We received a request to install PIAA LED headlight bulbs on a GSF1200.
A reassuring package. Since these are for four-wheel vehicles, they come with two bulbs.
I haven’t had a great impression of LED options for two-wheelers. With PIAA, I wanted to test them out, so we got started on the job.
This is a Raybrick lens with an H4 bulb at 24,000 candlepower.
The PIAA LED bulb came in at roughly 24,000 candlepower as well, so they were equivalent. The condition varies depending on the lens state. With cheap Chinese multi-reflectors, the effect might be limited.
Initially we drilled a hole this size, but during beam axis adjustment we found we needed more left-right movement.
We enlarged it with tin snips. An oval shape works best.
We fabricated a bracket for the control unit. We kept it as light as possible with ribs for strength, considered serviceability, and welded the nuts in place.
We secured it from the inside.
Using a surface-mount approach keeps the wiring safe.
With Dual Lock and cable ties, there’s no risk of it coming loose.
The brightness turned out nicely. In my opinion, putting an LED into an H4 lens doesn’t deliver stellar performance.
Basically, there’s almost no difference between high and low beam, so you have to run the beam axis quite low and only raise it during inspection. You also need to make room for the LED unit’s depth and the control unit placement. LED is still a new technology; in three to five years we’ll probably see smaller, thinner, and more affordable options. For now, I still think a direct-battery H4 setup has the edge.
Two-wheeler LEDs often don’t reach the 15,000 candlepower needed to pass inspection, so you should understand that going in and make your decision accordingly.
