The Honda Motorcycle CX500C Custom headlight uses a 9003 bulb size for both high beam and low beam functions. The replacement chart covers 1981 to 1982 production years with corresponding bulb specifications.
The year-by-year compatibility chart below provides a quick reference to verify the correct bulb size for your vehicle.
The 9003 bulb is the sole bulb type specified for the Honda Motorcycle CX500C Custom, covering both the high beam and low beam headlight positions across the 1981-1982 model years.
The 9003 is a dual-filament halogen bulb, meaning a single bulb unit contains two separate filaments: one rated at 60 watts for high beam output and one rated at 55 watts for low beam output.
The 9003 operates on a 12-volt electrical system, which is standard for motorcycles of this type.
The 9003 uses a P43t base, a bayonet-style mount with a 43mm collar. This base type determines physical fitment and is not interchangeable with bulbs carrying different base designations, even if voltage and wattage ratings are similar.
The 9003 is defined under ANSI standards and is the designation used in the United States and Canada. The same bulb is sold under the designation H4 in international markets, and the two are electrically and physically equivalent.
Because the 9003 serves both the high beam and low beam functions within a single housing on the CX500C Custom, replacing it affects both beam modes simultaneously.