Can anyone post links to LED headlights that work?
Your getting into opinion territory here... Headlights are like oil, both can get people riled up...
I'm sure that anything you buy will work - that is 'put out light when powered up'.
So I read your question as either:
'Can you recommend a LED replacement 'bulb' that you've popped into the stock Yamaha headlight and been satisfied with the results?'
OR
'What is the best LED replacement 'bulb' for a 7" round headlight used on an XS650?'.
If it's the first, then yes, someone please chime in with a recommendation.
If the second, I'll share my opinion (you knew this was coming, didn't you
)
Short answer:
Depends. It depends on the LED AND reflector working together as a unit. From my experience (5 3/4" Harley style LED headlights in a Datsun 620 pick up), buying a complete headlight that was designed as a unit will work best. If replacing the whole unit, JW Speaker makes Harley's 'Daymaker' headlights and they have been favorably reviewed. Though some may object to the look.
Retrofitting is like rolling the dice, maybe you'll get lucky and roll 7s. But results will be affected by things like the headlight (Koito, Hella, Cibie, etc.), the age (40 years old part or NOS), and your choice of LED replacement bulb. That said, If not riding much at night and you want the headlight performance to skew more towards being seen... Go for a light with lots of scatter.
Long answer (research required):
Here are some articles that may shed some light on the subject...
Consumer Reports Nov, 2017
Are HID and LED Headlights Worth Buying?
"There is no clear-cut, standout technology winner among among HID, LED, and xenon headlights. While there are poor and very good performers in each variety, none produces greater forward-seeing distances than the others. Based on our testing, the differences depend on the car, not the headlight technology." [By car I believe they mean 'headlamp design']
Consumer Reports Aug, 2019
LED Headlights Can Be Brighter but Often Lack Clear Advantages
"Both LED and HID headlights can produce a brighter, whiter light than halogens, and they illuminate the sides of the road well. But how far a headlight illuminates straight ahead, in the direction a car is traveling, is what’s most important, Stockburger says. In that respect neither HIDs nor LEDs have proved to be superior over halogens in CR’s testing."
Jalopnik Sept, 2015
Should You Swap Your Headlight Bulbs For LEDs?
Older article but I think still relevant.
The description did not give the overall length and since I was using a Bates 5 1/2" headlight there isn`t much room. Didn`t see a 3 prong plug also. There are plenty of H4 replacement bulbs out there, too bad their mostly all from China.
for you. The original headlamp is a sealed beam. I assume you like to ride after dark and the original headlight is inadequate. So, you're considering putting an LED lamp into an H4 housing? I think an H4 headlight is a pretty big improvement over the sealed beam, however, if you want an LED headlight, I believe an LED headlight is what you should buy. That will work best. There are a lot of dissenting opinions on H4 replacement LEDs. I posted a couple of vids on the same subject somewhere on here.
