LED vs Normal lighting.

[barbagris]

It looks to me like these from Harley Davidson might be a more economical choice.

Daymaker LED Headlamp-67700145 | 883 Roadster | Official Harley-Davidson Online Store

$399.00 each.

Those are a new design too. Not on Speakers page. No detailed spec's to peruse. But it looks as if main is additional to dip. The 8630 is either-or.

I guess it depends if they have H/D emblazoned on the lens as the old ones from H/D did. Somebody in the US care to pop to a dealer for a look? - looks to me as if the parking light has the HD logo in. Interesting option it is.

Dot and NOW also ECE approved from H/D - they learned that error then.
The New 7" look more like Truck-Lite too.

 

[Pres10]

I did pop into a dealer, they had none in stock.

 

[R3Tex]

In my experience HD dealers have nothing in stock that is actually functional...expensive? Yes...Shiny? Yes...functional?...absolutely fkn not

 

[Pres10]

Looks like the first Harley LED headlights were made by J.W. Speaker. I would be willing to bet that Harley has since found a cheaper supplier, probably much cheaper.
Also JW Speaker I think has a four year warrantee vs. one year for Harley.

These lights are not cheap any route that you go. I think I'll spend a little more and go with J.W. Speaker.

 

[barbagris]

Looks like the first Harley LED headlights were made by J.W. Speaker. I would be willing to bet that Harley has since found a cheaper supplier, probably much cheaper.

The light you linked to - I think is probably STILL from Speaker.

There's enough there to suggest they've used parts from the simpler 4.5" Model 8415 which was always 12V only and less powerful, less efficient and MUCH cheaper (like half the price). Was aimed at off road Quads. Wider beams and less throw. But the HD thing has alot of lenses - and may address Wayne's thoughts on cut off.

The new and improved Daymaker gives off MORE light if you can believe it! We've added two more lower lights that shoot out a lower beam that's aimed towards the road right in front of you, while the others flood light farther ahead.

I know the 8415 fulfilled ECE specs but never gained homologation. The other NEW HD stuff is more like Truck-Lite's Phase 7 (which are cheaper than J.W.speaker by a long way) or maybe a PIAA development. Though I'd guess Truck-Lite.

The advantage for we Europeans is that the HD lights NOW have ECE approval. I'f I'd not already fitted 8630's - I'd be pestering H/D Madrid for spec's and prices.

I'd want to see detailed spec' sheets like Speaker issue for they own-brand lights before really deciding - but that new H/D 5&3/4" unit is going to sell. I have to say - hat's off to H/D for seeing the niche and occupying it.

I get the feeling that Speaker has been a bit surprised at how well their lights were taken on board by road users. Especially Jeep/land Rover owners. Really I think they were aiming more for the industrial and heavy truck users so they were multi voltage. But I understand that HD became one of their largest buyers so they're maybe having to adapt philosophy and have taken on board the production of more 12V only gear. Their new fog lights for example are 12V only.

There are some other producers in Europe (Notably UK/Poland/Austria/Germany) - this is going to make them sit up and think. Why? - they have a more limited range and they're more expensive.

 

[Tripps]

Two actually! - I'm still thinking about J.W.Speaker Fog lights. They look a bit clumsy.

But - I'd rather spend the money on lights to see with than a lot of other stuff - like snazzy mirrors or custom paint or ...........

I knew there was a reason I got a Touring: one headlight. On a serious note, I am interested, but I really try to avoid much night driving at all around here (deer are as plentiful as fleas on a dog), on the other hand, if it only saved you once...

 

[barbagris]

I knew there was a reason I got a Touring: one headlight. On a serious note, I am interested, but I really try to avoid much night driving at all around here (deer are as plentiful as fleas on a dog), on the other hand, if it only saved you once...

Then here is the 200USD solution.

Trucklite High Intensity Phase 7 Headlight for Harley and Automotive Models 7" - Harley Davidson Parts

Really. This 100% the way I'd choose with 7" lights.

And I'd fit matching LED auxiliary lights if you have aux lights fitted..

I've seen them for less on ebay etc.

 

[Tripps]

Yes, I checked out the Truck-lite link and review (way too much information, LOL), that's definitely the way I'll go if I upgrade, and I would do the aux, too, they add a lot.

Eastern Beaver kit on my list, too, probably do all in one shot. My business has had the best year ever this year, I'm working 7 days, most weeks. The wife just recently figured out that all the extra money mostly goes into the bikes, LOL, but she's pretty easy going. She doesn't even know about the cash hidden in the cookie jar for the Carpenter kit.

 

[stephantmi]

Phase 7

Looking at the images on page 2, the JW, look so much better than the Phase 6 or Phase 7. A much more even lighting... I've seen complaints on the "X" pattern on the phase 7 LEDs. You can just see it on the wall, my understanding is that it's very pronounced when riding.

 

[barbagris]

If you ride mainly on lo(dip) beam - The Speakers are sort of interesting as the two lateral lenses are always lit. Top lens is dip - lower larger one is main - but the dip switches off when main switches on. But it's the side lenses that do most of the work.

But if you use hi(main) beam a lot then the trucklite main is the LOW AND the HIGH - More light at a guess. BUT this may make low alone look a bit weak. It's my personal supposition.

I guess like most things it comes down to personal need/taste.

I wont be swapping - but I'd like to see the new 5&3/4" HD compared by those test guys.

I have the cash put aside for J.W.Speakers auxiliaries - But I'm still on the fence - my home converted-to-LED jobbies seem to be doing the job.

On Standards/roadsters - I like the PIAA 1100LED auxiliaries. Tidy. Ponters in OZ has them alongside his JWSpeakers.