Need Your Feedback On A New Upgrade For Valkyrie Standards & Tourers

[DarkSideR]

I have been thinking for some time that the front end of the old gal could use some updating. The new DayMaker LED Fixtures are very modern, and would offer a upgrade. Even though there are a plethora of these LED Fixtures (along with a plethora of lighting options) our headlight buckets are too old to accept these modern fixtures. An adapter kit would need to be fabricated.

I threw out a couple of lines to fabricators and had one bite. A shop in Florida that currently makes a kit for a VTX responded with some interest. We have been emailing exchanging information and working out some details. I think he is at the point of being willing to make a prototype, but he wants to know what kind of market is out there for this. I told him that the Valkyrie was made from 97'-03' and the kit would work on Standards & Tourers (not Interstates (dual headlight)).

Finally my question to you is;
- Who would be interested in upgrading your 7" Headlight to a DayMaker LED Fixture? Initially the shop said the kit (which would include the LED Fixture & Adapter) would run around $230. The fixture is plug-n-play meaning no electrical modifications are needed. The more interest I get here the more likely this shop will be to make this kit readily available.

Below is a link to a installation video for a similar kit for a VTX.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDSEJfcjKfQ

[hubcapsc]

I'm interested in an LED headlight, but I don't understand what needs
fabricated? A new bigger bucket? Numerous folks have different
kinds of LED bulbs in their Valkyrie headlights already, maybe these
Daymaker "fixtures" are better?

-Mike

[DarkSideR]

I'm interested in an LED headlight, but I don't understand what needs
fabricated? A new bigger bucket? Numerous folks have different
kinds of LED bulbs in their Valkyrie headlights already, maybe these
Daymaker "fixtures" are better?

-Mike

The DayMaker is an LED Fixture. It's an entire unit, not just a bulb.

Currently in your headlight bucket you have a housing that contains a bulb. On the back of that housing is a bracket that connects to headlight "Rim" (the chrome piece that surrounds the bulb). The current housing and bracket would go away. The new DayMaker fixture would fit inside the "Rim", and have a new adapter bracket in which to mount the fixture to the "Rim" piece.

That was difficult to explain. I rewrote that about 3 times. I hope that helps make sense of this.

What makes the DayMaker better? Well daytime visibility is better for one. It displays a better beam at night. And lastly the look is very modern.

There are dozens of manufacturers, and many different lighting options. Do a google image search for "DayMaker LED Headlights" to get an idea.

[Jess from VA]

They just need to realize that half the bike wiring sits in that bucket.

Maybe an exaggeration, but .......

[hubcapsc]

My 1800's LED headlight brightens things up big time at night, but doesn't
look bright during the day, at least not on low beam...

There's a bunch of wires inside the 1500's bucket, the fabricator will
have to make sure all that stuff still fits in there...

-Mike "I like LED"

[Valkorado]

$230 ain't cheap.

[DarkSideR]

@ Mike,
That is why we are first working up a prototype.

@ Jess,
Yes, I have been digging around and found quite a bit of wiring in the bucket. Of course a prototype will address fit.

[DarkSideR]

$230 ain't cheap.

Agreed this mod won't be for everyone. You can find DayMaker fixtures alone for around $180. The kit offered will come with a metal adapter ring obviously costing around $50.

Wait! Don't you own 2 Valkyries? That isn't cheap either! 

[_Sheffjs_]

Pics of the VTX set up? 

[Rams]

<----- Very interested in seeing the proto type, the cost doesn't scare me but, it's going to have to find a place to put all that wiring that's in the bucket and that won't be easy..

[DarkSideR]

Pics of the VTX set up? 

I can do better, here's a video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDSEJfcjKfQ

[DarkSideR]

<----- Very interested in seeing the proto type, the cost doesn't scare me but, it's going to have to find a place to put all that wiring that's in the bucket and that won't be easy..

I am expecting that no electrical modifications will be required whatsoever, the new fixture isn't that deep and should fit.

[Rams]

Pics of the VTX set up? 

I can do better, here's a video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDSEJfcjKfQ

IF, it goes together and works like in the video, I'd buy it.   

[Willow]

It appears that unit in the video will replace the reflector in the headlight bucket.  If that's the case it will not result in less room, but more room available in the bucket.

[Tailgate Tommy]

I might be interested especially if it gives more room in the bucket.

[Rams]

Already said I was very interested and the price doesn't scare me too much.   

I know you're not looking for volunteers but, I'll be happy to install that prototype on my Valkyrie.

You knew someone was going to volunteer.   

[f6john]

<, it's going to have to find a place to put all that wiring that's in the bucket and that won't be easy..

Especially your bucket!!

[Rams]

<, it's going to have to find a place to put all that wiring that's in the bucket and that won't be easy..

Especially your bucket!!




Hey buddy, that's pushing the line right there.        Although this was posted in another thread by Willow, I feel it's very applicable to your response.    

