LED Instead of HID Headlights for RT?

[wukka]

Considering replacing the stock headlight bulbs with aftermarket LED equivalent. The benefits are they demand less power (11 watts}, are MUCH brighter (6K brightness level) run COOL and will last for thousands of hours.

High beam/low beam is not a factor, since the RT uses "shades" for low beam, and fully exposed for high beam - so they would work like daytime running lights.

I've found a online seller that has the 9005 bulbs in LED, but don't want to make the purchase unless I am reasonably sure that they will work.

Obviously, the deciding factor has to do with the "nanny." Does anyone know if the drop in current will cause the Spyder to "think" that there is a problem with the headlights? Or are they monitored at all?

Looking for feedback from anyone, as I think that this would be a better, brighter improvement without the added cost of HID.

Thanks in advance...

 

[NancysToy]

I don't think you will have problems with monitoring, but I would be surprised if you get enough light out of them to do the job. The 6K is the color, not the brightness. Most LEDs have been good for being seen, but they don't cast enough light to replace halogen bulbs. IMO you are better off with HIDs.

 

[Firefly]

I would be curious to see what you find out. I've been looking and not found any yet. HD makes LED headlight kits for many of their bikes-- some even come standard that way now--- and they work really well.

The one advantage the Spyder has is that we use a projector lens-- which should help a LED solution spread the light better.

I don't think the nanny will care at all...

 

[Firefly]

Oh-- and Scotty is correct.... the 6K is the color spectrum--- has nothing to do with brightness......

 

[jvicker]

Careful:lecturef_smilie:

I got some H7 led bulbs for my RS and while they were very bright, they did not cast a beam. They were made for seeing not showing.

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?38258-LED-Headlights

 

[wukka]

Thanks for the feedback...Did some more research this morning, and reviews of the 9005 LED bulbs support what you were saying...No doubt they are brighter, but do not cast a 'concentrated' beam like the Halogon or HID lights.

Like with the HD lights, I KNOW that the solution is out there - but will keep looking.

Thank you very much...

 

[sinkhole]

LED replacements...

Another issue may be the size of the LED vs. Halogen bulbs. I've read on several automotive sites that the LED bulbs are longer, and may not fit in all housings. Any one who has installed an LED replacement in either their fog lights, or headlights, please let us know if they do fit.

 

[bruiser]

LED bulbs are not necessarily longer. It depends on the application and manufacturer. Newer LEDs are actually chips not diodes. I just purchased a new flashlight using the chip and the light output is phenominal. Much brighter and concentrated compared to my LED flashlight. I'm considering HIDs for our Spyders, but cost is holding me back right now.

 

[BajaRon]

Lumens is the measurment of light produced. But there is more to it than just Lumens as it really depends on how much area is covered by the light emitted. LED's aren't going to get the job done.

Learn from my experience and save yourself a lot of grief and money. Go to KB Car Stuff and get their Xtreme HID kit for the Spyder. They work great, no issues with the electronics, draw less current than the Halogens, last longer and really give you a lot more light.

 

[Firefly]

Lumens is the measurment of light produced. But there is more to it than just Lumens as it really depends on how much area is covered by the light emitted. LED's aren't going to get the job done.

Learn from my experience and save yourself a lot of grief and money. Go to KB Car Stuff and get their Xtreme HID kit for the Spyder. They work great, no issues with the electronics, draw less current than the Halogens, last longer and really give you a lot more light.

Right now it seems the HID's are the only game in town...... LED headlights are currently only available on higher end cars like the Audi A8.
Hella has a projector similar to the Spyder unit that has a LED setup... but I've only seen it used in higher end autos in the UK..

I've had good luck with the kits from KB.....