'82 Maxim headlamp "upgrade"

[kumichou]

I want to upgrade the headlamp on the Maxim to halogen to get more light during nighttime rides.

After checking a little, I ran onto this (http://www.jcwhitney.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10101&storeId=10101&langId=-1&productId=275170&mediaCode=ZX&appId=399035) from Pilot Motorsports.

Anyone know if this'll do the job or know of better products?

[Kevin Combs]

I'm planning on doing the same upgrade to my Moto Guzzi. I have found ebay full of the same type of items. Most range from about $15.00 to $40.00. If you buy a pair I'll share the price and take one off your hands.:D

[kumichou]

Well, I didn't think of checking eBay, but I'd be more than happy to split with you. Now that you mention it, I found this (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=33710&item=2454310179) nifty conversion kit on eBay from MiiG. I'll need to double check the repair manual to find out what the current draw on the existing lamp is. Somehow I don't think it's 80 watts, but it could be.

[kumichou]

Well, my existing incandescent lamp is a 40/50W while the MiiG set on eBay is 80/85W.

While getting the Xenarc based lamps would be nice, I'll probably have to settle for SilverStar 4000K halogens. I want to make sure I have enough juice left in the system to recharge my battery and also not melt the headlamp wires :D

In the SilverStar, a H6024ST is a sealed beam 7" unit, while they also sell a H4ST which is just the bulb. Both are sold at Autozone & Advance Auto Parts for about $20 and give light right below Xenarc & HID lamps.

Going from incandescent to anything halogen should be a serious improvement.

[zap2504]

Eric,

There is a huge XJ contingent. A very active email listing group and 2 Yahoo Groups. The email contingent has published a set of XJ CDs (now in version 3) that has all the repair manuals, parts diagrams, tech info, etc for about $10. Go to http://members.tripod.com/dave_jack/ for ordering info and check out http://www.i-op.com/jimm/xjfaq.txt for more info.

Re: headlight conversions - many (including other Jap bike owners) have replaced their sealed beams with the JC Whitney H4 bulb/reflector replacement unit. Not sure if this is the same type unit as you have already found or not, but JCW is usually cheaper.

Dave E.