GSX1400 Owners .org

Technically Speaking => Electrics => Topic started by: Athelstanexxx on Thursday, 05 November 2020, 06:30 PM

Title: LED Headlight
Post by: Athelstanexxx on Thursday, 05 November 2020, 06:30 PM
Did anyone fit a LED headlight on our beast?

Like this one for example, but in the correct size as original

https://www.ebay.com/itm/6-5-Inch-Motorcycle-Headlight-LED-Turn-Signal-Light-Bulb-Headlight-For-Cafe-Race/264814361100

Question is: do you have schematics to be followed for installation?

Thank you
Title: Re: LED Headlight
Post by: grog on Thursday, 05 November 2020, 07:17 PM
Im guessing you want the look, otherwise Auxito globe works well.
Title: Re: LED Headlight
Post by: gsxbarmy on Thursday, 05 November 2020, 07:25 PM
Quote from: Athelstanexxx on Thursday, 05 November  2020, 06:30 PM
Did anyone fit a LED headlight on our beast?

Like this one for example, but in the correct size as original

https://www.ebay.com/itm/6-5-Inch-Motorcycle-Headlight-LED-Turn-Signal-Light-Bulb-Headlight-For-Cafe-Race/264814361100

Question is: do you have schematics to be followed for installation?

Thank you

Unless any of the guys down under have done it - no as it's illegal in the UK to fit an aftermarket LED headlamp to any machinery (car or bike) which was not originally manufactured with/supplied from the factory with same.
Title: Re: LED Headlight
Post by: grog on Thursday, 05 November 2020, 07:33 PM
Barmy, same reason i just fitted globe. Prob illegal but would need to be tough copper to notice. Same reason i never got small LED indicators. Will get gsxr type, look good but smaller than stockers. If they dont like something here, youre walking home or tow truck. Not all of them but some letter to the law.
Title: Re: LED Headlight
Post by: Mick_J on Thursday, 05 November 2020, 08:09 PM
Quote from: gsxbarmy on Thursday, 05 November  2020, 07:25 PM
Quote from: Athelstanexxx on Thursday, 05 November  2020, 06:30 PM
Did anyone fit a LED headlight on our beast?

Like this one for example, but in the correct size as original

https://www.ebay.com/itm/6-5-Inch-Motorcycle-Headlight-LED-Turn-Signal-Light-Bulb-Headlight-For-Cafe-Race/264814361100

Question is: do you have schematics to be followed for installation?

Thank you

Unless any of the guys down under have done it - no as it's illegal in the UK to fit an aftermarket LED headlamp to any machinery (car or bike) which was not originally manufactured with/supplied from the factory with same.

I've seen plenty of bikes with LEDs that were not manufactured that way, where is that written down Barmy?
Title: Re: LED Headlight
Post by: Eric GSX1400K3 on Thursday, 05 November 2020, 09:42 PM
Yessir, check out www.Stedi.com.au, you need the 7" iris led. Perfect fit into the existing housing, looks great imho and I've not had any problems with the local constabulary.
Title: Re: LED Headlight
Post by: Athelstanexxx on Friday, 06 November 2020, 12:40 AM
Fantastic, thank you
- how did you wire the thing? Standard one out, this in, with provided harness connection or wire stripped and soldered?
- all 3 position switch work? Round led is low light?
Thank you
Title: Re: LED Headlight
Post by: gsxbarmy on Friday, 06 November 2020, 04:36 AM
Quote from: mjgt on Thursday, 05 November  2020, 08:09 PM
Quote from: gsxbarmy on Thursday, 05 November  2020, 07:25 PM
Quote from: Athelstanexxx on Thursday, 05 November  2020, 06:30 PM
Did anyone fit a LED headlight on our beast?

Like this one for example, but in the correct size as original

https://www.ebay.com/itm/6-5-Inch-Motorcycle-Headlight-LED-Turn-Signal-Light-Bulb-Headlight-For-Cafe-Race/264814361100

Question is: do you have schematics to be followed for installation?

Thank you

Unless any of the guys down under have done it - no as it's illegal in the UK to fit an aftermarket LED headlamp to any machinery (car or bike) which was not originally manufactured with/supplied from the factory with same.

I've seen plenty of bikes with LEDs that were not manufactured that way, where is that written down Barmy?

Look under gov.uk under current VOSA testing standards.

Basically all after market LED fitments break the rules - to meet current EU and other regulations, LED lights are only legal if they were part of the OEM fitment; so for instance, if you have a car, where some models have LED headlights and others don't, it's not illegal to retrofit the LED headlamp units from that manufacturer (together with any associated wiring etc) as they have gone through proper homolgation.

LED headlights were never fitted to the 14 as standard, therefore by nature of that any aftermarket unit is illegal in the eyes of an MOT tester (if they choose to enforce it)

It's also worth noting in the UK, that the fitting of LED bulbs to non-LED units - is not (yet) illegal (although HID bulbs are). There is no such thing (from manufacturers) as LED bulb units; all LED headlamp units are sealed units.

