HD LED v/s Kuryakyn LED
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 492
Likes: 0
From: Castle Rock, CO
I had read Bogiediver's review of the HD and T/L LEDs and found it very informative. But the clincher for me was seeing - or more accurately, "not seeing" - the HD LED headlight and spot lights mounted on an Ultra at the dealership. In the parking lot, at mid-day, I couldn't tell the HD lights were even turned on unless I was directly in front of the bike and crouched down a bit to be "in the beam". Absolutely useless if your objective is to be seen.
I rode 22,000 miles in the last 6 weeks (no, not a typo) and a lot of that driving was before and after daylight hours, and the Truck Lite LEDs are some of the best money I've spent.
I rode 22,000 miles in the last 6 weeks (no, not a typo) and a lot of that driving was before and after daylight hours, and the Truck Lite LEDs are some of the best money I've spent.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,234
Likes: 462
From: Arizona
The H-D lights are the Model 8700 from the J.W. Speaker Corporation. They were not designed specifically for H-D.
http://www.jwspeaker.com/products/he...product=100159
This is simply not true. Identical lights are used in all 2-light applications. They're not marked 'left' or 'right'
http://www.jwspeaker.com/products/he...product=100159
This is simply not true. Identical lights are used in all 2-light applications. They're not marked 'left' or 'right'
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 174
Likes: 0
From: huntsville
I have the HD headlight and Kuryakyan LED passing lights. I will tell you straight up. This combination is the best of both worlds. The HD headlight is not bright at all in the daytime. That is why I use the kuryakyan LED passing lights that are very very bright. Almost twice as bright as the headlight alone. And to me they are even 10 times brighter than stock. The HD headlight alone is not all that great. Even when I use the high beams. All it does is re-direct the beam from the bottom of the LED light to reflect higher and offer a differnt pattern. Not much brighter in daytime. Night time. They are damm good lights..... I do feel very safe with the LED passing lights from Kuryakyan. They help improve daylight safety. If you don't have a bike with passing lights. Don't buy the HD headlight....Just my opinion of course.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: Florida
Go with Harley's LED over Kuryakyn LED
I made the expensive mistake of buying the less expensive Kuryakyn LED headlight first and then later forked over the long cash for the Harley LED. After riding with both, while the Kuryakyn LED it is much better than stock, it is nowhere near as good as the HD LED. At night the light diffused too much and did not illuminate near as far as the Harley HD. At night I can see much better and feel much safer with the HD LED. The guys I ride with also say that the HD LED is much brighter (day and night) than the Kuryakyn when I'm riding behind them. If you really want to be seen From the front during daylight hours, it's best to install a set of lights low on the forks or brake calipers. Studies show that the triangular pattern of the lights catches peoples attention because it is different from all other vehicles. Check out Motolights or those made PIAA.
I know the Harley LED's are expensive but, in my opinion, look much better on the bike and illuminate much more of the road at night with no "splotchiness" if you know what I mean. To help with the cost, you can purchase the Harley LED online from Lake Shore Harley Davidson at 20% discount, no sales tax, and free shipping.
I know the Harley LED's are expensive but, in my opinion, look much better on the bike and illuminate much more of the road at night with no "splotchiness" if you know what I mean. To help with the cost, you can purchase the Harley LED online from Lake Shore Harley Davidson at 20% discount, no sales tax, and free shipping.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: Florida
High beam on during day
Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe turning on your hi beam cancels your running lights unless you've modified them. As a result, you are much more visible with the low beam plus running lights and a lot more visible with the above plus caliper lights. I'm a firm believer in there's never too much light. Too many lights on the front, however, can be a problem with local law enforcement because you can be mistaken for an emergency vehicle.
Last edited by Samzilla; Aug 3, 2011 at 01:50 AM.
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Road Master
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 803
Likes: 1
From: Port St. Lucie FL
One thing I considered was going with the HD headlight and leaving my spots stock. That way the spots would be visible during the day and I would have the HD LED headlight at night. Just not sure how much the LED spots add to the nighttime visibility.
Last edited by VTGlideRider; Aug 3, 2011 at 06:05 AM.