Author Topic: New LED headlight bulb vs sealed LED unit  (Read 2209 times)

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GUNR

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on: October 23, 2023, 05:11:26 am
My complete headlight (shell and reflector unit) need to be replaced due to a rust problem caused in the bike's previous life where it was living in a corrosive environment. The pilot bulb fitting has already disintegrated and I'm thinking of getting a LED headlight replacement.
Rust damage in headlight shell and reflector
https://forum.classicmotorworks.com/index.php?topic=35507.60

Is it better to buy an original headlight shell and fit a sealed LED high / low beam unit, or alternatively a new shell, reflector and LED H4 fitting bulb? The glass lens is okay but I haven't read whether a straight LED swap bulb has the desired light pattern with the OEM lens.

It would also be good if there is also a fine tuning vertical and horizontal fine tuning option (screws at 12 o'clock, 9 o'clock) for the new headlight such as some of my bikes had decades ago.
I'm especially interested in feedback from someone who has made the switch to LED headlight and if they lose the on / off switch function and also the pilot/parking light.

I've found these but don't know the difference between the light patterns per Cree types.

Cree sealed LED headlight
https://www.ledperf.com.au/led-headlight-for-royal-enfield-continental-gt-535-2013-2017-round-motorcycle-optics-approved-p-120840.html
LED bulb
https://www.ledperf.com.au/led-bulb-kit-for-royal-enfield-continental-gt-535-2013-2017-motorcycle-p-120822.html
Sequential flashers
https://www.ledperf.com.au/sequential-led-indicators-for-royal-enfield-continental-gt-535-2013-2017-p-120849.html
Flasher relay
https://www.ledperf.com.au/led-flasher-relay-for-royal-enfield-continental-gt-535-2013-2017-p-120837.html

« Last Edit: October 23, 2023, 05:17:38 am by GUNR »
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Nasher

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Reply #1 on: October 23, 2023, 10:57:53 am
Can't help with the rust problem, but I I've changed the stock bulb in my headlight for an LED one

Makes a massive difference to the brightness and stops the charging light coming on at low revs

The best upgrade I've done other than replacing those hideous yellow and gold shocks!



Adrian II

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Reply #2 on: October 23, 2023, 09:41:27 pm
Check your local regulations over LED use in headlamps. Over here they're an MoT failure on post 1986 bikes not originally fitted with them, your authorities MIGHT be more tolerant. Or not!

A.
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GUNR

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Reply #3 on: October 24, 2023, 12:59:52 pm
Check your local regulations over LED use in headlamps. Over here they're an MoT failure on post 1986 bikes not originally fitted with them, your authorities MIGHT be more tolerant. Or not!

A.
Not a drama in this neck of the woods so long as it doesn't dazzle oncoming drivers and also has the appropriate cut-off for the particular side of the road we drive on.
Riding a motorcycle is like life; it's about the journey not the destination.


GUNR

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Reply #4 on: October 24, 2023, 01:06:22 pm
At the moment I'm thinking about a new headlight shell and something like this which still enables retention of the DRL/parking light.
https://www.stedi.com.au/stedi-7-inch-led-headlight.html
The 'W' clips should hold the sealed beam unit in the OEM headlight shell. If any of the RE 650 LED headlights were a perfect fit (and a competitive price) I'd look at that also. Does anyone know if they would fit?
Riding a motorcycle is like life; it's about the journey not the destination.


GUNR

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Reply #5 on: December 06, 2023, 11:44:46 am
I went with a plug 'n' play LED and driver combo which plugged into the OEM $
H4 lead. The difference in light and clarity is a revelation.
https://forum.classicmotorworks.com/index.php?topic=35507.120
Riding a motorcycle is like life; it's about the journey not the destination.


jez

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Reply #6 on: December 25, 2023, 12:30:46 pm
Likewise, although my first LED was faulty and blew a fuse. One side stayed on whether dipped or not. The OEM bulb was crap. HM used to sell a replacement complete unit lens and all. Probably ceased due to new LED tech.