Headlight Bulb Replaced Again

[Grumpy Goat]

i have also gone through many halogen bulbs, I'm now using TECHMAX Mini H7 LED Headlight Bulbs. Canbus compatible, and $35 for two. very bright. They do stick out the back a bit but the XtremeVision 70mm Rubber Seal Dust Cap Cover took care of that. I plugged in both LED bulbs just like a halogen 9000kms ago, no issues so far.

Thanks for the tip! That might be my next upgrade especially since you have had good results on the RS, including the rubber cups.

[Duccrazydave]

I don't see those particular dust covers listed on Amazon.

[36654]

The OEM low beam bulb lasted 4-yrs and 20K miles. I replaced it with a Hella extended life bulb basic level lumens. I rarely ride at night due to deer.

https://smile.amazon.com/HELLA-H7-Standa...r=8-5&th=1

Thanks for the link. I have a pair of Hella High Wattage H7 bulbs waiting to go in whenever another bulb blows, but from what I heard I have to watch the heat output. Goodness knows how long that bulb would last. I just hate the yellow light of standard bulbs.

Having read some "other forum" posts on lens damage (melting), I was leery of the higher wattage options. The same wattage, higher lumen bulbs seem to have a 50% projected life of the basic bubs and cost more.

[mspratz]

I don't see those particular dust covers listed on Amazon.

Found them here: https://www.amazon.com/XtremeVision-70mm...614&sr=8-2

[Duccrazydave]

Thanks!


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[Grumpy Goat]

Having read some "other forum" posts on lens damage (melting), I was leery of the higher wattage options. The same wattage, higher lumen bulbs seem to have a 50% projected life of the basic bubs and cost more.

I have been using Sylvania SilverStar / Silverstar Ultras over the years, which while stating that they are 55W, they do put out more light than the standard H7 yellower bulbs. But their life is much shorter.

The Hellas I have presently are the first bulbs which state 100W on the package, hence my caution. When I do change them I will be sure to measure temperatures using my IR thermometer.

[Grumpy Goat]

Found them here: https://www.amazon.com/XtremeVision-70mm...614&sr=8-2

Michael - How is your experience with the ODX LEDs and these dust caps you installed going? Did you rotate / aim the LEDs to your satisfaction?

Based on these feedbacks I will pull the trigger for the RS. I'd like to do the same for the S1000R but clearance there is less than with the RS, and the S1000R is the bike with the greater need.

[mspratz]

Michael - How is your experience with the ODX LEDs and these dust caps you installed going? Did you rotate / aim the LEDs to your satisfaction?

Based on these feedbacks I will pull the trigger for the RS. I'd like to do the same for the S1000R but clearance there is less than with the RS, and the S1000R is the bike with the greater need.

I did not buy or install these dust caps. I haven't yet gone out to the garage to look at the original covers to see if I can work out how these would install over them or in place of them. I wouldn't buy these dust caps unless I'm sure they will make a waterproof seal.

[Grumpy Goat]

I did not buy or install these dust caps. I haven't yet gone out to the garage to look at the original covers to see if I can work out how these would install over them or in place of them. I wouldn't buy these dust caps unless I'm sure they will make a waterproof seal.

OK I guess codydawg may comment on the fitment of the dust caps over the back of the LEDs he installed.

But can you comment on how you are finding the ODX LEDs and whether you were able to rotate / aim them to your satisfaction?

[mspratz]

I did not buy or install these dust caps. I haven't yet gone out to the garage to look at the original covers to see if I can work out how these would install over them or in place of them. I wouldn't buy these dust caps unless I'm sure they will make a waterproof seal.

OK I guess codydawg may comment on the fitment of the dust caps over the back of the LEDs he installed.

But can you comment on how you are finding the ODX LEDs and whether you were able to rotate / aim them to your satisfaction?

I'm a little confused. I sent the ODX LEDs back. It's all in the article I wrote that you posted on the site.