Personal attacks are disruptive to the board and will not be tolerated.  Harassing, offensive, vulgar, abusive, hateful or bashing comments; and similar pictures or links, especially those aimed at sexual orientation, gender, race, color, religious views, national origin or disability — are not allowed and will be deleted.  ...

Some of us have made a concerted effort to adhere to the Rules of the Road despite that they sometimes cause us to hold our silence on our own opinions and values.  We would appreciate it if more members would do so.  

Gett'n kind of personal aren't ya?  Let's leave my bucket out of this.    

[ridingron]

I don't currently own a Valk but I am looking and learning. If the light is as much better as the talk is, I would bite at $230.

[big poppa pump]

Been wanting to install a Daymaker LED for a while now but held up due to lack of proper adapters to fit in the Valk headlight bucket. So yeah, very much interested in this. $230 ain't bad since I've seen some of Daymaker LED units sell for around $200.

[big poppa pump]

I already have the cyclops LED but there is still some scattering effect with the existing reflector. The Daymaker light is more concentrated.

[jdp]

Man that's a nice deal, Harley has the same thing and I think it runs for like$600.00 or close to it.

[jdp]

Would be nice if someone would make that for the interstate

[scoobydoo]

If it's bright I'll buy one, I've spent more for less.

[DarkSideR]

$60 works with existing reflector

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

read reviews
http://advrider.com/index.php?threads/led-headlight-bulb-replacement-modules.948701/

I know LED replacement bulbs are available and are more affordable. My efforts here however are two fold. The DayMaker makes you much more noticeable during the day and is an improvement for night riding. Both pluses. Additionally the DayMaker really stands out. It's modern look in my opinion is just what the ol gal needs to freshen her up a bit. A face lift of sorts.

[big poppa pump]

I already have the cyclops LED but there is still some scattering effect with the existing reflector. The Daymaker light is more concentrated.

thanks for the info.  do u think its the reflector causing it or that little bulb shield?

The reflector, it's old school technology. LED light dispersion is a different than halogen.

[GiG]

I already have the cyclops LED but there is still some scattering effect with the existing reflector. The Daymaker light is more concentrated.

thanks for the info.  do u think its the reflector causing it or that little bulb shield?

The reflector, it's old school technology. LED light dispersion is a different than halogen.

LEDs use reflectors too

[Aries]

If the benefits are as you say and the replacement is a simple as shown in the video, I'm in.

[DarkSideR]

Moving forward I ordered a 7" DayMaker today so I can fab up a prototype adapter bracket. Stay tuned...

[Willow]

Moving forward I ordered a 7" DayMaker today so I can fab up a prototype adapter bracket. Stay tuned...

What's this "Stay tuned" crap?  I want one already. 

[Rams]

Hey, I volunteered first.......................

[DarkSideR]

Moving forward I ordered a 7" DayMaker today so I can fab up a prototype adapter bracket. Stay tuned...

What's this "Stay tuned" crap?  I want one already. 

I know, shut up and take my money already. I'm really excited about this project. I have to successfully make a prototype, then work with a fabricator to figure out how to cost effectively, and  efficiently make multiple units.

Sorry Rams I will be the guinea pig.

[Rams]

Sorry Rams I will be the guinea pig.

As I fully expected.   Just trying to show my interest and appreciation for the project.   

[DarkSideR]

Sorry Rams I will be the guinea pig.

As I fully expected.   Just trying to show my interest and appreciation for the project.   

First unit shipped will go straight to you. That's a promise.

[Jersey mike]

this sounds interesting and looks like it could be an improvement for nights. I would like to see a light similar to the Rune headlamp unit, now that would change the front appearance.

but...

1) it still needs to be adjustable, not a fixed unit.

2) what is the output on it?

3) someone should tell that guy in the video to put a piece of carpet or cardboard down under that VTX chrome light, not place it directly on the cement blocks.

[DarkSideR]

this sounds interesting and looks like it could be an improvement for nights. I would like to see a light similar to the Rune headlamp unit, now that would change the front appearance.

but...

1) it still needs to be adjustable, not a fixed unit.

2) what is the output on it?

3) someone should tell that guy in the video to put a piece of carpet or cardboard down under that VTX chrome light, not place it directly on the cement blocks.

The adapter will adjustable

6500k

I thought the same thing. Save the chrome!

[Gavin_Sons]

Hell, I want one and I dont even have a standard or tourer 

[DarkSideR]

Hell, I want one and I dont even have a standard or tourer 

If I am successful with the 7" Standard Fixtures maybe I can come with something for the interstate.

[Rams]

Hell, I want one and I dont even have a standard or tourer 

If I am successful with the 7" Standard Fixtures maybe I can come with something for the interstate.

"IF"?   Let's not have any discussion using that word!    Positive thinking, expert engineering and a little fabrication combined with a large cheering section is the key.    Let's do this!!!!!   

[Tailgate Tommy]

I'm in!