LED Hi-Beams

[Hornblower]

I have a question. The LED bulbs are only rated at 800 lumens of light output each, whereas, the standard H7 bulb has a rated output of 1350 lumens + or - 10%. Therefore, it would seem to me that the projected light output would be better with the standard H7 bulb than with the LED bulb replacement. While LED's are very bright when you look at them, they don't put out as much actual light.

A legitimate question, for sure. Color temp plays into this as well and the color was my first reason for going LED. Of course, you can't just keep going up the color scale and get more light down the road. From what I've read, once you start getting into the blue tint (over 6000K), the light projected down the road diminishes. The real test is taking the bike out at night and see how it does. Frankly, with my low-beam HID's and 960's, I'm not too sure I will ever need my hi-beams but we'll see about that soon enough.

[Hornblower]

OK, Giddyup, you asked for it, you got it!



The front lights in all their glory What you're seeing here are the low-beam HID's and hi-beam LED's from SoCalMotoGear and the 960 cowl lights from BikeMP3. Not a bad color match if I do say so myself.

[F6B-RICH]

Hornblower what k number are the HID'S on the low beam?

[MichaelG]

Hornblower what k number are the HID'S on the low beam?

The answer is....6000 kelvin.

[Rocky]

HID Bulbs scatter the light up to the trees.

HID Projectors focus the light on the road.

Attachment 2343


3.0 lens HID Projectors on my 2004 Wing.
Attachment 2344


I tried to make a more informative post, but this board won't let me add the pictures that would show the different types of set up's I have tried to save you from doing what I did to learn.

[MichaelG]

HID Bulbs scatter the light up to the trees.

HID Projectors focus the light on the road.

Rocky, from my own personal experience, I will NOT run Projector lights as the main source of light, or...even as an auxiliiary light that I want to use to "light up further down the road". I have no doubt that my experiences will differ from yours, but...when traveling at more than a ton, in the Nevada deserts, which is Open Range country, I want all my lights to light up as close to a 180 degree arch in front of me, rather than straight down the road. My experience with Projector lights is that the light gets TOO diffused, and does not go as FAR, or as WIDE as I need it to.

Now, if I was traveling around on a White Pimp-mobile, then I really have no need to see more than a mile down the road, as all my girls would be working the street corners in my immediate neighborhood.

[Rocky]

Rocky, from my own personal experience, I will NOT run Projector lights as the main source of light, or...even as an auxiliiary light that I want to use to "light up further down the road". I have no doubt that my experiences will differ from yours, but...when traveling at more than a ton, in the Nevada deserts, which is Open Range country, I want all my lights to light up as close to a 180 degree arch in front of me, rather than straight down the road. My experience with Projector lights is that the light gets TOO diffused, and does not go as FAR, or as WIDE as I need it to.

Now, if I was traveling around on a White Pimp-mobile, then I really have no need to see more than a mile down the road, as all my girls would be working the street corners in my immediate neighborhood.

I understand your point. but your point is exactly why I went this route. I couldn't see the road that far in front of me with HID bulb kit.They didn't throw the light far enough down the road.Sort of a halo effect.
Now with the projectors I can see the road further down the road than with just the HID Bulbs. They are a more focused light.

Keep in mind now, that my HID Low Beams are also High beams in the same projector. via the internal solenoid.

I guess a side by side would help see the differences between Projectors/HID Bulbs. I'm like a lot of you "A visual guy". It they don't cut the mustard,they are out of here.


Now for the OP's LED Bulbs.

Here is a thread with pictures showing the differences between Halogen/LED 85 watt bulbs to check out. http://*****************/forums/show...ighlight=bulbs

[CruiserCustomizing]

Rocky, from my own personal experience, I will NOT run Projector lights as the main source of light, or...even as an auxiliiary light that I want to use to "light up further down the road". I have no doubt that my experiences will differ from yours, but...when traveling at more than a ton, in the Nevada deserts, which is Open Range country, I want all my lights to light up as close to a 180 degree arch in front of me, rather than straight down the road. My experience with Projector lights is that the light gets TOO diffused, and does not go as FAR, or as WIDE as I need it to.

Now, if I was traveling around on a White Pimp-mobile, then I really have no need to see more than a mile down the road, as all my girls would be working the street corners in my immediate neighborhood.

I agree. HID Non- Projector lights seem to be a better solution especially at night. Being able to see in a 180 degree pattern of light and what might be lurking on the side of the road and may potentially dart into my path is more important and more immediate than seeing a narrower field of light at a greater distance.

[GiddyupF6B]

OK, Giddyup, you asked for it, you got it!



The front lights in all their glory What you're seeing here are the low-beam HID's and hi-beam LED's from SoCalMotoGear and the 960 cowl lights from BikeMP3. Not a bad color match if I do say so myself.

That looks great...thank you! Nice color match. This is definitely an option now.

[Bama Bagger]

OK, Giddyup, you asked for it, you got it!



The front lights in all their glory What you're seeing here are the low-beam HID's and hi-beam LED's from SoCalMotoGear and the 960 cowl lights from BikeMP3. Not a bad color match if I do say so myself.

Hornblower,

A month later, how are those lights working out for you? Any wiring issues as had been discussed in the thread? I do agree the color match is excellent. My only concerns are the LED cowl lights...I want the additional lights for being seen, but also want light thrown down the road filling in where the HID's don't illuminate.

Any feedback is appreciated as I am going to upgrade my lights once I upgrade the windshield and seat!