[Grumpy Goat]

I'm a little confused. I sent the ODX LEDs back. It's all in the article I wrote that you posted on the site.

Haha the joke’s on me. I sorta thought that you had given up on the LEDs but I only looked back in this thread and when I didn’t see anything to that effect, I asked the first time. I clean forgot about the article. Sorry.

So it seems that codydawg might have to fill us (me) in on how he finds the LEDs performance wise, and how the dust caps fit, etc.


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[Grumpy Goat]

Performance wise they are whiter and much brighter, they also have a fan on the backs of them to cool. Was worried they would over heat inside the dust covers but I have not had any issues. 9000 kms and the last few weeks we have been in the 90's (F) here. Rotating to match halogens was not a problem.

The 70mm dust covers fit perfect, also have a slight thread inside so you can twist them into position.

Very nice! I take it you had to make a hole in the dust cover to pass the wire through ...?

[Grumpy Goat]

no everything fit in behind dust covers, sealed real tight. its a tight fit, kinda like everything else on a motorcycle. the stock caps are not used as the LED protrudes past where they would be.

Cool. Thanks.

[Duccrazydave]

I installed the same lights and covers as codydawg. Took it for a spin tonight to evaluate and adjust the aim. Definitely a big color difference. I adjusted the low beam down a bit, as the diffuse pattern is slightly different. After returning from a short 10 mile ride, I noticed the low beam cover was quite warm. It almost seems as if (with a fan cooled bulb) it should be vented somehow. But I guess that partially defeats the purpose of keeping the elements away from the bulb connection area. Will keep an eye on that.


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[Duccrazydave]

The only issue I had was taking 15 frustrating minutes trying to fit them the first time. Then finally realizing I had received 9005's, not H7's.
I'm real observant, like that, lol.

[BobAin'tStoppin']

On the way home from Colorado my low beam headlight burned out as I was just riding down the interstate. This puts a bit of a hole in my theory that the bulb seems to burn out on startup. Say a voltage surge on power up. Anyway, this will be replaced with a standard H7 bulb shortly.

[fr8dogjoe]

The OEM low beam bulb lasted 4-yrs and 20K miles. I replaced it with a Hella extended life bulb basic level lumens. I rarely ride at night due to deer.

https://smile.amazon.com/HELLA-H7-Standa...r=8-5&th=1

Thanks for the link. I have a pair of Hella High Wattage H7 bulbs waiting to go in whenever another bulb blows, but from what I heard I have to watch the heat output. Goodness knows how long that bulb would last. I just hate the yellow light of standard bulbs.

Having read some "other forum" posts on lens damage (melting), I was leery of the higher wattage options. The same wattage, higher lumen bulbs seem to have a 50% projected life of the basic bubs and cost more.

I checked the link to Amazon and the message said that this part is not compatible with my 2018 RS. Any ideas? I also want to replace the smaller light within the housing with an LED lamp. Any ideas there?

[Grumpy Goat]

I checked the link to Amazon and the message said that this part is not compatible with my 2018 RS. Any ideas?

Just to be sure, are you referring to the Hella High Wattage 100W bulb in the link above? Says it fits my 2016 RS so I can't see why it won't fit your 2018.

   

[Lee]

I checked the link to Amazon and the message said that this part is not compatible with my 2018 RS. Any ideas? I also want to replace the smaller light within the housing with an LED lamp. Any ideas there?

Half the time the Amazon message is wrong.

[darrell]

On my way from Alabama I lost the low beam bulb on the RS. Just picked up what is my I believe is my 8th bulb, all low beam, at the local O'Reilly's. I buy the cheapest bulb rated at 270 hours of life as anything else is below 100 hours and I'd be replacing every month or two.

When paying for the bulb the person waiting on me mentioned I bought the same bulb in April and again in July of 2020. He asked if I knew the Sylvania bulbs I was purchasing had a 1 year warranty. I did not. He said just keep the package and sales receipt and bring them in when they burn out and they would give me a new one.

I was surprised.