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Sportster's AWFUL headlight...

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Old Jul 21, 2015 | 12:47 AM
  #11  
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Originally Posted by Zenmervolt
I remain convinced that everyone who thinks the stock headlight is unacceptable has simply failed to aim it properly.

I have a 100% stock headlight in my '07 Sporty and it's fantastic. It was complete **** when I bought the bike because it was aimed up into the sky instead of being aimed down the road. Took 5 minutes to aim it properly and suddenly it's great at night.
It's not that I ever thought the stock lights were unacceptable. I've ridden with stock lights for over 40 years and 100,000+ miles at night.

However, for $69.95, getting a much better light...as seen below...was certainly an improvement for me.





DK Custom LED Drop-in replacement bulb
 
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Old Jul 21, 2015 | 04:13 AM
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I injured myself coming off my first bike at night back in 1965, so have been kinda sensitive to seeing my way ever since! There are many options available to us today, from modern technology bulbs through to completely new light units, with a price point for every pocket! To be frank it is difficult to decide just what to go with, but we have some excellent suggestions and pics above. Just be sure to point the darned thing right, to get the best results with what you have or go with, as Zen points out.
 
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Old Jul 21, 2015 | 04:48 AM
  #13  
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Originally Posted by grbrown
I injured myself coming off my first bike at night back in 1965, so have been kinda sensitive to seeing my way ever since! There are many options available to us today, from modern technology bulbs through to completely new light units, with a price point for every pocket! To be frank it is difficult to decide just what to go with, but we have some excellent suggestions and pics above. Just be sure to point the darned thing right, to get the best results with what you have or go with, as Zen points out.
I dont think we can have any of those options in the UK as they seem to make the beam pattern illegal? That said the daymaker intrigues me as Harley do sell it here?
 
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Old Jul 21, 2015 | 05:06 AM
  #14  
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You're right, the Daymaker is indeed available for driving on the proper side of the road! Check Jersey H-D for their pricing. As for headlamp bulb options there are plenty available to us through UK car bulb outlets, even bike shops etc.
 
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Old Jul 21, 2015 | 05:35 AM
  #15  
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I use an E-Code Cibie housing for mine , here's a link to what they are.
When I had my Ultra Classic , I tried e few combos , but I liked these best.
http://www.danielsternlighting.com/p.../products.html
I liked the 7" so much , I converted the sportster so I could use it again.
Even with the stock bulb , the lighting pattern is so much better , with a great bulb , it's even better than that.
Thes are "lense optic" housings , the stock housing is a "reflector optic" type.
The stock housing produces a terrible pattern of useable light , the Cibie is focused and finely tuned using lead crystal glass.
Mick
 
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Old Jul 21, 2015 | 05:55 AM
  #16  
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Further to Mick's post, Cibie is also marketted as Valeo (here in Europe at least), I have one of their's for my Glide.
 
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Old Jul 21, 2015 | 06:18 AM
  #17  
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Just had a quick look on eBay and there are Cibie H4s on there in UK spec, with dip/main/sidelight in 5 3/4 size, which is what I believe the Sporty takes, for around Ł45 delivered. Wonder what trade price would be from Euro Car Parts for? Hmm, food for thought...
 
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Old Jul 21, 2015 | 07:30 AM
  #18  
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Originally Posted by alienbogey
I put Custom Dynamics LED's into my turn signals, the kind that are white driving lights until they change to Amber when you signal for a turn.

Now my turn signals make the stock headlight look like a guttering candle.

LED headlight has now moved up to #1 on the upgrade list.

Sounds pretty slick...do you have a link to this? And they fit in the stock turn signal housings?
 
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Old Jul 21, 2015 | 07:31 AM
  #19  
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Originally Posted by Zenmervolt
I remain convinced that everyone who thinks the stock headlight is unacceptable has simply failed to aim it properly.

I have a 100% stock headlight in my '07 Sporty and it's fantastic. It was complete **** when I bought the bike because it was aimed up into the sky instead of being aimed down the road. Took 5 minutes to aim it properly and suddenly it's great at night.
Maybe you can post an "aiming tutorial" then...
 
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Old Jul 21, 2015 | 07:42 AM
  #20  
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Originally Posted by Mr_Taipan
Just had a quick look on eBay and there are Cibie H4s on there in UK spec, with dip/main/sidelight in 5 3/4 size, which is what I believe the Sporty takes, for around Ł45 delivered. Wonder what trade price would be from Euro Car Parts for? Hmm, food for thought...
One of those would be a good choice, plus one of the modern high output bulbs. Don't go for higher voltage though, as they can tax the bike's wiring.
 
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