ElectricMotorcycleForum.com
Makes And Models => Zero Motorcycles Forum | 2013+ => Topic started by: drivethruecp on January 15, 2019, 10:47:31 PM
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Anyone else intrigued by the new 2019 Zero Headlight teaser for 2.25.19 https://www.zeromotorcycles.com/ ? Already thinking of a retrofit for my 2017!
I'm currently running the Sylvania Silverstar ZXE headlight bulb and Sylvania - 194 T10 W5W ZEVO LED White Headlamp running Light.
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I think it's great for plug-and-play ability.
But somewhat objectively it was strange that a next-generation electric bike would cling to incandescents all around despite affordable LED options. And quite subjectively, I have always preferred round headlights despite how modern the bodywork is.
Good on them for updating. Everyone else always has the DIY option. Hope it's durable enough to last.
(https://i.imgur.com/Outt68Jh.jpg)
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Everything I've heard from engineers about LED lights on the Zero is that they got bogged down sourcing a vendor's product that would actually pass DOT/NHTSA/ECE testing. They expressed sincere frustration about this.
Zero moves slowly, but they aren't fools and most things we've thought of, they've tried.
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And that's a fair perspective to have. By comparison, I certainly wouldn't have asked them to prioritize the % benefit of LED-vs-H4 over the quality of brakes, wheels, gauges, suspension, etc presented on the showroom floor.
But that's also a decision the average consumer isn't privy to.
LEDs would be a 'visual match' to their advertised new technology, while the LSL Urban provided by Zero was first public on the 13-year-old Yamaha MT-03. I remember shopping around for used take-offs as a popular upgrade on my old Suzuki SV650.
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drivethruecp:
Unfortunately, I can't find a single 4-squares-and-a-bar headlight to match the Zero link you showed. That's strange, considering the side-profiles still show the LSL housing, but there's no searchable LED retrofits for those. And Zero isn't likely making their own. It's not clear what their concept is working with.
If you are time-conscious and don't want to wait a year or so for wrecked 2019's, you might have to fork out for a Koso (https://kosonorthamerica.com/shop/motorcycle-mx/thunderbolt-led-headlight/) or a cheap but questionable round LED. I've been happy so far with the questionable 5 3/4 light. Grab a fork mount, bucket, headlight and you're there!
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Personally I have never cared for weird shaped headlights, like Suzuki used to have in the 1960's or those scary things currently on KTM and some Kawasaki motorcycles. :o Just give me a nice big round headlight. :) And as someone who rarely rides at night, I am happy with incandescent lighting, as long as the bulb is easy to change when it burns out. ;)
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Just wait for the SR/F to come out and order the part from AF1 Racing. Probably will be it's own project to mount and wire it, but so is any custom solution.
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@inhibernation, can you advise what headlight is on your DSR?
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Anyone else intrigued by the new 2019 Zero Headlight teaser for 2.25.19 https://www.zeromotorcycles.com/ ? Already thinking of a retrofit for my 2017!
I'm currently running the Sylvania Silverstar ZXE headlight bulb and Sylvania - 194 T10 W5W ZEVO LED White Headlamp running Light.
I switched my headlight out,for an hi/low beam LED but it throws the projection way off, so I will definately see if the sr/f headlight assembly can be retrofitted to my dsr.
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@inhibernation, can you advise what headlight is on your DSR?
Cheapo LED off Amazon. 5 3/4" Bucket from DimeCity. Welded up my own mounts, but it would be easier to use any of the fork tube side-mounts available out there.
Well-reviewed lights are Eagle in the $125 range and JW Speaker in the $300 range.
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Zero uses those last-century incandescent lights because they're extremely cheap and easy. They could have put in LEDs if they wanted, but they figured it wasn't worth the extra effort.
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@inhibernation, can you advise what headlight is on your DSR?
Cheapo LED off Amazon. 5 3/4" Bucket from DimeCity. Welded up my own mounts, but it would be easier to use any of the fork tube side-mounts available out there.
Well-reviewed lights are Eagle in the $125 range and JW Speaker in the $300 range.
