a solution to cover all the problems Cool

Unfortunately I don't always have stock, as they are a bugger to manufacture.
http://www.eclipze.com.au/headlight_upgrade/main.html

snakey1989 · 10/05/2011, 09:30

Hey!!!
If your worried about overdrawing your headlight circuit, do what I did, add a relay to the system.
Run a 20Amp fused wire from batt to relay, relay to lights, and to and fromt he switch. No burning out.
I regularly do this putting driving lights in cars. The only question is then if the overpowered globe will melt the headlight housing... Will update when I convert mine... *Gulp.

Eclipze · 10/05/2011, 10:17

The 60/55W globes won't melt the standard CBR250 head lamps. It will melt the plastic Tyga head lamps though... that's been proven.

Adding the fused battery wiring and relay will bypass the switchgear problem, but you're still left with the higher wattage bulbs causing battery drain. When at idle, the CBR250's just don't pump out enough power to cope with those bulbs. So the battery gets drained, and lead acid batteries that are left low on charge degrade... and many have run into battery woes. So it's best to use a battery tender frequently, particularly if you do short trips, stop/start traffic or not ride frequently ;-)

em sea 19 · 10/05/2011, 10:32

Eclipze is the resident electrical god.
there is no stealing the fire snake.

snakey1989 · 10/05/2011, 11:00

OUCH!
I just got outclassed... Someone here really IS a pro.
Thanks for the globe heads up... Might have to try 90/100's then. lol
Or I'll put HID's in 'em, not that it'll make much difference.

Eclipze · 10/05/2011, 13:18

Hahahaa... LOL

Now before this erupts into a couple of pages of HID flaming, let me summarise. HIDs have been tried before, however because the CBR250s have reflector lamps, the light goes everywhere. It's equivalent to having mega bright high beams on. The mere mention of putting HIDs in can result in a forum spanking. Common practise for oncoming traffic is to blind you back using their high beams (watch out for 4WDs with extra lights!!!), or those in front will slow down down to make you overtake... so they can in turn, blind you from behind ;-)

em sea 19 · 10/05/2011, 13:20

I wasn't going to say anything...

Aduro · 10/05/2011, 13:31

We need a sticky. "Guide to being flamed"

Eclipze · 10/05/2011, 13:34

(10/05/2011 13:31)Aduro Wrote: We need a sticky. "Guide to being flamed"

What... noobs need a guide on how to get flamed Newspaper

I don't think they need help Dance

Now... if it was a guide on how not to get flamed, it would rob us of the opportunity and tradition Popcorn

snakey1989 · 11/05/2011, 01:25

(10/05/2011 13:34)Eclipze Wrote:
(10/05/2011 13:31)Aduro Wrote: We need a sticky. "Guide to being flamed"

What... noobs need a guide on how to get flamed
I don't think they need help

Now... if it was a guide on how not to get flamed, it would rob us of the opportunity and tradition

Beleive me... I just got RAPED!!!
Don't need no instruction manual. Yu guys got it down pat... Wont mention Those lights which must not be named again... Though I run them (as driving/spot lights) on cars, they shocking when you drive into them when people use 'em as headlights. admitedly.

Oh and thanks em sea... Just let everyone else flame me... Grrr. lol