SG auxiliary lights, to have or not to have, that is the question
#21
#22
#26
If you need more lights, change your bulb to LEDs.
I have a 14 SG spec. I previously owned a 12 RK and had the Aux lights on it. They did not help that much in my opinion (with stock bulbs), until I converted everything to HID. It's allot of work to convert them, and they produce allot of light. But too much glare for incoming riders and they hated me for them.
When I traded the RK for my SG, it was evident that those original bulbs Harley uses in their bikes royally sucked, so I again tried and converted the headlight to HIDs. The problem with HIDs is that it takes a while to warm up. Great for low beam - sucks for high beam. Also, they create allot of heat, which really cook those bugs on your lens which makes it a nightmare to clean. And once again, way too much glare. Plus, some states are currently considering banning HIDs on motorvehicles unless they are used with projectors.
So I decided to try LED bulbs. Not the $400+ light kit that you buy at Harley's or other kits out there (which I don't like the look of them), but just the light bulb itself. I bought a set of "2015 - 60W 7600LM Cree LED Headlight Set 30W/Bulbs/H11" on Ebay for $80. Each bulbs are 30W, H11(for 14 SG), super white (5500k). They are super bright, cooler running, instant on and off, with no glare (once re-adjusted).
The only thing you'll have to do is go for a night ride with the headlight ring off so you can easily re-adjust your lights. With those lights, you won't need Aux-light on your ride as these LEDs are much brighter than anything out there. A buddy of mine has the Harley LED headlight kit so we've compared our bike lights. Mine was brighter overall, wider (by looking at the ditches), and has a longer high beam reach. So for less than ¼ of his price, I have something better, and looks so freaking cool.
Don't waste your money, try changing your bulbs first with those LED lights.
Just my 2-cents.
When I traded the RK for my SG, it was evident that those original bulbs Harley uses in their bikes royally sucked, so I again tried and converted the headlight to HIDs. The problem with HIDs is that it takes a while to warm up. Great for low beam - sucks for high beam. Also, they create allot of heat, which really cook those bugs on your lens which makes it a nightmare to clean. And once again, way too much glare. Plus, some states are currently considering banning HIDs on motorvehicles unless they are used with projectors.
So I decided to try LED bulbs. Not the $400+ light kit that you buy at Harley's or other kits out there (which I don't like the look of them), but just the light bulb itself. I bought a set of "2015 - 60W 7600LM Cree LED Headlight Set 30W/Bulbs/H11" on Ebay for $80. Each bulbs are 30W, H11(for 14 SG), super white (5500k). They are super bright, cooler running, instant on and off, with no glare (once re-adjusted).
The only thing you'll have to do is go for a night ride with the headlight ring off so you can easily re-adjust your lights. With those lights, you won't need Aux-light on your ride as these LEDs are much brighter than anything out there. A buddy of mine has the Harley LED headlight kit so we've compared our bike lights. Mine was brighter overall, wider (by looking at the ditches), and has a longer high beam reach. So for less than ¼ of his price, I have something better, and looks so freaking cool.
Don't waste your money, try changing your bulbs first with those LED lights.
Just my 2-cents.
Last edited by mikygspot; 01-29-2015 at 10:49 PM. Reason: Grammar
#27
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#28
I have a '13 Street Glide, and I have the aux lights. I converted all lights to LEDs and love the brightness.
I bought the SG for its clean lines, but since I commute with my bike almost daily and I also do lots of long rides on weekends, it means I ride in the dark a lot. On major freeways you don't need the aux lights, even at night, because the highways in Silicon Valley are well lit. However, my weekend rides are on back-country roads and winding mountain roads, the aux lights make a world of difference.
Clean lines or not, I am keeping my aux lights on the bike. When it comes to safety (seeing and being seen), I choose function over form.
I bought the SG for its clean lines, but since I commute with my bike almost daily and I also do lots of long rides on weekends, it means I ride in the dark a lot. On major freeways you don't need the aux lights, even at night, because the highways in Silicon Valley are well lit. However, my weekend rides are on back-country roads and winding mountain roads, the aux lights make a world of difference.
Clean lines or not, I am keeping my aux lights on the bike. When it comes to safety (seeing and being seen), I choose function over form.
#29
I have them, but I like the look and definitely like the extra light they throw out. I upgraded the headlight to LED and have the LED passing lamps as well. I live in the city, but my neighborhood is deer central and I wouldn't be without them. I will say that they look better with some colors and stick out more wih others.
#30