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Honda SA50 Headlight Replacement?

Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2023 9:37 am
by haydnharvespa
I recently bought another Honda Sa50, and it is missing a headlight. Anyone know of a “generic” headlight that works on a 1994+ elite? I’m not trying to spend 150+ dollars on a genuine one. Thanks. :peace:

Re: Honda SA50 Headlight Replacement?

Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2023 9:46 pm
by bonesv
No other headlights I know of work but I have seen one other guy have one that did fit (kinda). I do have a plastic one (Honda made) that has a replaceable bulb (halogen). It's in fair to good condition and comes with a good bulb that you can replace with one from any auto parts store (for $7.00 or so). It is not in perfect shape (the plastic lens is yellowed and scratched up a little (someone tried to "clean" it with solvent) but once you have this (was only made for one year "2001") you can get brighter bulbs if you look around. I only have one for sale and it's $68 shipped. It is bolt-on, no different from the one you have now.
Send me a PM and leave a text # so I can send pics if you want it.

Re: Honda SA50 Headlight Replacement?

Posted: Wed Oct 04, 2023 1:59 pm
by noiseguy
Is there still no good aftermarket replacement headlamp for these bikes? I'm surprised no one's developed one, given the thing replaces as a unit.
IIRC while the metal ring is a different size for for the 84-86 Spree, 87 Spree/Elite, and 88-94 Elite, the actual glass part is identical between the models.
Part #6 below, which varies between models.
Part #5 in below, which is more or less the same.
LMK. If no part exists for this, I'll draft one up. Sort of a silly thing to not be available anywhere.
Elite88-94-Detail.png
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Re: Honda SA50 Headlight Replacement?

Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2023 7:33 am
by noiseguy
I'm thinking something like this, where it attaches to the top cover and is accessible from the front (vs using the metal framework) and uses an off-the-shelf automotive LED fog light. You'd adjust the light angle by adjusting the angle of the LED element.
It would use way less power than stock (10-15W) but would be a lot brighter than the incandescent bulb ever was.
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Re: Honda SA50 Headlight Replacement?

Posted: Sat Oct 07, 2023 11:19 pm
by Destroyer
There is a YouTuber that used a replacement one on an SB50 which is the same headlight.

https://youtu.be/Zigjqs62kCE?si=-OIes-TiqWPQYhO0

Re: Honda SA50 Headlight Replacement?

Posted: Sun Oct 08, 2023 9:30 am
by noiseguy
Nice information, but pet peeve of 15 min explanation of a 30 second topic.
So, the Honda Vision / Met-In headlight fits basically every bike supported by this forum. You can get one, shipped from the UK, for ~$30. Link below is active:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/325458826209
I'm still going to draft up a 3D printed replacement w. LED insert. I've an old bulb laying on my desk now to measure up.

Re: Honda SA50 Headlight Replacement?

Posted: Tue Oct 10, 2023 9:12 am
by Rideslikenacho
I’m looking to replace bulbs on several Sprees, gotta be a better way. 3d printed with video tutorial with steps would be excellent!

Re: Honda SA50 Headlight Replacement?

Posted: Thu Oct 12, 2023 9:03 am
by noiseguy
@Rideslikenacho do you have a 3D printer? Or would you need to buy a 3D printed part?

Re: Honda SA50 Headlight Replacement?

Posted: Thu Oct 12, 2023 3:00 pm
by noiseguy
Meanwhile, this design's close. Need to finish fitting fastener sizes, and work in the LED lamp. There's a few a couple options; hard to tell how they'll work but most modern LED lighting is pretty bright.
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Re: Honda SA50 Headlight Replacement?

Posted: Fri Oct 13, 2023 10:40 am
by Rideslikenacho
noiseguy wrote: Thu Oct 12, 2023 9:03 am @Rideslikenacho do you have a 3D printer? Or would you need to buy a 3D printed part?
Unfortunately I do not have one or Id probably be coming up with a battery cover too and some other things. I’d be interested in buying one depending on the cost of course. It’s a great idea and really does need a better way to swap the bulbs out. My only concern is how tight the space is in there behind the bulb with the wiring and speedo cable.

Re: Honda SA50 Headlight Replacement?

Posted: Fri Oct 13, 2023 1:21 pm
by Rideslikenacho
Which 3D printer do you use? I picked up a 3D printed petcock cover off someone awhile back and it was decent quality. Not like oem but still sufficient.

Re: Honda SA50 Headlight Replacement?

Posted: Fri Oct 13, 2023 3:41 pm
by Meatball
I remember Kevin710 swapped a bunch of scooters to full LED. Blinkers, brakelights, headlight, etc…and there was a special resistor? Capacitor? Doo-hicky? That had to be used. Something that if not used would cause the LED’s to flash. He had a whole box of them and gave me a few I never used. He said they were only $2-$3/ea…but thats all I know about it. My 2cents.

Re: Honda SA50 Headlight Replacement?

Posted: Sun Oct 15, 2023 6:58 am
by noiseguy
Rideslikenacho wrote: Fri Oct 13, 2023 10:40 am My only concern is how tight the space is in there behind the bulb with the wiring and speedo cable.
That's not an issue. The LED modules are flat; the only reason this "bulb" is that size is b/c it uses the existing mounting. I'll PM you the details.
The only downside I see is that there're no Hi/Low beam. The upside is I think it'll be a lot brighter.
Rideslikenacho wrote: Fri Oct 13, 2023 1:21 pm Which 3D printer do you use?
Ender 3. Basic, works.
Meatball wrote: Fri Oct 13, 2023 3:41 pm I remember Kevin710 swapped a bunch of scooters to full LED. Blinkers, brakelights, headlight, etc…and there was a special resistor?
Resistor, used to make the stock flasher work with LEDs. Not an issue here. And FWIW you're better off switching to an LED flasher module anyway. Draws less power.

Re: Honda SA50 Headlight Replacement?

Posted: Sun Oct 15, 2023 8:35 pm
by Rideslikenacho
@noiseguy - ok now Im getting it, you’re design eliminates the whole lens and everything. Would be cool if there was a way to use some cheap and readily available automotive light bulb in it for long term replacement. Idk much about the leds but wonder if there’s a market standard type of thing available that could work.

Is it possible to just drill out the old one and swap in something less than 25 watts?

Re: Honda SA50 Headlight Replacement?

Posted: Mon Oct 16, 2023 9:44 am
by noiseguy
Rideslikenacho wrote: Sun Oct 15, 2023 8:35 pm @noiseguy - ok now Im getting it, you’re design eliminates the whole lens and everything. Would be cool if there was a way to use some cheap and readily available automotive light bulb in it for long term replacement. Idk much about the leds but wonder if there’s a market standard type of thing available that could work.

Is it possible to just drill out the old one and swap in something less than 25 watts?
You can 100pct take a dremel with cutting wheel to the bulb, cut/smash out the internal bulb, and replace it with a 25W halogen or LED unit held in place with putty epoxy i.e. JB Weld.