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Author Topic: LED headlight conversion kit  (Read 2907 times)
gordonv
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VRCC # 31419

Richmond BC


« on: May 31, 2015, 04:47:04 PM »

Saw this in my June issue of Wing World.

http://www.bikemaster.com/parts/lighting/led-conversion-headlight-kits.html

$100 each to change to an LED bulb for the headlight. Seems like a lot, but they claim the lumens are more than the stock bulb. Some want brighter lights, and longer lasting, but how about the beam, how good is it?

Has anyone seen these in use? less than $10 for a Silverstar, do I even need to go this way? I'm sure most will say "no way".
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1999 Black with custom paint IS

sandy
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Mesa, AZ.


« Reply #1 on: May 31, 2015, 05:26:30 PM »

I would just use the Silverstars and add more lights in a triangular pattern. Mount two lights on the engine case guards.
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Bagger John - #3785
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« Reply #2 on: May 31, 2015, 07:19:32 PM »

Just installed one of these in my Tourer's headlight:

http://www.cyclopsadventuresports.com/3800-Lumen-H4-LED-Headlight-bulb-_p_83.html

Very bright, pronounced hi/lo beam and according to reviewers its driver circuitry doesn't generate a lot of RF noise. Important if you have a CB or other communication electronics installed.

I'll try to get some beam pics next time I get the bike out.
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rknef777
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Lake Martin, Al.


« Reply #3 on: June 01, 2015, 04:44:28 PM »

Bagger John,

    How difficult was it to install this light and were any other parts reqquired.  Thanks Rich
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PAVALKER
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Retired Navy 22YOS, 2014 Valkyrie , VRCC# 27213

Pittsburgh, Pa


« Reply #4 on: June 02, 2015, 05:36:53 PM »

LEDs are not yet there for headlights IMO.  They have the brightness in color, to be seen...but seem to for short in the lumens to provide or project the light to see.  I am sticking with the silver stars myself for now.
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John                           
BnB Tom
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Where'd old times go?

Frisco, TX


« Reply #5 on: June 03, 2015, 04:51:51 AM »

LEDs are not yet there for headlights IMO.  They have the brightness in color, to be seen...but seem to for short in the lumens to provide or project the light to see.  I am sticking with the silver stars myself for now.
  Most all of the new cars are equipped with led headlights.  Smiley

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PAVALKER
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Retired Navy 22YOS, 2014 Valkyrie , VRCC# 27213

Pittsburgh, Pa


« Reply #6 on: June 03, 2015, 06:00:59 AM »

LEDs are not yet there for headlights IMO.  They have the brightness in color, to be seen...but seem to for short in the lumens to provide or project the light to see.  I am sticking with the silver stars myself for now.
  Most all of the new cars are equipped with led headlights.  Smiley



My 2014 Honda does not have LED.  However, I have seen  most cars with LED daytime running lights that have the nice bright white color to be seen, yet those don't project the light in lumens to see from what I understand, and the headlights are projector lamps.  I will have to check out new cars/trucks to see these LED headlights.  But until then, I'll stand by my statement that most LEDs don't have the lumens that halogen have.   
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John                           
Bagger John - #3785
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« Reply #7 on: June 03, 2015, 06:48:03 AM »

Bagger John,

    How difficult was it to install this light and were any other parts required.  Thanks Rich
1) Remove headlight reflector assembly from headlight shell (2 screws) and disconnect wiring to OEM bulb.
2) Remove rubber boot from rear of reflector then remove OEM bulb by releasing clip.
3) Feed LED wiring (including small controller assembly) through hole in rubber boot.
4) Install LED bulb in reflector assembly using original retainer clip. I had to slightly bend one leg of my Tourer's clip to get sufficient clearance for the fan assembly at the rear of the bulb, so it can sit flat in the cutout area. Any needed adjustment to the clip will be evident when you try to lock the long side of the clip in place.
5) Push rubber boot back onto reflector assembly. Connect 3-prong plug from LED controller unit to OEM headlight connector. Position controller to one side or the other of "center" in the shell then install the reflector assembly (2 screws).
6) Check headlight aim as described in the service manual.

