Author Topic: Halogen vs led headlight (Read 23174 times)

KurtK · « **on:** September 21, 2011, 04:16:59 PM »

My 500k2 has just been converted to a 35/35W halogen headlight.
It works fine. I was wondering if anyone has any experience with a H4 led headlight bulb that may or should but out more light on 5 watts?

65Ch3v3LL3 · « **Reply #1 on:** September 22, 2011, 02:42:32 AM »

I run the Truck-Lite 7" LED light on my Harley. Way more light output that the stock lighting and a much better quality light. Added benefit is the current draw is extremely low. There is a YouTube demonstration of it where they fully power the light on 8 AA batteries. I think the only negative would simply be the looks on the vintage bikes. It really doesn't go with the styling but the low current draw would certainly help the older weak charging systems.

raymond10078 · « **Reply #2 on:** September 22, 2011, 05:43:46 AM »

The Truck-Lite 7" LED light has the following ratings:

2.5 amperes on low beam (32 watts) - ONLY 3 watts less (than the 35 watts quoted in the initial post).

4.5 amperes on high beam (57.6 watts) - 22.6 watts MORE (than the 35 watts quoted in the initial post)!

Not the huge "power saving" headlight that you may think, and in fact is worse (on high beam) . . . just a heads up.

My source of info: http://www.truck-lite.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10001&storeId=10001&productId=64057&langId=-1

KurtK · « **Reply #3 on:** September 22, 2011, 06:20:42 AM »

I appreciate the info.

This reminds me of the movie Apollo 13 where the substitute astronaut was in the simulator running tests to try to save a few watts to get the men back to earth.

65Ch3v3LL3 · « **Reply #4 on:** September 22, 2011, 06:38:08 AM »

Quote from: kandrtech on September 22, 2011, 05:43:46 AM

The Truck-Lite 7" LED light has the following ratings:

2.5 amperes on low beam (32 watts)

4.5 amperes on high beam (57.6 watts).

Not the huge "power saving" headlight that you may think . . . just a heads up.

My source of info: http://www.truck-lite.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10001&storeId=10001&productId=64057&langId=-1

It is a considerable amperage savings when the average halogen bulb consumes 5 amps on low beam and up to 10 on high depending on the wattage of bulb. The LED light runs about 50% of the current required for a Halogen.

raymond10078 · « **Reply #5 on:** September 22, 2011, 06:48:10 AM »

My comment was targeted to those that are looking to save power (over stock).

I agree that the LED bulb may be a good alternative for those that are considering higher powered halogens, but to say, or imply, either intentionally, or not, that the LED bulb consumes less power than stock is not always correct.

Just adding some numbers to the discussion, so people can make the best decision for them.

Duanob · « **Reply #6 on:** September 22, 2011, 08:20:24 AM »

If you want more light then get a 9004 55/60W H4 bulb for about $8. The stock bulb drew 40/55 or somewhere in that neighborhood so it's not much more of a drain as long as your charging system is in good shape and almost twice the light output. I run a 35/35W in the city but it's mostly for being seen and not lighting up the street. I have an extra 55/60W bulb if I ever need it for dark country road riding.

Patrick · « **Reply #7 on:** September 22, 2011, 08:52:25 AM »

Geez, that's more than I paid for any of my bikes.....

scottly · « **Reply #8 on:** September 22, 2011, 11:23:57 AM »

How expensive are these LED headlights?

Pinhead · « **Reply #9 on:** September 22, 2011, 11:29:01 AM »

Wow, I've been hoping LED tech would overtake incandescents for headlights, but $250 is a bit steep for a light!

vames · « **Reply #10 on:** September 22, 2011, 11:36:47 AM »

They don't seem to be too expensive -- less than $10 for a H4 LED bulb -- as long as you already have a H4 reflector.

Has anybody used something like this? They don't really give the "wattage equivalent" light output (ie. 55w/65w) for a regular halogen bulb nor any comparison for power consumption. But it does look interesting.

Please report back.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Car-H4-3528-102-SMD-LED-White-Headlight-Bulb-Head-Light-/130561376253?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item1e66107ffd

Patrick · « **Reply #11 on:** September 22, 2011, 11:47:41 AM »

For $5.09 plus free shipping I'm thinking that bulb is worth a look. I ordered one. I will let you know how bright it is compared to a sealed beam 55/65 and an H4 with reflector.

