Installed Sylvania LED Headlight bulbs.

Discussion in '5th Generation 1998-2001' started by vfrgiving, Oct 24, 2022.

  1. vfrgiving

    vfrgiving New Member

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    I saw these on the shelf at the local AutoZone and decided to give them a try.

    box.jpg

    So far I'm very pleased with the results. While technically not DOT approved for this, as long as you have your headlights aimed properly I think you'll be fine. These Sylvania LED closely match actual halogen beam spread, and I didn't have to make any aiming adjustments after install. I've done a bit of night riding, and so far nobody has flashed their brights at me when faced with just the low beam. The LED emitters are small and match the spacing location of halogen filaments pretty closely. There's also little balconies on either side that stand in for the shield you would see in an actual H4. If you don't want to go with Sylvania, I would still look for a LED bulb from another manufacturer that is matching this design.

    The official Honda VFR bulb, seen on the left, has wider tab spacing than normal H4 bulbs. It's long been known you can just bend the bottom tabs on a regular H4 and use it, the bottom bulb is one I pulled out of the bike for the LED install.
    bulbs.jpg

    The Sylvania LED bulb base separates. The bottom tabs can't be bent, but are easily cut off. I just gave them a few passes with a hacksaw and they came off.
    cut.jpg
    Install of the LED is pretty easy. Mount the modified base in the VFR headlight housing and secure the spring clip. Pass the bulb through the dust boot, and install in the base. Twist bulb to line up. The LED emitters should be pointing horizontal, balconies facing upwards.
    reflector.jpg

    The drivers for the bulbs are pretty small. I tucked them and the VFR headlight plugs into the fairing openings on either side. I am a little concerned how the dust boot seems to block bulb side cooling vents, but time will tell. Bulbs do come with a 5 year limited warranty.
    fan.jpg

    Just a photo of the bike and some beam shots.
    front.jpg
    low.jpg
    high.jpg
     
    Blackslide, Sp00ks and Grum like this.

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