Author Topic: Anyone running an LED Headlight? (Read 10140 times)

KPD · « **on:** January 25, 2014, 07:14:18 PM »

Hey everyone...

First of all - thank you - this site rules.

Currently working on a non-running 78 cb550 last on the road 32 yrs ago - i picked it up in Nov. Going through all the parts, and have the idea to run dual mini headlights. I found these: http://www.ebay.com/itm/DOMINATOR-HEADLIGHT-TWIN-DUAL-STREETFIGHTER-MOTORCYCLE-/191045104222?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2c7b2cf25e&vxp=mtr

The side mounts are 8.5" apart which is probably about the same width as my forks, so it may be tight, but I think it will work, possibly with a little massaging of some fork mounts. Need to measure it when I get home to get a better idea. I uploaded a photo of #$%*ty mockups i made today trying to decide what size i was going to do. I've always envisioned dual mini headlights for it, but wanted to mock up some more standard looks too. (please note i will have all black everything but keeping tank original, and black renthal superbike bars, dual sport tires, etc).

I already ordered new LED turn signals as well, electronic flasher, and got the black mini speedo from dcc that has LED's in it. SO it's looking good to have the whole lighting system drawing pretty low wattage on the ole cb. However, this dual headlight idea i have could get me into trouble unless i find some LED bulbs, or at least something that has a low-ish draw. I think something like this would work?? http://www.ebay.com/itm/2x-H4-120-LED-3528-SMD-White-High-Low-Beam-Fog-Light-Headlight-Lamp-Bulb-US-ship-/131090629067?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item1e859c41cb&vxp=mtr

There is also the option to get lower wattage H4 bulbs (35W) from DCC, or elsewhere. This way, with two headlights, I'll be slightly above what ONE normal H4 headlight would draw (55/60W ish.)

I'm kind of interested in trying the full LED system including the headlight, just wondering if anyone here has any experience using them as headlights.

Thanks!

Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er · « **Reply #1 on:** January 25, 2014, 07:29:08 PM »

Very interesting but I didn't go through all 8,509 pages of feedback to see if there was any feedback.

KPD · « **Reply #2 on:** January 25, 2014, 07:35:32 PM »

Thank you

KPD · « **Reply #3 on:** January 25, 2014, 07:57:59 PM »

I'm new to the site - so I apologize. I used the google search bar - rather then the for search top right and found some good info on LED's and people's experiences - but any thoughts on the mockups i posted? who's running dual headlights?

Stilltime · « **Reply #4 on:** January 25, 2014, 08:43:50 PM »

I'm not using those same lights, but I have the Truck-Lite LED headlight on my '78 CB550. Compared to stock the output is way, way better, but not what I would consider great. Hi and Low work, it's plug and play. Possibly selling it soon as I'm going to switch to an HID projector and fairing setup this winter.

I did a fair amount of looking around at different setups and the first lights you linked have pretty terrible reviews regarding output, through and durability. The Dominator 2.0 had some better reviews and they use halogen projectors instead of standard scatter. Check those out as well!

Good luck!

KPD · « **Reply #5 on:** January 25, 2014, 09:01:30 PM »

Thanks!! huge help - i'm looking into more dominators now.

nice bike btw! I'm doing a lot of black on mine as well. looks great.

b5rider · « **Reply #6 on:** January 25, 2014, 09:21:48 PM »

+1 on the Truck-lite LED
a bit of a pain to mount, but the output is light years ahead (no pun intended, maybe)
It will not sit flush with the bezel by about an inch or so.
Also, our crappy charging system will thank you for it

KPD · « **Reply #7 on:** January 25, 2014, 09:45:45 PM »

Quote from: Stilltime on January 25, 2014, 08:43:50 PM

I'm not using those same lights, but I have the Truck-Lite LED headlight on my '78 CB550. Compared to stock the output is way, way better, but not what I would consider great. Hi and Low work, it's plug and play. Possibly selling it soon as I'm going to switch to an HID projector and fairing setup this winter.

I did a fair amount of looking around at different setups and the first lights you linked have pretty terrible reviews regarding output, through and durability. The Dominator 2.0 had some better reviews and they use halogen projectors instead of standard scatter. Check those out as well!

Good luck!

Where did you find the reviews of the Dominator? - I wish the Dominator 2 didn't look so futuristic and plastic-ey. I like the look of the Dominator. what were the main complaints on it? were they falling apart after a short time? I feel like if I got those and put 35W H4's in them i'd be ok with the charging system. Or one step further would be to get some LED bulbs.

The Truck Lite stuff looks like it's great quality, and I know a lot of people love it - I just don't love it cosmetically for what I'm going for. definitely want to try the dual headlight look if possible.

Don R · « **Reply #8 on:** January 26, 2014, 02:42:59 AM »

Looks like you're the pioneer on this one!

Stilltime · « **Reply #9 on:** January 26, 2014, 07:49:39 AM »

I just googled Dominator or twin motorcycle headlights. A few forums mentioned them, an SV forum and the Custom Fighters forum I can remember offhand. Main complaints were focused on bad output and light pattern, worse than "stock" is what I heard a lot - take with a grain of salt though because their stock headlights are likely much better than an original sealed beam.

