permanent solution to dim commando headlight

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motoalchemist

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Hello,
there is a realativly new product available from Cycle Gear. an LED headlight conversion. Do not confuse this with the HID conversion, that is an arc light. This kit is a true PLUG and PLAY, and most important. IT IS NOT POLARITY SENSITIVE, yeah!!! I have installed this kit in my 1971 750 commando Interback. Ive been riding it almost daily for 2 weeks. My job I get off work at 11:30pm, so I ride home in dark every day. A bright , solid beam has always been diffcult to get. NOTE: i have previously converted my headlight reflector to the later type that will accept a H-4 Halogen. This kit will not go into a stock Norton headlight reflector. The H-4 was a small improvement, but on the dark roads I drive at night, after 45 m.p.h. I was "outrunning" my headlight. This kit has changed all that

The product in its package
permanent solution to dim commando headlight


this is the headlight assembly
permanent solution to dim commando headlight


this is the coverter box, not much bigger than a zippo flip lighter
permanent solution to dim commando headlight


Here it is installed, true plug and play, no wires to route, and it all fits in the shell
permanent solution to dim commando headlight


And blam, do not look directly at this light, it will burn your retinas....and yes it has a high beam
permanent solution to dim commando headlight
 
I forgot to mention, the instruction say to not re-install the rubber boot around headlight, there is a small cooling fan in base of headlight, but not to worry , it is all waterproof.
and another shot of the headlight with bulb off. Nobody will know your "cheating" it still looks "normal"

permanent solution to dim commando headlight
 
gripper said:
Looks good, What is the cost of one of these bulb kits?
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Its about $100.00. There are cheaper versions on ebay from china...but the whole point to buying at store was the concern of it working on a positive ground bike.
 
Good to see the LEDs are getting there. The unit I tried several years ago was disappointing. What is the current draw on this lamp.

I am presently running HID lamps at 27 watts each. Less power to the headlight means more power to the tire. Jim
 
comnoz said:
Good to see the LEDs are getting there. The unit I tried several years ago was disappointing. What is the current draw on this lamp.

I am presently running HID lamps at 27 watts each. Less power to the headlight means more power to the tire. Jim
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Unfortunatly there are no exact specs on the draw of this conversion, on the box. Obviously its much less than the halogen I was using. And I can only imagine its somwhat less than the HID as LED traditionally have very little draw on a electrical system. But the incredible intensity of this light and the coverter box I am sure create some draw. I will look closer at teh instructions when I get home and see if there any infor onyour question.

And yes, I too am glad to see LED coming along in functionality.
 
motoalchemist said:
comnoz said:
Good to see the LEDs are getting there. The unit I tried several years ago was disappointing. What is the current draw on this lamp.

I am presently running HID lamps at 27 watts each. Less power to the headlight means more power to the tire. Jim
Click to expand...


Unfortunatly there are no exact specs on the draw of this conversion, on the box. Obviously its much less than the halogen I was using. And I can only imagine its somwhat less than the HID as LED traditionally have very little draw on a electrical system. But the incredible intensity of this light and the coverter box I am sure create some draw. I will look closer at teh instructions when I get home and see if there any infor onyour question.

And yes, I too am glad to see LED coming along in functionality.
Click to expand...

I found it. It draws 24 watts. Should be great for a current challenged Norton. Jim
 
About The Product

After years of research and development, Speedmetal is proud to present another bright idea in headlight design. The LED Conversion Kit provides 2.5 times the brightness of a standard halogen bulb and is designed to have an incredibly long and reliable 30,000 hour lifespan thanks to its Embedded Cooling System and Wind Cavity Construction. The LED Conversion Kit also has a unique Rocker Reflector system that helps to focus your headlight where it is needed most and sets this kit apart compared to other LED bulbs on the market.

Features and Benefits
Brightness 2200-2400 lumens
Low 24 watt power consumption compared to the average standard OEM 60 watt bulbs
Anti-glare design
30,000 hour lifespan
Excellent heat dissipation
Easy installation
 
24 watts per beam presumably. My GE Nighthawk draws 1.8 amps per beam or 3.6 amps with both beams going [ which it does on high beam ] std h4 draws nearly 8 amps per beam.
the nighthawk is pretty bright as well. rally good for high speed cruising.
Dereck
 
How do you compare watts to amps when deciding power draw ... sorry for my lack of understanding ... of a simple calculation ... I'm sure
Craig
 
Craig said:
How do you compare watts to amps when deciding power draw ... sorry for my lack of understanding ... of a simple calculation ... I'm sure
Craig
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Watts = E (volts) x I (amps)

Slick
 
friend put one in his 69 bonny - started working intermediately after about 2 weeks, he dicked around with it and always seemed to get it going after a bit of fussing with it - but when it went out one night he chucked it - maybe his was not the norm.....
 
Hope this hot LED survives a Commando's softer vibrations a long time. Two levels of advancement over LED's are coming available, 1st Adaptive Xenon light that uses a mirror to aim light on road no matter the rear cargo load and pointing it in direction of turns with forks countersteering and bike leaning, 2nd, Laser lights that do same thing plus shade hi beam from on coming eyes leaving hi beam on rest of the path and shutting off beams that hit rain drops so way less rain glare back and rather small unit that could fit in 7" headlight shell.
 
Sounds like a great thing, I am however kind of Leary of buying such things from Cyclegear, they seem to stock stuff on the cheaper quality side, kind of like Harbor Freight does with tools. I suppose as the tech gets developed places like "Bulbs that last forever" and others will have them & if there are any bugs to be worked out it will happen.. About time headlights for us got good although just putting a 200 watt stater/rotor and solid state reg/rec made a huge difference in mine..
 
The price drops as we speak: http://www.ebay.com/itm/H4-HB2-9003-CRE ... 8e&vxp=mtr for $35.95 USD, and free shipping! 30W @ 3000Lm. That's half the current with twice the light output, and it's not polarity-sensitive! At that price, I just might take the chance. After all, as it points out in the description, "Like sun's color, warm, clearly, safety. Easy to install without burden than hid. simple for Motorcycle!" Who could argue with that? Besides, " let the hot air out of the lamp by surrounding at the first time" pretty much says it all. I'm sold!

Nathan
 
Oh man that is an offer I can't refuse as get caught out after dark cussing even the halogen dim beam. No need to clutter with relays to get some brighter voltage either.
 
hobot said:
Oh man that is an offer I can't refuse as get caught out after dark cussing even the halogen dim beam. No need to clutter with relays to get some brighter voltage either.
Click to expand...

I would carry a flashlight and a spare -regular -bulb.
Not that I know anything bad about them but I just don't know anything about them. Jim
 
the 2 things that scare me on this is 1 the amount heat it makes, so much so it has a cooling fan on the bulb which says you probably should add more vents to the headlight shell and 2 made in china.
 
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