Sealed beam vs. non-sealed beam?

[deejay]

can anyone explain the difference to me? I'm thinking of ordering the 7" headlight kit, but not sure about this beam business.

[Robb]

We have the 7" sealed beam on the Military, and it is much, much brighter than the stock light, and looks way better, too.

[Emmet]

Non-sealed beams have a separate headlight assembly that takes a little bulb in the back of the reflector. Sealed beams are one big bulb; reflector, lens and all. I've heard that the non-sealed beams are more prone to failure due to vibration; don't know if it's true. I installed a 7" sealed-beam Wagner, and the difference is astounding; like I'd been riding around with a flashlight taped to my handlebars. I work a 3rd shift, so light's real important to me.

As Robb said, it looks way better than the goofy stock lamp, too.

[RagMan]

Could you post a picture... I am thinking of doing the same - a picture may well tip the balance.

[Emmet]

If you don't have a 7", then you already know what the OEM lamp looks like. Here's mine with a 7" sealed beam:

[RagMan]

My Bullet is parked right outside the window in front of my desk...  As I type this I am looking at the OEM light, then yours.. etc.  I think I need to get the 7" system on mine.  Herein is the question - is it easy to do??  I am somewhat of a clutz.

[CMW-Rhett]

Emmet,

You really do live in Margaritaville! Every picture you post shows your bike in front of a gorgeous tropical scene... like a Royal Enfield Corona commercial.  It's hard not to be envious.

[Spitting Bull]

Emmet, I love those panniers.  I wish I could get those in the UK!

Tom

[Leonard]

I hope this is a before and after picture of my recent 7" conversion.  I'm a little shakey on the tools.........Leonard

Could you post a picture... I am thinking of doing the same - a picture may well tip the balance.

[Leonard]

I hope this is a before and after picture of my recent 7" conversion.  I'm a little shakey on the tools.........Leonard



Well, there is obvisouly something I don't understand about inserting a picture........Leonard

[Emmet]

is it easy to do??

Sort of. There's a big flat screw on top of the cascabel (or whatever it's called), and two small phillips-head screws at 4 and 8 o'clock. Remove the entire headlight unit. You have to mount the bulb in the headlight ring, which is done with spring clips; wear eye protection. Use a quarter or something to pry the legs down under the lip, as in the picture. Then it's just a matter of wiring it and mounting it in the cascabel.

[deejay]

Non-sealed beams have a separate headlight assembly that takes a little bulb in the back of the reflector. Sealed beams are one big bulb; reflector, lens and all. I've heard that the non-sealed beams are more prone to failure due to vibration; don't know if it's true. I installed a 7" sealed-beam Wagner, and the difference is astounding; like I'd been riding around with a flashlight taped to my handlebars. I work a 3rd shift, so light's real important to me.

As Robb said, it looks way better than the goofy stock lamp, too.

So, if the bulb burns out on a sealed beam you have to replace the entire unit? i think I'd rather just replace a bulb.... maybe I'm confused.

[RagMan]

The sealed beam is the bulb - you can get a 7 inch one at Walmart.

[Spitting Bull]

Emmet, I love those panniers.  I wish I could get those in the UK!

Tom

It's OK - I've found them.....  in our hosts' accessories section!

Tom

[Emmet]

It's OK - I've found them.....  in our hosts' accessories section!

Yes; all the after-market stuff on my bike's come from them.