Best LED headlamp (positive earth)

J

JimNH

Joined
Jan 4, 2014
Messages
716
Country flag
I've searched this topic but it turned up old posts. Considering the development of LEDs I figured I'd ask for new opinions (I suspect many).

I just tried out my new Gerbring jacket liner and it seems a winner. Bike has 3 phase 15 amp stator with series regulator and is handling the load at full heat and headlight on at 3000 RPM - greater than 13.2VDC. Of course at a lower heat setting it requires less RPM. I like the liner enough that I'm going to add the gloves so I want to reduce the 4 amp load of the headlamp.

My H4 halogen has always illuminated the road well so I don't want anything less.

Thanks!

PS: Looks like Sparkbrite is gone, website inactive just now.
 

LED Headlight bulbs British Pre-Focus + H4s

Double Dipper, British Pre Focus LEDs, Stop tail LEDs, LED H4 car headlights, LED headlight bulbs,LED H4, H4 LED,British Pre Focus LED,Bayonet Cap LED, LED headlamp bulbs,H4 LED headlamp bulbs,LED headlights for old bikes,LED headlights for old cars
www.norbsa02.freeuk.com

Been running this for 9 years.
Arc weldor bright, helps deter daytime left turn asassins.
Best LED headlamp (positive earth)
 
So I started searching and lots of the LEDs look like alien insect eyes. I did find some that look like vintage or even vintage Lucas without the Logo. I don't care about the logo but I do want the vintage look. I may just see how it handles the extra load or, put a traditional lamp shell back in and use a replacement LED bulb.
Gotta order gloves, I hate being cold but like riding in the crisp air, go figure.
 
Stephen Hill said:
Do you need to replace the lens to use the LED?
Click to expand...
My old lens had a chip in the glass. Jim mentioned that he had to replace the sealed beam so he'll be looking for a lens to accept an H4 type socket. The one that I used ( the lens in the link) looks a bit modern. This doesn't bother me, but it might not be a favourite for others.

Glen
 
JimNH,
I converted my bike using Andover's Kit. Changes incandescent bulbs to everything LED. 13.1988 Kit.
andover-norton.co.uk

Andover Norton - LED bulb set Norton Commando pre 850MK3 1973 to 1974 (suitable for rectangular type Lucas 917 rear lamp unit) - 13.1988

LED bulb set Norton Commando pre 850MK3 1973 to 1974 (suitable for rectangular type Lucas 917 rear lamp unit)
andover-norton.co.uk
PlugnPlay.
I also bought a Tri Spark MOFSET Regulator/ Rectifier 13.1801, because I was worried that my old Prodtronic would start to fail from cycling too many times on the reduced load output.
andover-norton.co.uk

Andover Norton - TRI SPARK MOSFET RECTIFIER SINGLE & 3 PHASE WITH CAPACITOR 20AMP - VR-0030 - This part replaces the rectifier, zener diode and capacitor. - 13.1801

TRI SPARK MOSFET RECTIFIER SINGLE & 3 PHASE WITH CAPACITOR 20AMP - VR-0030 - This part replaces the rectifier, zener diode and capacitor.
andover-norton.co.uk
cheers,
Tom
 
Last edited:
I pushed the easy button and went Lucas. Seems fine, have no experience with anything else.
www.classicbikespares.com.au

LED H4 Headlight Bulb 6-24V, Lucas » Classic Bike Spares

Genuine Lucas Classic LED motorcycle bulb 6-24V, H4 Fitment Sold each, pure white Dual polarity so can be used on 6v and 12v positive and negative ground systems Dip beam 510/520 lm output High beam 980/1000 lm output Power consumption 6v system - low beam 2.7w, high beam 5.7w Power consumption...
www.classicbikespares.com.au www.classicbikespares.com.au
My Spark Brite quit, changed over to ICM.

ICMotorcycles.com &nbsp Ignition / Alternator / Battery / Charge Warning Lights

Ignition Alternator Battery Warning lights Charge monitors. Combined charge and oil pressure warning lights
improvingclassicmotorcycles.com improvingclassicmotorcycles.com
 
JimNH said:
So I started searching and lots of the LEDs look like alien insect eyes. I did find some that look like vintage or even vintage Lucas without the Logo. I don't care about the logo but I do want the vintage look. I may just see how it handles the extra load or, put a traditional lamp shell back in and use a replacement LED bulb.
Gotta order gloves, I hate being cold but like riding in the crisp air, go figure.
Click to expand...
Norbsa sells the Lucas H4 reflector housing as well.