I've got the JW Speaker 7" on my 16' SR. It was $$299. I don't have a way to post photos here, but here's a link to my pics on the FB group. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2229472780408941&set=pcb.2115836978485499&type=3&theater&ifg=1
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[/quote]I've got the JW Speaker 7" on my 16' SR. It was $$299. I don't have a way to post photos here, but here's a link to my pics on the FB group. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2229472780408941&set=pcb.2115836978485499&type=3&theater&ifg=1
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That looks really good. I want one. Besides the custom bracket for mounting, is it otherwise plug and play?
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Everything I've heard from engineers about LED lights on the Zero is that they got bogged down sourcing a vendor's product that would actually pass DOT/NHTSA/ECE testing. They expressed sincere frustration about this.
Zero moves slowly, but they aren't fools and most things we've thought of, they've tried.
If I'm not mistaken, the US spec Energcas have incandescent blinker lights, while their EU counterparts have LED blinker lights. Must be due to frustrating legislation indeed.
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@inhibernation, can you advise what headlight is on your DSR?
Cheapo LED off Amazon. 5 3/4" Bucket from DimeCity. Welded up my own mounts, but it would be easier to use any of the fork tube side-mounts available out there.
Well-reviewed lights are Eagle in the $125 range and JW Speaker in the $300 range.
thought so. thanks. I had that in a 7" version wihtout halo ring on my Monster. The bucket threw me off though.
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I'm curious, why not just put one of these in the existing headlight?
https://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/motorcycle-led-bulbs/motorcycle-h4-led-fanless-headlight-conversion-kit-with-compact-heat-sink-2000-lumens/3930/8566/
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I did, and it throws off the projection. Luckily I don't drive much at night time or it would be a problem. For one tho g, it shines too high and there's not enough adjustment to lower the beam and the high beam is even worse.
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What model did you install it on?
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I did, and it throws off the projection. Luckily I don't drive much at night time or it would be a problem. For one tho g, it shines too high and there's not enough adjustment to lower the beam and the high beam is even worse.
I did both my Zeros, but with a slightly different LED bulb, one with the long heat sink fins.
However, I need to mention these can be turned from the socket. They are very easy to install upside down and that could be why yours is too high. I made that mistake at first and had mine upside down, Perhaps yours can also be turned.
Mine work well with no problem. I also put the LED lamp in my BMW and other bikes. But it's not a one type fits all bikes. The one I put in the BMW has a fan motor on the LED lamp as the one with the heat sink fins would not fit. Each LED head lamp bulb seems to be a little different than the others, but the one I used in my Zeros have the long metal fins. I will see if I can find the box or other info. later and post here.
-Don- Reno, NV
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What model did you install it on?
2017 dsr. The one I purchased was the SEALIGHT H4/9003 from amazon. There are quite a few to choose from, bit with these, it almost seems like high beam and low beam are backwards.
I didn't realize they can be installed upside down. I will have to check that out first chance I get.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B071Z7RHYM?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_pd_title
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I did it when I swapped in an LED bulb. Didn't like the pattern at all, then I realized it was upside down. It's pretty nice now, though not as good of a distribution as the incandescent stock bulb. But it costs less to run, it's brighter overall, and I don't have to worry about it burning out.
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I did it when I swapped in an LED bulb. Didn't like the pattern at all, then I realized it was upside down. It's pretty nice now, though not as good of a distribution as the incandescent stock bulb. But it costs less to run, it's brighter overall, and I don't have to worry about it burning out.
Thanks for pointing that out. I fixed it last night. Cant believe ive been riding that way for a year.
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I did it when I swapped in an LED bulb. Didn't like the pattern at all, then I realized it was upside down. It's pretty nice now, though not as good of a distribution as the incandescent stock bulb. But it costs less to run, it's brighter overall, and I don't have to worry about it burning out.
Look at the photo in Alko's link. Inside the glass, notice a shied inside. Make sure that shield is straight UP, as that blocks the light from going too high. In the photo, you see it on the left side, but it should be up when installed.
-Don- Reno, NV
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I did it when I swapped in an LED bulb. Didn't like the pattern at all, then I realized it was upside down. It's pretty nice now, though not as good of a distribution as the incandescent stock bulb. But it costs less to run, it's brighter overall, and I don't have to worry about it burning out.
Look at the photo in Alko's link. Inside the glass, notice a shied inside. Make sure that shield is straight UP, as that blocks the light from going too high. In the photo, you see it on the left side, but it should be up when installed.
