Headlight rats next dilemma

biscuits

biscuits

Member
Joined
Jun 28, 2025
Total Posts
35
Total likes
10
Location
Guelph Ontario Canada
I am sorting out the electrical, namely the headlight wiring pot. (I hear a collection groan.) Has anyone come up with a solution to make it less.... chaotic? I'm debating removing the bulky plugs and just connecting all the wires to reach other, (In the correct order) Has anyone tried that? Is it worth the time? Does it make that much more room? I need to replace the headlight for something that lights more than the front fender. An led would be nice, but I cant see the adapter fitting, and imagine the heat would be a little much for the little plastic box. Another thought was to install a 7" LED light, but wonder if the wiring chaos would fit in after that exchange. What has if anyone has, done about the nest of wires in the headlight pot?
thanks far any input

Charley
 
On my CX (similar setup/wiring scheme) I went with a combination of converting some of the terminal blocks to bullet connectors from Vintage Connections, downsizing low/draw terminal blocks to 3mm connectors from the 6mm connectors and fit everything plus the flasher relay inside a 7” LED headlight with integrated turn signals.

GL redid the entire harness to move that entire thing under the seat.

CB custom harness, most everything is in the headlight and under the gas tank.

In short. There’s a ton of ways to skin that cat - and there’s way more room in those LED buckets than you think.
 
biscuits said:
I am sorting out the electrical, namely the headlight wiring pot. (I hear a collection groan.) Has anyone come up with a solution to make it less.... chaotic? I'm debating removing the bulky plugs and just connecting all the wires to reach other, (In the correct order) Has anyone tried that? Is it worth the time? Does it make that much more room? I need to replace the headlight for something that lights more than the front fender. An led would be nice, but I cant see the adapter fitting, and imagine the heat would be a little much for the little plastic box. Another thought was to install a 7" LED light, but wonder if the wiring chaos would fit in after that exchange. What has if anyone has, done about the nest of wires in the headlight pot?
thanks far any input

Charley
Click to expand...
Charley, is this about your CM450E? If so, please put your bike model in your signature or remember to mention it.
 
Last edited:
Honestly, I don't even mind the rats nest or the annoyance that it is when I have to mess in it, the noise is what annoys me the most. No matter how much I try to use the metal clips to hold everything in place they always seem to make noise. I even tried adding some zip ties and while its better, still no bueno. My harness is aftermarket so it's probably a bit longer than it needed to be too.

LongDistanceRider said:
Exact same bucket as you have but with a replaceable H4 bulb so you can run a 55/60w light.
Click to expand...
I run a Philips semi-white one (along with a small position yellow LED) and they're proper. Nothing crazy good like the more modern stuff but it's plenty for my nighttime city ridings and they worked fine on the highway at night too.
 
LongDistanceRider said:
The simplest fix for a brighter headlight is locate a used 2001-2007 CB250 Nighthawk. Exact same bucket as you have but with a replaceable H4 bulb so you can run a 55/60w light.
Click to expand...
The one part I need is no longer available. The bulb is all fine but I have nothing to put it in. I ordered what I hope is the right set up, headlamp case that takes a halogen bulb ...
 
I started using modern sealed connectors around 2014, not suitable for 10/10 restoration but far more practical for 'restomods' I do on my bikes.
A 6 wire connector is only slightly larger than OEM 2 wire 'open block' nylon connector
 
I received the headlamp setup from 4into1, and it turns out it is not the required lamp. yes, it's a nice glass lamp with a removable halogen bulb. But evidently my tub is not 6.5" after all, it's a 7". My dilemma continues. I can't seem to find a light that will fit because of the original headlamp is metal back, not glass, and it has the retaining brackets and adjuster right on the lap itself. *sigh*
Is there a lamp that will exchange in a rather friendly manner? Should I consider just replacing the whole bucket with a built in lamp?
TIA
Charley
 
crazypj said:
Can you post a few pictures of headlamp shell?
Unless it's 'old', all metal shell is quite unusual if it wasn't going to be chrome plated (unless there was another reason few people know about?)
Click to expand...
The light itself is metal, not the shell. The shell is broken plastic. Today I bought a new shell with a holagen bulb, but now the blinkers don't fit. I bought new blinkers but they are led ... So the relay isn't working.... So looking for a new relay or other blinkers that will fit the install points on the new bucket. A 12mm thread maybe(Which is metal this time)
 
When I had my CM400C I ran a CB750K 7" bucket with a sealed beam bulb. These days on my RE Interceptor I run one of the Toyota H4 bulb retrofit reflectors in the stock headlight housing and trim ring. It works very well, even with no moonlight I can ride my twisty back road morning commute. No need for led.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom