Headlight bulb law?
 

Tiger dipped beam bulb blew last week. I took it out and it's blue and reads Alite H7 12V 80W. I went to get a replacement from Halfords (car section, obviously!) and they only do 55w or 100w states as not legal for road use.

Am I right in saying 55w is the highest legal wattage on bulbs? Obviously the wiring in the Tiger is capable of handling an 80w bulb, so am I being naughty if I get an 80w one from online, and more to the point, would that fail an MOT?

Re: Headlight bulb law
 

I think what you'll find is the 100w bulbs aren't E marked which is what makes them illegal, I don't think there is a maximum wattage but you shouldn't dazzle or cause discomfort to other road users or something like that.

As for failing an MOT with an 80w bulb I think it would probably be ok as long as its adjusted properly

Re: Headlight bulb law
 

Seems to be well dipped! Although not so much when I take a pillion. Think I may have to adjust the rear shock preload.

Re: Headlight bulb law
 

If it was me I'd be sticking another 80w bulb in it

Re: Headlight bulb law
 

And taking lighter pillions or passing your pillion over to someone else with fewer equipment issues.

Re: Headlight bulb law
 

No trips to MaccyDees for you Mark. Yes, I think I'll get another 80w. Looks like £13 will get you a pair on ebay, but I'm wondering if I'll need to put a 55w one back in for MOT. Google time.

Re: Headlight bulb law?
 

all the examiner looks for is beam pattern. if it's not got a blob then all's good. if my 50w HID's pass then 80's will be fine.

many many years ago i used to run 80/100 in my cars, never ever had a problem.

Re: Headlight bulb law?
 

Presumably its passed with the 80w before, or has it not had first mot yet?

Re: Headlight bulb law?
 

Mines not an 80w on the dip beam. Did you get the bike second hand? I only ask cos Tiger lights get slated by lots of owners who uprate bulbs etc.

Pete ;)

Re: Headlight bulb law?
 

Yeah, it's a 2006 I've had since March. It came with a new MOT from the dealer with this 80w bulb, but I suspect dealers are highly unlikely to fail something before they sell it unless it's unsafe. Extra expense for them.

The 55w bulb isn't too bad on the Tiger. The curvy was far worse, but it does suck compared to a car as with most bikes. Even the main beam isn't great. I don't know what it is with bikes. Lights never seem to be a priority for manufacturers.