Topic: Recommend an LED headlight for a CB500K1?

[roach374]

Stock headlight burnt out, and I'm looking at replacing it with an LED drop-in replacement sealed unit. I bought this one off Amazon, but it flat out doesn't light up at all, no matter how I wire it.

Anyone got an LED headlight that they've used themselves and recommend, that will fit in the stock bucket / ring from my '72 CB500? Cleary Amazon reviews are not reliable here, but I trust this community to call bullsh*t when they see it.

EDIT: As DeltaRider quite rightly pointed out below, there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. I am not looking to blind anyone, so DOT-approved is definitely a requirement.

[steeldoncb550]

Stock headlight burnt out, and I'm looking at replacing it with an LED drop-in replacement sealed unit. I bought this one off Amazon, but it flat out doesn't light up at all, no matter how I wire it.

Anyone got an LED headlight that they've used themselves and recommend, that will fit in the stock bucket / ring from my '72 CB500? Cleary Amazon reviews are not reliable here, but I trust this community to call bullsh*t when they see it.

One of the more popular lights is the truck lite 27270C. I have it and it looks great but isn’t the best out there for night driving. It’s also pnp.

[DaveBarbier]

I also have the TruckLite and like it a lot. Not sure what you mean by not the best out there for night driving. I’m sure it’s not the best light in existence but I find it excellent for night driving. Overall great light. My only issue is that it sticks out of the headlight bucket about 1/2” or so. It fits perfectly, but the design of it makes it protrude. Just an aesthetic complaint.

Definitely get some light that’s DOT compliant. The beam pattern is better for the rider and safer for on coming traffic. Last thing I want to do is blind the driver coming at me at 50mph.

[Deltarider]

A recent investigation jointly carried out by the German, Swiss, Austrian and Dutch AA-like organisations has found that in a relative short period of time headlights have increased much in brightness and often intensity is far too high causing problems. They do not only annoy and even blind oncoming traffic but also affect the use of rear view mirrors severely. They have investigated several systems and found even one system that produced 210.000 lux. That's about three times brighter than looking in direct sunlight. As today there is unsufficient legislation, forsaid organisations have agreed to meet manufacturers for consultation. The situation now is that people in ads read suggestive names like Trucklite, Daymaker and what have you. Ofcourse in those ads you will find impressive numbers in the thousands as advertisers know all to well well that in many markets you can present quantity as quality. A good headlight is - in the first place - a legal one. For rides at nights a H4 in a good (preferable European) reflector is all you need, for a DRL a dot like light like in the pic is good enough.

[steeldoncb550]

I also have the TruckLite and like it a lot. Not sure what you mean by not the best out there for night driving. I’m sure it’s not the best light in existence but I find it excellent for night driving.

The light is bright in sections because there’s quite a bit of scatter. I find it hard sometimes because I’m constantly focusing on the “hot spots” where the light is brighter and who doesn’t want to see more?

[roach374]

A recent investigation jointly carried out by the German, Swiss, Austrian and Dutch AA-like organisations has found that in a relative short period of time headlights have increased much in brightness and often intensity is far too high causing problems. They do not only annoy and even blind oncoming traffic but also affect the use of rear view mirrors severely. They have investigated several systems and found even one system that produced 210.000 lux. That's about three times brighter than looking in direct sunlight. As today there is unsufficient legislation, forsaid organisations have agreed to meet manufacturers for consultation. The situation now is that people in ads read suggestive names like Trucklite, Daymaker and what have you. Ofcourse in those ads you will find impressive numbers in the thousands as advertisers know all to well well that in many markets you can present quantity as quality. A good headlight is - in the first place - a legal one. For rides at nights a H4 in a good (preferable European) reflector is all you need, for a DRL a dot like light like in the pic is good enough.

Edited te main post to clarify: You're absolutely right, and I'm looking for a DOT-approved light that will illuminate without killing the eyeballs of oncoming traffic.

[PeWe]

A recent investigation jointly carried out by the German, Swiss, Austrian and Dutch AA-like organisations has found that in a relative short period of time headlights have increased much in brightness and often intensity is far too high causing problems. They do not only annoy and even blind oncoming traffic but also affect the use of rear view mirrors severely. They have investigated several systems and found even one system that produced 210.000 lux. That's about three times brighter than looking in direct sunlight. As today there is unsufficient legislation, forsaid organisations have agreed to meet manufacturers for consultation. The situation now is that people in ads read suggestive names like Trucklite, Daymaker and what have you. Ofcourse in those ads you will find impressive numbers in the thousands as advertisers know all to well well that in many markets you can present quantity as quality. A good headlight is - in the first place - a legal one. For rides at nights a H4 in a good (preferable European) reflector is all you need, for a DRL a dot like light like in the pic is good enough.

Fully agree with you!
Modern cars have way too bright lights. Its really sad that these lights are allowed to use.

I often think about a system that can wipe out the headlights on those blindings cars. Most of all cars made today.
At the same time, these cars can have no rear light lit despite dark outside.
-  It would be fine with an EMP device to stop them. 

My bike has a very bright LED headlight, but it is adjusted to not blind others.

[andy750]

My bike has a very bright LED headlight, but it is adjusted to not blind others.

What did you buy PeWe and do you have a pic of it mounted? Was it an easy install?

Thanks
Andy

[PeWe]

Only a LED H4 bulb from China. It take 30W.
Bike had std H4 from the beginning.

[DaveBarbier]

I also have the TruckLite and like it a lot. Not sure what you mean by not the best out there for night driving. I’m sure it’s not the best light in existence but I find it excellent for night driving.

The light is bright in sections because there’s quite a bit of scatter. I find it hard sometimes because I’m constantly focusing on the “hot spots” where the light is brighter and who doesn’t want to see more?

Ah ok, yeah there’s definitely a strong distinct pattern so I see what you’re saying. Doesn’t bother me though.

[XC204]

I bought this one on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MS8NK62/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1  it has built in turn signals and a halo but if halo is on the turn signals just go on solid even though the signal in is flashing I had to build a circuit to cut out ball halo when the turns were on. Haven't had it on the road yet so don't know how it will work out for lighting.

[78cbfun]

Here you go.  This is my install and light output thread
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,179804.msg2085209.html#msg2085209