Aftermarket LED headlight...

Slipperyeel · Jul 9, 2019

A well timed message. I really took the plunge and got a unit off Alibaba because it's clear they're all coming from one source... It turned up super quick (about 4 days

). But I did get hit having to pay duty on it... BUT even with that, it was well below any price I've seen out there.

So...
£165 from Alibaba
£49 duty
£215 Total.

Will post pics at the weekend, too busy right now.

The whole assembly looks good. My first observation though is that the rear plastic cowl that the speedo/clocks mount screw onto is made of what seems to be a brittle plastic? But maybe I'm worrying too much as once it's fitted, it's not really exposed to any knocks or bumps and there are 3 mounting points (meaning it'll be stronger than just long plastic stilts on their own). Additionally I haven't read anywhere that they've broken. And I haven't really ever examined an OEM unit...

Will be back with more soon

Sent from my SM-G975F using Tapatalk

Chug-chug · Jul 9, 2019

Good luck with fitting, the stalks for the clocks have been fine on mine, no problems at all, your price even with the duty is good....my eyes still fill with tears every time I think about it

.

Enjoy

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Slipperyeel · Jul 9, 2019

Chug-chug said:
Good luck with fitting, the stalks for the clocks have been fine on mine, no problems at all, your price even with the duty is good....my eyes still fill with tears every time I think about it .

Enjoy

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hey, thanks for that. I've only had a chance to peek into the box. I'm thinking that once the stalks are all tied together by the mount for the clocks they (collectively) gain some strength. But you've reassured me

They've come down a lot in a year. The version 2 might have helped that?

Sent from my SM-G975F using Tapatalk

Slipperyeel · Jul 10, 2019

Small update.

Had an unexpected lull today, so thought I'd take the change to fit the new headlight. I mean, it says it takes 15min...

Removed the OEM light. That took 10min. But it didn't take long to discover fitting the new unit was going to be a bloody fiddle...

The lamp works and it works well. I really like it

. Which is good, because it's going to need some careful attention to make it bloody fit properly!

Highlights so far (I haven't finished the job yet, that spare hour didn't last long!)

• that little spigot on the cockpit frame isn't going to be an issue. Is well clear of it. Good news because I was reminded that spigot is welded to the cockpit chassis.

• once the speedo is mounted and the lamp bolted down, it isn't straight! This Is going to take a little thought because the are just 3 mounting screws... hard to adjust, but I have a plan.

• the new headlamp assembly makes contact with the screen... well it does sometimes, depends how you bolt it down! The fix for this will have to be modifying the screw/bolt holes on either side. I mean a radical re-shape!

So you see. Maybe I've been unlucky with this particular 'batch', but don't take this job on unless you're handy with fixing things, maybe opt for version 2!

Photos to follow

Sent from my SM-G975F using Tapatalk

andy79 · Jul 10, 2019

I was thinking of buying one of these but I'm put off now.
It's a shame it's not a direct fit.
Keep the updates coming though please, I may still get one. They do look good.
Some photos of the conversion would be good.

Chug-chug · Jul 11, 2019

Slipperyeel said:
Small update.

Had an unexpected lull today, so thought I'd take the change to fit the new headlight. I mean, it says it takes 15min...

Removed the OEM light. That took 10min. But it didn't take long to discover fitting the new unit was going to be a bloody fiddle...

The lamp works and it works well. I really like it . Which is good, because it's going to need some careful attention to make it bloody fit properly!

Highlights so far (I haven't finished the job yet, that spare hour didn't last long!)

• that little spigot on the cockpit frame isn't going to be an issue. Is well clear of it. Good news because I was reminded that spigot is welded to the cockpit chassis.

• once the speedo is mounted and the lamp bolted down, it isn't straight! This Is going to take a little thought because the are just 3 mounting screws... hard to adjust, but I have a plan.

• the new headlamp assembly makes contact with the screen... well it does sometimes, depends how you bolt it down! The fix for this will have to be modifying the screw/bolt holes on either side. I mean a radical re-shape!

