The future of motorcycle lights: LED, H4, H7 and what is allowed!

Thomas Wachsmuth 27 October 2023 Motorcycle / Scooter News & Tuning

Reading time 4 Min.

When it comes to the light Motorrad goes, there is one multitude of options and considerations. At the retrofitting of a motorcycle with more modern Lighting There are both halogen lamps and isolated ones LED technologies available. But before making a decision, there are a few things to consider. Modern bikes often already come with them LED headlights equipped that not only have a contemporary design, but also enable precise lighting. Retrofitting older motorcycles with LED will often not offer the same level of specification and appearance, but LED technology is still important due to its high luminosity and the low power consumption a good choice over a halogen lamp.

LED retrofit or H4 / H7?

For comparison: While a halogen bulb up to 60 watts, consumed, needs a modern one Philips Ultinon Pro6000 LED or the OSRAM NIGHT Breaker H4 LED only 15 watts, (Osram 27W) and delivers better brightness. However, there are some points to consider, especially regarding the Approval of LED lamps for road traffic. If we are right, then we are Philips (to the Compatibility List) and Osram (to the Compatibility List) the only companies that have a Approval for motorcycles have. It is essentialTo use only approved LEDs, as non-approved products often have insufficient performance. Another aspect that must be taken into account is the eye's adaptation to different brightness conditions. A brighter beam of light can cause everything outside the area to appear darker, which becomes problematic when driving at night.

Additional lighting and the regulations!

In addition to the main lighting, motorcycles can also be equipped with Auxiliary lights equipped to provide additional light sources. However, it is also important to note that only certain types of lighting are permitted by law. All lights and reflectors must have a ECE or EC test mark have a certificate that confirms the approval. Selecting and installing additional lighting can be complex because different lamps are approved for different purposes. And it is also important to know that some, such as daytime running lights, not at the same time may shine with other headlights. Fortunately, when it comes to high-quality products, the answer is usually clear instructions and Feature Descriptions for easy retrofitting.

Tips for increasing light output

One of the easiest and often overlooked ways to improve your motorcycle's light output is Thorough cleaning of the headlight lens. A clean surface can increase the light output up to 20 percent increase. And it can also be helpful to clean the inner reflector and replace older halogen lamps with more modern brand products.

What should I consider when tuning the lights for my motorcycle?

Light tuning is about finding the optimal light for your motorcycle, be it by changing the bulb or by completely converting it. There are various options, from halogen lamps to modern LED solutions. Important However, both the technical aspects and the legal regulations must be taken into account.

Why should I switch to LED technology?

The LED technology has many advantages, especially for motorcycles. Aside from a modern and brand-specific appearance, LED headlights provide precise illumination and are energy efficient. Examples are these Philips Ultinon Pro6000 LED or the OSRAM NIGHT Breaker H4 LED , which deliver high luminosity despite a low power consumption of only 15 watts (Osram 27W).

Are all LED lamps approved for road use?

No, not all LED lamps are approved for road use. It is important to ensure that the LED bulb you choose is a General Type Approval (ABG) has. Some brands such as Philips and Osram have such approved LED solutions for motorcycles.

How does LED lighting affect my perception when driving at night?

When there is more illumination, the pupil adjusts by constricting, causing everything outside the beam of light to appear darker. This can lead to impaired visibility when driving at night. Therefore, it is important to remember that More light is not always better at a hunt.

Which additional options are legal?

It is legal to have additional lighting options like daytime running lights, position lights and additional lights to install as long as they meet the legal requirements and have a ECE or EC test mark feature.

How can I easily improve the light output?

One of the most effective methods for increasing light output is the thorough cleaning the headlight lens and the inner reflector. This can increase light output by up to 20 percent. Furthermore, an upgrade to modern halogen bulbs can also lead to better light output.