Mine required no adjustment. As soon as I get it back on the road I'll update this thread with an AAR. It appears plenty bright...significantly moreso than the stock 60/55w halogen bulb.
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MarkT
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VRCC #437 "Form follows Function"

Colorado Front Range - elevation 2.005 km


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« Reply #8 on: June 03, 2015, 06:55:59 AM »

LEDs are not yet there for headlights IMO.  They have the brightness in color, to be seen...but seem to for short in the lumens to provide or project the light to see.  I am sticking with the silver stars myself for now.
 Most all of the new cars are equipped with led headlights.  Smiley



My 2014 Honda does not have LED.  However, I have seen  most cars with LED daytime running lights that have the nice bright white color to be seen, yet those don't project the light in lumens to see from what I understand, and the headlights are projector lamps.  I will have to check out new cars/trucks to see these LED headlights.  But until then, I'll stand by my statement that most LEDs don't have the lumens that halogen have.  

Our new 2015 CX5 Mazda has halogens - projector beams and conventional, Hi-lo.  Very sharp cutoff on the top of the low beam. Still not half the light down the road as Deerslayer (130w high beam, A/C landing lights, 2-55w halogens), but they are legal.
« Last Edit: June 03, 2015, 06:58:23 AM by MarkT » Logged


Vietnam-474 TFW Takhli 9-12/72 Linebckr II;307 SBW U-Tapao 05/73-4
PAVALKER
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Retired Navy 22YOS, 2014 Valkyrie , VRCC# 27213

Pittsburgh, Pa


« Reply #9 on: June 03, 2015, 07:12:19 AM »

I'm sure there are some LED headlights that are better than halogen, but that is most likely the entire reflector assembly/set up and not just w plug n play bulb in our stock OEM   For the money, silver star is my bulb......

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-tJtuCrjayY
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John                           
Bagger John - #3785
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« Reply #10 on: June 03, 2015, 08:58:48 AM »

I'm sure there are some LED headlights that are better than halogen, but that is most likely the entire reflector assembly/set up and not just w plug n play bulb in our stock OEM   For the money, silver star is my bulb......

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-tJtuCrjayY
In the I/S, possibly - there isn't a lot of room in the light assembly for an LED element.

For a Standard/Tourer or similar headlight reflector...some of the newer designs work fine.
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gordonv
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VRCC # 31419

Richmond BC


« Reply #11 on: June 03, 2015, 06:35:08 PM »

From the pic I saw, I would say that there is plenty of room in the IS fairing, along with my current GW for those LED.

Their claim is that they do put out more lumens than stock, so I would be think that the light would be adequate for the job.
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1999 Black with custom paint IS

dreamchaser
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Posts: 273

Portland, Oregon


« Reply #12 on: June 03, 2015, 07:42:51 PM »

I believe the issue here is that the LEDs are not emitting the light in the same direction or at the same distance into the reflector as the reflector was designed for.  i.e.:  they need their own design.  As you can see in the video, the LEDs are definitely brighter, but when you look at where they hit, the light has not been directed in an efficient manner.  I'm with Chris; I will wait and continue to use Halogen bulbs.  Just my $0.02.
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dreamchaser
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Portland, Oregon


« Reply #13 on: June 03, 2015, 07:48:16 PM »

Oops!  That's Mark T that I agree with  Embarrassed
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dreamchaser
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Portland, Oregon


« Reply #14 on: June 03, 2015, 08:10:35 PM »

And PAVALKER
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brian1726
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Epping melbourne australia


« Reply #15 on: June 05, 2015, 05:05:41 PM »

Just ordered one of the cyclops globes.
I was a bit worried about the heat but time
will tell.
cheers
Brian  Smiley
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