1985 vs 86 350X headlight bulbs

[keister]

I was trying to put 1985 bulbs into an '86 350X headlight assembly - no dice. The length of the base of the bulb and depth of the socket are different. The difference looks miniscule (couple mm's), but they definitely are not compatible.
Bike bandit lists the same part # for 1985 and 1986. Has anyone ever run into this problem before?
I could post pictures tomorrow to show the differences. Meanwhile, any ideas??

[keister]

I am stumped. The sockets and bulbs on 1985 350X are different than the 1986.
I have the Tractor Supply part # for the 1985 bulb.
Does anyone know a NAPA or TSC or Stanley part # for the 86. I'm not paying Honda prices.

What stumps me is how these parts that are clearly different have the same part numbers on BikeBandit . Svc. Honda.

[wonderboy]

So you've tried bulbs that are supposed to be for 85 on your 86 machine and they don't fit. Do you know that they in fact fit on the 85? Maybe the bulbs are mis-labeled, or weren't made right and they will not fit either machine.

How about posting a picture of the bulbs and your sockets. Maybe there is something simple wrong preventing them from being inserted all the way.

[3boyswinter]

go to o'reilly auto parts.
just bought 2 for 5.99 each
HM202

[keister]

go to o'reilly auto parts.
just bought 2 for 5.99 each
HM202

HM202 at NAPA fits the 86. Thanks man, appreciate the help, I owe you one. They were $9. I will put up some pics showing the difference between 85 and 86 headlights.

[Dirtcrasher]

Hmmm, wonder what fits the 85 - I honestly thought the sockets were the same...........

[keister]

On the left is the 1985 socket. On the right is the 1986 socket. The difference should be clear.
The contacts never made too well with the bulbs on the 85, that is why I got a different assembly.
The curious part is that the part number did not change.
Is it possible that Honda shortened up the socket as a design change for 86? Shorter socket = more spring tension - better connection???
That is the best I can figure.
The mystery is not exactly solved, but at least I have a working 350X headlight.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/226104_1919952439427_1260532393_31639776_7371754_n .jpg

[83ATC185S]

hmm,i own an 85 and the sockets are just like the one on the right, maybe been changed in the past 25 year. who knows!

[Itrike]

yea my sockets on my 85 and the apre booth look like the one on the right?