Headlight

[danh600]

I was going to order some parts for the FJR. One was a headlight bulb. All the motorcycle specific sites say not available.
Is that a standard light I can pick up at a auto parts store?
There is also a Hella brand one on Amazon. It has good ratings.

[FJRoss]

Up until they switched to the LED system in recent years, all FJR's work with a standard automotive H4 (9003) halogen bulb. No need to buy a speciality part. Some people go for the "premium" higher output bulbs but pay for it in terms of initial purchase price and then with longevity (or lack thereof). These bulbs have the same (or similar) wattage but filaments run hotter producing a "whiter" light that illuminates further down the road.

Some people have played with H4 equivalent LEDs which produce whiter and brighter light and should last the life of your bike (if the cooling fan holds out). They also draw less current than conventional halogens. Be careful in your choice - not all play well with FJR reflectors which may result in a mis-focussed beam which can provide poorer illumination and dazzle oncoming drivers.

Edit: I currently run with the OEM halogens augmented with aftermarket Clearwater auxiliary lights (Ericas). The halogens look absolutely anemic and yellow beside the Clearwaters and that is with the LEDs on minimum brightness - the LEDs turn night into day when I switch to high beam which also puts full power to the Ericas. I bought a set of LED H4's a few years ago to replace the OEMs when they failed but they are still going strong after 80,000+ miles... I'll get around to it one of these days but in the meantime, the current setup works for me.

[wheatonFJR]

I was going to order some parts for the FJR. One was a headlight bulb. All the motorcycle specific sites say not available.
Is that a standard light I can pick up at a auto parts store?
There is also a Hella brand one on Amazon. It has good ratings.

When I get access Dan,I will forward the LED light that I ordered, which is what Marty ordered awhile back.

[wheatonFJR]

Here it is: https://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinf ... &year=2013


$46/pair

[FJRoss]

I was going to order some parts for the FJR. One was a headlight bulb. All the motorcycle specific sites say not available.
Is that a standard light I can pick up at a auto parts store?
There is also a Hella brand one on Amazon. It has good ratings.

When I get access Dan,I will forward the LED light that I ordered, which is what Marty ordered awhile back.

Note on the aftermarket replacements. There are HUNDREDS to choose from on Amazon or ebay (and other places). They range tremendously in wattage, color temperature, and geometry. Use claimed lumen ratings with caution - some manufacturers specify per pair of bulbs and some just plain lie about it! (More lumens is not as important as focus and geometry) Most have cooling fans (which appear to work) although some use passive cooling with some sort of heatsink. Good thing is that most (except for a few name brands) are relatively cheap and won't break the bank if you don't like your choice. Some require some trimming of the headlight rubber boot...
I HATE the higher color temperature bulbs. They are perceived as brighter but do not necessarily give you better illumination and they dazzle other drivers. I have seen some absolutely awful aftermarket LED implementations. For some reason, Harley Davidsons and Jeeps are the worst offenders - they are pretty offensive, even without the lights!

[wheatonFJR]

I was going to order some parts for the FJR. One was a headlight bulb. All the motorcycle specific sites say not available.
Is that a standard light I can pick up at a auto parts store?
There is also a Hella brand one on Amazon. It has good ratings.

When I get access Dan,I will forward the LED light that I ordered, which is what Marty ordered awhile back.

Note on the aftermarket replacements. There are HUNDREDS to choose from on Amazon or ebay (and other places). They range tremendously in wattage, color temperature, and geometry. Use claimed lumen ratings with caution - some manufacturers specify per pair of bulbs and some just plain lie about it! (More lumens is not as important as focus and geometry) Most have cooling fans (which appear to work) although some use passive cooling with some sort of heatsink. Good thing is that most (except for a few name brands) are relatively cheap and won't break the bank if you don't like your choice. Some require some trimming of the headlight rubber boot...
I HATE the higher color temperature bulbs. They are perceived as brighter but do not necessarily give you better illumination and they dazzle other drivers. I have seen some absolutely awful aftermarket LED implementations. For some reason, Harley Davidsons and Jeeps are the worst offenders - they are pretty offensive, even without the lights!

The one I linked to has a nice big heat sink, no fans. Works sehr gut!

[danh600]

Ross

I also put on some clearwater lights. Fork mounted Darlas. Amazed at the difference. I also have to turn the brightness all the way down.

Original on the right just went out at about 83k. Mine is a 2013.

[FJRPittsburgh]

I bought these from Amazon. They're fanless so you don't have to listen to the fan whining or failing. They work flawlessly and show a nice level beam when adjusting them. $35.99 and another 5% off of that. 4500 lumens per bulb. I believe the other recommended bulbs are 2000 lumens per bulb.

https://www.amazon.com/AUXITO-Headlight ... _d_rp_19_i

[1911]

When I get access Dan,I will forward the LED light that I ordered, which is what Marty ordered awhile back.

Note on the aftermarket replacements. There are HUNDREDS to choose from on Amazon or ebay (and other places). They range tremendously in wattage, color temperature, and geometry. Use claimed lumen ratings with caution - some manufacturers specify per pair of bulbs and some just plain lie about it! (More lumens is not as important as focus and geometry) Most have cooling fans (which appear to work) although some use passive cooling with some sort of heatsink. Good thing is that most (except for a few name brands) are relatively cheap and won't break the bank if you don't like your choice. Some require some trimming of the headlight rubber boot...
I HATE the higher color temperature bulbs. They are perceived as brighter but do not necessarily give you better illumination and they dazzle other drivers. I have seen some absolutely awful aftermarket LED implementations. For some reason, Harley Davidsons and Jeeps are the worst offenders - they are pretty offensive, even without the lights!

The one I linked to has a nice big heat sink, no fans. Works sehr gut!

The whole thread. viewtopic.php?t=3618