Best LED headlamp (positive earth)


LED Headlight bulbs British Pre-Focus + H4s

Double Dipper, British Pre Focus LEDs, Stop tail LEDs, LED H4 car headlights, LED headlight bulbs,LED H4, H4 LED,British Pre Focus LED,Bayonet Cap LED, LED headlamp bulbs,H4 LED headlamp bulbs,LED headlights for old bikes,LED headlights for old cars
www.norbsa02.freeuk.com
 
JimNH said:
So I started searching and lots of the LEDs look like alien insect eyes. I did find some that look like vintage or even vintage Lucas without the Logo. I don't care about the logo but I do want the vintage look. I may just see how it handles the extra load or, put a traditional lamp shell back in and use a replacement LED bulb.
Gotta order gloves, I hate being cold but like riding in the crisp air, go figure.
Click to expand...
I have heated gloves, NEW in package if you're interested.
 
Stephen Hill said:
Do you need to replace the lens to use the LED?
Click to expand...
I think I'm just going to try it out and if it seems too much for the alternator buy a Lucas reflector and a replacement LED lamp. The more I think about it I really don't do too much night riding anymore so it's more of a recognition light.
 
JimNH said:
I think I'm just going to try it out and if it seems too much for the alternator buy a Lucas reflector and a replacement LED lamp. The more I think about it I really don't do too much night riding anymore so it's more of a recognition light.
Click to expand...
You know that LED draws LESS current than the Halogen, correct?


And, for the sake of those family members around you, run your HIGH BEAM during daylight hours.
ALWAYS.


IMG_5773.jpeg
 
Last edited:
concours said:
And, for the sake of those family members around you, run you HIGH BEAM during daylight hours.
ALWAYS.
Click to expand...
Too right !

I always do this.

LEDs have a much sharper lighter than other bulbs making you far more visible to other road users in daylight. Especially when on main beam !

Honestly, a good LED headlight is worth it just for this factor alone.

Same with tail lights. LED tail lights are brighter than normal stop lights in our old bikes.

Be safe. Be seen.
 
concours said:
You know that LED draws LESS current than the Halogen, correct?
Click to expand...
Well, yes. That was the purpose of the post in the first place. I'm adding heated garments and want to be sure that my 15 amp alternator will keep me warm. It certainly handles the jacket liner, I'm going to try it with the additional load of gloves and, if it needs a high RPM to stay above 13 volts when in traffic then I'll want/need to reduce the load. I've done my best with the charging system by using the 15 amp stator and a switching RR. It's a 50 year old bike, not a new bike with factory heated grips and unlimited current.
The Paul Goffs lamp with a Lucas reflector seems the best option: < 1 amp v >4 amps
 
Fast Eddie said:
Too right !

I always do this.

LEDs have a much sharper lighter than other bulbs making you far more visible to other road users in daylight. Especially when on main beam !

Honestly, a good LED headlight is worth it just for this factor alone.

Same with tail lights. LED tail lights are brighter than normal stop lights in our old bikes.

Be safe. Be seen.
Click to expand...
And an LED brake light will go to full brightness instantaneously while an incandescent needs to ramp up. The difference could save a rear-ender.
 

Similar threads

N
  • Locked
Problem with LED headlamp bulb
2
Replies
27
Views
3,727
ntst8
ntst8
N
  • Locked
LED headlamp bulb
Replies
10
Views
1,639
colin davie
colin davie
porridgebird
  • Locked
Compatibility of Cyclops ultra 10.0 led headlamp with Commando
Replies
12
Views
1,560
porridgebird
porridgebird
click
  • Locked
Positive earth speed sensor?
2 3 4
Replies
66
Views
9,850
mdt-son
M
MikeM
  • Locked
Battery Tender positive earth
Replies
10
Views
3,829
RoadScholar
RoadScholar
Back
Top