-Don- Reno, NV
This is the correct installation. I originally had the reflector bow above the LED chip. But it needs to be below the chip as shown in the picture.
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ook at the photo in Alko's link. Inside the glass, notice a shied inside. Make sure that shield is straight UP, as that blocks the light from going too high. In the photo, you see it on the left side, but it should be up when installed.
I think you've got it backward, Don. The shield does go UNDER the LEDs, on the kickstand side of the bike. Since the light from the bulb is reflected (and inverted) before leaving the headlight, blocking the BOTTOM of the bulb blocks the TOP of the beam pattern, which is mandatory by law to keep from blinding oncoming drivers on low beam.
That's how I finally got mine oriented, and it does make the best beam pattern.
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I think you've got it backward, Don. The shield does go UNDER the LEDs, on the kickstand side of the bike. Since the light from the bulb is reflected (and inverted) before leaving the headlight, blocking the BOTTOM of the bulb blocks the TOP of the beam pattern, which is mandatory by law to keep from blinding oncoming drivers on low beam.
That's how I finally got mine oriented, and it does make the best beam pattern.
Yep, I probably had it backwards, sorry about that. It has been a while since I did my bikes.
I just looked at my BMW, which also has the LED light, I cannot see the shield at all (because of the design of the headlight glass) , but this bulb has writing on it to make it obvious which way is up. I have my Zeros at my other two houses, but I will check one of them later today (less than 20 miles from here) and see if I can see how it is installed through the glass.
-Don- Reno, NV
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My Zero LED lamp shield, which is above the front LED, is straight up.
However, I just looked it up here: (https://jdmastarblog.com/tag/which-way-should-my-led-headlights-face/)
"If the shield sits above the diodes then flip it around now! The shield or cover helps prevent light from shining down to ensure it does not reflect at a higher angle so the cover should always be sitting below the diodes."
Looks like I have had mine wrong for months! But somehow I remember it being down at first and having an even worse pattern. Perhaps I am confused with my BMW and in it, I cannot even see the shield through the headlamp glass, but I better recheck it also.
-Don- Reno, NV
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Alko...........how do you like the beam pattern of the Sealight bulb now that you have it oriented correctly?
I think the one from Superbright with a color temperature of 7200K is going to be a little on the bluish side which I don't want, so I'm thinking of trying the Sealight which is 6000K.
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Alko...........how do you like the beam pattern of the Sealight bulb now that you have it oriented correctly?
I think the one from Superbright with a color temperature of 7200K is going to be a little on the bluish side which I don't want, so I'm thinking of trying the Sealight which is 6000K.
The pattern is great now. And the color,is super white, not bluish at all.
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I've got the JW Speaker 7" on my 16' SR. It was $$299. I don't have a way to post photos here, but here's a link to my pics on the FB group. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2229472780408941&set=pcb.2115836978485499&type=3&theater&ifg=1
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That looks really good. I want one. Besides the custom bracket for mounting, is it otherwise plug and play?
[/quote]Yes, the JW Speaker just plugs in and works, nothing else needed.
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I installed the Sealight H4 LED bulb yesterday. Installation was a breeze. Just be sure to remove the twist off plastic base before inserting the bulb into the socket as indicated in the directions.
There is only one way the bulb can be inserted, so I'm not sure why some folks are having trouble with the orientation.
The light output is great. Nice bright white light without any bluish hue. I haven't had chance to check out the beam pattern yet, but will follow up when I do.
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I installed the Sealight H4 LED bulb yesterday. Installation was a breeze. Just be sure to remove the twist off plastic base before inserting the bulb into the socket as indicated in the directions.
There is only one way the bulb can be inserted, so I'm not sure why some folks are having trouble with the orientation.
The light output is great. Nice bright white light without any bluish hue. I haven't had chance to check out the beam pattern yet, but will follow up when I do.
The twist off base has 2 pins 180 degrees apart, so yes it can be installed upside down.
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Sorry to update an old thread
Just installed the Sealight H4 LED bulb in my 2018 S and wanted to share my findings for anyone looking to do this to a similar bike.
The orientation of the translucent twist off base does not matter. The LED bulb comes with a black plastic holder of its own that will only fit into the headlight housing in one way. The issue I had was reinstalling the translucent twist off part over the new holder. The back side of the twist off holder has two small raised tabs that fit into the stock bulb fine but interfere with the Sealight H4 LED's black plastic holder piece. I was forced to sand the tabs off so the back of the translucent twist off holder was flush flat. It then reinstalled easy and secures the Sealight holder great.
