2022 - Convert lights to LED

5452 Views 13 Replies 9 Participants Last post by mgb44, 5 mo ago

ParklandRider

Discussion Starter · 10 mo ago

Hi All,

I searched the forums looking for information regarding converting OEM lights to LED, but I've only been able to find comments on older bikes.

I have a 2022 V-Strom 650XT Adventure which has an H7 low beam and an H9 high beam according to the owner's manual. Can I just buy an H7 LED and an H9 LED and replace these lights, or do I need to buy some kind of a kit to make it work properly? Also, same question for replacing taillight (preferably with something that flashes) and turn signals. I'd also be open to any suggestions for adding lights to make me more visible.

Thank you in advance for any help.

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biggeeks

· #2 · 10 mo ago

Hi,
I have a 2020 DL650XTA. While I haven't changed the high and low beams to LEDs I have installed some lights and a modulator for the tail/brake lights. I installed a fusebox (PC8) and wiring harness from Eastern Beaver, a modulator from amazon and Denali T3 pods mounted to the license plate bracket. This gives you a fusebox to add other accessories (I have aux lighting, heated grips and a GPS) and a really bright back end. I like the T3s because it also give you bright turn signals. Wiring is straight forward (and reversible back to stock with simple plug out/in) using the Eastern Beaver harnesses. Yes, you could do it with less expense by splicing but sometimes ease and simplicity are more important. For the front I want to add the Adventuretech Cree LED but for now I've installed cheap LEDs from amazon running off a relay and switch to control yellow/white light.

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Motopundit

· #3 · 10 mo ago

Yes, you can just buy LED replacements for the OEM halogen bulbs, but look for something that doesn't have a giant heat sink or bulky fan, otherwise you'll have problems trying to fit them. A fanless version without a massive heat sink will not cause any fitment issues (although some cheaper brands tend to be not as bright).

I only swapped out the low beam for now (the high beam is fine, and I rarely use the high anyway). A good upgrade and I am happy with it. You may need to adjust the beam height up or down to get the light pattern right (I adjusted mine upward a little). Here is what I bought, and fitting it was no problem.

Auxbeam H7 LED Headlight Bulbs

https://a.co/d/dTO91SV

As for the blinker bulbs, I bought 4 of these:

ALOPEE 2-Pack 1056 BAU15S

https://a.co/d/fSYsqE3

Again, these were a nice improvement over the OEM incandescent bulbs. Be sure you are ordering amber/yellow lights for the blinkers. I also added some aluminum foil tape for duct pipes to help reflect the light forward.

As for a flasher relay, you will need a generic 2-pin digital relay (not the traditional mechanical relay. This is what I bought:

2-pin LED Flasher Relay

2-Pin Electronic LED Flasher Relay FIX Motorcycle LED Turn Signal Bulbs Hyper Flash Issue, Turn Signal Relays - Amazon Canada

2-Pin Electronic LED Flasher Relay FIX Motorcycle LED Turn Signal Bulbs Hyper Flash Issue in Turn Signal Relays.

a.co

I just cut the plug and wired the 2 connections.

Your tail/brake light is already LED. You could add an extra light for conspicuity, or some sort of modulator may be what you're after.

I also have the PC-8 fuse block mentioned by biggeeks above. I have used it to power my GPS, heated grips, and a set of auxiliary marker/running lights. These things are great for adding new circuits the right way.

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PeteW

· #4 · 10 mo ago

Same as my 2014 1000. Yes but I had already found a supplier of plug and play LED's locally that work. Beam pattern is correct and no messing around.
That's the hard part, you want ones which are genuinely plug and play and decent quality. Ignore the lumen claims - mostly lies anyway and the bigger the lumens the bigger the lies

. The good ones aren't at the cheap end but weren't stupid expensive either.

As above, the lights will need adjusting, as much because of the extra light being poked out as anything else.

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Kramer

· #5 · 10 mo ago

I’ve kept my original headlights, but added Skene Lighting for visibility- front and back. They function as running lights, turn signals and brake lights. Seems that car drivers notice me better than before. They’re very noticeable and have the patented flicker, which is only noticeable in the peripheral vision. The brake light system has selectable modulated flasher as well. Impressively designed and engineered specifically for motorcycles, with very good instructions and customer support. The photo doesn’t quite illustrate the brightness. Skene Lights - motorcycle safety lighting

Fuel tank Tire Vehicle Wheel Automotive tire

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Skiman10000

· #6 · 10 mo ago

I just changed my headlights over to LED on my 2020 650. I tried a couple cheap bulbs, but ended up spending the money and getting Cyclops bulbs. They are worth every penny. I have been told the service is amazing if you have a problem with them. I have not had any problems at all and they have been in for 6500 miles. Don't waste your money on bulbs that are not as bright. My riding buddies say they are very bright even in the daytime.

4.8 Platinum H7 LED Headlight Bulb-CIL-LED-H7

www.cyclopsadventuresports.com

4800 Lumen H8, H9 and H11 LED Headlight Bulb-CIL-LED-H11

www.cyclopsadventuresports.com

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PeteW

· #7 · 9 mo ago

Indicators. ALL the 2 pin flashers are a waste of space here. Buy a three pin LED relay and the one pin spare just has a wire run from that to battery ground. If you don't do that the flash rate is erratic, changes in the rain etc.

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jeffdavison

· #8 · 5 mo ago

I am also planning to switch over to LED headlights on my 2022 Wee. I understand I need an H11 (or H9) and an H7. But what about the parking light (tiny bulb)? What do I look for?

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PeteW

· #9 · 5 mo ago

T10 LED. NOT the CANBUS compatible ones sold for BMW's
One with MOST or all of the LED's at the front. As light as possible. Took me a couple of attempts but they are dirt cheap.

Note that they are polarized so if it doesn't work, pull it out, flip it 180 and put it back.

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DustyBoots

· #10 · 5 mo ago

I have using these for the low beam and these for the HI beam, as well as these for the little parking light for the past 7,000+km with no issues

Automotive lighting Hood Automotive design Motor vehicle Automotive exterior

Automotive parking light Grille Hood Automotive lighting Automotive tire

Dusty

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jeffdavison

· #11 · 5 mo ago

PeteW said:
T10 LED. NOT the CANBUS compatible ones sold for BMW's
One with MOST or all of the LED's at the front. As light as possible. Took me a couple of attempts but they are dirt cheap.

Note that they are polarized so if it doesn't work, pull it out, flip it 180 and put it back.

Thanks Pete, I appreciate the guidance.

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Motopundit

· #12 · 5 mo ago

I bought some of these and swapped the parking lamp bulb under the headlights. Exceptionally bright.

Liquid Font Automotive tire Automotive lighting Cylinder

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mgb44

· #13 · 5 mo ago

Kramer said:
I’ve kept my original headlights, but added Skene Lighting for visibility- front and back. They function as running lights, turn signals and brake lights. Seems that car drivers notice me better than before. They’re very noticeable and have the patented flicker, which is only noticeable in the peripheral vision. The brake light system has selectable modulated flasher as well. Impressively designed and engineered specifically for motorcycles, with very good instructions and customer support. The photo doesn’t quite illustrate the brightness. Skene Lights - motorcycle safety lighting
View attachment 306685

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mgb44

· #14 · 5 mo ago

I have the Skene Controllers on all of my bikes. I like the alert feature (auxiliary lights blink in a very noticeable flash) which allows you to use flash to pash switch or the horn (wiring a little tricky but not that hard). A couple of diodes have to be solderd in.

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