Led headlights on a MkI

[Bikespod]

Has anyone fitted H7 LEDs to the MkI headlights? Would it even work?
I have converted my current bike to LED’s and find myself much more visible ( people pulling over to let me by ) so I’d like to repeat that on the CR.
I also find the response time when flashing main beam far better than halogen.

[larryblag]

I've never replaced Halogen Filament lights with LED's before but I did replace the ones in my R1150RT with a HID (gas discharge) kit. I read later that the fitting of these is illegal as the reflector of the original headlamp is specifically designed for the beam pattern provided by the standard H7 bulb. HID beam patterns are completely different and therefore maybe ineffective and/or cause a dazzling hazard. Whether or not this also includes the fitting of an LED replacement bulb kit though, I don't know. In any case - by "illegal" this probably means it'll fail an MOT with what are in effect "adapted" lights.

Coloured bulbs are also a potential point of contention. But the high power Halogens (which retain the standard wattage) - as sold in Halfords for example are legal.

[Bikespod]

I fitted them but was concerned about the current draw as the wattage was 80 per bulb. Our electrician at work assured me the current draw was well within the limits of the wiring and fuse however.
I’d already swapped them back to Halogen and couldn’t face breaking my hands again to swap back again.

For info my previous bike sailed through the MOT with the LED fitted.

[larryblag]

Not all MOT testers are equal   

[Skids]

In my experience, MoT testers can be very pragmatic and understand that rules are very blunt instruments which perhaps need a little interpretation. When it comes to upgrading headlamps, as long as the beam pattern is not distorted, then a change to either HiD (which I did on my 1200 low beam) or LED (which I  did to my 1200 high beam) is seen as a safety improvement due to the improved contrast they give when seen by other road users.

I could be completely wrong though. 

[larryblag]

True Skids, very true. A mate of mine has a very nice HD Nightster (used to belong to Matt from Busted). It's had extras and farkles which at least equal the initial purchase price.
V&H straight shots, no baffles. Passed the MOT with just one advisory. It said "Exhaust is VERY loud" just like that 😂😑
I do like a pragmatic MOT fella 👍

[Bikespod]

I’ve taken the plunge and fitted some Novsight H7 headlight bulbs. Took out the fog light version as wasn’t convinced by the spread of light.
These seem ok. Bit of a ball ache to fit. You have to remove the H7 ring from the bulb ( drop it into the headlight housing, fish it out with wire ) fit it again.
Then connect bulb to wiring, then insert into mounting ring and twist.
The low beam pattern is ok, nobody flashed me yet. High beam is very bright.
I think they are fine for town, but not sure about country lanes.
Don’t think the light spread is as good as the osram nightbreakers though.
There is room for the ballast / cooling doodad on the back with a little to spare.
Happy with the response time when flashing etc. Nice white light.