I've had some experience with E-code (i.e., European-code) headlights on previous cars and became interested in a recent forum thread about improving headlight effectiveness. I haven't been enamored by the efficiency of the new non-fluted (clear-lens) headlight manufactured by North American Lighting that was stock on my '07 SG. One or two contributors to that thread had changed to a Cibie E-code headlight (made in France) and claimed great improvement, so I began doing some research.

The only place I could find 7" Cibie E-code lights was Daniel Stern Lighting (www.danielsternlighting.com), which are $75 + shipping without H4 bulbs. I've had Hella E-code headlights (made in Germany) mounted on two cars and found them excellent, so I began looking for a 7" version, finding it at Susquehanna Motor Sports (www.rallylights.com). These are designed for cars but work equally well on MC's (yes, I checked), and the best news is that they cost <$40 including shipping (HL79562). Be aware that these also come in a "parking light" version that has a hole in the reflector. You don't want that one.

I ordered one and am very impressed with the improvement in illumination. On low-beam they provide the classic E-code pattern, which is a sharp cut-off without shifting the light to the right as is the practice for DOT headlights. The high-beam is an even bigger improvement, and subjectively I would say it gives nearly double the "seeing distance" down the road compared to the stock non-fluted HD headlights using the same bulb. It also doesn't have the distracting "fingers" extending to the side that I hated on the stock lights. I'm using 80/100w Hella H4 bulbs and have been for 12 years on various bikes with no wiring issues, and that also helps with putting more light on the road. I was using these bulbs on the old non-fluted HD headlights, too.

The downside is that E-code lights are not exactly illegal for use in the U.S., although it is doubtful if any cop will look at your headlight for a DOT designation. I never had any trouble in the years I ran E-codes on my cars. Aim them right and there will be no complaints about blinding on-coming traffic. Another downside is that they aren't as bling-worthy as the non-fluted HD lamps. IOW, they don't have that custom look, and have the mundane appearance of any other fluted headlight. You will not get the Best Headlight trophy in a bike show, but they do work and work very well indeed. If you want more light down the road, consider this inexpensive upgrade. I'm guessing I can sell my non-fluted HD headlight on Ebay for more than I paid for the Hella.