Best Motorcycle LED Headlight
When its time to upgrade from OEM
Many new motorcycles still use halogen bulbs in their headlights, which rarely pump out as many lumens as we motorcyclists would like. While some manufacturers have begun to make the leap to full LED systems, sometimes they still don’t cast enough light in the dark to warn you of the impending danger just out of that stock headlight’s reach. Time to turn to the aftermarket. We’ve put together a list of some of the biggest names in the game to replace your stock headlight with a brighter more powerful LED unit. Here is our list of the best motorcycle LED headlights.
1. Editor's Choice: Baja Designs XL Pro LED Headlight Kit
Primarily aimed toward off-road and enduro bikes, the Baja Designs Squadron XL Pro LED headlight transforms 40 watts of power consumption into a 4,900-lumen output that puts the Baja Designs XL Pro LED Headlight Kit on a whole new level. Integrating its Cree XP-L LED array into a direct-swap bezel makes upgrading your stock lamp a no-brainer. An XL Pro LED assembly is designed to meet the rigors of racing and has the waterproofing and impact testing stats to prove it. The housing is made from hard-anodized and powder-coated cast aluminum while the bezel is machined from billet aluminum, keeping the weight down to 1.85 lbs. The front lens is made from hard-coated polycarbonate and is replaceable. Baja Designs rates this LED life expectancy at 49,930 hours. The Squadron XL Pro LED headlight exceeds MIL-STD810G (Mil-Spec Testing), is IP69K (Waterproof submersible to 9 ft), and IK10 Compliant (Mechanical Impact Testing) – making this headlight one of the toughest out there. For bike fitment, check out www.bajadesigns.com.
5. Motodemic Adaptive LED Headlight – $519
Calling this just a headlight kit is an understatement. The Motodemic Adaptive LED Headlight Upgrade Kit made by JW Speaker contains lean angle sensors that direct LED lights into a turn. Motodemic calls this onboard intelligence. Each kit includes a multi-lens LED headlight unit with OEM style connectors that fit within your factory headlight housing. Each Motodemic LED Headlight projects light where the rider needs it without blinding traffic. This is possible thanks to the multiple LEDs and ultra-clear lenses which allow for super wide and smooth beams of light at 5000K color temperature. The housing itself is made of a protective polycarbonate lens and a corrosion-resistant chassis and is sealed to keep the elements out. Made in the USA, the Motodemic headlight comes with a five-year warranty. Motodemic has model-specific headlights for a large swath of motorcycles. Check www.motodemic.com for fitment.
What do I need to consider when choosing an LED headlight for my motorcycle?
When considering switching to an LED light for your motorcycle there are obvious things you’ll want to check such as fitment for your motorcycle, but there are also other factors that you should be aware of. The amount of lumens and color temperature is another thing you should also take into consideration. You don’t want to be blinding other drivers or riders and the color temperature can actually play a part in how fatiguing the light can be to your own eyes. Baja Designs has a lot of interesting information about this on its site. Then, of course, you’ll want to make sure your electrical system can withstand the light you want to install. This typically isn’t an issue with LEDs as they are generally more efficient than their halogen predecessors.
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Ryan’s time in the motorcycle industry has revolved around sales and marketing prior to landing a gig at Motorcycle.com. An avid motorcyclist, interested in all shapes, sizes, and colors of motorized two-wheeled vehicles, Ryan brings a young, passionate enthusiasm to the digital pages of MO.
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good update, LED(Light Emitting Diode) bulbs are less cost compare to present bulbs, I think LED bulbs consume less power..............
There is more to illuminating the road than just light output. It also matters where the light is aimed. Years ago when heligan lights where new i saw a comparison of heligan head light replacements, penil beams, driving lights and fog lights. The power suplies where standardised, the light outputs mapped with with light meters and depicted in contour maps.
How about doing a similer comparison of these lights?