Thanks for the comments! Bikes making some transformations over this winter, hoping to have everything wrapped up by the end of February.

Chris C.

LesterPiglet · « **Reply #10 on:** January 26, 2014, 08:30:01 AM »

Use the search just above the google search, It works great.

Black 750K8 · « **Reply #11 on:** January 26, 2014, 11:34:26 AM »

Quote from: KPD on January 25, 2014, 09:45:45 PM

Quote from: Stilltime on January 25, 2014, 08:43:50 PM
I'm not using those same lights, but I have the Truck-Lite LED headlight on my '78 CB550. Compared to stock the output is way, way better, but not what I would consider great. Hi and Low work, it's plug and play. Possibly selling it soon as I'm going to switch to an HID projector and fairing setup this winter.

I did a fair amount of looking around at different setups and the first lights you linked have pretty terrible reviews regarding output, through and durability. The Dominator 2.0 had some better reviews and they use halogen projectors instead of standard scatter. Check those out as well!

Good luck!

Where did you find the reviews of the Dominator? - I wish the Dominator 2 didn't look so futuristic and plastic-ey. I like the look of the Dominator. what were the main complaints on it? were they falling apart after a short time? I feel like if I got those and put 35W H4's in them i'd be ok with the charging system. Or one step further would be to get some LED bulbs.

The Truck Lite stuff looks like it's great quality, and I know a lot of people love it - I just don't love it cosmetically for what I'm going for. definitely want to try the dual headlight look if possible.

@KPD I would like to give this a try is this what I need and did you need that adapter ring?

http://www.truck-lite.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10001&storeId=10001&productId=92025&langId=-1

Stilltime · « **Reply #12 on:** January 26, 2014, 12:15:05 PM »

The Truck-Lite is a direct swap, fits in factory bucket (sticks out about 1") and plugs into stock harness.

Black 750K8 · « **Reply #13 on:** January 26, 2014, 02:57:37 PM »

Quote from: Stilltime on January 26, 2014, 12:15:05 PM

The Truck-Lite is a direct swap, fits in factory bucket (sticks out about 1") and plugs into stock harness.

Thanks Still
I have some extra buckets. I wonder if I could modify one to sit the light back flush? How much room is there to play with on the back side. Same as stock? Or is this one deeper? Will let you know when I get the light in. So you don't think I need that adapter?
Thanks

b5rider · « **Reply #14 on:** January 26, 2014, 03:48:39 PM »

the adapter is for thew connections for different bulbs. You don't need to buy the adapter

alacrity · « **Reply #15 on:** January 26, 2014, 04:15:55 PM »

I wonder if someone else makes a good LED headlight that is shallow like a sealed beam...

Stilltime · « **Reply #16 on:** January 26, 2014, 07:59:22 PM »

The depth that protrudes into the bucket is about the same. I was still able to stuff the wiring harness behind the headlight.

Black 750K8 · « **Reply #17 on:** January 26, 2014, 09:25:55 PM »

Quote from: Stilltime on January 26, 2014, 07:59:22 PM

The depth that protrudes into the bucket is about the same. I was still able to stuff the wiring harness behind the headlight.

Thanks Still you too b5rider

alacrity · « **Reply #18 on:** January 27, 2014, 12:32:26 AM »

Then Stilltime I am confused... It LOOKS like the thing protrudes and you can't use the standard trim pieces to hold it together.

Stilltime · « **Reply #19 on:** January 27, 2014, 08:03:57 AM »

The headlight fits in the bucket with the stock trim piece. It protrudes into the bucket nearly the same as the sealed beam. The front of the headlight sticks out about 3/4", but it doesn't have any effect on mounting it. I'll try to take some pictures this evening, hope that clears it up.

OP, sorry I took this off topic!

b5rider · « **Reply #20 on:** January 27, 2014, 08:43:58 AM »

Welcome. I'll get some pics up tonight

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

alacrity · « **Reply #21 on:** January 27, 2014, 10:02:26 AM »

Thanks. Still.
Pix would be good to help de-confuse me. You say it not "fits" and it "sticks out" and I guess I am having trouble picturing how both are possible

b5rider · « **Reply #22 on:** January 27, 2014, 10:12:20 PM »

Quote from: alacrity on January 27, 2014, 10:02:26 AM

Thanks. Still.
Pix would be good to help de-confuse me. You say it not "fits" and it "sticks out" and I guess I am having trouble picturing how both are possible

here you go. By fit, it is securely attached in the housing.you just need to get slightly longer screws to make up for the difference in the thickness of the headlight.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

750K · « **Reply #23 on:** January 28, 2014, 01:07:32 AM »

Do you have any pics of it lit up?

Tugboat · « **Reply #24 on:** January 28, 2014, 10:07:33 AM »

Anybody know if these fit 750's as well? Can't remember if 500/550 & 750 are the same size....

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Author Topic: Anyone running an LED Headlight? (Read 10140 times)

Black 750K8

Black 750K8

Black 750K8