Then I guess you wouldn't care if Harley fires all it's US workers and makes it's bikes overseas.

Can you say "anecdotal" evidence? Every place that's done actual repeatable testing usually comes to the opposite conclusion.

First, the Chinese build to a quality/price point. If you want the same quality/price as a Speaker LED headlight, they'll build it, and they'll use top quality components, and it'll cost the same as the Speaker LED, but minus the labor cost. If you want one half the cost of the Speaker, they'll build you one to meet that price point, and the quality of the components will be adjusted downward. I you think the components in that 1/2 cost headlight are of the same quality as those in the Speaker ones, you don't know much about manufacturing. (Go on YouTube and look at the teardowns of HF power tools compared to quality brands, and there are also comparisons of Chinese LEDs and Speaker LEDs.) If you still think they're the same, I can sell you some Oceanfront Property in Arizona real cheap.

 

Sir,
Same as you, I too live in the Northeast where are riding season is at most 8 months. Within of that 8 month period, maybe 20% of my riding is at nightfall, thus spending an additional $400 for a LED headlight that is made in the USA which IMO opinion performs the same as an overseas produced LED headlight is not logical. Besides that, with the $400 that I'm saving I can buy more Harley Branded accessories/clothing that are NOT made in the US such as the Digital Oil Temp Dip Stick I just purchased from HD which is made In Germany.

 

If you had just said you didn't think it was justified in your situation, that would have been fine. Having spent over 50 years repairing electronic equipment I can tell you without a doubt that those items are not the same, but can respect that you've weighed the tradeoffs. I ride year round, so my bikes are equipped with 8790's because deer hate motorcycles.

Actually, the 7" Speaker 8700 EVO2 only lists for $299 compared to the H-D branded version.

 

I just upgraded the horrid stock light in my '13 Breakout to a JW Speaker adaptive LED. It was more than I really 'wanted' to pay of course, but I'm glad I did it. It is a SOLID light, looks great and I am extremely happy with the lighting performance. Very well made and worth the peace of mind when riding the back roads of SE Texas to get to and from my house. Literally a night and day difference. I no longer fear the darkness!

 

I bought the LED bulb that fits into a stock reflector housing. Light output is OK, much better than an incandescent. Inexpensive at less than $60 for a pair of bulbs.

However, it uses a hardwired relay that must be stuffed into the headlight housing. It may be difficult to do with some smaller housings. It fit easily into my "freight train" housing.

Recently, the high beam has been coming on all by itself sporadically. I haven't gotten into it yet, but I suspect the relay gizmo attache to the bulb. In any case, I'll be looking for something better that isn't ridiculously priced. I'm all for "Buy American", but damn. $800 for a headlight is pure ridiculousness.

 

I've had good luck with a Wimsac LED off of eBay. Mine was a 5.75'', not sure if they make a 7.

 

I have the JW Speaker and have really enjoyed the light it gives. Paid $280 3 years ago. Just went and checked prices and noticed their adaptive light has dropped a lot, probably due to the newer Adaptive 2 being out. This was what a quick search showed for prices on the 7" lights.
8700 Evolution 2 $279
8790M Adaptive $445
8790 Adaptive 2 $652

Expensive? Yes. But was worth the money to me to be able to see clearly at night.

 

Ok so I purchased 7" headlight and spots from EAGLE LIGHTS. Gen 3. Installation was a snap...plug and play...just got back from trying them out. The difference is night and day...lol. seriously they are unbelievable and want to thank the person who recommended them in the beginning of this thread. They r great.

 

Glad everything worked out for you! As I stated earlier, " I've been running the Eagle LED in all my bikes and they are just as good as the high end brands at 1/2 the cost".