So you see. Maybe I've been unlucky with this particular 'batch', but don't take this job on unless you're handy with fixing things, maybe opt for version 2!

Photos to follow

Sent from my SM-G975F using Tapatalk

Bloody hell!!! Sounds a right faff! My one fitted straight on, only really fiddly bit was the spacers and bolts either side,

The clocks I thought were about 1mm lower one side......it’s not much but I notice it....no one else would unless I said about it.

Hope you sort it, amazing light though?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Slipperyeel · Jul 11, 2019

Chug-chug said:
Bloody hell!!! Sounds a right faff! My one fitted straight on, only really fiddly bit was the spacers and bolts either side,

The clocks I thought were about 1mm lower one side......it’s not much but I notice it....no one else would unless I said about it.

Hope you sort it, amazing light though?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The light is really great. So much so I'll make it work

.

I had a sleep on it and I've now got an idea that will (I hope) permit sufficient adjustment. But I will have to cut the area near the bolts. I want it all done in such a way that the light can taken out/put back in without a struggle every time... I think I can straighten the clocks

.

Will post more soon

Sent from my SM-G975F using Tapatalk

Slipperyeel · Jul 11, 2019

Update #2 - a bit more positive than the previous.

I got back onto this with a different head on.

I took it all out, fitted the OEM rubber expansion fixings (that hold the OEM headlamp on either side) to the new headlamp. Then I squeezed in a washer because this would put less load onto the rubber expansion grommet.

Then, to try and deal with the misalignment (wonky speedo) I took a careful look at the speedo mount and how it is fixed to the headlamp and what is affecting the final position if the speedo... The drillings for the self tapping screws are not aligning with the OEM speedo bracket (I know which one is right!) So I could see that it was down to which screws were given priority of alignment...

In short, it's all looking much better. I will though get the dremel out and open up the LH fixing point - that holds the fixing grommet - as I need more up/down adjustment. But not much.

It's early evening. I switched on the ignition. Wow. At last a proper parking light. I mean it's a light in its own right. Not like the bloody OEM birthday candle!

I think on Saturday I'll get some pictures up. It will be a worthwhile endeavour. The OEM light is ugly and rubbish. I Judy hope this unit can endure the elements, vibration and daily use...

Sent from my SM-G975F using Tapatalk

Decompressing · Jul 12, 2019

Great! Keep it coming, you're talking me into it!! Pictures would definitely talk me into it quicker!!

Slipperyeel said:
Update #2 - a bit more positive than the previous.

I got back onto this with a different head on.

I took it all out, fitted the OEM rubber expansion fixings (that hold the OEM headlamp on either side) to the new headlamp. Then I squeezed in a washer because this would put less load onto the rubber expansion grommet.

Then, to try and deal with the misalignment (wonky speedo) I took a careful look at the speedo mount and how it is fixed to the headlamp and what is affecting the final position if the speedo... The drillings for the self tapping screws are not aligning with the OEM speedo bracket (I know which one is right!) So I could see that it was down to which screws were given priority of alignment...

In short, it's all looking much better. I will though get the dremel out and open up the LH fixing point - that holds the fixing grommet - as I need more up/down adjustment. But not much.

It's early evening. I switched on the ignition. Wow. At last a proper parking light. I mean it's a light in its own right. Not like the bloody OEM birthday candle!

I think on Saturday I'll get some pictures up. It will be a worthwhile endeavour. The OEM light is ugly and rubbish. I Judy hope this unit can endure the elements, vibration and daily use...

Sent from my SM-G975F using Tapatalk

Slipperyeel · Jul 12, 2019

It's in and all good

. I love it. I see it as a genuine upgrade rather than just a 'modification'.

The good bits:
• When plugged in it works as you'd expect.
• The light, which is on a few levels (parking light is now finally a property light. Normal dip beam is BRIGHT! and it's the 'right' colour. Main beam...I need to get out for a night ride).

