Best h4 led bulb for motorbikes?
Discussion
Ive unsuccessfully tried half a dozen different LED bulbs but none fit correctly in the headlight of my Triumph.
The best LED would a new LED headlight built for the job, but typically these are only available for fairly standard round 5 3/4" or 7" style headlights. I did this swap successfully on my Harley.
On the Triumph I ended up with Philips WhiteVision ultra H4 bulbs which are a good improvement over OE.
The best LED would a new LED headlight built for the job, but typically these are only available for fairly standard round 5 3/4" or 7" style headlights. I did this swap successfully on my Harley.
On the Triumph I ended up with Philips WhiteVision ultra H4 bulbs which are a good improvement over OE.
http://www.norbsa02.freeuk.com lists H4 LEDs. They claim that "the LEDs are in the same position as the filaments on a std. H4. This ensures a good beam pattern".
bgunn said:
Phillips Racing Vision GT200s are good in my experience, a whiter stronger light, but legal.
Re: LegalityThe MOT rules changed last year
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/special...
1. About headlamp conversions
Section 4.1.4 of the current MOT inspection manuals for both motorcycles and cars and passenger vehicles states ‘Existing halogen headlamp units should not be converted to be used with high intensity discharge (HID) or light emitting diode (LED) bulbs. If such a conversion has been done, you must fail the headlamp.’
2. Changes to current rules
From 22 March 2021, we’re changing these rules so that not all motorcycles and vehicles will fail the MOT test if their halogen headlamp units have been converted to be used with HID or LED bulbs.
Class 1 and 2 motorcycles
Class 1 and 2 motorcycles must not be failed for the defect ‘Light source and lamp not compatible’.
Headlamps must comply with all other requirements of the test and headlamp aim.
The motorcycle inspection manual will be updated shortly, and the ability to select the defect within the MOT testing service will be removed.
It’s a ‘90 bike so will have the lens in the front glass rather than a computer smoothed reflector. HID or LED will give a s
te output compared to the filament bulbs it’s designed for.
Plus, the reg/rec (if original) is an SCR shunt unit and will fry if there aren’t lights to soak up the current from the ACG.
Given Hondas of this age are notorious for generator/ regulator problems, I’d keep it simple.
te output compared to the filament bulbs it’s designed for.Plus, the reg/rec (if original) is an SCR shunt unit and will fry if there aren’t lights to soak up the current from the ACG.
Given Hondas of this age are notorious for generator/ regulator problems, I’d keep it simple.
gareth_r said:
bgunn said:
Phillips Racing Vision GT200s are good in my experience, a whiter stronger light, but legal.
Re: LegalityThe MOT rules changed last year
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/special...
1. About headlamp conversions
Section 4.1.4 of the current MOT inspection manuals for both motorcycles and cars and passenger vehicles states ‘Existing halogen headlamp units should not be converted to be used with high intensity discharge (HID) or light emitting diode (LED) bulbs. If such a conversion has been done, you must fail the headlamp.’
2. Changes to current rules
From 22 March 2021, we’re changing these rules so that not all motorcycles and vehicles will fail the MOT test if their halogen headlamp units have been converted to be used with HID or LED bulbs.
Class 1 and 2 motorcycles
Class 1 and 2 motorcycles must not be failed for the defect ‘Light source and lamp not compatible’.
Headlamps must comply with all other requirements of the test and headlamp aim.
The motorcycle inspection manual will be updated shortly, and the ability to select the defect within the MOT testing service will be removed.
bgunn said:
It’s a ‘90 bike so will have the lens in the front glass rather than a computer smoothed reflector. HID or LED will give a ste output compared to the filament bulbs it’s designed for.
Plus, the reg/rec (if original) is an SCR shunt unit and will fry if there aren’t lights to soak up the current from the ACG.
Given Hondas of this age are notorious for generator/ regulator problems, I’d keep it simple.
I’ve completely replaced the charging system. It’s now a mosfet r/r off a big bang r1. te output compared to the filament bulbs it’s designed for.Plus, the reg/rec (if original) is an SCR shunt unit and will fry if there aren’t lights to soak up the current from the ACG.
Given Hondas of this age are notorious for generator/ regulator problems, I’d keep it simple.
So is it legal or not?
SteveKTMer said:
gareth_r said:
bgunn said:
Phillips Racing Vision GT200s are good in my experience, a whiter stronger light, but legal.
Re: LegalityThe MOT rules changed last year
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/special...
