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

[Daycruiser]

When there is an Interstate solution let me know, I'll buy two.

[Rams]

Tick, tick, tick..................

Countdown to InZane XVI
9 days, 15 hours, 25 minutes, and 46 seconds 

[DarkSideR]

Tick, tick, tick..................

Countdown to InZane XVI
9 days, 15 hours, 25 minutes, and 46 seconds 

InZane is a huge long shot for me. If timing allows it I will see if one of the Colorado guys going to InZane will allow me to install the DayMaker in their bike so it can make an appearance at InZane.

[MarkT]

Halogen vs. DayMaker stats

Halogen
-Low Beam
 + 55 watts
 + 1100 Lumens
-High Bean
 + 60 watts
 + 1500 Lumens

DayMaker
-Low Beam
 + 45 watts
 + 2400 Lumens
-High Beam
 + 45 watts
 + 3600 Lumens

When simply putting an LED in the OEM Reflector, reports are saying the light is too scattered to gain any benefits.

I concur on that.  I've tried 2 different LED H4 replacements, both produced a lot of light but they were all over the place.  Tweaks, adjustments to move them around in the focus point of the reflector, I was able to do that but the light was still badly focussed.  I went back to my genuine 130/90 H4 which lights up the road clearly for a measured half mile.  That goes for my H4 "spots" too (actually they are headlight buckets). Standard 60/55w H4's produce more usable light than the LED replacements.  They simply have not been able to put the surface-mount LED light emitter where it is truly compatible with an OEM reflecter.  I want to see the light delivery of this Daymaker in person, at night, before I decide to go there.  Since I already have a good solution, but it could be improved by using less power, more reliability (albeit that's not really a problem; the bulbs have been lasting for years) and the facelift looks pretty good. Although I'm not a faddish kinda guy. I suspect it won't make more light than my illegal 130/90 with relay mod and dual H4 "spots".

[Rams]

Tick, tick, tick..................

Countdown to InZane XVI
9 days, 15 hours, 25 minutes, and 46 seconds 

InZane is a huge long shot for me. If timing allows it I will see if one of the Colorado guys going to InZane will allow me to install the DayMaker in their bike so it can make an appearance at InZane.

Hmmm..............   Not exactly the response I was hoping for.   

[DarkSideR]

Tick, tick, tick..................

Countdown to InZane XVI
9 days, 15 hours, 25 minutes, and 46 seconds 

InZane is a huge long shot for me. If timing allows it I will see if one of the Colorado guys going to InZane will allow me to install the DayMaker in their bike so it can make an appearance at InZane.

Hmmm..............   Not exactly the response I was hoping for.   

On the Colorado Thread I have asked someone to volunteer them self and their bike to install a DayMaker so it can have a presence at InZane.

I have a bit of a hold up with the fabricator. Their initial cost was to high, I am meeting with them again this morning (6-3-16) to find a way to bring the cost down.

[sailed2japan]

I'm in for one if you can get them manufacturer at a reasonable cost. I can't see a company trying to charge you too much since you already have a sample. Try finding someone with a 3rd scanner and printer. I wouldbthonk and would do just fine in this application

[sailed2japan]

That post got screwy in the end. What I was thinking is that a lot more people have 3d scanners and printers now since the price is coming down. They can make things out of ABS pretty cheap so it may be worth looking into. It may not be a pretty as billet, but it's better than nothing. There are some different websites where people offer up there personal 3d printers and scanners. You could try and find someone near you, they usually have prices and the size of their printers and scanners listed online. These guys are mostly hobbiests and like doing 3d prints for other people to show off their stuff.

[DarkSideR]

That post got screwy in the end. What I was thinking is that a lot more people have 3d scanners and printers now since the price is coming down. They can make things out of ABS pretty cheap so it may be worth looking into. It may not be a pretty as billet, but it's better than nothing. There are some different websites where people offer up there personal 3d printers and scanners. You could try and find someone near you, they usually have prices and the size of their printers and scanners listed online. These guys are mostly hobbiests and like doing 3d prints for other people to show off their stuff.

The bracket will be 20ga Stainless Steel, cut on a waterjet table.

[fudgie]

How is this different then the LED Cyclops bulb?

I have no issues with my LED. I can change from dim to brights in broad daylight and see it change on road signs.

