Old headlight lenses

[johnnyrod]

I've got a 1999 SV with about 40k on it, and pretty much spent all that time riding with 55/60W headlamps on. I'm sure when I first got it they looked brighter than they do now, but that was 11 years ago so I can't remember. Does the lens yellow with age? I'm getting some Phillips Xtreme bulbs for X-mas but is it also worth tracking down a low-mileage headlight?

[HoL]

Does the lens look yellow? I'd have thought it just looks yellow compared to the very white LED etc lights that you get now.

[HoL]

on second thoughts is it because your bike is actually a llama?

[CodeJACK]

Yes, the lens can become cloudy due to dirt and dust build up from the road.
The problem is cleaning a sealed unit. It might be possible to get some sort of brush device to go in via the bulb hole and clean around inside but most of the build up is probably on the outside.

Get some window cleaner and a soft cloth and clean like you have never cleaned before. You will be amazed at the crap that some off.

Once your happy that the lens is clean inside and out, try your new bulbs. Philips ones your thinking of are great and will make a difference.

If its still crap, look at fitting a new loom to the headlights that is run from relays. Eastern Beaver do pre made ones and they are supposed to be great when combined with good bulds like the philips ones.

[johnnyrod]

Wil check out those suggestions ta, the only cleaning it gets is when I wash the bike now and again. The light does look a little bit yellow but I think mainly because of less brightness if yo usee what I mean. I do remember when it was almost new, my mates commenting on how bright the lights were and asking if they were HID or something, this was with ordinary 55W bulbs. I read on here (in relation to HID kits) that the lenses are plastic so can yellow with very bright light, and wondered if less light over lots of time could also do the same.

PS it's like cornering on hooves

[Sid Squid]

Check the voltage at the bulbs, low volts = yellowish lights.

[johnnyrod]

Good point, will do so. Might be a while before I come back with an answer.

[johnnyrod]

Right, got some answers and some questions, if you please! Cleaned the lenses (outside), not that bad but 8 years' of trackday sticker residue was on one (B&Q decorator's wipes FTW), they do look good now. Measured the following voltages with the engine off and both headlight blocks unplugged. I doubt the second decimal place is really adding anything but I've reported it anyway.

Battery: 12.07V (ignition off), 11.94 (ignition on and headlights switched to on).
Left hand headlight low/high (taken at connector block): 11.41 / 11.33
Right hand (same): 11.39/11.21

Left hand headlight on low beam, + at block, - straight to battery: 11.47
Same, + lead of tester on battery +, - lead on block (feed from switchgear to bulb): 0.61

So it looks like the earthing is good (around 0.1V loss from connector block to battery -). I am losing around 0.6V from the battery + to the headlamp connector. Any idea if this is a lot or normal?

Finally, fitted the Philips Xtreme bulbs one at a time, they look white whereas the old one next to it looks yellow. Not been out for a ride yet in the dark, maybe later in the week.