LED Headlight Bulbs

[MichaelDee]

Does anyone have experience with the LED bulbs (like the ones Headwinds sell for around $100) that replace stock headlight bulbs? How well do they light up the road ahead? Do they cause radio interference?  Contemplating putting one in my Ultra.  Thanks

[mrmike]

Lots of info and comparisons here...

http://www.bogiesreviews.webs.com/


Mike

[MichaelDee]

Thanks much.

[MichaelDee]

Good reviews of MoCo and Truck Light headlight assemblies, but not what I was looking for.  Interested in info on LED "bulbs" used as direct replacement for stock bulb.  Any information would be helpful.  Thanks again

[Dan]

Here is another link: http://www.electricalconnection.com/other-lighting/led-hl-h4.htm

Looks like the same light. I added some 2" bullet LED 10W lights that I bought from SuperBright LED's and they are amazing. The light they throw out makes a huge difference at night and adds safety during the day. Still researching as you an H4 LED replacement hi/lo bulb.

https://www.superbrightleds.com/cat/mini-auxiliary-lights/
http://www.amazon.com/New-Brights-LED-Headlight-Conversion/dp/B00HFK2RAE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1410404597&sr=8-1&keywords=led+h4+motorcycle

[MichaelDee]

Thanks Dan.  This is the "bulb" set-up I am looking for feedback on.  Anyone?

[MichaelDee]

Well I bit the bullet and ordered the H4 replacement LED set-up through Amazon.  At $100 for a set of two it works out to be about half the price of a single replacement set-up from a typical motorcycle parts supplier.  If it all works out, looks like I will have a spare, or one to sell.  I will submit my findings and review at this post once received, installed, and evaluated.  Expect results to be better than halogen, but maybe not as good as the Truck Light P7 assembly (I imagine it will be sort of a "get what you pay for" result).

[Dan]

Thanks Michael and please let us know how these work, I am most interested!!!!!

[tomcat64]

i'd like to hear too!!!

[jmb79]

I too look forward to a review.  Seems as though the replacement bulbs have to rely on the existing reflectors/projectors.  I wonder whether a reflector/projector designed for a halogen bulb is also suited for an LED. 

[MichaelDee]

Received LED "bulbs" when promised (ordered through Amazon) and installed the same day.  Although not required, I removed outer fairing to perform install.  This gave me more options for mounting the control unit than just removing the headlight bucket and I recommend this approach to anyone doing this install.  Installation was simple and easily accomplished in a little over 40-minutes.  Instructions that accompany LED set-up are more for entertainment than instructional.

LED set-up is immensely more bright than halogen bulb I was using.  Although I don't do much riding there, it really lit-up my garage!  Did not detect any radio interference and cannot hear cooling fan, even when bike is not running.  Will have to see how LED set-up works on a night ride and try to do a side-by-side comparison with a friend who has the H-D LED headlight. 

[Leed]

Cool!

Thanks for the update.  I'd like to hear what you think of it once you try it out at night.

[mrmike]

Yes I'd be interested in your observations after some nite riding as well. 


Mike

[Dan]

Excellent, please share your review after a night ride.

[MichaelDee]

After two "0-dark-thirty" morning rides to work, I have been impressed with the increased brightness of this LED "light bulb" over the halogen and xenon bulbs I had been using.  Reflective road signs and lane markers seem to "pop" out of the darkness.  I suspect distance performance will be somewhat better after I spend some time correctly aiming the headlight.  Somewhat hard to evaluate high beam given the need for alignment (lowered rear shocks and never gave thought to headlight alignment... oops!).

Last night I had the opportunity to do a side-by-side parking lot comparison with a buddy's H-D LED headlight equipped Road King and he was not very happy when I told him my set-up cost me ~$52 compared to what he paid for his headlight.  I suspect the H-D light may provide better distance due to the projector-type lens, but not by much and definitely not enough to justify the cost difference IMHO.  Another extremely noticeable difference was the increased visibility to on-coming traffic of the LED "light bulb" over the H-D headlight.  Then again, that may be either an adjustment issue, a reflector issue, or a light temperature issue.