[DarkSideR]

How is this different then the LED Cyclops bulb?

I have no issues with my LED. I can change from dim to brights in broad daylight and see it change on road signs.

Your cyclops is a replacement for the OEM H4 bulb that you put in your existing reflector housing. The DayMaker has 4 individual LEDs. 2 are focused on the sides of your path, 1 low beam LED focusing the center of your lane, and a high beam  LED that lights the horizon.

The OEM Reflector housing was designed for a halogen H4 bulb. This is up for debate but some are reporting that an LED in the OEM Reflector housing scatters the light, and doesn't focus the light properly.

DarkSider

[fudgie]

How is this different then the LED Cyclops bulb?

I have no issues with my LED. I can change from dim to brights in broad daylight and see it change on road signs.

Your cyclops is a replacement for the OEM H4 bulb that you put in your existing reflector housing. The DayMaker has 4 individual LEDs. 2 are focused on the sides of your path, 1 low beam LED focusing the center of your lane, and a high beam  LED that lights the horizon.

The OEM Reflector housing was designed for a halogen H4 bulb. This is up for debate but some are reporting that an LED in the OEM Reflector housing scatters the light, and doesn't focus the light properly.

DarkSider

If my light is scattered its well worth it as it lights up so well. 
Maybe you can do a comparison between the 2.

[sailed2japan]

The bracket will be 20ga Stainless Steel, cut on a waterjet table.

OK, I was thinking it would be a more complicated piece requiring a 3d process like CNC.

[Rams]

If timing allows it I will see if one of the Colorado guys going to InZane will allow me to install the DayMaker in their bike so it can make an appearance at InZane.

How'd this plan work out or did it?
Who should I be seeking out so as to take a look at this while at INZANE?

[DarkSideR]

If timing allows it I will see if one of the Colorado guys going to InZane will allow me to install the DayMaker in their bike so it can make an appearance at InZane.

How'd this plan work out or did it?
Who should I be seeking out so as to take a look at this while at INZANE?

I asked the Colorado guys for a volunteer and no one has stepped up. Maybe I can mail you a kit to the hotel you are staying at InZane for you to install on your bike and show off. I have to commit to an initial order of 50 brackets, so I would like for this to gain some interest at InZane.

[Rams]

If timing allows it I will see if one of the Colorado guys going to InZane will allow me to install the DayMaker in their bike so it can make an appearance at InZane.

How'd this plan work out or did it?
Who should I be seeking out so as to take a look at this while at INZANE?

I asked the Colorado guys for a volunteer and no one has stepped up. Maybe I can mail you a kit to the hotel you are staying at InZane for you to install on your bike and show off. I have to commit to an initial order of 50 brackets, so I would like for this to gain some interest at InZane.

I'm very willing to go with this idea, the only caveats are, the final price and whether or not there is enough room for all the additional wiring that is currently in my bucket.   Kind of important to have that information ya know.

[DarkSideR]

Now that some of you are returning from InZane I thought it time to give you an update. Things are simply taking longer than I had hoped. I am getting closer though.

 - Still getting fit and finish with the fabricator dialed in.

 - I will be doing a YouTube tutorial on installing the DayMaker headlight.

 - Still working with the distributor on a final cost.

 - Need to get with the VRCC Admin to find out how to advertise on the VRCC.

Things to remember, or if you are just catching wind of this;
- I will selling a kit for a DayMaker LED headlight with an adapter ring to replace the Valkyrie Standard and Tourers 7" headlights.
- No modifications are required to the headlight or wiring. This is truly plug and play.
- The kit will retain the ability to adjust the headlight.
- Benefits of the DayMaker are it draws less power while putting out more light.
- It gives the ol gal a facelift with a very modern look.

[Rams]

Now that some of you are returning from InZane I thought it time to give you an update. Things are simply taking longer than I had hoped. I am getting closer though.

 - Still getting fit and finish with the fabricator dialed in.

 - I will be doing a YouTube tutorial on installing the DayMaker headlight.

 - Still working with the distributor on a final cost.

 - Need to get with the VRCC Admin to find out how to advertise on the VRCC.

