Modern Vespa

What is the best bulb to upgrade the headlamp on my lxv

Mark

Two ways of doing this. Go and buy the reflector for a late model Aprilia Mojito 125. Then you can put a H4 bulb into it. (55w). Yours is a Bosch BA20d type bulb which is 35w. You have really only one option for this and it is here

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_263887_langId_-1_categoryId_246903

Hi cheers is that the only way to get a better bulb anyone know the part number for the aprilia reflector

Yes it is. The US and the Euro guys won't know, because Piaggio supply the UK with this type of bulb for some unkown reason.

https://www.apriliayorkshire.co.uk/catalogue/partlist.jsp?Catalogo=%3D665X&Tavola=%3D33&_NomeImmagine=98369738.gif&_bikename=Mojito%20125%201999-2001&_pagename=Lights%20-%20CUSTOM

It's item 21 Optical group C I think.

Vespa only sell the complete headlight which costs about £100 AFAIK.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/APRILIA-MOJITO-HABANA-RETRO-125-HEADLIGHT-NEW-8124862-/380364804508?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item588f82519c

Would this do it ?

Thanks mark

No. Thats for the Retro version. You need the Custom version light. I think they are different. The part I listed was a similar price...

Thanks some would just need the reflector and glass number 21 22 would I need the gasket?

Mark

I am not 100% certain that this is the correct part. You do not need the gasket as this is already present. I did this upgrade a while back. I suspect that you might find the correct part at a breaker. I know for certain that the part is available through Aprilia dealers for around £35. Your best bet would probably be to visit one of the dealers and get exactly what you want...

Also very interested in an upgrade - are there US options?

Currently ride the LXV with brights on - otherwise can't see well enough.

The front side lights are also very weak. Would love to replace those too.

Hi doug that looks like the right one what about the wiring would I need the connector bits or just doctor my lxv one

Mark

You can buy an H4 connector in Halfords if it doesn't come with one. I can't remember, it was a long time ago.

Thanks for the great info here. I'm assuming there is no significant power drain using the 55w bulb?

Also, what about installing LEDs instead? I've been considering this route. Any thoughts on this?

Thanks.

Headlamp insert is in the post so should have it for the weekend which is the best h4 bulb to go for

Mark

Another option I used was the halogen version of the 35w ba20d fitting. Straight bulb swap in the existing mount and improved light output. Halfords do them but saw this on a quick search:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SCOOTER-HALOGEN-UPGRAD-HEADLAMP-BULB-12v-35-35w-BA20D-/300495010493?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item45f6e5fabd

Irrespective of mounting, it's tempting to consider a higher output bulb. Take care. The LXV plastic lens can be adversely affected.

First up thanks for the info (bookmarked)
secondly I would be carefull just replacing the bulb.
I have done this in the past (on a car)
the problem I had was the the reflector was not designed for the extra heat. This caused reflector damage and an MOT fail.

Might not be an issue here but, once bitten twice shy.

Gasmk1

Let us know how you got on, thinking about this myself for my mrs LSV

Indeed. Hence my mentioning it. Keeping it at 35w seems to minimise the risk though, whilst gaining extra output. No reflector or lense damage on mine. YMMV.

Just so you know, I put a 55 watt Halogen bulb with a BA20D fitting into the LXV. It did indeed burn the reflector. This was replaced with the Halfords 35 watt BA20D bulb which caused no further damage. Because the reflector was damaged I began to look for replacements. Piaggio only sell the lamp as a complete unit for the LXV at great cost, which is when I found that the Aprilia Mojito Custom reflector, which was designed for H4 bulbs, was available as a separate part. No problems with temperature or scorching.

Oh well the headlamp parts I ordered have morphed into a seat a very nice red white and blue one, addressed to me but was meant for someone's from Derbyshire so somebody else has received my parts. Have sent email to the company.

Mark