So far my subjective opinion, based on observations and peer feedback, is that this LED "light bulb" is a worthwhile investment (especially at two for $104!).  There are a few motorcycle aftermarket vendors out there selling the exact same set-up at ~$95 for a single bulb, still a bargain compared to cost of a H-D or Trucklite headlight, but I suggest buying the pair through Amazon and splitting the cost with a like-minded buddy.  Or keep one as a spare, even though it might outlast the bike.

I will give this set-up some more time and make another side-by-side comparison (after I do proper headlight alignment) and report back at this thread in a couple of weeks.  In the mean-time, I am liking it a lot.

[joe_lyons]

How far back doe the bulb go past where the stock bulb sits?  Did you take any pics of the install?  Just wondering if it would fit in a 5 3/4 bucket?

[MichaelDee]

I was anxious to get install done and didn't think about photos until I was done
Here is photo of assembled LED bulb complete with "fan" and it is just a hair shy of four-inches.  Plus there is a small controller box (2" x 2 1/2" x 1/2" thick) that you will need to attach somewhere.  Since I was working inside the fairing on my Ultra, space was not a big concern.

[skunk]

MichaelDee,
  do you have an amazon link to the bulb set you bought

[boooby1744]

   You said the signs really pop,sounds like a lot of errant light.I would like to see what it looks like in fog or rain.

[sfmichael]

 

[MichaelDee]

Skunk,
here is link
http://www.amazon.com/New-Brights-LED-Headlight-Conversion/dp/B00HFK2RAE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1410404597&sr=8-1&keywords=led+h4+motorcycle
Originally sent to me by Dan earlier in this thread
Michael

[Clayster]

This is good info!  Thanks for the write up and sharing your results.   

[skunk]

Michael, thank you for your review and the link. have added them to my wish list.

[76shuvlinoff]

I have no dog in this fight but read the reviews on Amazon, not all are favorable.

Mark

[MichaelDee]

I have no dog in this fight but read the reviews on Amazon, not all are favorable.

Mark

Mark,
Most of those reviews were from cagers.  If you hunt through all the reviews, you will find those written by motorcyclists were favorable.  Those favorable reviews helped sway me into giving the bulb a try.  At this point, I still have no regrets, a very bright headlight, and a couple hundred bucks to spend on something else.
Michael

[crazy joe]

Just a thought but don't you need the proper
reflector to get the full benefits from the LED?

[crazy joe]

/\

[easyricer]

Well I got a set of these in and we tried them on a buddies Indian Chieftain. Since the Indian is a CanBuss system, these came on, with incredibly bright and seemingly well focused light but after about 5 seconds shut off and a trouble code came up as well as a prompt on the dash that the headlight failed. On a side note, when the headlight went off the spotlights automatically came on. That was a nice surprise. I'll be ordering a load equalizer to make up for the power draw needed.
We also tried an HID system... While it was bright as hell, it was far too defused by the factory reflector to be useful and the low beam was useless.
I've used the HIDs on my 2000 Roadglide before and they were a godsend, but the Roadglide has much smaller reflectors.
I'll add a new comment after we make a dummy load to keep the headlights on and working right.
EASY   

[easyricer]

Well, I couldn't pass up that chance to make a buck! I sold both of the LED H-4 bulbs to Harley riders, and they both said that they LOVE them!  One of the guys is a local Prez and rides often at night. His feedback on it was that he can't outride the light. It just pours light out over the whole road and even the ditches. (his words)
When installing these LEDs I've noticed that the hi and lo beam are both on in high beam. It is not a well focused light in either the stock Harley Streetglide reflector nor is it well focused in the Adjure Diamond tribar reflector. When adjusting headlights in my shop I almost always have a clear focused light beam to measure and adjust. These just emit a huge beam of very bright light. At least twice as bright as the Silverstar Ultra bulb that it replaced and a HUGE jump in light output from the stock HD bulb.
So now I gotta order more!
EASY

[garsam]

Burned out my low beam today so now I'm looking to up grade. Was looking at the OPT7 HID bi-xenon 55w. Anybody have any experience with the HIDs on a 7" headlight? I have an 02 RK but with an 07 reflector. Trying to decide between the LED and HID. Price wise they seem about the same.