Things to remember, or if you are just catching wind of this;
- I will selling a kit for a DayMaker LED headlight with an adapter ring to replace the Valkyrie Standard and Tourers 7" headlights.
- No modifications are required to the headlight or wiring. This is truly plug and play.
- The kit will retain the ability to adjust the headlight.
- Benefits of the DayMaker are it draws less power while putting out more light.
- It gives the ol gal a facelift with a very modern look.

Still gonna hold you to that promise that I get the first one to be shipped.   Got that proto-type done yet?   There are still some Valkyrie events coming up this year that I'd like to ride to that will involve some night riding.   Won't lie about it, as I age, my night vision decreases.   

Things being what they are, I can't afford to be in a mishap based on a lack of lighting.   I really don't wish to risk spoiling my good looks by running into something I didn't see.     I get too close to those things I do see. 

Give me a shout when you're close, I'm saving my pennies, nickels and dimes for this one.   

[Chrisj CMA]

The thing I noticed is, it does not look like there is an adjustment after that adapter is installed, maybe its just how it looked.

[Rams]

The thing I noticed is, it does not look like there is an adjustment after that adapter is installed, maybe its just how it looked.

I spoke with Josh about this and if I got it right, he said that if the bracket is installed correctly, (on his), no adjustment was necessary.   Don't take that as fact because I'm not 100% sure I heard him correctly.   Regardless, according to Josh, the headlight is still adjustable. 

[DarkSideR]

The thing I noticed is, it does not look like there is an adjustment after that adapter is installed, maybe its just how it looked.

If you referring to the video, that was for a VTX, a different application and was posted only for an example. As I stated in my last post the headlight is adjustable.

[rhubarbray]

Is it too late to add my name to the list of people who want one? I have a `98 Standard with no driving lights. Is it possible to get a 4500k bulb instead of a 6500? I`m trying to stay away from the blue spectrum, prefer the white.
 I just spoke to a friend with a pair of these on his Harley Glide and he highly recommends the Daymakers.

[DarkSideR]

Good news. I approved final fit and finish, and will have 50 brackets in hand shortly.  

Once everything is in place I will either advertise on the VRCC or will provide a link for you to shop and buy. The distributor has a wide range of DayMakers to choose from with different color schemes, halos, finishes, etc.

I installed the new bracket in my headlight. I found full range of adjustment (up/down & left/right), and took a night ride to find the light doesn't bounce or vibrate by looking at the light beam while riding.

[F-six]

Any news on the Daymaker headlight?

 

[DarkSideR]

Any news on the Daymaker headlight?

 

In a perfect world I would be selling my bracket to a headlight distributor, he would mount the headlight and bracket and sell the kit to you. This is far from a perfect world however, so..

The brackets are finally being made (had a hiccup with the fabricator), we have been fine tuning and have made several adjustments to get a perfect bracket. The headlight distributor who was originally gung-ho about selling the kit has gone silent. If worse comes to worse I will sell you the bracket directly, and you will purchase the headlight separately. I will have a YouTube video up instructing you how to mount the bracket to the headlight, and how to install the new headlight into the existing bucket.

I'm sorry but I'm not going to promise dates. I will have something up on the VRCC when the time comes.

Thank you for you patience. I am not a business person, and this is my first venture like this. I simply want to provide the VRCC community with a LED Head Light option, and finding nothing is simple.

[rhubarbray]

Actually, we should be thanking you for putting your time and effort into something that benefits all of us.

[rhubarbray]

I`ve been taking a look at the Eaglelites website and I didn`t realize they had three generations of the Daymaker. The newest one puts out over twice the lumens of the Gen II for a small increase in price but I was wondering, will all of the Daymakers fit our headlight housing?

[DarkSideR]

I`ve been taking a look at the Eaglelites website and I didn`t realize they had three generations of the Daymaker. The newest one puts out over twice the lumens of the Gen II for a small increase in price but I was wondering, will all of the Daymakers fit our headlight housing?

The bracket I am developing has been designed around one brand of headlight. I dont have the resources to buy all the different makers of headlights and make different brackets so you will be limited to the brand I designed the bracket to fit.

[..]

Friend had a Daymaker conversion put on his Sportster.

Holey Moley! Headlight and 2 on a light bar.

He could illuminate a runway.

[DarkSideR]

Friend had a Daymaker conversion put on his Sportster.

Holey Moley! Headlight and 2 on a light bar.

He could illuminate a runway.

I upgraded both the 7" DayMaker along with the 4.5" running lights. Yes HUGE difference.

