BPF headlamp bulb

I would suggest some soldering in strategic places to pad out and take up the slack. A touch of filing might be needed after the soldering.........depends how careful you are.

The simplest way is to fit an H4 reflector. The possible problem with adapting an H4 bulb to fit a BFP reflector is that you can lose the focus and your headlight beam will be compromised. It's really an either/or - stick with a BPF bulb and reflector or replace both with H4 components.

Too true Gordon. The first halogen headlamp bulb I bought was very bright, but the light was like a garden spray, no beam at all. Ok as a running light, but useless at night.

Can't understand why an H4 bulb was bought in the first place....(it's not likely to focus correctly)....you can get BPF Halogen bulbs in various wattages in both 6v AND 12v....maybe you were trying to save a few Euros?....You would also require the original BPF connector ...cheap enough....

Les

I have the picture now and agree that the BPF connector is not too good. The only real problem is the earth connection part...

All you have to do is solder a wire on the brass part of the bulb...(100W iron required) Drill a hole in the holder (or make a slot) and bring the wire out to terminate with a "bullet" connector. Then connect the black earth wire, which has a bullet and usually fits into the back of the BPF holder, straight to the new earth wire. This overcomes the high electrical loss (resistance) of the earthing. Should the bulb in future need a quick replacement then you can return the earth to the normal position and fit a normal bulb until time permits you to solder the wire to the new bulb .....

Wishing you a Happy Christmas and New year.....Les

Slightly puzzled regarding BPF connections. In my experience they are very robust. The only problems occur with cheap and nasty aftermarket connectors. The original Lucas ones are fine. I agree that a separate earth is a very good idea, but again, a BPF connector should have a socket to push in a snap connector bullet with your earth lead. H4 spade connectors are in fact more likely to fail, especially in the not entirely environment of a motorcycle headlight shell - the very reason my Norton is currently sporting a BPF bulb and Lucas reflector.

The nights are drawing out at last - Hooray!

Hi Gordon...in reference to what you say: a BPF connector should have a socket to push in a snap connector bullet with your earth lead.

Yes the socket does have a bullet connector, but it makes it's earth return via a very shaky sprung loaded connection that uses the 3 tiny locking pins that fit into the round bulb holder steel tube formed on the back of the reflector. ...the bulb then has to make contact with the steel which is always oxidising....This is so bad that the slightest movement can vary the bulbs light intensity and at best is a constant electrical resistance that never lets a 6V bulb illuminate fully. Once this bad earth connection is bypassed the bulb runs so much brighter.

Indeed, passing by the the winter Solstice is always a psychological uplift, but still we need at least a 4 month wait to get anywhere near a decent riding day......don't like the cold.....Happy Christmas.....Les

Hi Fritz...that will help a touch but the earth is still only connected to the steel tube via the shaky bulb holder and its 3 prongs....Les

Ok Fritz....you were referring to using the H4 bulb when you said:

"My solution: A springiliy clamp which jams inside of the tube and presses the disc on the bulb to the reflector".

Gordon and myself had remarked about the BPF earthing on the replies just before you said the above, so I thought this next comment was about the BPF type bulb too....Pleased you have it sorted now........BUT..... does it focus correctly?....bet it doesn't....Les