With massive thanks to Paul Goff (norbsa02.freeuk.com) and Paul Lambert (classicbulbs.co.uk) for their help and expertise. What they don’t know isn’t worth worrying about
WHEN WE BEGAN RIDING, THERE WAS NO light. There was also little to hit, nor be hit by. Some bright spark had created Carbide acetylene gas lamps, mainly for the mining industry, so these were duly attached to our motorcycles and bicycles. They were bright, but needed regular cleaning and filling.
Shortly after, electricity became the thing to have, and engines were fitted with dynamos and batteries so incandescent bulbs could be used. These were more efficient and reliable, if not a lot more output than a good gas light.
Focusing the light was the solution. A quality reflector behind had been used since the gas light, but the frosted lens in front diffused the beam. Gradually, focused lenses were used, helping the light go where it was needed.
This was helped further with tungsten as the filament: brighter still, longer lasting, and it only got brighter as dynamos and batteries improved. Most of us grew up
