UK, Greater European, & US Model Headlight Differences Including Switchgear?

What are the differences between the US headlights and those across the pond?

I already have gleaned that all models have the H7 for the high beam. Across the pond bikes also have the H7 for the low beam.
Additionally, the European models have "city lights", a 194 wedge type bulb where ours has just the vestigial hole without the reflector
area painted. The European models and others also have there country's or EU licensing body affixed and relevant part numbers versus
our DOT and relevant part numbers. There left-hand switch-gear is different internally and externally from what I've read.

I have not been able to locate a good picture, even off eBay, of that area directly behind the dimmer switch.

1) Anyone here have a picture or care to take one for me?

2) Does anyone have a schematic for the UK or Euro version bikes?

3) In stock form, do the Euro versions allow switching of all four filaments at the same time, that is all four H7 bulbs on at the same time?

4) How does the H4 bulb high beam filament compare to the H7 everything else being equal? Have read the H4 is a dirty compromise.
Stock wise, I've read that that the H4 high beam filament has more output, but not remembering the exact figures, I'd wager it was a
dead heat.



5) The reflectors ARE different in the low beams. How does that translate into effective beam patterns? "Have heard" that the Euro bikes low
beam reflectors allow greater side to side dispersion. The H4's high beam filament is not shrouded, so I'd wager that they will perform similarly
in that respect, even though their sizes aren't even close. Any pictures of a comparison beam test? Any experience with both?

6) What are the differences in the "laws of the land" governing lighting respectively? Have some clue here in the US but not abroad.


Thanks Guys n Gals.

 

This would be for the sixth gen bikes, particularly an '04. If anyone did't get that, as I own 5th and a 6th, this is regarding the sixth gen examples. I would also loke to know of differences in the fifth as well; although, this wouldn't be the place to post this thread.

Again, thanks.

 

I'll throw some opinions in here!

Switchgear is likely to differ in having a push to pass high beam button in front for Europe, and also the indicator switch is different if the model has running lights in the indicators, as US models always seem to have. The difference here is an extra pair of wires which power the running light filaments, and which get shut down when the indicators are activated. When indicators are off, both running lights are active. When the left indicator is active, the left running light is off but the right stays on. Models with no running lights do not have these extra wires.

On the 6G I looked at the wiring diagram, and it appears that the low beams are always on, and stay on when the high beams are activated. I assume that is a benefit of using separate H7 bulbs for hi and low, as doing the same thing with an H4 dual filament bulb would assuredly overheat the bulb.

 

Thanks. I would surely love a copy of the schematic but am able to design and implement changes to the harness.

With the Euro models, are both beams active when set on high beam?

I am beginning to like some of the Euro differences and may implement some in part or whole.
I would surely like to see a side by side comparison of the low beams.

It has been a chore translating the English on the fly!

Side marker = running
Indicator = turn signals
...

Visited website dedicated to MOT testing for motorcycles

Thanks again. Schematics anyone or source?

 

Here's a link to a pdf of the 6G US service manual, the wiring diagram is towards the back.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/syf7mrjghcbchvb/VFR800-VTEC-2002.pdf?dl=0

I don't know for sure but I'd be very surprised if the Euro 6G did not run all 4 bulbs on high beam.

 

Thanks for the download opportunity. That is the same electronic copy I have in addition to the 2002 thru 2009 and 1998 thru 2001 hard copies. The schemaric for whic I am looking covers the Euro and/or UK bikes. I have been able to go online on this phone and look (awaiting modem tomorrow having recently moved) but have not have been able thus far to come up with a good scan.

With a good manual in hand, I would be able to discern the diffrences from a definitive source. I have gotten good info here, but have not been so lucky at the onset of my search with so much misinformation and the like.

Thanks again. On a side note, I should use the features of the forum to provide thanks!

 

Can do it this weekend..

no - lol

dont think so

unsure

no

Unsure what are you after...

In general, as long as it passes a MOT (yearly test vehicle check) it's fine...

 

Imagine how we feel LOL faucet - tap , wrench- spanner layful:

Hope this upload works its the 03,04,05 version it will have the same right bar but different left.

 

Hi there my bikes a 2006 A5 my dipped beam is on all the time and when I switch to high beam all four bulbs light up, great lights for riding at night.
Hope this helps.

 

Heres one for the sleuths.. Is there a reasonably priced replacement lamp for the Honda bikes using the "Honda" three tab pattern that is another of the overpriced stuff we are forced to buy from Honda Inc?

Tried the shims too. they suck..Tried snipping the one tab too. That sucks. The Honda lamps are in the 40 peso range and all the rest are about ten pesos at most places except at Honda dealers where even there they gouge.

I hope the Donald will put a stop to this. LOL

 

Thanks for that info! I believe here in the US, one may have no more than four filaments lit at a time. As for directivity, unable to recall. Since we have so much fog where I live, I will use those city lights with yellow leds with both a projected beam and the circumferential pattern and add a very simple sub-harness with switching to provide the UK experience, after a verification of the pattern though. I have purchaesed and received a set of Euro lights including bulbs and all. I just gotta work out the low beams being out. It is either the crispy crunchy connectors that will be replaced anyway, the switch, or relay. Thanks!