There is a VOSA / gov.uk explanation which makes heavy reading, these guys explain it better

https://www.autobulbsdirect.co.uk/blog/are-led-headlights-legal-in-the-uk/

Many will say - "well my bike passed its MOT with one" - and I have no doubt they did. However, according to the law, if it wasn't fitted as new, or retrofitted with the manufacturer full LED setup, then in the UK it's illegal. WHich is why many temporarily replace the after market LED bulbs with normal bulbs for the MOT then fit their LED bulbs again.
Title: Re: LED Headlight
Post by: Eric GSX1400K3 on Friday, 06 November 2020, 07:48 AM
Quote from: Athelstanexxx on Friday, 06 November  2020, 12:40 AM
Fantastic, thank you
- how did you wire the thing? Standard one out, this in, with provided harness connection or wire stripped and soldered?
- all 3 position switch work? Round led is low light?
Thank you
Pretty much plug and play, the connector on the stedi light matches the factory unit. You can also choose which is the DRL, however that requires a new spade connector or solder.  I've posted on here before on how to mount these, bit of fiddling around but it works.
Title: Re: LED Headlight
Post by: Mick_J on Friday, 06 November 2020, 08:37 PM
Quote from: gsxbarmy on Friday, 06 November  2020, 04:36 AM
Quote from: mjgt on Thursday, 05 November  2020, 08:09 PM
Quote from: gsxbarmy on Thursday, 05 November  2020, 07:25 PM
Quote from: Athelstanexxx on Thursday, 05 November  2020, 06:30 PM
Did anyone fit a LED headlight on our beast?

Like this one for example, but in the correct size as original

https://www.ebay.com/itm/6-5-Inch-Motorcycle-Headlight-LED-Turn-Signal-Light-Bulb-Headlight-For-Cafe-Race/264814361100

Question is: do you have schematics to be followed for installation?

Thank you

Unless any of the guys down under have done it - no as it's illegal in the UK to fit an aftermarket LED headlamp to any machinery (car or bike) which was not originally manufactured with/supplied from the factory with same.

I've seen plenty of bikes with LEDs that were not manufactured that way, where is that written down Barmy?

Look under gov.uk under current VOSA testing standards.

Basically all after market LED fitments break the rules - to meet current EU and other regulations, LED lights are only legal if they were part of the OEM fitment; so for instance, if you have a car, where some models have LED headlights and others don't, it's not illegal to retrofit the LED headlamp units from that manufacturer (together with any associated wiring etc) as they have gone through proper homolgation.

LED headlights were never fitted to the 14 as standard, therefore by nature of that any aftermarket unit is illegal in the eyes of an MOT tester (if they choose to enforce it)

It's also worth noting in the UK, that the fitting of LED bulbs to non-LED units - is not (yet) illegal (although HID bulbs are). There is no such thing (from manufacturers) as LED bulb units; all LED headlamp units are sealed units.

There is a VOSA / gov.uk explanation which makes heavy reading, these guys explain it better

https://www.autobulbsdirect.co.uk/blog/are-led-headlights-legal-in-the-uk/

Many will say - "well my bike passed its MOT with one" - and I have no doubt they did. However, according to the law, if it wasn't fitted as new, or retrofitted with the manufacturer full LED setup, then in the UK it's illegal. WHich is why many temporarily replace the after market LED bulbs with normal bulbs for the MOT then fit their LED bulbs again.

Thanks Barmy, every day is a school day.  I knew HIDs were illegal on bikes but not LEDs.
Title: Re: LED Headlight
Post by: Athelstanexxx on Monday, 16 November 2020, 04:17 AM
Big question here.
How can I have led light in Day Running Light mode (DRL) on our bike?

As far as I can see we can have using switch
Off, Low Beam, High Beam

LEDs have DRL instead of Off

Thank you
Title: Re: LED Headlight
Post by: Athelstanexxx on Wednesday, 18 November 2020, 06:26 PM
Most probably my last question is not needed.
Reading manual, on the right handlebar we have a LIGHT SWITCH, I did not consider when writing before.
With LIGHT SWITCH in "position light and tail light ON", and new LED installed, position led gets turned on, and this solves the issue of powering DRL light only in the front LED system.
Will receive LED and confirm, adding pictures
Thank you
Title: Re: LED Headlight
Post by: BbigMmac on Saturday, 21 November 2020, 05:32 PM
Quote from: Eric GSX1400K3 on Thursday, 05 November  2020, 09:42 PM
Yessir, check out www.Stedi.com.au, you need the 7" iris led. Perfect fit into the existing housing, looks great imho and I've not had any problems with the local constabulary.

Allmost the same, plenty of light.

