Lightbulb replacement
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Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 50
Likes: 11
From: Nc
Lightbulb replacement
Hey, I have a 2001 road king classic and want to change headlight and running light bulbs, what’s the best option besides going to daymaker headlight? I like the classic look I have now but may go to the daymaker if no good bulb options, thanks for any input
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 10,864
Likes: 7,499
From: OH
You can fit a higher output halogen bulb , but they are hot and tend to cook the pigtail.
There are many LED options available from $60 ( Sunpie) to $700 ( daymaker adaptive )
Pick your price point
There are many LED options available from $60 ( Sunpie) to $700 ( daymaker adaptive )
Pick your price point
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,459
Likes: 2,900
From: Oklahoma
I tried several LED H4 replacements, all were decent but not ideal. I always used the dust boot and suspect that caused overheating of internal circuits leading to partial failure. Many people in here like the Sun Pie from Amazon, several hate them, as best I can tell, from a "BUY American" standpoint. I suspect many of the American names are actually sourced elsewhere. I have the Eagle Light Phase III headlight and passing lights. The passing lights are excellent, the headlight has an excellent low beam but the high beam seems a bit weak to me. It is better than the factory halogen, but does not seem to be as strong as the low beam but it is aimed very well. They can be purchased as a package (2 passing lights and the headlight) at some saving from separate purchase. Any new light will need to be properly aimed for maximum performance for you and to minimize blinding oncoming drivers.
If you have the standard flat lens front turn signals, they must be separated from the upper lights to reach a 9/16 (if I remember correctly) nut with a wire through the center. It requires a socket wrench with a cut to allow the wire to pass through the cut, while engaging the nut. Don't turn the nut more than half to 3/4 of a turn before removing the socket wrench, unwinding the wire, and reengaging the wrench for another turn. Failure to do that will break or cut the wire. Snap On makes a beautiful open socket wrench but it costs $50 or more by now. I made my wrench by buying a thick walled, deep well socket and made a slot in the side with a thin cutting wheel.
If your machine has the sealed beam bulbs, then the sealed beam LEDs will be the most cost effective replacements. My machine had the lights with replaceable bulbs, and I never found an LED passing light bulb that made a good beam pattern. Bright-yes, good beam-no.
If you have the standard flat lens front turn signals, they must be separated from the upper lights to reach a 9/16 (if I remember correctly) nut with a wire through the center. It requires a socket wrench with a cut to allow the wire to pass through the cut, while engaging the nut. Don't turn the nut more than half to 3/4 of a turn before removing the socket wrench, unwinding the wire, and reengaging the wrench for another turn. Failure to do that will break or cut the wire. Snap On makes a beautiful open socket wrench but it costs $50 or more by now. I made my wrench by buying a thick walled, deep well socket and made a slot in the side with a thin cutting wheel.
If your machine has the sealed beam bulbs, then the sealed beam LEDs will be the most cost effective replacements. My machine had the lights with replaceable bulbs, and I never found an LED passing light bulb that made a good beam pattern. Bright-yes, good beam-no.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 8,027
Likes: 6,916
From: NC
I am now running the Custom Dynamics Adaptive II headlight and LED spots. Hardly run the spot any more. I am going to adjust the alignments on the headlight and the spots.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,773
Likes: 1,803
From: Newnan, GA
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Road Master
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 878
Likes: 2,185
From: Wisconsin
Same here, Sunpie was junk and Hogworkz much better.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,459
Likes: 2,900
From: Oklahoma
Headlight Revolution has several good youtube videos testing various LED lheadlights. HR is mid range to high range in selling price but the videos are very educational for those willing to invest about 15 minutes to learn what to look for in after market headlights and passing lights. Those who are curious can check this one for starters.
https://duckduckgo.com/?t=ffab&q=led...%3DXNZT6QqHHOo
https://duckduckgo.com/?t=ffab&q=led...%3DXNZT6QqHHOo