[Templar2]

Have limited experience with my HID headlight and LED passing lamps at night, are they better than before?  Yes.  Way better.  But what is really noticeable is the daytime brightness, your bike will be stand out from those running standard lighting, our club has one other rider using them and he rides sweep, I can see him easily in the back.  I like the HID/LED combo.  And yes, they take a load off the stator/charging system.

[splitting_lanes]

I am going to switch to LED headlight on my dyna this winter.  A point to note about this light:

I'd be careful about expecting much lifespan out of an LED that requires a fan for cooling.  LED's don't like heat, and if they can't dump enough through the heatsink, they'll die quickly.  This may be a great LED, but using a fan instead of a heatsink means when the fan dies, the light will die shortly.

[MichaelDee]

Well, it has been a couple of weeks since I installed the LED "bulb" in my '09 Ultra and I am still liking it a whole lot.  Spent about an hour aiming headlight and, like easyricer, experienced difficulty finding center of light to aim.  Gave it my best shot, don't seem to be blinding on-coming traffic, and get plenty of light on the road ahead.

BTW: IMHO, there is a reason HID lights now cost the same or less than LEDs... old tech, expensive to replace, and generally require replacement more often.

Am now searching for LED "bulbs" for my passing lamps.  Not complete lamp assemblies, just bulbs similar to what I put in headlamp.  Anyone have any info??
Thanks,
Michael

[ThumperDeuce]

I've been running their turn signal and brake light products for about 6 years now.

http://www.radiantz.com/index1.html?c91.html&1

[Templar2]

Try these guys:

http://www.socalmotogear.com/

[MichaelDee]

Thanks much Templar2.  Looks like my next "bright" idea will be coming from them!

[Soft 02]

Try these guys:

http://www.socalmotogear.com/

That will be my next "bulb".

[Jim Bronson]

What about the depth of the LED unit? I have a Heritage, and I'm worried the headlight bucket wouldn't be deep enough. I think I could find a spot for the power module.

[garsam]

I decided to go with the H.I.D. led combo for the RK. Bought a Opt7 HID  kit from EBay. Went with the 6000k. Install was a bit of a project. Probably made for a car even though it was supposed to be made to fit a Harley. Instead of having a nest of wires I the headlight bucket I decided to put most of it under the seat. So off with the tank (good thing I installed the quick connect last week) ran all the wires back to the pocket ahead of the bat. And put the relay, fuse, etc there. Now waiting on the leds for the passing lamps from socal. I ordered the 50w bulbs also 6000k. The 6k give a nice blue light but still really bright. 😈

[garsam]

Got my 50w 6k led passing lamps today. Holy cow these suckers are bright. 😆 wonder how long they will last. 😈

[MichaelDee]

 
Fast service from SoCal and those 50W suckers are BRIGHT!!   ...and still spent a bunch less than if I bought a Phase7 Trucklight or H-D LRD headlight.
Thanks to all for your opinions, advice, and links,
Michael

[Lakerat]

Very interested to hear if anyone has installed one of these LED bulbs in a 5 3/4 bucket.

[Quicksilver]

I got a set for my 05 Roadglide but am not ready to go thru the process of installation on it yet.  So I thought I would see if one would fit into my wifes Softail std.  Her bike has a 5 3/4" headlight.  There is not much room in there, so I think I would have to drill a hole in back & mount the ballast thing outside the bucket. In addition the hole would allow some fresh air in there to cool this thing. It has a large heatsink & a fan attached so apparently it requires cooling air.
What I did notice is that high beam did not raise the light pattern up at all. The light pattern got a wide, side to side spread on the lower side of the beam when in high beam, and more focused when in low beam, but it likely won't project the light any further down the road when travelling.

[Admiral Akbar]

I got a set for my 05 Roadglide but am not ready to go thru the process of installation on it yet.  So I thought I would see if one would fit into my wifes Softail std.  Her bike has a 5 3/4" headlight.  There is not much room in there, so I think I would have to drill a hole in back & mount the ballast thing outside the bucket. In addition the hole would allow some fresh air in there to cool this thing. It has a large heatsink & a fan attached so apparently it requires cooling air.
What I did notice is that high beam did not raise the light pattern up at all. The light pattern got a wide, side to side spread on the lower side of the beam when in high beam, and more focused when in low beam, but it likely won't project the light any further down the road when travelling.

