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I had an 05 Ultra….upgraded the bulbs to LED from Fuel Moto…not sure if they still sell them. Much better.
I don’t ride often at night…but I do get caught in the rain from time to time.
I was out a little later than normal the other night…and it was dark coming home. I forgot just how good the factory daymakers are in wooded areas with no street lights.
To me…it’s not about look it’s about safety. I don’t think anyone can deny brighter is better by all accounts for safety.
Is looking better or seeing better more important?
My road king had smoked LEDs in it when I got it. I think the LED lights are ugly, but the smoked (while still giving up that classic look) hides some of it. My girlfriend hates them and wants me to swap them out for stock ones, but it's dark when I ride to work in the morning and being able to actually see has me pretty well sold on keeping these. I hit a deer with my truck on my way to work not that long ago and it has me pretty paranoid on the bike. The deer was dead before it even knew what happened, but had it been my bike it could have gone a whole different way. For that reason alone I think the LEDs are worth it.
Your girlfriend wants you to change them? Ummm... " I don't tell you how to style your hair", sooo ....you know the rest.
Thanks everyone! Really appreciate all the replies; the photos/comments help a lot. I do ride at night in a few densely wooded areas. I need to do a bit more thinking and research, but I'll probably go for just bulbs at first, and take it from there. Thanks again and safe travels, all.
OP, here's my 2 cents.....
I like LED lights and the LED technology, but I happen to one of those who believe in getting the proper lights, with the proper adjustments....... you'll get maximum benefit from the technology, and maximum safety.. and yes, I also get lights that will meet DOT specifications...
Most who just put LED bulbs in a reflector that was not designed for LED bulbs, get more light, but it is not properly focused... the result is just spraying bright light all over the roadway. Good for the rider, not so good for oncoming traffic and vehicles you are following. That's why there are DOT requirements on manufacturers for lighting.
Many will make statements such as, "Well as long as I can see.. that's what's important", or "My safety depends on those other people seeing me." etc , etc , etc
IMHO.... improper light patterns from bulb/reflector combos not designed for each other, shining bright light all over the roadway, can be as dangerous, and sometimes more dangerous, then OEM lighting...
I just wanted to share an opinion that is often not mentioned or considered in forum discussions about "better" lighting....
LED's make a huge difference. I replaced the bulbs in my Road King standard with bulbs from Paradise Lights. If you have questions prior to buying the owner is very reachable and easy to talk to.
Ive changed headlights on 2 of my bikes with upgrades from Paradise Lights. Been very satisfied with both and recommended you check out the website and call Ed if you have any questions.
Great customer service coupled with quality products at a pretty fair price is always worth a look. Good luck with your decision
Love the look of my stock headlights. Do not see rocking the "snake-eyes' of fancy LEDs in my future. Want maximum visibility though. Can I simply replace the stock bulbs with LEDs and make a major improvement...? Thank you.
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