Projector Headlight

[GrandpaDenny]

Anybody ever try to convert to projector lens? I'm not real happy with the new LED headlight. I mean, it's PLENTY bright, but I keep thinking I'm annoying other drivers, even though I've got it aimed a little low. Man it lights up street signs like nobody's business, just from the... what do you call it... scatter? Not the brightest part - the hot spot - the not-brightest part. I see how projector lenses have such a sharp cutoff.

[cushman eagle]

Driving towards modern vehicles with the LED head lights is very annoying
It is like driving towards spotlights,and is almost blinding

[GrandpaDenny]

You got that right. You can tell immediately the ones that have projector lenses - the light looks really white but doesn't blind you. The ones with reflectors, man... ow...

I figured out that I have the bulb twisted around 180 degrees. The low beam is actually aimed higher than the high beam. Oops. Very quick fix. Will take care of it maybe tomorrow, if I get all my homework done and get tomorrow's errands done. I want to put the new lights on her, too. Got driving lights and a third brake light.

The third brake light also has taillight and turn signal functions. I'm not going to use the taillight function, as it's the same brightness and the stop light function, just without the flashing. The turn signals are really bright yellow progressive (left to right for right turn, and vice-versa). I'm not real hip on that, but for the emergency flashers they go from the center out, and that really will add to the visibility of the bike using the four-ways. So... I haven't decided what I'm going to do yet, nor even where I'm going to mount the light. It's a really thin, 12" long LED strip.

[SgtSlag]

One of the causes of the blinding LED headlights, is that drivers are increasing the Lumen output beyond the DOT specified limits. People are installing LED bulbs which are two, or more, times brighter than the DOT limit. I did this myself, to increase conspicuity on the bike. I also knew that I would rarely ride at night, so I wasn't worried about blinding oncoming traffic..

Projection Headlights are amazing. They keep the Lumens on the road, limiting how far out, and how high, they reach, thereby avoiding blinding oncoming traffic. They're really bright when they hit a bump, and rise up to shine in your eyes, though. Upgrading to these requires an entirely new bulb and lens housing assembly, rather than just inserting a new type of bulb.

With regards to the third brake light LED strip, I would suggest mounting it on the upper trunk lid, above the latches. I bought one, in an angle bracket, mounting it on the upper trunk lid. It is at about eye level for most car drivers, behind me. I angled it so it shines directly into their faces -- nowhere near bright enough to blind anyone (even at night), but it does grab their attention. I also use a brake light modulator, normally (need to order a replacement as the old one failed). This causes it to flash 3-5 times, then remain on steady, until I release, and re-apply the brake, when it starts over again. Every bit of conspicuity helps them to see you better. Cheers!

[Nails]

I also use a brake light modulator, normally (need to order a replacement as the old one failed). This causes it to flash 3-5 times, then remain on steady, until I release, and re-apply the brake, when it starts over again.

I wish SuperBrightLEDs still sold that bulb that included the modulator right in it. I got rid of my trunk (good riddance), and replaced it with a conventional taillight. I also lit up the "GoldWing" lights on the fender. One of them flashes -- I think the top one.