Since when to LED lights need a ballast?   The only ones that really need fans are the bulb type as there isn't any thermal mass.. The sealed units don't get that hot.. Are you sure you have an LED light?  Sounds more like HID.

Max

[truck]

I toured a lava tube in Maui where they gave you an LED flashlight. The head of that flashlight got very warm, almost hot.

[Admiral Akbar]

I toured a lava tube in Maui where they gave you an LED flashlight. The head of that flashlight got very warm, almost hot.

Well don't run that one on your Harley.. Sounds like it's not designed right..

Max

[joe_lyons]

I think that it is a step up transformer

[Admiral Akbar]

I think that it is a step up transformer

It would have to be a switching supply that has a transformer.. Transformers don't work on DC..

Max

[splitting_lanes]

I think that it is a step up transformer

It would have to be a switching supply that has a transformer.. Transformers don't work on DC..

Max

And LED's only require 1.5 forward volts....   maybe it's just to ensure smooth regulated power

[Admiral Akbar]

I lied over here.. LEDs are only about 3 to 8 times as efficient as incandescent bulbs..

http://harleytechtalk.com/htt/index.php/topic,71724.msg781581.html#msg781581


I guess you might say this has a ballast.. It is more than likely a small switching supply (no transformer but an inductor fer sure)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/360779035069?item=360779035069&viewitem=&vxp=mtr

A well designed LED light won't need a fan but needs a cast aluminium, rear housing to dissipate heat.. It's worth the money to avoid fans as they can fail..

Max

[Quicksilver]

I dunno Max, I'm no lighting expert.  If you look at the photos in the following link, you will see a couple of little boxes of sealed electronics.  To me they look like ballasts for lack of a better description.  Yes I am sure these are what I purchased.  & you would really have to cram stuff in to get them to fit in a 5 3/4" headlight bucket.   But thanks for keeping me on my toes.

http://www.amazon.com/New-Brights-LED-Headlight-Conversion/dp/B00HFK2RAE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1410404597&sr=8-1&keywords=led+h4+motorcycle

[Coyote]

They are not ballasts. They are current regulators. Switch mode most likely.

[splitting_lanes]

A well designed LED light won't need a fan but needs a cast aluminium, rear housing to dissipate heat.. It's worth the money to avoid fans as they can fail..

Max

Yup, the LED will last until sometime after the fan stops working, unless it's been designed to work without a fan (has a heat sink big enough to dissipate the heat the Diode produces).

Now, if you can take one of these Cree LED based H4 bulbs and stick a big heat sink on it that DOESN'T use a FAN, you'd be on to something good.  I've got close to a hundred Cree LEDs that I've been using for years, and none have ever failed.  They all are attached to large heat sinks.

[Admiral Akbar]

They are not ballasts. They are current regulators. Switch mode most likely.

Ballasts are high voltage gas tube light starters..The gas tube exhibits high impedance until current flows and the impedance drops..  An LED is a low impedance, low voltage device (about 3 volts for light type LEDs ).   They need to be driven with a current source due to their low input impedance and the fact that the optimum input voltage can change over temp..

Max

[boooby1744]

They are not ballasts. They are current regulators. Switch mode most likely.

Ballasts are high voltage gas tube light starters..The gas tube exhibits high impedance until current flows and the impedance drops..  An LED is a low impedance, low voltage device (about 3 volts for light type LEDs ).   They need to be driven with a current source due to their low input impedance and the fact that the optimum input voltage can change over temp..

Max

I believe they are called 'drivers'.......

[Admiral Akbar]

I believe they are called 'drivers'.......

I wouldn't call then that but I not an automotive type..

Max

[Coyote]

I believe they are called 'drivers'.......

I wouldn't call then that but I not an automotive type..

Max

Neither would I. These LEDs will avalanche and self destruct without current control. As Max said, temperature plays a big part in their forward voltage drop.

[Admiral Akbar]

I believe they are called 'drivers'.......

I wouldn't call then that but I not an automotive type..

Max

Neither would I. These LEDs will avalanche and self destruct without current control. As Max said, temperature plays a big part in their forward voltage drop.

Then they become SEDs...

Max