Just Installed HD LED Headlamp and Driving Lights
#11
Curious....
Just finished installing HD's LED headlamps and Driving Lights on my 2010 Ultra.. Dealer said Headlamp was just 'Plug and Play" well not really.. You have to REPLACE the stock mounting bracket with the bracket supplied with the the new lamp... The retaining ring gets re-installed. but HD forgot to tap one of the holes so I could not secure the lamp until I tapped it..(guess they never checked). Frustrating but worked out OK... Now that is dark out.. Bike looks like a Freight Train coming down the road, cant wait for the Air horn, so it sounds like one too.... pics to follow soon..
I know somewhere on this forum some members did a huge write up with photos etc. I can't seem to find it now.
The fence I am on, is one of them is great for night riding and the other is better to be seen during the day. I do not remember which was which.
But I am interested in your opinion and what you factored in for your decision to go with the HD version.
TIA
BTW - those things looks BRIGHT!!
#12
Not to burst anyones bubble. But, if cagers don't see us in the daylight, it does not matter what headlight you have. People are so into their own life, that they seemingly do not care about others. IMHO the real reason for the LED, is that YOU can see better at night, thus attempt to avoid any situations that become you. I think that you must still drive on the defense, and the better that you can see, the better off you'll be.
#13
I too did the LED upgrade recently. My problem was the new mounting ring holes that you use to screw it to the bat wing, I had to open them up some because the screws wouldn't fit, they needed to be wider apart. The hole pattern was too small in diameter. But after that it was a no brainer. And Gawd how I love it. Question, does anyone ever use the high beam? I don't see much difference.
#14
#15
+1 expilot, I never thought of it that way but you are right, don't think a light in the daytime is going to make much of a difference other than giving a false sense of security, hell you could put a siren on a bike and still get hit if let your guard down. I will upgrade to the LEDs I keep seeing Japanese bikes riding to work in the morning with LED lights and they have a way different and better light color. Can you use the running lights in the harley custom auxilliary lamp setup?
#16
All Depends...
Not to burst anyones bubble. But, if cagers don't see us in the daylight, it does not matter what headlight you have. People are so into their own life, that they seemingly do not care about others. IMHO the real reason for the LED, is that YOU can see better at night, thus attempt to avoid any situations that become you. I think that you must still drive on the defense, and the better that you can see, the better off you'll be.
And to keep those bubbles inflated - studies have shown that having your lights on during the day, especially with a motorcycle, does increase your chances of being seen and not being hit. So no matter what, regardless of the vehicle of choice is - for those actually looking out their windshields and not busy reading a text message there is huge increase that they will see you!
#17
Not to burst anyones bubble. But, if cagers don't see us in the daylight, it does not matter what headlight you have. People are so into their own life, that they seemingly do not care about others. IMHO the real reason for the LED, is that YOU can see better at night, thus attempt to avoid any situations that become you. I think that you must still drive on the defense, and the better that you can see, the better off you'll be.
I stay ahead and away from everyone as much as possible but today people are more distracted than ever in the cars. Loud pipes and bright lights can't hurt but best defense is staying alert, focused,and keep a good distance.
#18
100% Agree
Your best defense is your best defense while riding. When I ride, I drive like no one ever sees me, and they are all out to kill me.
#19
I did the upgrade a couple of weeks ago and yes it is worth the money.
As far as worrying about being seen in the daytime better, my wife and I moved to Texas 10 years ago and in those 10 years we have been run into 9 times between us in our cars, trucks or SUVs. What ever we have owned at the time.
..........and my daughter way side swiped by an 18 wheeler, that was trying to avoid some cager making an emergency stop at a county line liquor store.
It's just the people these days, plain and simple. It has nothing to do with motorcyles.
As far as worrying about being seen in the daytime better, my wife and I moved to Texas 10 years ago and in those 10 years we have been run into 9 times between us in our cars, trucks or SUVs. What ever we have owned at the time.
..........and my daughter way side swiped by an 18 wheeler, that was trying to avoid some cager making an emergency stop at a county line liquor store.
It's just the people these days, plain and simple. It has nothing to do with motorcyles.
#20