Triumphrat

Binnsy · 10-18-2009, 05:42 PM

Last weekend i got a stone through my headlight and it was in pretty bad shape. Still worked but it was only a matter of time before it would fall apart as it was only held in place by the sealant around the perimeter. So off to the Triumph shop I go, expecting to shed a few bucks and walk away with a new glass. Holy Carp! A$395.00 + A$15.00 for a courier to fly one over from Melbourne. Unfortunately this seemed a bit steep and after a short vent I walked away without one.

Decided to pull the headlight out of the shell and search for one to suit. First stop was a market where there were a lot of headlights but nothing even close. Second stop AutoBarn and after about 10 minutes found one that was pretty close. It was a "Hansa" brand sealed beam 7" unit that was a bit longer, chunkier profile but at A$13.00, was worth a shot. Bought the unit and headed home.

At home I spent about 10 minutes fiddling to get the chunkier headlight into the shell. It wasn't a perfect fit but seems to be solid in the frame and the clips just fit on with a little persuasion. Flicked the power on and voila! worked fine. Haven't tried it out at night yet but it seemed to have a reasonable pattern and high and low beams are where they should be so fingers crossed.

For a saving of A$397.00 I think I will tolerate a minor difference in the profile.... I will let you know how it is at night after I have tried it, hopefully it will be OK as the rating was similar.

aceuggy · 10-19-2009, 04:57 AM

That's bad luck Binnsy, but at least you seem to have got it sorted for not too much dosh. Think I might invest in one of these headlight protectors. Could save me from a big bill. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/TRIUMPH-AMERIC...item53dd40e97a

Binnsy · 10-19-2009, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aceuggy

That's bad luck Binnsy, but at least you seem to have got it sorted for not too much dosh. Think I might invest in one of these headlight protectors. Could save me from a big bill. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/TRIUMPH-AMERIC...item53dd40e97a

Yeah, in retrospect I wish I'd had one, parts are pretty pricey over here..

On a good note I took it round the block last night to see if it was OK. The pattern is wider and not as defined as the genuine but certainly good enough for normal circumstances. In fact on the winding mountain roads the wider pattern would be beneficial to see around the bends....

Regards........Binnsy

Woolly Bugger · 10-24-2009, 06:25 PM

Umm, so all headlights are not created equal. Shows how much I know

There is a thread on replacement headlights, albeit for Bonneville at http://www.triumphrat.net/twins-tech...ml#post1387252. Not sure if this is of any use.

Kiwi Tiger · 10-25-2009, 03:39 AM

Hey Binnsy.

Check out the Western Plains Triumph site ( au ). A Kiwi ( Abbo, go figure that one ) has a possible solution for ya.

Binnsy · 10-25-2009, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kiwi Tiger

Hey Binnsy.

Check out the Western Plains Triumph site ( au ). A Kiwi ( Abbo, go figure that one ) has a possible solution for ya.

All is good thanks, took the bike & $A13.00 headlight out for a spin last night, great result. The beam has a main spot straight up the road and a closer wide pattern that fans out on both sides of the main spot. I think it is actually better than the genuine, I felt I could see a lot more with this light, go figure...