Observations on led headlights vs. stock
There are so many LED options out there...some are better, some not so good.
Our motto is SEE & BE SEEN.
We have tested dozens of different LED's for headlights, driving lights, passing lights, tail lights and turn signals.
Most of them did not work well, both during the day and at night...some do.
You can see the results of our testing at this LINK.
Everything at the link above helps one to BE SEEN during the day, and to SEE better at night, without blinding oncoming traffic with too much of a spread.
Here's just one example-
Our motto is SEE & BE SEEN.
We have tested dozens of different LED's for headlights, driving lights, passing lights, tail lights and turn signals.
Most of them did not work well, both during the day and at night...some do.
You can see the results of our testing at this LINK.
Everything at the link above helps one to BE SEEN during the day, and to SEE better at night, without blinding oncoming traffic with too much of a spread.
Here's just one example-
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DKCustomProducts.com
DKCustomProducts.com
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,824
Likes: 59
From: SW Burbs of Chicago
If you have used replacement LED bulbs, the possible reason for you being more visible is that they are causing glare and dazzle, a consequence of LED bulbs not coinciding with the focal point of the reflector. They will probably be useless at night, as they cannot provide a directed beam. I gave up on them and bought Trucklight units for all three of my frontal lights.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
I live in the UK and bought mine over here, on our Ebay. I should also have spelled their name right! The brand is Truck-Lite and there are kits on US Ebay for all three Harley dresser LED lights - 7" headlight plus passing lamps. For some reason theie lights are mostly marketted at owners of off-road vehicles, on both sides of the Atlantic - not sure why, but you'll find Harley sets amongst them! Hope that helps.
I put led bulbs in mine at the start of the summer .
I find them to be a much brighter & clearer light
at night . I noticed that road signs show up much
sharper . Once I also saw a deer crossing in front
of me at a little greater distance . I'm sold on them .
I find them to be a much brighter & clearer light
at night . I noticed that road signs show up much
sharper . Once I also saw a deer crossing in front
of me at a little greater distance . I'm sold on them .
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 8,015
Likes: 6,909
From: NC
How did I ever survive the 80s traveling motorcycles! And many miles after dark!!!
I have tried and observed about 7 different LED H-4 bulb replacements. All were a waste of money. More of a spot light than a head light beam.
Spending $800-1000 on LED headlight and passing lamps seems silly to me. I am looking at many additional running lights to use that are LED. Best known brands are under $300 with chrome housings. Adding LED running lights, with my factory halogens on my 2002 ElectraGlide, will be as good as any LED headlight/passing lamp, and I can fund two or three weekend trips with the remainder.
I have tried and observed about 7 different LED H-4 bulb replacements. All were a waste of money. More of a spot light than a head light beam.
Spending $800-1000 on LED headlight and passing lamps seems silly to me. I am looking at many additional running lights to use that are LED. Best known brands are under $300 with chrome housings. Adding LED running lights, with my factory halogens on my 2002 ElectraGlide, will be as good as any LED headlight/passing lamp, and I can fund two or three weekend trips with the remainder.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
True - however a set of three Truck-Lite LED lamps are a little over 300 bucks on Ebay!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 8,015
Likes: 6,909
From: NC
Still not sold on longevity and replacement costs...H-4 will be around for at least another 10 years. Price LED replacement headlight for cars now. And guess at availability in 8 years.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 436
Likes: 5
From: Northern Virginia
I had the Phase 7 Truck-lites as headlight and spots on my Ultra and had a guy pull out in front of me. Fortunately for me it was a low-speed collision. I ended up going with a Socalmotolight HID for my headlight and the Phase 6 Truck-lites for my spots and it seems I have better visibility to oncoming traffic. The HID is definitely bright! I think a light triangle using Motolights or Harley driving lights on the crash bars bring a lot to your visibility.
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Joe Kucinski
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 515
Likes: 134
From: Clayton,N.J.
I had the Phase 7 Truck-lites as headlight and spots on my Ultra and had a guy pull out in front of me. Fortunately for me it was a low-speed collision. I ended up going with a Socalmotolight HID for my headlight and the Phase 6 Truck-lites for my spots and it seems I have better visibility to oncoming traffic. The HID is definitely bright! I think a light triangle using Motolights or Harley driving lights on the crash bars bring a lot to your visibility.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 23,003
Likes: 11,441
It was my wife that first moved me to LED's. As we rode she would ask me what are those lights on bikes coming at us. On one trip she stated we need those. So I bought a new bike.
I still ride my 1996 FB it has the factory sealed beams still on it. One of the ditch lights went out and they laugh when I ask for one. Would need to be ordered. The dealer knows me and that I did not ride the FB much at night. He said a LED upgrade would not be worth the cost. This was a few years back. He offer me a upgrade kit to halogens that did not effect the appearance of the bike and kept stock housing. It cost me $160 to do the ditch lights and head light. I rode it that night I had not realized how poor the old sealed beams really were.
I have had daymakers on my touring bikes for some time now and they are well worth it. Just did the front turn signals on my 2017.
100_2103 by bob smith, on Flickr
LED's front and rear now.
I still ride my 1996 FB it has the factory sealed beams still on it. One of the ditch lights went out and they laugh when I ask for one. Would need to be ordered. The dealer knows me and that I did not ride the FB much at night. He said a LED upgrade would not be worth the cost. This was a few years back. He offer me a upgrade kit to halogens that did not effect the appearance of the bike and kept stock housing. It cost me $160 to do the ditch lights and head light. I rode it that night I had not realized how poor the old sealed beams really were.
I have had daymakers on my touring bikes for some time now and they are well worth it. Just did the front turn signals on my 2017.
100_2103 by bob smith, on FlickrLED's front and rear now.