headlights

[scoot]

Anybody useing one of these. or what do you think? I saw a guy with one on another bike last year, and it was like the sun behind you. It was that  bright, and that was in daylight.
http://www.customdynamics.com/high_intensity_led_headlamp.htm

[bogator]

 285 bucks????? no way Hosaaaa

[PAVALKER]

Sylvania Silverstar is plenty for me. Have one in the VTX and 2 in the IS....

[csj]

I put the Silverstar Ultra on the Tourer, it wasn't the
big increase in light I was hoping for.
But then the Tourer headlight never did throw the light
very well.
I've spoken to two other Valk (tourer) owners up this way
who put in a very bright 100W light, and melted the
inner surface of the bucket. That's not the way.

If these LEDs were really good (lux), I might consider it,
but at that price?, Uh-Uh.

[f6john]

     $285.00 sounds ultra cheap if they are as bright as you say. With $7-800.00 saddlebag rails and $200.00 luggage racks it kind of puts being able to see forest rats sooner at the top of my list. There's chrome on them bulbs somewhere isn't there?

[Kaiser]

Something else to consider...

...there is a balance to be had between being seen and blinding people.

It's interesting to me that SOMETIMES people will spend mega-bucks on lights for their bikes so they can be seen, but wear all black gear.  Go figure.

I'm happy with my Silver Stars and day-glow-bright-snot-green riding jacket.

"I'd rather look like a dork and be alive, then look cool and be dead."

[scoot]

     $285.00 sounds ultra cheap if they are as bright as you say. With $7-800.00 saddlebag rails and $200.00 luggage racks it kind of puts being able to see forest rats sooner at the top of my list. There's chrome on them bulbs somewhere isn't there?

Kinda my thinkin'. I have been known to spend money on sumptin' cause it was shiny. It is a little pricey, but it is brighter. The LEDs will out last any standard lightbulb type of light.  When I saw one originally they were about $600, so the price has come down. Plus there would be a kind cool factor.

[hubcapsc]

Something else to consider...

...there is a balance to be had between being seen and blinding people.

I hooked my obnoxiously-pointed extra lights up so that they only come on with high beam...





-Mike

[MarkT]

I put the Silverstar Ultra on the Tourer, it wasn't the
big increase in light I was hoping for.
But then the Tourer headlight never did throw the light
very well.
I've spoken to two other Valk (tourer) owners up this way
who put in a very bright 100W light, and melted the
inner surface of the bucket. That's not the way.

Hmmm.  I question that - "melting".  Doesn't jive with my personal experience.  I've been running a 130/90 halogen bulb from compacc for over 10 years now, with no melting problems of the OEM reflector or the lens.  I did have to upgrade the plug.  The power is upgraded with relays and 10ga wire - no doubt that's overkill, I suspect 14ga would have been enough (without looking it up).  I am also running a Kisan modulator so the hi beam is rarely on at full power - only at night with no cars coming.  However the 90w filiment is otherwise on.  This headlight illuminates the road clearly for a measured half mile.

Yeah, I'd say a hi power halogen bulb IS a good solution, provided it is re-powered with relays and a higher-rated plug.

Not rocket science to do this mod, but if you want instructions, here's my tech tips page on upgrading the headlight power: http://www.horseapple.com/Valkyrie/Tech_Tips/Headlight_Upgrade/headlight_upgrade.html

On the LED's - yeah I'm a fan.  Been waiting for an LED solution to appear for headlights, after seeing what they can do for flashlights.  However, not for $280. Also, it's DOT approved - that to me indicates it's not as bright as my illegal 130/90.  And I have power to spare, with my 1.3kW Compufire alternator.  I'll stick with my headlight.  Not to mention my two aircraft landing light spots...

[Gear Jammer]

Not that I seek out more ways to spend money, but it seems rather incongruous to spend thousands buying the bike, then hundreds (if not thousands) more on bling and then not wish to spend a couple of hundred for an option that might save your life.  Just my 0.02 worth.

[f6john]

     Not sure how it happens but I have seen a melted (very distorted) headlight lens on a very low mileage Valkyrie. I "assumed" it was from the bulb, now I wonder??