So did your mother

 

Mom told me to quit my belly-achin' and just get the damn LEDs! She never liked my riding buddies anyways.

 

Take a close look at your headlight bulb, is it properly seated? Mine wasn’t (from the factory) and it took quite a while for me to notice.

 

http://www.rallylights.com/Hella_7_i...Headlamps.aspx

http://www.rallylights.com/detail.aspx?ID=350 Headlamp

and go with the 80/100 watt bulbs and your headlight will be almost as bright as a HID unit.

I had a HID unit and swapped it out for those and the brightness is close but the distance you can see down the road blows the HID unit away...

All for about $80

 

Ditto on alignment. Most of us use the same bulbs, so that's probably not your problem. When I aimed mine correctly it made all the difference in the world at night.

 

It's dim in daylight because it is on low-beam. I'll second HDV Glide by suggesting that you install an 80/100w bulb, which by itself would help, or go another step and buy a E-code headlight, neither of which will cost much. Both would help in daylight and make a huge difference in night visibility, but I think you get the best visibility running only the high-beams, preferably with a modulator. I did some tests about 10 years ago running both with friends observing from the front and most thought the high-beams were more visible. I ran these bulbs on my old RK and also on my '07 SG and never had a wiring or connector problem with the increased amperage or heat. A friend with a '98 Softail and another with a BMW did have problems with connectors melting, however, and they simply replaced them with a high-heat connector from Auto-Zone. FWIW, the modulator eliminates these problems on high-beam since they pulsate at 20-100% 4X/sec., and that reduces heat greatly and even prolongs the life of the bulb.

Also, you could install some higher-powered auxillary lamps in place of the stockers. I used 37.5w pencil-beams (CCI #15085) on my old RK and they were much better than stock. With their very narrow beam they need to be properly aimed or will blind everyone coming at you.

 

Is there an echo in here LOL......I posted the same info a few posts up....

 

Lp, I was in front of an ultra classic that had the LED conversion in all three and can definitely attest that I was able to see the lights four blocks back. The color was very bright white. Just my observation. Now I want to convert to LED on my ultra. Just need to wait for the slush fund to grow some more.

 

Exactly! I had my auxilliary lights installed by the dealer when I bought the bike. The dealer told me they ALWAYS adjust the headlight down so all three lights together do not blind oncoming traffic and if it is not bright enough to adjust it up again. If the dealer installed your auxilliary lights I would check the alignment of the head light.

 

I don't doubt it. The LED conversion is pretty kick-a$$. I was speaking about normal Halogen or what have you bulbs, like the SilverStars that kept blowing on my SG. You can see them but not as well as a standard bulb. Again, my opinion.

I'm going to save up and get the LEDs myself one day.

lp