LED headlight lamps

Discussion in '5th Generation 1998-2001' started by Cherryriver, Oct 4, 2021.

  1. Cherryriver

    Cherryriver New Member

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    I searched back a few years but no hits.
    I've tried changing the H4s to LED units but the focus is all wrong. I even rotated the lamps 180 degrees for little improvement.
    I used an Amazon pickoff called "Sealight" that has worked well on other bikes without funny focus issues.
    Has someone found the proper solution?
     
  2. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

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    zoom-zoom put together a very good thread on changing from incandescent to LED on his 5th gen (I think...maybe 4th gen). If you search the members tab for him and then search threads started by him, you should find the thread and maybe an answer.
     
  3. Cherryriver

    Cherryriver New Member

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    Randy, after a bit of digging I did find the thread, but the info on the parts to use is out of date after some seven years or so.
     
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  4. skimad4x4

    skimad4x4 "Official" VFRWorld Greeter

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    Before you waste money on H4 LED bulbs please see this video - yes it is long and well worth watching it all - but the key is revealed rougly 2:40.



    There are a few LED bulbs which work OK in H7 designed headlight housings but sadly none for H4.

    If you need better lighting there are uprated convenional H4 bulbs from the likes of Phillips, which will provide better light, will last reasonably long, and won't blind oncoming traffic. If money is no object HID is the answer with amazing precisely focused beam, but HID is still a single filament design - so cannot do dipped and main beam options.

    PS I do not have shares in Headlight Revolution - but as you will see they really know their stuff and issue updated videos reviewing the latest bulbs.
     
  5. Cherryriver

    Cherryriver New Member

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    My experience with H4 LEDs is different. I've installed different ones in my FJR1300, ZRX1100, and my wife's SV650S, among others, all with excellent results. The FJR in particular benefitted greatly.
    DOT approved lamps have proven better for me.
    Other bikes didn't do so well with conversions, including both Interceptors, VF500 and VFR800, so there are problems with certain headlights.
    Possibly the VFR is simply not a candidate.
     
  6. crewwolfy

    crewwolfy New Member

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    I installed LED headlights a little while back, but haven't taken a night ride outside of the city since. I'm second guessing it a bit, as the viffer is for long distance, and I'm not sure how different states will react to LEDs..


    Right now the bulbs filaments are facing left/right, but I believe they should face up/down to make use of the reflector bowl properly. I bought a ring at the base to install H4 bulbs properly. I know I researched all this when I installed, but I clearly haven't retained some important bits.. I need to do some disassembly this winter, I'll check and adjust the headlights and report back..
     
    Last edited: Nov 18, 2021
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