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Converting H4 Headlight Bulbs to Fit a CBR250 H4R Socket[/align]
CBR250's use H4R bulbs, which are not a common size. Subsequently, they cost more, harder to find and a smaller selection. There is an easy way to convert a common H4 bulb to fit.
BTW... this method is not my idea. People have been doing this mod for a long time, for various other bikes.
H4 bulbs have 3 tabs, all point outwards from the centre.
By folding the tabs over something thin, like a nail, you can create two new tabs to the side needed to fit a CBR250 H4R socket.
I prefer to use a half a split pin, rather than a nail. If you use a nail, you definitely need a long thin one to be able to wrap the tabs over. I find split pins work better, as they are thinner than a nail and have a flat side to sit against the bulb base. I use 2.5x40mm split pins, which you can get at hardware shops and a lot of auto stores.
Here is the converted bulb in place...
Without additional wiring mods, the CBR250's don't like 55/60W bulbs. They are only designed to handle 35/55W bulbs. Using higher wattage bulbs often causes the headlight switch contacts to melt (fails). It also very common to have battery problems, as the battery doesn't get any charge at idle and the headlights suck significantly more power. It can make it harder to start the bike too, unless you can turn off the headlights to start.
If you touch the glass on the bulb, remember to clean it with something like acetone to get rid of the oil/fingerprint. Don't use kero, as it leaves a residual film.
Changing the bulbs...
1. Pull the bulb socket off.
2. Pull the rubber boot off.
3. Unclip the wire retainer, which work like a safety pin.
4. Remove bulb.
35/55W or 60/55W Bulbs???
35/55W = 35W low beam, 55W high beam
60/55W = 60W low beam, 55W high beam
If you use 60/55W bulbs, the contacts in the switch gear will likely fail. The current is too high for this switch, as it was only designed for the lower wattage bulbs. The current going through the switch is just too much, and it causes the plastic to melt and the contacts push away. Poor contact then causes the charring.
Unfortunately 60/55W bulbs also cause flat batteries... the CBR250's just don't put out enough current while sitting at idle rpm, and it results in no end of battery problems.
I made a solution to cover all the problems
Unfortunately I don't always have stock, as they are a bugger to manufacture.
http://www.eclipze.com.au/headlight_upgrade/main.html
