To start off, I have a 2012 Softail Slim. I, like many others, have found that the headlight that comes with the bike is not bad, but also not enough. It is especially true to those of us that have recently had to start wearing glasses, because we tend to be a little more night blind at first. I got the bike before I got glasses. I wanted something more, and then Harley delivered with the Daymaker. I checked it out on the bikes, and it was pretty sweet (comparing to what I had). It looked cool, it was blacked out (like I want the rest of my bike to be, but there is chrome for you shiny folks), and it was MUCH brighter.

Here comes the problem with it, the price. Over $500!!! I knew that I wanted the light, but I put off getting it. Fast forward a few years, I started looking at the light again. I kept researching to find the Daymaker at a fraction of the cost, since it wasn't as old. In my research, I found the JW Speaker 8700 Evolution 2 headlights, and also found that they made Harley's Daymaker. Reading into the company, I was sold. I then found out that they make their own 7" headlight, because it is the same exact thing that goes into the Jeep Wrangler, and some older muscle cars.

Now comes the differences. The Daymaker is the first generation of the 8700, a good light by all means, but the evo 2 outperforms. The Daymaker has that lighted HD Bar and Shield. I like that, but not for the price difference. The difference in price you may ask? As of today, the Daymaker is $500. The evo 2, $260 on Amazon (free shipping). It is almost half the price!!! I am unsure if you need the mount and wiring harness for the Daymaker. On top of price, lets talk warranty. The Daymaker has a 1 year warranty. Pretty standard for Harley parts. If you get the evo 2, it is a lifetime warranty. The evo 2 has updated reflectors, so it produces 100 more lumens on low beam, and 300 more on high beam.

For installation, you need the following tools: Phillips head screwdriver.
YES!!! That is all you need!!!

Now, let's ask ourselves a question. Do I know how to change out my headlight bulb? If the answer is yes, you are in luck. The evo 2 is easier to put in than installing a new bulb. Disconnect the old headlight, and set it wherever you can that it doesn't scratch up. instead of taking off that rubber boot, dealing with the spring clip, etc. All you have to do is grab the evo 2, plug it in, and re-install as if it was a normal headlight. Now, you may need to adjust the aiming of the headlight. Refer to your owners manual on how to do that. I installed mine in less than 10 minutes. The hardest part for me, was holding the new headlight while trying to plug it in. If you have a second person, it will take about 1-2 minutes less than it took me.

After all of this is said and done, you will notice that your bike looks better, has a better headlight, and was much easier than you imagined. Hopefully this helps.

 

I was thinking about getting one for my 2015 Fat Boy Lo. Reading some of the reviews on Amazon they mentioned an LED adapter wire or something they purchased from HD dealer - did you have to purchase any adapter?

 

This was brought up awhile ago.. yeah JW Speaker makes the Daymaker, similar to how Truck Lite makes Kuryakyn's Phase 7.. you can buy both from the manufacturer for far less coin..


$259.

 

Is there a manufacturer's solution for Aux Lights? What are they 4.5" is there a good alternative to Daymaker?

And what about an LED adapter is one needed for the Fat Boy for 7" headlight?

 

For my Slim, I DID NOT BUY AN ADAPTER. If you take the plug in on the back of a H4 bulb (like is in the original headlights), and put them on a wire, then wire them to the LED headlight, that is what the evo 2 has done.

As for the auxiliary lights, you can get the JW speaker ones. They have the same concept as the evo 2 headlight. Same brand, just, updated, and better warranty.

As for the truck lite, they also make the Harley reflector LED headlights. At least, as far as I have researched. But yes, there are always better options for the money.

In this case, I took months researching if I needed an adapter or not. I ordered the headlight, and figured I would check when it got in. The adapter is for the 8700, and the 8700 evo. The evo 2 has a H4 connector, and does not flicker at all on my Slim. Since my bike is a 2012, do not be fooled on what people say. Harley told me I would have to get an adapter also. They also told me that my Commander II tires wouldn't fit my Slim with stock rims. The Harley in my town has also tried to tell me that Harley synthetic was better, and cheaper, than Amsoil.