LED Lights

[Dave Weller]

What do the team think about LED lights and the need for adding additional lighting to boost the standard light. Are LED lights better than a bulb set up?
Do you ever see a BMW 1200GS without auxiliary lights fitted?
Does a tinted visor filter the effect of the LED light at night more than the standard off-white bulb for some reason?
I have mixed views on these lights, they seem dangerous at dusk to me.

[StephenC]

The Xmax 300 really has to have extra lights for unlit road use, but I've not seen a need on any other scoot I've owned.

Regarding GS bikes I think every extra put on them is more for fashion/image than for practical use!

Both the Xmax and the Forza have LED lights as standard and I can't say they seem better or worse than normal bulbs, except for the very poor design of the Xmax main beam, of course.

[Capt. R Swipe]

Regarding GS bikes I think every extra put on them is more for fashion/image than for practical use!

+1 utter fad and bling

You got me thinking about the LEDs on my Nmax 125 and the full set of LED lights on my modest Suzuki Ignis. I wonder if the application i.e. the size, intended use and perhaps price of the vehicle determines the efficacy of the beam thrown out. My Nmax suffers from poor lighting for night time country roads but of course, they are sufficient on the lit roads of the city etc. Whereas the LED headlights on my Ignis are nothing short of amazing but I opted for the top spec SZ5 hybrid-Allgrip.

I still maintain that these auxiliary lights mounted on a 'light bar' are pure fashion; especially on a high-end, high-spec bike such as the barnstorming GS. (I have owned the older GS 1150 without all the fad and gubbins)

[MrGrumpy]

I've always presumed that manufacturers fit LED lights because they draw less current, so that there is less strain on the electrical system. Am I wrong in this?

[newscooter]

Extra lights to make a triangle is supposed to help make you more visible to oncoming traffic. Presumably LED S draw less power from your system and may not always need a relay (although probably advisable)

[SH125Paul]

I think LED lights are great for 'being seen' and i often replaced standard side lights for LEDs - Blue White for better definition and to stand out...
But, i think normal Halgen bulbs, as long as its with a decent reflector are better 'to see the road' by...
Both need to be cleaned, that makes a world of difference...
Tried one of those LED rear light bulbs that replace a std stop n tail - utter shite... might look 'cool' - but poor in its actual lighting function... due to bulb/reflector

[Dave Weller]

Thanks for your comments, that does reassure me that the LED lights are no major issue, and I do like the fact the battery is not being drained with the light use.
I adjusted my NC Light beam which was badly needed, and that has made things better and changed my helmet visor to a clear one.
Cheers for now, ride safe.

[roadster]

There are now several types of LED lighting some of which replace sidelights, interior lights, etc. and some which project a beam in place of halogen headlights and fog lights. The projecting type can be very bright and more energy efficient than halogen but they often rely on a focusing lens rather than a focusing reflector. This makes them very susceptible to dirt or rain on the relatively small frontal area which ruins the beam pattern. Now that the conventional designs which lasted for decades have been replaced, sometimes to achieve fashionable styling more than anything, there are good and bad examples on the road that make a mockery of the old construction and use regulations.

[StephenC]

And maybe next time a helmet with flip down internal dark visor? Best of both...

[Dave Weller]

Cheers Steve, I've got a Caburg Flip, but it was too heavy for my neck muscles, and suffered some after ride headaches. I now use a jet helmet as its lighter and I have better vision at difficult road junctions.
I really like the NC750S with the DCT, it has become my first pick bike. Mind you I was out with the Honda Owners club the other day during a rain storm in Kent and the Silverwing was the best performing bike that day.