Patrick

vames · « **Reply #12 on:** September 22, 2011, 11:52:52 AM »

Probably will take a week or two to come in from Hong Kong, but you're right -- it's too cheap to not try. Let us know!!!!

KurtK · « **Reply #13 on:** September 22, 2011, 11:59:55 AM »

I ordered one as well will let you know.

vames · « **Reply #14 on:** September 22, 2011, 12:06:05 PM »

On second look, do these things have high/low? It has three prongs on the hookup, but they don't say anything about high/low. Very interested to hear back.

KurtK · « **Reply #15 on:** September 22, 2011, 12:17:43 PM »

I thought of that..I bet no high /low, but I don't care if it lights up the road well at low power draw.

Patrick · « **Reply #16 on:** September 22, 2011, 12:22:14 PM »

Without H/L, it is not an H4. Without H/L, what is that third prong for?

KurtK · « **Reply #17 on:** September 22, 2011, 12:25:55 PM »

Don't know but I'm going to play with it when I get it.

xsmooth69x · « **Reply #18 on:** September 22, 2011, 02:05:09 PM »

Quote from: 65Ch3v3LL3 on September 22, 2011, 02:42:32 AM

I run the Truck-Lite 7" LED light on my Harley. Way more light output that the stock lighting and a much better quality light. Added benefit is the current draw is extremely low. There is a YouTube demonstration of it where they fully power the light on 8 AA batteries. I think the only negative would simply be the looks on the vintage bikes. It really doesn't go with the styling but the low current draw would certainly help the older weak charging systems.

you own a truck light 7'

i want one of those so so so so so so so bad but i cant drop $250+ for one......

that thing must look awsome!!! do you have any night shots of it with the high beam and low beam

----------------------

why dont you go with HID? 35w bright as F

http://www.v-leds.com/Exterior-HID-Headlights/H4-9003-HB2/H4-HighLow-BiXenon/V-HIDS-35W-SLIM-BALLAST-p4961322-1-2.html

at your house for $55-60 shipped they have like 3000k, 5000k, 6000k blue purple or white

raymond10078 · « **Reply #19 on:** September 22, 2011, 02:10:59 PM »

I found this earlier today, but failed to share it - my bad. It is a review - including at night pictures, comparing various bulbs.

http://theroadhawgs.com/uploads/Review_LED_Headlights__1_.pdf

xsmooth69x · « **Reply #20 on:** September 22, 2011, 02:54:17 PM »

Quote from: kandrtech on September 22, 2011, 02:10:59 PM

I found this earlier today, but failed to share it - my bad. It is a review - including at night pictures, comparing various bulbs.

http://theroadhawgs.com/uploads/Review_LED_Headlights__1_.pdf

those JW speakers lights are nice and bright to bad they dont look cool....

trucklite is still my vote! sick btw awesome info!

KurtK · « **Reply #21 on:** October 06, 2011, 11:15:13 AM »

Well the experiment was not successful . I ordered the LED from Ebay though China. It arrived in two weeks. Last night after work I put it in my 500K-2. It only works on low beam no high beam. Looking at the voltmeter the 35/35w halogen took the battery down to 11 volts without the motor running the LED took it to 11 1/2 volts. The light looked fine last night, nice and white and it seemed to be very broad and fill in a lot of dark spots up ahead. Today however in the light of day when you turn on the light it just does not seem very bright. I put the 35/35w back in the headlight and it seems brighter in the daytime...where I do all or most of my riding.

phil71 · « **Reply #22 on:** October 06, 2011, 11:50:29 AM »

So halogens are better for daytime riding? I couldn't be more confused right now.

KurtK · « **Reply #23 on:** October 06, 2011, 11:54:34 AM »

Don't know Phil...it just seems that the halogen showed up better during the day. The LED needs to be bigger use to show up better, but I can't find one on ebay.

phil71 · « **Reply #24 on:** October 06, 2011, 11:56:33 AM »

But the LED is brighter at night?

News:

Author Topic: Halogen vs led headlight (Read 23174 times)