Title: Re: LED Headlight
Post by: Tally on Saturday, 21 November 2020, 09:30 PM
Mine
Title: Re: LED Headlight
Post by: Athelstanexxx on Friday, 27 November 2020, 09:06 PM
Tested the LED light I bought, all works perfect.
Now I just need to understand how to fit the thing in, close all and be ready to go
Will post pic once done
Thank you everybody
Title: Re: LED Headlight
Post by: Athelstanexxx on Saturday, 28 November 2020, 02:05 AM
Please see attachment
How can I install the LED thing inside the original 'envelope' once standard light has been removed?
Tipically LEDs have no easy attach point
Is there any aftermarket harness so to install it?
Thank you

>again sorry for all of this<
Title: Re: LED Headlight
Post by: BbigMmac on Saturday, 28 November 2020, 06:08 AM
I sacrifised my original reflector. If you cut of the lens and back part you can make it fit and use the original mounts. Maybe there is a adapter now a dats but when I did mine there were none.
Title: Re: LED Headlight
Post by: Eric GSX1400K3 on Saturday, 28 November 2020, 11:49 AM
I customised the fit on mine.

Cant find the post where i showed the pics, perhaps one of the admins can help?
I used 3 off stainless M6 bolts and nuts. Drill and tap the alu mounting brackets at the back of the led to fit these in radially. 

Take the original stainless bezel trim of the old light and fit this to the new led. (The thin one).

The larger chrome plated mount ring needs to be used, again, slightly bend the tabs out.

I then used a large stainless jubilee clip, cut this directly opposite the worm screw to end up with a long strip of stainless wirh the drive in the middle. 

I then drilled the ends and bolted the ends to the tabs in the chrome plated mounting ring. Tighten the jubilee worm drive and the light is then held into the chrome ring, the 3 M6 bolts support it radially, you can then adjust these to cente the light in the housing.

You lose the oem side to side adjust spring but you can adjust the entire lamp assembly up and down, and the lenses in the led should be correctly aligned to not throw light into oncoming traffic lane.

I hope my photo here clarifies, if not happy to help clarify.
Title: Re: LED Headlight
Post by: Athelstanexxx on Saturday, 28 November 2020, 09:45 PM
Very happy ti see it is not a straightforward issue, and I am impacting on something to be solved with some genius.
Hopefully I will find something ready on the web.
Ready to purchase, if nothing else, the complete set for led housing made to adapt leds to baked bikes
Title: Re: LED Headlight
Post by: BbigMmac on Saturday, 28 November 2020, 11:36 PM
Try ledperf.com. The sell 7" headlights and led units. Guy named Ove Bakken from Norway bought a kit there, looks good. Was something around €150.00.
Title: Re: LED Headlight
Post by: Athelstanexxx on Sunday, 29 November 2020, 07:28 PM
Just bought this there

https://www.ledperf.it/faro-rotondo-cromato-per-ottica-full-led-da-suzuki-gsx-1400-p-35620.html
Title: Re: LED Headlight
Post by: Eric GSX1400K3 on Sunday, 29 November 2020, 08:55 PM
That looks cool, i like their chrome brackets.
Title: Re: LED Headlight
Post by: KiwiCol on Friday, 01 March 2024, 01:44 PM
I think there's a very in depth discussion / tutorial on fitting LED bulbs by member SA14, I know he did a lot of research & trials into them.  Have a browse / search & see what pops up.
Title: Re: LED Headlight
Post by: grog on Friday, 01 March 2024, 05:18 PM
I think we worked out LED globes a waste of time, inserts ala Eric, only way to go. Phillips Racing Vision + 200, normal 55 watt H4 a great globe, im happy with it.
Title: Re: LED Headlight
Post by: Hooli on Friday, 01 March 2024, 08:38 PM
I'm happy with my LED bulb that Barmy recommended years ago, unfortunately you can't buy them anymore.
Title: Re: LED Headlight
Post by: Sparra on Saturday, 02 March 2024, 05:24 AM
Installing an LED headlight on your bike can indeed enhance visibility and aesthetics. Safety-wise, ensure you choose a high-quality light and meticulously follow a detailed guide for installation. Double-check all wiring and connections for longevity. YouTube tutorials offer great guidance, and sites like https://leds.to/ (https://leds.to/) provide informative articles with step-by-step instructions, making the process manageable for any DIY enthusiast. Combine both and i promise it won't be that hard.
Title: Re: LED Headlight
Post by: Eric GSX1400K3 on Saturday, 02 March 2024, 09:56 AM
Quote from: bob1620 on Friday, 01 March  2024, 06:18 AMInstalling a LED headlight on your bike can be a great upgrade for better visibility and aesthetics. However, I am not sure how safe it would be and hot to create this project step by step. If you have any DiY or tutorial, share it please!
im sure youve had a search on here already, the issue with retrofitting a LED bulb into a headlight bowl and kens designed for an incandescent buld is the lens geometry is not designed for it and will throw your beam pattern out.  Unless you get a led that kinda matches, i have found the best way is a full headlamp replacement like i did.  We are lucky the 1402 has a 7" headlight, this size is common on bikes (HD) and cars (LR defender, toyota LC etc)and there are a few options out there.

I think its better now with the led bulb tech more in line for drop in replacements. Just remember, heat is the killer of leds, they need a decent heat sink otherwise they fail. Not too much issue on a bike when moving, but important nonetheless.
Title: Re: LED Headlight
Post by: VladTepes on Monday, 04 March 2024, 10:24 AM
The directional nature of LEDs rather than incandescent lights requires a different reflector (and especially) lens design.

Drop in replacements will never be ideal and cause increased glare for oncoming road users.