Headlight bulbs. OEM vs VisionX

[Keystone]

Switched out both headlight bulbs on my wife's and my rides. Stock light vs the VisionX bulb. I am wanting a legal (as in DOT compliant) white light. I find that the OEM bulbs are a bit on the yellow side for my liking. (I changed my shop lights a few years back to the real white tubes.) Pictures are not showing the difference but I can really tell on the wife's Sporty.

Stock:



VisionX

 

[GARYD]

I'm going to go with the LED modulating set up. Finally have a set up for LED lights. It's expensive but I don't know anything better to get drivers attention.

 

[Springman2007]

I'm going to go with the LED modulating set up. Finally have a set up for LED lights. It's expensive but I don't know anything better to get drivers attention.

I hope you post about it when you do, sounds very interesting....

On the Xvision bulbs, I have to say that the daylight pictures don't really tell me much (its my tired old eyes, I'm sure). Maybe a comparision view at night? But, all that aside, please tell us how it changed your night vision on the bike? Do you see farther, or clearer?

I have stayed away from changing my headlight and brakes to LEDs and other bulbs, just feeling sticking with the stock form is most practical for me. I mean they are easy to find and fix. But, I am always keen on learning and adapting thing that can work better for me, just need to believe in the change is for the better, as it applies to me.

So, please, if you get the chance, more info and feedback would be greatly appreciated on both topics.

Best Wishes,

Springman

 

[Keystone]

On the Xvision bulbs, I have to say that the daylight pictures don't really tell me much (its my tired old eyes, I'm sure). Maybe a comparision view at night? But, all that aside, please tell us how it changed your night vision on the bike? Do you see farther, or clearer?Best Wishes, Springman

As soon as the weather gives me the chance I will take a ride at night. I've seen some pictures showing the difference. I went out to the shed last night and turned the light on. Compared to the OEM bulb it was allot whiter. Still not as white as the LED light I have on the engine guard, but not yellow either.

 

[DK Custom Products]

The VisionX is the brightest headlight we could find that is DOT approved AND does not cost an arm & a leg.

Here are some comparison pics at night time of a bike with a 5.75" bucket. Unfortunately I did not do a comparison between the stock light and visionx on a 7" bucket. But you can see the difference in color and reach between the stock and the VisionX.

I did do comparisons in a 7" bucket between the stock and an affordable (but Non-DOT approved) LED. The difference is startling.

I have tested this LED with the Kriss headlight modulator and it works well.


While the above LED is a huge improvement over the stock light, and costs only $70 (see details HERE) it is still not nearly as clear/crisp as the $500 HD LED headlight.

Here's a pic of the HD Daymaker on High Beam-

Kevin

 

[Springman2007]

The VisionX is the brightest headlight we could find that is DOT approved AND does not cost an arm & a leg.

Here are some comparison pics at night time of a bike with a 5.75" bucket. Unfortunately I did not do a comparison between the stock light and visionx on a 7" bucket. But you can see the difference in color and reach between the stock and the VisionX.
ThumbUp(pic deleted for space - see above post)
I did do comparisons in a 7" bucket between the stock and an affordable (but Non-DOT approved) LED. The difference is startling.
ThumbUp(pic deleted for space - see above post)
I have tested this LED with the Kriss headlight modulator and it works well.
ThumbUp(pic deleted for space - see above post)
While the above LED is a huge improvement over the stock light, and costs only $70 (see details HERE) it is still not nearly as clear/crisp as the $500 HD LED headlight.

Here's a pic of the HD Daymaker on High Beam-
ThumbUp
Kevin

Kevin,

This was EXCELLENT feedback data, thank you.....ThumbUpThumbUpThumbUpThumbUpThumbUp

The HD Daymakers are VERY impressive; but, I just can't swallow the cost...unless HD would unconditionally guarantee them for life maybe....that will never happen.

However, I am very much liking the light enhancement of the $70.00 LED setup and will consider the upgrade...

As for the modulation of the headlight....I have to say I am still on the fence on that one..... I have encountered it on opposing cycles on road; but, I just can't say I thought it had as much of a "make me more visible" impact as it did a "distract me, the opposing rider/drive, from the road" impact, especially on a few night encounters.....

....I can't see "Safety-First" at the possible risk to others......

Maybe I am all wrong, just my current view on them. And, I have to tell you that the thought of every two-wheeler and three-wheeler having them is sort of scary to me........sorry, I am old and set in my ways, I guess.

Anyway, thanks again for the info!

Springman

 

[GARYD]

Kevin, when you say stock headlight, are you referring to the stock LED headlight on the Rushmore bikes or the old stock non LED headlights??

