LED headlight conversion suggestions for a '08 1200 Sport?

[willowstreetguzziguy]

Just had my low beam bulb go out last night. Went back and read some earlier threads regarding LED conversions but seemed confusing.  Was wondering about an LED conversion by Cyclops or other mfg. Don't really want to go the route of aux lighting and not really happy with the stock light patterns / output of the 1200 Sport headlight. Any suggestions? Stick with stock lighting or go with LED?

[Mayor_of_BBQ]

 

I need this toooooo

Bulb geeks check in please...  I don't understand all these options.. Is there anything plug & play?

[LowRyter]

https://www.superbrightleds.com/vehicle/moto-guzzi-breva-1200-sport-vehicle-led-lights?make=99&model=2193

[Diploman]

IMO it is foolish not to take advantage of modern LED technology on a motorcycle, no matter what its age.  Over the past few years LED technology has evolved tremendously, to the point that an LED headlight - even simply using an LED bulb to replace an archaic Halogen - is superior in nearly every conceivable way to a halogen bulb:
-- vastly more lumen output per watt;
-- far greater durability and resistance to vibration;
-- much lower electric draw, less heat;
And the latest generation LED overcomes the final drawback which handicapped previous LED bulbs - light scattering when fitted to a reflector with photometrics designed for a halogen bulb.  The physical configuration of older LED bulbs caused light to strike the reflector at a different angle from the OEM halogen, resulting in a less-than-optimal beam pattern.  This bulb pictured below (thanks to Charlie Mullendore for finding) replicates the physical layout of a halogen bulb sufficiently that it reportedly works well with a halogen-designed reflector.  I am about to order one of these to replace my current LED headlight.  Plug and Play.

http://stores.advmonster.com/native-h4/

[Bisbonian]

I had an LED in my 1200 Sport for a short time. If you don't leave off the back cover of the light, you may have heat problems with the LED like I did depending on which bulb you choose.

I was happy to change back to a halogen bulb, the light pattern of the LED sucked. While the light was white and bright it didn't go where I needed it.

I purchased bulbs from 2 of the vendors mentioned in this post; one didn't fit and they gave me a hassle about returning it, the other melted.

[Wayne Orwig]

LEDs are great, BUT you need to do your homework.

Some LEDs have a very poor pattern, and do not have proper shielding. They just scatter light everywhere.

LEDs do not tolerate heat. So they need to have a lot of effort put into designing a good heat sink. Many of those include a fan. You need a lot of room for the fan, heat sink, and air flow. Maybe even a large external power supply. They often have a short life, likely due to heat damage.

Most LEDs are a 6K or higher blue color. Not really the best color for helping night vision.

For now I an sticking with HID bulbs at a 4.5k color. They are great if you find one with the proper shielding and such. But that can be tricky too.

[Muzz]

If my memory serves me correctly (and it may well not) Leafman60 did a very in-depth test on LED lighting and the way the wavelengths affected things.

In some cases the differences were staggering.

[Ratso88]

Check these guys out https://www.cyclopsadventuresports.com/

I put one of their 7000 lumen lamps into my stock Griso shell and couldn't be happier. Not as bright as the current Harley LED headlamp,
but close enough for not spending $300+. The install was pretty much plug and play, I used some Velcro to mount the regulator/rectifier
box thing inside the head lamp shell.

[Kiwi_Roy]

Has anyone tried out this one?

http://www.mgcycle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=37_154&products_id=949

I bought a pair off Amazon v($17) that have the fan located inside the reflector (the black part under the emitter is like a mini computer fan), the first one in my Griso is still standing after 10,000 km  including 1000 km of rough gravel, they were really.
I think it might have been Chuck who recommended them.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MPXS2KS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_LAtgzbHNSTPTW   Unavailable
If I google the part No  ZG-M11M-H4 there's lots available for as little as $15 for ten on Alibaba. They may not have the best available light pattern but they are Guzzi cheap LOL
Even when parked they make the headlight look interesting.