1. About headlamp conversions
Section 4.1.4 of the current MOT inspection manuals for both motorcycles and cars and passenger vehicles states ‘Existing halogen headlamp units should not be converted to be used with high intensity discharge (HID) or light emitting diode (LED) bulbs. If such a conversion has been done, you must fail the headlamp.’
2. Changes to current rules
From 22 March 2021, we’re changing these rules so that not all motorcycles and vehicles will fail the MOT test if their halogen headlamp units have been converted to be used with HID or LED bulbs.
Class 1 and 2 motorcycles
Class 1 and 2 motorcycles must not be failed for the defect ‘Light source and lamp not compatible’.
Headlamps must comply with all other requirements of the test and headlamp aim.
The motorcycle inspection manual will be updated shortly, and the ability to select the defect within the MOT testing service will be removed.
While the comments further up regarding lights that use the glass lens to focus the beam have some grounds, there are older headlights that do still work well with HID/LED conversions. There is no statement that can be made that covers every different model of headlight other than try it, it may work.
bgunn said:
Personally, for ease, I’d go with good modern halogen. If only because old bikes (and cars) look a bit st with LED lighting.
As said your mileage may vary.
I take your point and it’s a fair one. Thing is, this is my work commuter and in use all year round. It’s not a cosmetic consideration, it’s so i can see and be seen better in winter on unlit roads. t with LED lighting.As said your mileage may vary.
black-k1 said:
I'm not sure I follow your reference to "legal". Conversion of "the bulb" to LED or HID is fully legal for the headlight on a motorcycle as long as the requirements for aim etc. are met.
While the comments further up regarding lights that use the glass lens to focus the beam have some grounds, there are older headlights that do still work well with HID/LED conversions. There is no statement that can be made that covers every different model of headlight other than try it, it may work.
It was in relation to what bgun posted. While the comments further up regarding lights that use the glass lens to focus the beam have some grounds, there are older headlights that do still work well with HID/LED conversions. There is no statement that can be made that covers every different model of headlight other than try it, it may work.
ssray said:
I used a led 'bulb' in my Honda hornet some years ago, the flare was horrible, I was almost getting more light sideways then ahead, because the reflector is set for a conventional bulb.
Why not have side daylight running lights? eBay is pretty cheap for them
That’s what I meant by looking sWhy not have side daylight running lights? eBay is pretty cheap for them
t 
Modern projector or smoothed reflector lights are more tolerant of modern LED bulbs. Another thing worth doing is cleaning out the inside of the light unit, 32 year old unit is sure to be full of dust and cack.
bgunn said:
That’s what I meant by looking st
Modern projector or smoothed reflector lights are more tolerant of modern LED bulbs. Another thing worth doing is cleaning out the inside of the light unit, 32 year old unit is sure to be full of dust and cack.
Lights are proper clean inside and out already. t Modern projector or smoothed reflector lights are more tolerant of modern LED bulbs. Another thing worth doing is cleaning out the inside of the light unit, 32 year old unit is sure to be full of dust and cack.
Looking at recent legislative changes it seems like i can get away with fitting them. Only question now is which ones. There seem to be a lot on the market. Also noted you can get stop and tails too.
gareth_r said:
bgunn said:
Phillips Racing Vision GT200s are good in my experience, a whiter stronger light, but legal.
Re: LegalityThe MOT rules changed last year
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/special...
1. About headlamp conversions
Section 4.1.4 of the current MOT inspection manuals for both motorcycles and cars and passenger vehicles states ‘Existing halogen headlamp units should not be converted to be used with high intensity discharge (HID) or light emitting diode (LED) bulbs. If such a conversion has been done, you must fail the headlamp.’
2. Changes to current rules
From 22 March 2021, we’re changing these rules so that not all motorcycles and vehicles will fail the MOT test if their halogen headlamp units have been converted to be used with HID or LED bulbs.
Class 1 and 2 motorcycles
Class 1 and 2 motorcycles must not be failed for the defect ‘Light source and lamp not compatible’.
Headlamps must comply with all other requirements of the test and headlamp aim.
The motorcycle inspection manual will be updated shortly, and the ability to select the defect within the MOT testing service will be removed.
V1nce Fox said:
Gunk said:
I’ve uninstalled my HID on my S1000R and put it all back to OEM, I very rarely ride at night anyway and the conversion seemed a bit of a bodge.
Hid are the ones with ballast kit aren’t they? They do look a faff. Does the s1000r come with LED or incandescent normally?
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