Qlink Xf200 Headlight Upgrade Mistake

[trevort]

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t43/rnew10598/100_1349.jpg

There is this popular blogspot about the Qlink Xf200 and the modifications the owner has done to his bike, so I decided to try one of these for myself. Taking a little night time ride on my Q maybe 15 minutes tops headed for home with my new headlight installed and at first all was fine, I glance down at the speedo and see smoke coming from my headlight. Not just a little smoke but like the bike is on fire and now my visibilty is down to next to nothing with a growing blind spot delevoping in my headlight. I get home and see this large melted bubble that was once my headlight, still smoking. Pissed does not describe the feeling that I had after seeing this and it is just another example of the "bad links and ideas" that are out there for the Q bike owners. Stay away from this mod and if it wasnt for the extra headlight that I got from JTCAndrews I would be screwed.

:evil: Monday, June 14, 2010Headlight Upgrade - PIAA H4

I have upgraded the headlight of my urban assault sumo! When upgrading or replacing your stock headlight you will be requiring a H4 bulb. Of course you can go with another stock headlight there are much better lights that give a brighter light and actually draw less energy or the equivalent energy from the bikes electrical system. This is important for maintaining reliability and not over taxing the bikes system.

I upgraded to a PIAA 10904 H4 Intense White - H4 60/55W=135/125W Xtra Intense White Bulb. It is in my opinion a much brighter headlamp.

Shopping around I found them in a twin pack for $42.00 with free shipping. Regardless of the price you find you I am confident will be very happy with your purchase. 8O

xf200qlinksupermoto.blogspot.com

[FastDoc]

Good point....

I found the stock headlight to be OK, but marginal.

If a guy wanted to upgrade a HID headlight makes much less heat than stock and uses less electricity, but you would likely blind oncoming traffic :? .

Another idea would be to stay stock but add some LED driving lights, such as are common on BMW's and KTM's. :D

[Weldangrind]

So, are you saying that everything after the "Monday, June 14" line is a quote from the blog you found? It almost looks like you're recommending the H4, but I'm not sure.

[dmmcd]

You do need an H4, as that is the standard Hi/Lo motorcycle bulb.

I think the issue is the wattage. Are you saying that you put in a 125/135 watt bulb? I had 90 W bulbs in my car that melted through the connector. I would imagine the stock are 55/60W. You definitely don't want to buy a bulb that has higher wattage. It may be brighter, but it will put off way more heat.

The HID is a nice option, but as mentioned, may blind other drivers. But it will get you noticed! HID bulbs are generally designed for projector style headlights that have a distinct cut-off and not for reflector housings that just throw light everywhere.

EDIT: I looked into it and the PIAA lights supposedly consume 55/60 watts but give off the light of a higher wattage? Not sure how it does that, but whatever.

Do you have any photos of the bulb itself? Did it break or melt or anything?

[JTCAndrew]

I am Glad to see the headlight I sold you still intact Whewwww.

When I replaced my headlight with an aftermarket - I kept the bulb to a 35 or 45watt level.....can't remember but I know it works and didn't melt my NEW Headlight.....WOW

I saw that Blog - and Opted out to even try it. I did ask around alot of questions, and the results steered me away....

Andrew

[trevort]

I used the exact " PIAA 10904 H4 " a 55/60 watt bulb in my headlight also I noticed that the plug for the light melted a little and has a brown color too. As far as an HID unit I know that they run very hot and I have had a bulb melt itself into the housing on my Scion.

[Weldangrind]

My ATV came with two 18w bulbs, and I'd like to swap them for one bulb in the 35w range. I'm happy to change the socket in the process, and the switch has a provision for high / low beam. Any recommendations?

[david3921]

Trevort, did you run the higher watt bulb with the running light still in? There is no venting on the XF200 headlight and taking the running light out will allow some air to circulate. I have read of people putting in a 65w with no trouble but wouldn't recommend it without pulling the light. It's controlled by the same switch that turns the gauge lights on and off. We don't need it in the U.S. anyway as our laws don't require it.

[Weldangrind]

So, the running light is required in some countries? I've wondered what it's for. It seems too small to do any good.

[MICRider]

So, the running light is required in some countries? I've wondered what it's for. It seems too small to do any good.

My Konker had it... It was kind of funny, like a little flashlight bulb under and off to the side of the main headlight bulb. It didn't actually throw any light (seriously) and wasn't even noticeable with our always on headlights in Canada. First bike I ever had that had one.

[SpudRider]

I think a standard H4 bulb works quite well, especially for small motorcycles that don't reach high speeds. ;) However, not all H4 headlights are created equal. Some H4 headlights are designed much better than others, and effectively put more light on the road ahead. :)

After doing much research, I decided to purchase a Baja Designs headlight for my XR650L. I mounted the headlight this afternoon, and took a test ride this evening. I am pleased to report this 55W/60W, H4 headlight does a very good job illuminating the road. :)

https://www.bajadesigns.com/NET/P-601098RD/Headlight%2c+Baja+D%2c+Red

Spud :)