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Yamaha Tech Originally the Yamaha XT600 Tech Forum, due to demand it now includes all Yamaha's technical / mechanical / repair / preparation questions.

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  #1  
Old 26 Nov 2008
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Head lights

Hello,

I have 3aj Tenere with two head lights (12v 35/35w x2 bulbs). Can I place 2x 12v 45/45 w bulbs without modifications??

Thank you in advance.
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  #2  
Old 26 Nov 2008
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You'll be increasing the current draw by almost 30%, which may or may not be within the limits of the wiring. It's a risk, although probably a small one. It may work, but you risk melting connectors and wiring, burning out the switch, and possibly even a fire.

There are two safe ways to increase your headlight power:

1. Fit high-output bulbs (same wattage, but advertised as x% brighter) - I have justy fitted a 80% brighter bulb to the 600 and the difference is amazing. These do not require any wiring mods.

2. Fit the higher-power bulbs, and add a relay into the circuit, so that the handlebar switch switches the relay and the relay switches power directly to the lights via a nice fat cable. This only requires basic electrical skills.
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Old 27 Nov 2008
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The current draw should be fine, my wires were ok but my 3aj will not charge the battery and run 2x 55w lights. 45's might be ok, but watch out for a flat battery around town.
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Old 27 Nov 2008
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Hi
Depending what country your 3AJ was made for will depend how the headlight works and weather both lights are on at the same time.
I think the UK model both lights are on at the same time so they use 35w bulbs(difficult to find and expensive)
The German model only has one light on at a time so uses 55/60 wat bulb
There is more info on the wiring diagram for the 3AJ as to what model uses what bulb.
I spoke to some one who had 55 wat bulbs in there UK model and had problems with the battery draining and not having enough power to turn starter when both lights were being used on short trips.
I have never had a 3AJ with good headlight and may fit a HID conversion on my next one, they are quite expensive but afer riding at night on unlit roads the price does not seem so bad.
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  #5  
Old 27 Nov 2008
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Thank you for your help. Listening to salesman I have already bought 45w bulbs, but will try to replace them.
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