I put a set (all 3 lights) on my 2011 CVO Street Glide. They are definitely an improvement in terms of brightness and color. The most noticeable difference is that there is a distinct crisp edge to the lighted area. Riding behind a VW Beetle the entire rear of the car below the back window was lighted, the rear window had no light on it at all.
Distance is not much different, but clarity of what is lighted is a lot different. I did not have ongoing drivers flashing high beams at me, so they are apparently not blinding which is a good thing.
Are they worth $1,000? I suppose that's a question each individual will have to answer for themselves. I'm impressed enough that I'm thinking of putting a set on my '06 Street Glide too.