Just wanted to add my experience to the thread. I love the look of the bulb and beam pattern. The only thing is it makes the little secondary bulb above look really yellow. Anyone know of an LED replacement for the upper bulb in the same 6000K color spectrum?
Thanks!
-Carl
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The small bulb above the main headlight is the running light. I replaced the stock bulb with this one from Superbright. Works and looks great. Very bright.
https://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/miniature-wedge-base/194-led-bulb-w-focusing-lens-10-smd-led-tower-miniature-wedge-retrofit-car/1701/4011/
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Ohh much appreciated BamBam!
Thanks
-Carl
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Not cheap, but it matches the color of the Sealight bulb and should last forever.
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Not cheap, but it matches the color of the Sealight bulb and should last forever.
I purchased the Yorkim 194 LED for the upper light which also matches the Sealight perfectly. See the link.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00JRE38EA?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title
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I purchased the Yorkim 194 LED for the upper light which also matches the Sealight perfectly. See the link.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00JRE38EA?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title
I don't think the Yorkim bulb is going to be near as bright as the Superbright bulb. 100 lumens vs 350 lumens.
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I purchased the Yorkim 194 LED for the upper light which also matches the Sealight perfectly. See the link.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00JRE38EA?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title
I don't think the Yorkim bulb is going to be near as bright as the Superbright bulb. 100 lumens vs 350 lumens.
Yeah, but it's just a running light, which btw doesn't even make sense that it even needs a running light since the headlight is always on anyways. Just a waste of electrons if you ask me.
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Ok everyone hoping you can help me with one last thing.
Little embarrassed but I cannot figure out how to remove the running light.
My owners manual references squeezing a metal clip but I cannot feel anything under the rubber water guard.
How exactly do I remove the upper running light?
Thanks!
-Carl
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Ok everyone hoping you can help me with one last thing.
Little embarrassed but I cannot figure out how to remove the running light.
My owners manual references squeezing a metal clip but I cannot feel anything under the rubber water guard.
How exactly do I remove the upper running light?
Thanks!
-Carl
Pull the entire rubber grommet out from behind. Have to wiggle it side to side, maybe use something to pry it out with.
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Ok got it thanks alko! You wiggle suggestion worked great, it just pops out.
I ended up going with the 194-WHP6 from superbrightleds.com
Its also 100 lumens, I think that is the way to go. 350 would be insanely bright.
Much appreciated everyone
-Carl
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I bought the sealight bulb and the 100w wedge LEDs for my 2015 S. Looks great!
I also replaced the license plate light (it's the same as the running light).
But a note on the headlight bulb retainer. Modification is necessary as noted before, but I just shortened the arc length of the feature that interferes with the sealight plate with a coarse file until the plate could rotate to the correct position. I also had to file the outside of those arcs a tad to get the two parts to mate fully.
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Anyone else intrigued by the new 2019 Zero Headlight teaser for 2.25.19 https://www.zeromotorcycles.com/ ? Already thinking of a retrofit for my 2017!
I'm currently running the Sylvania Silverstar ZXE headlight bulb and Sylvania - 194 T10 W5W ZEVO LED White Headlamp running Light.
I switched my headlight out,for an hi/low beam LED but it throws the projection way off, so I will definately see if the sr/f headlight assembly can be retrofitted to my dsr.
I was forced to abandon my stock 2016 DSR headlight.
I installed a 5.75” JW Speaker pedestal style unit https://www.jwspeaker.com/products/adaptive-led-headlights-model-8691-adaptive-2/
that I was able to mount into the hollowed out stock headlight assembly using a custom mount.
This enabled the use of the stock housing to hide & protect misc. wires/connections & keep the running light of which I’ve layered Selective Yellow tint for contrast.
Also converted turn signals to LED as well as installed additional front & side facing LED’s in the hand-guards.
These are controlled via a Skene https://www.skenelights.com/online-store/IQ-250-A-TS-Front-Lighting-Controller-with-Alert-%26-Turn-Signals-p80222667 controller that allows full time running lights of turn signals that flicker for enhanced conspicuousness.