[..]

Friend had a Daymaker conversion put on his Sportster.

Holey Moley! Headlight and 2 on a light bar.

He could illuminate a runway.

I upgraded both the 7" DayMaker along with the 4.5" running lights. Yes HUGE difference.

That's the size he has.

[rhubarbray]

I`ve been taking a look at the Eaglelites website and I didn`t realize they had three generations of the Daymaker. The newest one puts out over twice the lumens of the Gen II for a small increase in price but I was wondering, will all of the Daymakers fit our headlight housing?

The bracket I am developing has been designed around one brand of headlight. I dont have the resources to buy all the different makers of headlights and make different brackets so you will be limited to the brand I designed the bracket to fit.

?? No offence intended. I thought Eaglelites made the Daymaker? Or is that just a retailer? I just wanted to ask if all generations of the Daymaker will fit our headlight housings.

[DarkSideR]

I`ve been taking a look at the Eaglelites website and I didn`t realize they had three generations of the Daymaker. The newest one puts out over twice the lumens of the Gen II for a small increase in price but I was wondering, will all of the Daymakers fit our headlight housing?

The bracket I am developing has been designed around one brand of headlight. I dont have the resources to buy all the different makers of headlights and make different brackets so you will be limited to the brand I designed the bracket to fit.

?? No offence intended. I thought Eaglelites made the Daymaker? Or is that just a retailer? I just wanted to ask if all generations of the Daymaker will fit our headlight housings.

So the name DayMaker can be found on several different manufacturers LED Head Lights. You however encouraged me to look more closely at the Eaglelights and best I can tell from the picture the 7" daymaker looks like it will work with my bracket. Could be 2 sources to buy from now.

[Valkorado]

Have you seen these Josh?  They look almost identical, and the price is nice.  If the bracket fits...


http://www.ebay.com/itm/7-Chrome-Round-Projector-Daymaker-HID-Hi-Lo-LED-Headlight-For-Harley-Davidson/401055108461?rt=nc&_soffid=5013464605&_soffType=OrderSubTotalOffer&_trksid=p5731.m3795

[rhubarbray]

I`ve been taking a look at the Eaglelites website and I didn`t realize they had three generations of the Daymaker. The newest one puts out over twice the lumens of the Gen II for a small increase in price but I was wondering, will all of the Daymakers fit our headlight housing?

The bracket I am developing has been designed around one brand of headlight. I dont have the resources to buy all the different makers of headlights and make different brackets so you will be limited to the brand I designed the bracket to fit.

?? No offence intended. I thought Eaglelites made the Daymaker? Or is that just a retailer? I just wanted to ask if all generations of the Daymaker will fit our headlight housings.

So the name DayMaker can be found on several different manufacturers LED Head Lights. You however encouraged me to look more closely at the Eaglelights and best I can tell from the picture the 7" daymaker looks like it will work with my bracket. Could be 2 sources to buy from now.

ok, understand your point now. But while I was on the Ealglelites site I noticed that the 5 3/4" Daymaker Gen III  version has a low beam of 2800 lumens and a high of 3800 lumens!! But there is only a Gen II available in the 7" with a low beam of 1770 lumens and a high of 2610 lumens. I understand twice the lumens doesn`t mean twice the visibility but I think the site states 22% more than the Gen II.
 Interesting. That gets me thinking,.....how much is too much? If those who have the Daymaker love them and then I get the ultimate 3, 4, 5000 lumen headlight ,...at what point to I become more than an annoyance to oncoming traffic? Will there be a limit to light output? I can get a surplus aircraft landing light in 12VDC that pulls 250W and puts out a pencil beam. That thing is awesome for lighting up the road! Fooling around with booster cables and a car battery we lit up the inside of a house 100 yards away. Wouldn`t dare put it on a bike as I would probably temporarily blind anyone who happens to come around a corner and gets a faceful of landing light. And to think our big ones are 600W @ 28VDC!

[DarkSideR]

Halogen vs. DayMaker stats

Halogen
-Low Beam
 + 55 watts
 + 1100 Lumens
-High Bean
 + 60 watts
 + 1500 Lumens

DayMaker
-Low Beam
 + 45 watts
 + 2400 Lumens
-High Beam
 + 45 watts
 + 3600 Lumens

When simply putting an LED in the OEM Reflector, reports are saying the light is too scattered to gain any benefits.

