LED Headlight Bulb - Heat?

[Foozle]

10-24

For those of you running an aftermarket LED headlight bulb(s) (NOT LED fixture, like the DayMaker), how concerned should I be about the cooling fins contacting wires in the headlight bucket?

I'm looking at a fanless unit with a smaller, integrated heat sink from SuperBrite LEDs (see below URL) - but the potential heat issue would probably pertain to other brands as well (e.g., Cyclops, Pathfinder, etc.).

https://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/motorcycle-high-beam-and-low-beam-headlight-bulb/motorcycle-h4-led-fanless-headlight-conversion-kit-with-compact-heat-sink-2000-lumens/3930/?make=32&model=2658&scc_id=1940&year=1997

In advance, thanks for any insights you're able to share.

Terry

[-mike-]

I have this lamp unit crammed into the headlight bucket (plus the Jersey flasher box and wiring):



And no problems with heat fins similar to yours touching the wires. The cooling fins get hot, but not hot enough to melt anything.
BUT my setup has the LED driver box extra - so may run cooler than your linked integrated setup.

-mike-

[SPOFF]

I've been running a similar bulb from Super Bright LEDs for over a year. This one actually fits with the stock rubber boot. I took it apart for inspection after 1 year. It hasn't gotten hot enought to even mark the rubber.

[Foozle]

I've been running a similar bulb from Super Bright LEDs for over a year. This one actually fits with the stock rubber boot. I took it apart for inspection after 1 year. It hasn't gotten hot enought to even mark the rubber.

That's good to hear . . . . thanks.  I think the heat sink on the model I'm using is too large to accommodate the OEM rubber boot without some cutting.  I just installed it without the boot - figured it might actually enhance cooling/ventilation.

Terry

[MarkT]

Looks like I have the same H4 that Mike does.  I installed it in spot shells which are elongated.  I had to trim the fins slightly for clearance - they are really shoehorned in there.  I run them on high beam all the time, daytime.  I did make a custom circuit so I can control them at night - generally I have them follow the high beam switch so I don't blind folks.  Anyway, no problems, no indication of overheating.

[Gideon]

I've been running a similar bulb from Super Bright LEDs for over a year. This one actually fits with the stock rubber boot. I took it apart for inspection after 1 year. It hasn't gotten hot enought to even mark the rubber.

When you replaced the High and Low Beam Headlight Bulb in your Valkyrie from SuperBright Leds ($34.95), did you also purchase the Headlight Load Resistor ($8.95)?

[Foozle]

I've been running a similar bulb from Super Bright LEDs for over a year. This one actually fits with the stock rubber boot. I took it apart for inspection after 1 year. It hasn't gotten hot enought to even mark the rubber.

When you replaced the High and Low Beam Headlight Bulb in your Valkyrie from SuperBright Leds ($34.95), did you also purchase the Headlight Load Resistor ($8.95)?

No, I did not.  I got the impression this wasn't needed for functionality - but only for "correcting" any related diagnostics that could read the lower power draw as a potential problem (e.g., burned out bulb).

I'd welcome any input on this.  The light, as installed, seems to work fine.

Terry

[Jims99]

I've been running a similar bulb from Super Bright LEDs for over a year. This one actually fits with the stock rubber boot. I took it apart for inspection after 1 year. It hasn't gotten hot enought to even mark the rubber.

When you replaced the High and Low Beam Headlight Bulb in your Valkyrie from SuperBright Leds ($34.95), did you also purchase the Headlight Load Resistor ($8.95)?

Load resistor is not needed. You’re right, it’s for newer bikes that notifies you or burned out bulb.

No, I did not.  I got the impression this wasn't needed for functionality - but only for "correcting" any related diagnostics that could read the lower power draw as a potential problem (e.g., burned out bulb).

I'd welcome any input on this.  The light, as installed, seems to work fine.

Terry