are Adaptive headlights really worth it?
Thread Starter
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 8,001
Likes: 6,903
From: NC
are Adaptive headlights really worth it?
I've looked at a few user produced videos comparing adaptive and Daymaker headlights and I'm not that impressed.
I was leaning towards the Custom Dynamics version. But I think I can play with the spot light adjustment and look ght up corners better.
Who has bought the adaptive and still think it's all really good?
I was leaning towards the Custom Dynamics version. But I think I can play with the spot light adjustment and look ght up corners better.
Who has bought the adaptive and still think it's all really good?
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,999
Likes: 916
From: Madisonville, La
I have considered adaptive for my bikes but never pull the $$ trigger. Now I have them as part of the special package on my Pan Am. They do light up into corners/curves a lot. Depending on how much night riding and under what conditions, night in the country with lot of curves and twist, definitely worth it. Even in a suburban area for inconsistent or few street light yes for that environment too.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,296
Likes: 1,229
From: Depends on where I am
I have the JW Speaker adaptive headlight. I upgraded from the regular JW Speaker LED last year. I ride a fair amount in the dark, and the sharp cutoff line in corners was the one thing I didnt like about the regular LED headlight. If you rarely or never ride at night then the adaptive light would be pointless.
The adaptive feature is great and does exactly what it says it does. The videos I have seen really dont do it justice. On the first ride after I installed it I was just amazed at how much better the corners were lit on the inside. Now that I have one, it would be hard to have a bike without.
Full disclosure: I didnt pay full price for mine - Parts Giant had an open box one for sale for $349 and I couldnt pass on that deal.
The adaptive feature is great and does exactly what it says it does. The videos I have seen really dont do it justice. On the first ride after I installed it I was just amazed at how much better the corners were lit on the inside. Now that I have one, it would be hard to have a bike without.
Full disclosure: I didnt pay full price for mine - Parts Giant had an open box one for sale for $349 and I couldnt pass on that deal.
Thread Starter
|
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 8,001
Likes: 6,903
From: NC
I have the JW Speaker adaptive headlight. I upgraded from the regular JW Speaker LED last year. I ride a fair amount in the dark, and the sharp cutoff line in corners was the one thing I didnt like about the regular LED headlight. If you rarely or never ride at night then the adaptive light would be pointless.
The adaptive feature is great and does exactly what it says it does. The videos I have seen really dont do it justice. On the first ride after I installed it I was just amazed at how much better the corners were lit on the inside. Now that I have one, it would be hard to have a bike without.
Full disclosure: I didnt pay full price for mine - Parts Giant had an open box one for sale for $349 and I couldnt pass on that deal.
The adaptive feature is great and does exactly what it says it does. The videos I have seen really dont do it justice. On the first ride after I installed it I was just amazed at how much better the corners were lit on the inside. Now that I have one, it would be hard to have a bike without.
Full disclosure: I didnt pay full price for mine - Parts Giant had an open box one for sale for $349 and I couldnt pass on that deal.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,189
Likes: 2,419
From: USA
All that can be achieved with a well designed lens that actually distributes the light usefully. Most, do not.
Bern a while since I visited Chesapeake Harley, but they had a display of lights you could shine across the shop onto a darkened wall. Was interesting to compare the patterns and effectiveness of the illumination of the many types of headlights and lighting systems.
Bern a while since I visited Chesapeake Harley, but they had a display of lights you could shine across the shop onto a darkened wall. Was interesting to compare the patterns and effectiveness of the illumination of the many types of headlights and lighting systems.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 866
Likes: 248
From: N.Y.C
I have one installed on my softail and would say it definitely makes a difference in dark turning situations. If don't do a lot of night riding on unlit roads it may not be necessary. I would say it must be effective since HD chose to add it to their catalog.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,296
Likes: 1,229
From: Depends on where I am
All that can be achieved with a well designed lens that actually distributes the light usefully. Most, do not.
Bern a while since I visited Chesapeake Harley, but they had a display of lights you could shine across the shop onto a darkened wall. Was interesting to compare the patterns and effectiveness of the illumination of the many types of headlights and lighting systems.
Bern a while since I visited Chesapeake Harley, but they had a display of lights you could shine across the shop onto a darkened wall. Was interesting to compare the patterns and effectiveness of the illumination of the many types of headlights and lighting systems.
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Road Master
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 933
Likes: 677
From: Ohio
I love my JW Speaker one, not only for the adaptive feature but it really is brighter down the road.
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HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
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From: USA
Neither do I. But I have had incandescent lamps that did. Honda 33120-MF5-751 for example. Threw a fantastic light pattern, well down to the left and right with an excellent horizontal cutoff on low beam.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
but, is it just a placebo? i mean, sure, it may light up the inside of the corner that you're making, but does it throw the light out far enough ahead so that you actually have some reaction time?