FL350 Headlight Question

[kawonda]

Does anyone know what the largest wattage of headlights I can put on my FL350? The stock are 25 watts each. Looking to upgrade to something a little brighter without overloading the charging system.

[Gene]

You might get away with some HID's since they draw big on start then the draw is lower. Start one at a time.

[K-fab]

You need to find out what the max wattage output of the Oddy's engine is and then work backwards from there. You don't want to run over 80 - 85% of total output, as the system needs to be able to run the CDI and the charging system. Contact Livewire - he'll know.

[LiveWire]

For some reason even though the lights have 25 watt bulbs in them, I think the service manual says the lights are 35 watts. There was a Hondaline light kit that added two more lights on the front bumper. So it would seem even Honda used 140 watts total. Even if really only 25, that is 100 total. I have used two 55s without issue.

[bdkw1]

If you put a single Kragen HID on there for 107$ it will be way brighter than your other lights.

[Stumped]

The manual said the alternator makes 160 watts at 5,000 rpm.

[K-fab]

Originally Posted by Stumped

The manual said the alternator makes 160 watts at 5,000 rpm.

Tada! The answer we needed. Limit yourself to about 135 watts of use and you shouldn't have any issues.

BDK's hit it on the head - run one good HID and you'll be fine. But remember, just because a 35 watt HID uses 35 watts of power at the bulb, that doesn't mean it uses 35 watts at the power source. Check the draw needed for supplying the HID lights.

[kawonda]

Thanks guys. This is why this forum is so great. Everyone jumps at the chance to help out fellow builders.

[LiveWire]

I wonder what the output is at 7500 where my engine is normally spinning while just cruising around. Is it linear? 240? 5000 RPM is not much higher than many have their clutch engage at.

[jwcarguy]

I just got a set of the 4" HID's from Checker Auto. They have been talked about alot on some of the Dune boards and have had real good review's. You can't beat the price. $230 / pair shipped.
They are way better than the stockers.