The DayMaker is specifically designed as an LED Headlight. The light patterns have been designed to focus the light where you need it, drawing less power, and generating more light.

I know I'm teasing you with data. I have to do something with my time while I wait, otherwise I would jump out of my skin in anticipation.

rhubarbray,

This was some stats I put in earlier in this thread. I haven't yet released the vendor I am working with, but above you will see his stats on his LED DayMaker. Seems to be out performing the Eagle Lights.

I have been riding with a 7" DayMaker and (2) 4.5" LED running lights for a couple of months now. Feedback from those around me is that I am seen better in the day. When we meet up at a parking lot for a ride they know it's me coming a mile away from the intense LED lights. I could see if the headlight was adjusted wrong it could be an annoyance to others on the road. But that's the good thing about the bracket I am making, the headlight will still be adjustable. Also nighttime visibility is excellent. I will admit it's different from the Halogen, but it is brighter, and better overall.

[LL]

Darksider,
Let's just say I've had a bit of experience with lighting between a Valkyrie 97 Tourer, 01 IS, (2)GL1800's a 13 F6B and now a 2015 HD Ultra Classic Limited Low. I found the Silverstar was the best for lighting up the stock setups for the Tourer and IS as far as color and lighting up the road (they didn't last long was the down side). The fairings on the GL1800's and F6B I liked the HID sets I bought in pairs 4500K. 
Last September I brought home the HD and found the stock Daymaker looks and color were killer BUT, I soon found myself not able to see the sides of the road ahead as I did on the Honda's. I definitely needed the stock "LED Driving Lights" on with the low beam and had to have the BCM programed to leave the Driving Lights on along with the LED high beam (they said high-low and driving lights could not be programmed "on" all at once).
I don't know if the word "Daymaker" is becoming a term or generic name for this setup but I will say I definitely noticed the "focused" beam of light my HD and was a bit apprehensive riding at night without the driving lights programmed always on. I have read there is a lot of talk in the HD world of the Daymaker vs another LED setup.
I will end this by saying, the HD guys that have experimented with the 7" fixture that had the "filler" lights in the top, like it hands down compared to the $600 HD Daymaker.
Looks like you may be on to something.

Good Luck 

[DarkSideR]

Darksider,
Let's just say I've had a bit of experience with lighting between a Valkyrie 97 Tourer, 01 IS, (2)GL1800's a 13 F6B and now a 2015 HD Ultra Classic Limited Low. I found the Silverstar was the best for lighting up the stock setups for the Tourer and IS as far as color and lighting up the road (they didn't last long was the down side). The fairings on the GL1800's and F6B I liked the HID sets I bought in pairs 4500K.  
Last September I brought home the HD and found the stock Daymaker looks and color were killer BUT, I soon found myself not able to see the sides of the road ahead as I did on the Honda's. I definitely needed the stock "LED Driving Lights" on with the low beam and had to have the BCM programed to leave the Driving Lights on along with the LED high beam (they said high-low and driving lights could not be programmed "on" all at once).
I don't know if the word "Daymaker" is becoming a term or generic name for this setup but I will say I definitely noticed the "focused" beam of light my HD and was a bit apprehensive riding at night without the driving lights programmed always on. I have read there is a lot of talk in the HD world of the Daymaker vs another LED setup.
I will end this by saying, the HD guys that have experimented with the 7" fixture that had the "filler" lights in the top, like it hands down compared to the $600 HD Daymaker.
Looks like you may be on to something.

Good Luck  

I agree that the 7" DayMaker alone does give a fairly focused beam ahead. I corrected lighting the sides of the path by adjusting the beam down a bit from where the stock halogen was set to. I however also have 4.5" LEDs that I did set to illuminate each side of the path ahead and to prefer riding at night with both the 7", and 4.5" lights. Not necessary to have both sets of light whereas the 7" alone was sufficient.

Thank you for the feedback.

[DarkSideR]

FYI - The DayMaker bracket is finally available.
http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,89308.0.html

[Jersey mike]

hey Josh,

I was looking at your photo of your bike with the new headlight as well as the driving lights.

is your light bar the Cobra with the manual on/off switch? if so I think I have the same one. how difficult was wiring the new lights?