'81 Honda XL250 Headlight

[scotts90ranger]

Hey guys, I just got a motorcycle, an '81 Honda XL250, it's 6v and the headlight is near useless, and everything on the electrical system (brake lights, and headlight dimmer) have about a 1/2 second delay which kinda sucks when you are riding .

Is there some kind of upgrade for the headlight bulb? I doubt I'll be riding at night very much as it's very strange, but I'd like to be better prepared than it is...

Thanks

 

[SenorNoob]

I don't know if that's anything like my '78 XL350 (it does sound like it) but I had the delay problem on mine along with blinkers not working at idle, and it was the battery. It had almost the right voltage (close enough to regulate the system) but the reserve capacity was completely gone.

The only avenue of lighting upgrades I could find was an "off-road only" headlight reflector that takes a halogen bulb - vs the incandescent on the bike. And a DIY LED setup for the brake/tail and turn signals.

 

[scotts90ranger]

I think the XL's are all about the same from that era (I have a friend with a '78 XL250 and it's almost exactly the same as mine), I'll try a new battery as it had been sitting for 3 years before I got it, horn and signals work at idle but are weaker than if you rev it up a little...

 

[scotts90ranger]

I'm fully legal to drive on the road now! Here's some pics of the bike:

 

[SenorNoob]

Looks like a lot of fun.

Just a thought but, the headlight does dim over time. Might just need a new bulb.
Be sitting down when you call the dealer to ask though.

 

[scotts90ranger]

Going to try to remember to get a new battery tomorrow, was going to tonight but forgot when I drove by the "batteries and bulbs" store...

Drove it to work yesterday and will again tomorrow, got 63.5mpg yesterday... beats the 15mpg I get in the Ranger

 

[Answer069]

The headlights aren't that bad from the Honda dealers. I think mine cost around $30. I have a 79 XL250S. Looks just like yours but I have a lot more electrical issues. Hope that your flasher relay lasts you a while. Those are $40 at the dealer. My brake light seems to work in reverse. When I step on the pedal the light gets dimmer as opposed to brighter and I need a red lens for it as well. Also need a front fender. My stock exhaust was rotted out but I found a supertrapp that fit.

 

[SenorNoob]

Where did you find a bulb for $30? Everything I found was twice that!

Also, many parts can be found here: http://www.dratv.com/
Relay $3

Note: I've only bought from their eBay store.
Did e-mail about a part's fitment and they were very helpful.

 

[scotts90ranger]

The new battery didn't solve the yellow/dim (not yellow lens, just yellow from being dim) headlight, I just realized it would probably help to check the connections at the light...