SV650s headlight query

[the t boy]

When riding with dipped beam should both headlights be on or just the offside?

I've checked the manual and it doesn't say. On full beam both light up and I always assumed that it was normal for just one to be lit on dipped. In the last week 3 people have told me I've got a bulb out and although they are all non-bikers I'm starting to think they may be right.

[MrsMiggins]

I've got a TL and only 1 bulb lights up on dip. The other lamp is full beam only. I'd imagine yours is the same.

I believe it's because at night 2 bulbs close together look like a car that's far away, encouraging SMIDSYs.

(I feel like Father Ted:
This is small, those ones are far away)

[Mikey G]

I have a K4 and both my headlights are lit on dipped beam. Some bikes do only have one light on when dipped but not the SV i dont think.

Mike

>> Edited by Mikey G on Friday 7th October 09:11

[Steve_T]

On my 2002 SV both are on, on dipped beam. I'd say you have a bulb out too.

Steve.

[Mark_SV]

On dipped beam, both my front lights come on too. Might be worth changing the bulb ...

Incidentally, I've found that Philips Vision Plus bulbs, or their Osram Silver Star equivalent, make a huge difference on the bike (and in cars). Check our www.powerbulbs.co.uk

Cheers

[Steve_T]

I don't know if the later SVs are the same, but the original bulbs on the SK2 model are 45/45W, so a but rubbish really. I replaced the standard wiring with direct feeds from the battery (with relays switched using the original wiring) to power the lights and replaced the bulbs with 55/60W. Much brighter



>> Edited by Steve_T on Friday 7th October 14:07

[the t boy]

Thanks guys. Looks like a trip to my local bulb emporium this weekend.

[Robbo SPS]

Mark_SV said:

On dipped beam, both my front lights come on too. Might be worth changing the bulb ... Incidentally, I've found that Philips Vision Plus bulbs, or their Osram Silver Star equivalent, make a huge difference on the bike (and in cars). Check our www.powerbulbs.co.uk Cheers

I bought Phillips cheaper brand from a car shop and they are ace. £11 for 2 ( for my cbr )

My girlfriend has just bought a SV650 and both lights are on. The seller had fitted Rainbow lights, which are a glass filament surrounding the bulb giving off an irdium type glow and people can see you coming. I agree though that the standard bulb is still poor

Arent they on all bikes ?

[DennisTheMenace]

Steve_T said:

I don't know if the later SVs are the same, but the original bulbs on the SK2 model are 45/45W, so a but rubbish really. I replaced the standard wiring with direct feeds from the battery (with relays switched using the original wiring) to power the lights and replaced the bulbs with 55/60W. Much brighter >> Edited by Steve_T on Friday 7th October 14:07

The Thunderace has 30/35w bulbs as standard , everywhere else its sold it has 55/60w bulbs so just swaped them for phillips vision plus bulbs , night riding is a bit less stressfull now

[Mark_SV]

Hi Robbo - I think you're right about standard bulbs being pants on bikes. Yeah, Philips are good. Having tried a few out, I have to say it's worth the money for the Vision Plus bulbs; they're absolutely the dog's danglies on unlit motorways or country lanes at night and they make you that bit more visible.

What do you reckon to the Rainbow lights?

[Mikey G]

Maybe mine has uprated bulbs as i have no problem with lighting on mine. And i use it quite often in the dark on country type roads aswell.

[DennisTheMenace]

Rainbow lights are a waste of space , piss poor light output .

[Robbo SPS]

Mark_SV said:

Hi Robbo - I think you're right about standard bulbs being pants on bikes. Yeah, Philips are good. Having tried a few out, I have to say it's worth the money for the Vision Plus bulbs; they're absolutely the dog's danglies on unlit motorways or country lanes at night and they make you that bit more visible. What do you reckon to the Rainbow lights?

I only road tested the bike but the devise i am talking about is a small octogon of glass / plastic that gives a rainbow effect on the output. It definatly helps with BEING seen, but not sure yet if it reduces the riders visability.

The lights i bought are RING, who are the owned by Phillips. They are on the CBR and will be fitting them on the girls SV.

I will do a few runs out in darkness to see whats best, but at the moment i would prefer the girls new bike to most visable as she's brand new to riding.

[Mikey G]

Just for reference my manual states my bike requires 60/55w bulbs, its an SK4.