Electronics » Aftermarket Headlamps...Thoughts?

I'm not really interested in adding auxiliary lights to the RS, but I'd gladly consider swapping the OEM high/low beams with brighter LED or HID systems. I'd like a plug and play setup (no modding parts to make it fit). I know an HID would have ballasts to install, so I think a LED setup would be more compact and do the job well (with the improvement in LED tech).

There are just so many options out there. Any input?

Any LED install that I've seen documented here (and on the old forum) involved cutting the backs of the bulb covers which made me wonder how waterproof it would be.

I'd look at the various "bright white" standard bulbs available from various manufacturers. At least they will be a true plug n play solution.

Cheers

Paul B.

Hi there,

I am using Philips X-Trem Vision until I figure out what LED I can use that will not force to tear apart the bulb cover (or until I find a suitable replacement for them). Osram has also nice products (Night Breaker).

Regards,

Romain

I ran Philip Xtreme bulbs in my car but found that they didn't last that long leaving me changing a bulb in a dark layby on a wet night

HIDs for me. Was told by the shop that the LEDs are a bit too long to allow the covers on the back to fit properly. Could vary per LED, but that was the info I got.

Good afternoon.

I just ordered the Redline Lumtronix LED from iD in New Jersey (motorcyleid.com). It's supposed to fit the RS, it's fanless, and does not have an external driver. I don't know if it is can bus ready but in hope, its internal resistor is enough.
The set will arrive in three days and I'll let you guys know if it works.
For the heat sink I may or may not find a solution.

Safe

Good afternoon.

I just ordered the Redline Lumtronix LED from iD in New Jersey (motorcyleid.com). It's supposed to fit the RS, it's fanless, and does not have an external driver. I don't know if it is can bus ready but in hope, its internal resistor is enough.
The set will arrive in three days and I'll let you guys know if it works.
For the heat sink I may or may not find a solution.

Safe

Another HID fan here.

I’ve suggested these ones before.

http://hid50.com/

Excellent

I had both HID and LED on my 1200. Both need transformers / ballast.

HID needs time to warm up, and manufacturers warn against rapid on - off cycling. This makes the less suited to flashing and on the transition to high beam.

LED needs a heat sink, typically, but is instant on and can be flashed.

I used LED for high beam and HID for low.

No damage to wiring due to current draw. No damage to plastic lens or reflector due to heat.

Latest generation HIDs have smaller ballasts than before and the main beam "warm up" is pretty instantaneous.

Flashing works OK for me (not that I do much flashing).

I fitted a pair to a GS in 2008 and to my current RS in 2016.

Could be things are even better nowadays.

Dynamic Motorrad is working on LED headlights for the R and RS. They will email me when they are ready. They make LED turn lamps that are plug and play, so I’ll be interested in seeing how their headlamps work.