The bad bits:
• Firstly, the large, 'round' side of the headlight with the square bosses is too large. I mean there are just mm between the headlight and screen/oil cooler. In my world that's way too close. I'll have to see how normal use goes.
• Because of things being so close, there's not much room for beam adjustment.
• as I discovered, the is too high a chance for the clocks/ instruments to be misaligned. I fixed mine with some fiddling. It really is ok now. But I know many people would struggle with this - i mean fixing it.

Ok. Some pics.

Sent from my SM-G975F using Tapatalk

Slipperyeel · Jul 12, 2019

More pics

They show:

• the fixings I didn't use (I preferred to use OEM rubber mounts)• the head light's close fit.
• the little 'fix' I did to give me adjustment of the headlight - up/down and left/right

Sent from my SM-G975F using Tapatalk

andy79 · Jul 12, 2019

Thanks for taking the photos.
I think I'll order one, but the version 2 one which is in the same shape as the original.

younger06 · Jul 12, 2019

I would be more inclined to go for the V2 as well.

Probably ironed out some of the fitting foibles with the second version.

Sent from a U11

andy79 · Jul 13, 2019

Well I thought version 2, but I think version 1 looks better.
We need more pictures I think .&#55358;&#56596;

Slipperyeel · Jul 13, 2019

I think version 2 is probably a straight swap.

The finished 'look' of version 1 is better, but if you look at the quality of light you'll get, then if I did this again, I'd probably go for version 2.

Nor sure what will happen at MOT time

. But as it is, I can re- fit the OEM headlight in about 10min.

The adjustment i did to this headlight was to elongate the mounting hole on the left side. This allowed me to 'lift' or 'lower' the lamp on that side. The right hand side can barely move up and down, but it can rotate on its fixing. I used the dremel with a convenient diameter grinding wheel - it took seconds, but lots of care!

By elongating the hole on the left, it sort of messed up how the expanding rubber fixing works because it had nothing left to pull against. I solved this by making a hard plastic washer with a hole tight around the rubber fixing - therefore, as I pushed the fixing into the hole it then immediately passed through the tight fitting washer, which both retained it and subsequently gave it something to pull against when tightened. To add support on the 'outside' of the rivet fixing, I found a copper washer. The pic below will explain the order of washers better. But it worked well and bingo, I got the adjustment I needed and a good fixing

Sent from my SM-G975F using Tapatalk

Slipperyeel · Jul 13, 2019

The last couple of details I want to sort- though I don't 'need' to are the wires out the back of the headlamp and the gap that's now between the underside of the headlamp and the oil cooler.

1. Wires- not sure what to do with these. The connection to the little OEM parking bulb actually pushes into the headlamp housing just like the OEM - is the main block connector that homeless and dangling.

2. Gap between lamp and oil cooler - I'm going to cut a piece of rubber sheeting (2.3mm thick) profiled to fill the gap. It'll sandwich nicely in the existing oil cooler clamp screws.

If you look carefully in the pic below - of the gap I want to close - you'll see the little spigot that fits into the OEM lamp, but it's well clear of this new headlamp. Thankfully!

Sent from my SM-G975F using Tapatalk

Howard J · Jul 16, 2019

Anyone got a link for the best price on a V2 please?

Slipperyeel · Jul 16, 2019

Howz said:
Anyone got a link for the best price on a V2 please?

I just went through Alibaba... I chose one with lots of sales and lots of comments.

Sent from my SM-G975F using Tapatalk

Slipperyeel · Jul 16, 2019

Just another small update.

Today was quite warm down here (27°) so I was interested to see if, once I slowed and hit some traffic, if the headlight would suffer at all. All was good.

I need a night time ride check out how it behaves when you really need it.

The DRL (what was the parking bulb in the old lamp) is really visible, even in sunlight. I'm especially happy with this.

One thought has occurred to me. Unlike a conventional bulb. If that blows, it can be replaced. If anything 'blows' on this unit... you have to hope it's not all of the beams

Sent from my SM-G975F using Tapatalk

Decompressing · Jul 17, 2019

any pics of the light throw in the dark?

Aftermarket LED headlight...

Well-known member

Registered user

Well-known member

Well-known member

Active member

Registered user

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Active member

Well-known member

Active member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Who?

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

Similar threads