LED H4 "Bulb Replacements" that might stand a chance

barbagris

Mad Scientist
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Aug 1, 2010
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On the verge of insanity
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1979 Guzzi V1000G5 - 2018 KTM 790 Duke
So here I am - dismantling an Audi LED headlight salvaging parts to try and make a decent H4 LED bulb and I decide to have a look on Ebay and see what the Chinese are up to - Found this





Now it's early days - and there are few alternatives of this type - but the reason I think they have a chance of working is the ventilators. I STRONGLY DOUBT they'll fit an R3 with 5&3/4" lights - my guess is that they're too long - could fit a "T" though.

The downside (there's always a downside) - they have an external driver box (much like HID kits).

I've been playing with the salvage yard AUDI unit and the finned alloy base gets VERY HOT and FAST without the fan unit running.

May get myself a set for the Land Rover though!
 
Seems like a lot of trouble for what gains? Moving parts to make headlights work seems silly.
 
Bishop said:
Seems like a lot of trouble for what gains? Moving parts to make headlights work seems silly.
Click to expand...
Well for me - No gains at all as I already have LED headlight units in. They'll only be as good as the reflectors and the Triumph ones are pretty ****e.

But if we did not try new things we'd never find out. And at 50 bucks a pair - Much cheaper than LED light units.

It's what I was looking at creating - but was stumped by the heat issue. I was looking at heat pipes and passive heat sinks but who am I to argue with the fan solution. Basically they're small PC fans - they'll run years with no issues at all. One plus AUDI discovered is, that by circulating warmed air about, headlamps never mist up.

I quite liked HID's in the land rover - except the slow warm up part. LEDs should give INSTANT light.
 
Michel said:
What about these ? Some guy put them on his Rocket, I bet he is on here as well. (saw it on facebook)
Click to expand...
A few of us already have J.W.Speaker 8630's fitted. The forerunner (and same mfr) of that Harley Daymaker.



But there's a HUGE price difference - 50bucks a pair for the "bulbs" - 800bucks a pair for the Daymaker.

A pair of simple old fashioned 5&3/4" light units - maybe another 50 bucks a pair. Still a cheap mod. As good as the Speakers? - only one way to know.
 
i cant wait until there is a pretty much plug n play LED replacement for H4 bulbs. which is why i appreciate barbargris' constant R&D on the subject

HID kits and the rocket dont seem to get along plus i think HID is only a temporary solution (like minidisc came between CDs and mp3/flash drive digital music) and LED is the future.
i dont like the look of the jw speaker lamps :smile:

those fan cooled units - i guess they will need to be able to draw fresh air in? i.e. they cant work in a sealed lamp like the rockets as they would only be circulating hot air.
which means only option is a hole in the lamp to let air in, and thats not good for weather proofing (on a bike anyway, car would be ok) which is always a top constraint for me.
 
One aims to please.

I agree on the heat issue except that in a STEEL shell the heat will at least be able to get to the outer shell and MAY dissipate - Something the plastic reflectors of the R3 stop any chance of. It's why I was looking at heat pipes.

A change to a Steel reflector light (about 25bucks each) plus these LEDS may stand a chance. There are some lower wattage versions appearing - shorter too - aimed at bikes. I'm still on the fence vis-a-vis trying.
Part of me says "TRY" - part of me says " you know you'll be disappointed". I'm fine spending 20-30 bucks on a whim - but 60 plus? - Think I'll wait until the Chinese New Year passes - often a lot of new stuff appears.

Some form of heat-sink will ALWAYS be required for power LEDS.

It's visibly (pun intended) noticeable that HID is a a dying technology. The Chinese dealers are dumping stock and really good sets are going for very low amounts.

I was a bit dubious of the JW Speaker aesthetics - But I put Function before Form.
 
There was a review on the BonnevilleAmerica forum CLICKY on the CREE Headlights. Pretty dramatic improvement if you want to take the time to read it.
 
It's good to see research being done for sure. I'd love to have more lighting but I'm as hell not spending $800 to get it
 
Jthree said:
It's good to see research being done for sure. I'd love to have more lighting but I'm as hell not spending $800 to get it
Click to expand...
800 is a lot - but how much would you pay for a sporty exhaust/filter? - Without a shadow (pun intended) of a doubt - one of the best things I've added to the beast. If you ride in the dark - it's bordering on a MUST DO.
 
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