I think the one on my 2014 TG is pretty good.

 

[DK Custom Products]

Kevin,

This was EXCELLENT feedback data, thank you.....ThumbUpThumbUpThumbUpThumbUpThumbUp

The HD Daymakers are VERY impressive; but, I just can't swallow the cost...unless HD would unconditionally guarantee them for life maybe....that will never happen.

However, I am very much liking the light enhancement of the $70.00 LED setup and will consider the upgrade...

As for the modulation of the headlight....I have to say I am still on the fence on that one..... I have encountered it on opposing cycles on road; but, I just can't say I thought it had as much of a "make me more visible" impact as it did a "distract me, the opposing rider/drive, from the road" impact, especially on a few night encounters.....

....I can't see "Safety-First" at the possible risk to others......

Maybe I am all wrong, just my current view on them. And, I have to tell you that the thought of every two-wheeler and three-wheeler having them is sort of scary to me........sorry, I am old and set in my ways, I guess.

Anyway, thanks again for the info!

Springman

Yes, the use of a headlight modulator is a subject that generates a lot of valid points across the spectrum.

I have used one for many years on all my bikes. I can tell it gets people's attention, I can also tell it is very irritating to many. I have had many cars pull over, thinking there was a LEO behind them. I've never seen anyone do anything "dangerous" because of the modulator...but that doesn't mean they haven't and I just did not see it.

If I am riding in a group, if I am lead, I will leave it on. If I am not, I turn it off.

If I am riding solo but have a bike coming the opposite direction, I shut it off, or if I come up behind other bikes I shut it off.

Recently, when I got the 2014 TG that has the HD Daymaker in it, I did not add a modulator to it. Also, on my Softail, which now has the DK Custom LED in it, I used the modulator in it for a while, but now feel it is bright enough that I rarely turn the modulator on.

Running a modulator may be something like loud pipes...it may help get someones attention in certain circumstances that generate a safe environment for the rider, and it may irritate some people in certain circumstance, but it is no guarantee they will see/hear you and not hit you.

Kevin, when you say stock headlight, are you referring to the stock LED headlight on the Rushmore bikes or the old stock non LED headlights??

I think the one on my 2014 TG is pretty good.

I am referring to the old stock, non-LED lights. I have never ridden a bike/trike with a headlight that is better than the Stock LED light on the newer HD's.


Kevin

 

[Springman2007]

Kevin,

Modulator issue aside........

I am interested in that LED replacement bulb for $70.00 your offering on your site.

Do you know it is going to be a direct fit for my 2015 Freewheeler?

Springman

 

[Keystone]

Kevin,

Modulator issue aside........

I am interested in that LED replacement bulb for $70.00 your offering on your site.

Do you know it is going to be a direct fit for my 2015 Freewheeler?

Springman

Yup, direct fit bulb. I've seen that bulb in person. It's BRIGHT!

 

[DK Custom Products]

Kevin,

Modulator issue aside........

I am interested in that LED replacement bulb for $70.00 your offering on your site.

Do you know it is going to be a direct fit for my 2015 Freewheeler?

Springman

If your headlight looks like this-

and NOT like this-

Then the DK Custom LED is a direct replacement/fit. Just unplug the stock bulb and plug the new one in. The new one does not need the rubber grommet that is used with the stock one.

If you would like us to email you the instruction sheet, send a PM with your email address and we'll get that out to you.

Please be aware that the stock bulb is DOT Approved and the LED is not. I've been riding for months with the DK Custom LED and never had anyone flash their brights at me, and I don't think it blinds anybody (anymore than a DOT approved LED), but just wanted to make sure you knew about that.

Kevin

 

[Springman2007]

If your headlight looks like this-
ThumbUp(picture deleted for space, see above post)
and NOT like this-
(picture deleted for space, see above post)
Then the DK Custom LED is a direct replacement/fit. Just unplug the stock bulb and plug the new one in. The new one does not need the rubber grommet that is used with the stock one.

If you would like us to email you the instruction sheet, send a PM with your email address and we'll get that out to you.

Please be aware that the stock bulb is DOT Approved and the LED is not. I've been riding for months with the DK Custom LED and never had anyone flash their brights at me, and I don't think it blinds anybody (anymore than a DOT approved LED), but just wanted to make sure you knew about that.

Kevin

Keven, I have the first style. Thanks for the info! Sending PM now for sheet.

Springman

 

[DK Custom Products]

Keven, I have the first style. Thanks for the info! Sending PM now for sheet.

Springman

PM & Email sent.

Kevin