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[laylonlor]

whats everyone do , when riding at night ,my lighting is bad

[JCZ]

Convert it to HID.

[Wheelsnkeels]

I keep reading this and I'm confused? Mine has the dual element and is far brighter than my softail wass with all 3 lights on. Didn't they all come with the upgraded headlight?

This headlamp came on my SESG already HID at least Low Beam

High Intensity Discharge (HID) Dual Bulb Headlamp Kit
Cut through the darkness. The Harley-Davidson® High Intensity Discharge Headlamp Kit features a true HID (Xenon) low beam bulb that projects a curb-to-curb spread of “blue/white” light. Compared to the yellow light of a traditional halogen bulb, the HID lamp produces a “Daylight Color Impression” that appears more natural to the user. The HID Dual Bulb Headlamp assembly features unique advanced optics with separate low and high beam reflectors dedicated to focus the light for optimal illumination. The HID low beam is always illuminated, providing a wide pool of light, and the separate halogen high beam bulb adds a focused shaft of light down the center of the lane. The HID Dual Bulb Headlamp is not just a high-performance bulb, it's a complete lighting system. The system includes the HID bulb, an electronic starter, and a ballast system. The bulb is a complex tube that replaces the filament with arc-producing electrodes. The starter allows quick ignition of the arc, and the ballast converts incoming power to the high voltage needed to maintain the glow. The Xenon-filled HID bulb is resistant to vibration, and has a life expectancy of up to 10 times that of a halogen bulb. The headlamp kit is DOT approved for use in all 50 states. The complete Headlamp Kit includes the shock and vibration resistant housing HID low beam bulb, halogen high beam bulb, starter, waterproof ballast, and all necessary wiring.

[grc]

I think the first thing anyone should do after buying a new Harley is to check and properly aim the lights.  That in itself would eliminate at least half the complaints about the headlights.  The factory does well to just attach the stuff; actually adjusting it correctly obviously isn't part of their process.  And the typical dealer doesn't mess with headlight aim at all during prep, so don't assume this stuff has already been done.


Jerry

[BigLew55]

I think the first thing anyone should do after buying a new Harley is to check and properly aim the lights.  That in itself would eliminate at least half the complaints about the headlights.  The factory does well to just attach the stuff; actually adjusting it correctly obviously isn't part of their process.  And the typical dealer doesn't mess with headlight aim at all during prep, so don't assume this stuff has already been done.


Jerry

What he said!  I've had to adjust my last 4 bikes.

[RedDevil]

I think the first thing anyone should do after buying a new Harley is to check and properly aim the lights.  That in itself would eliminate at least half the complaints about the headlights.  The factory does well to just attach the stuff; actually adjusting it correctly obviously isn't part of their process.  And the typical dealer doesn't mess with headlight aim at all during prep, so don't assume this stuff has already been done.


Jerry

Concur.  If the lighting appears weak or bad at night, check the alignment.  Chances are it's aimed too low.  While the halogen dual element light that comes standard isn't as bright as the HID (don't know on the LED yet), it is fine if adjusted properly.

[BUBBLEHEAD]

I keep reading this and I'm confused? Mine has the dual element and is far brighter than my softail wass with all 3 lights on. Didn't they all come with the upgraded headlight?

This headlamo came on my SESG already HID at least Low Beam

Your headlight is upgraded but it is not the HID light. That is a further (as in you pay extra in pure HD fashion) upgrade.

[Wheelsnkeels]

Then why is it described as HID Headlamp?

[RedDevil]

Then why is it described as HID Headlamp?

I can't find anything in the description of any of the CVOs that state it's an HID lamp.    

[BUBBLEHEAD]

Unless I am mistaken you have what they call the Dual Bulb Holagen Headlight. It looks just like the HID headlight they sell. I went through the same questions on my 08 SERK. Maybe they changed things, but I doubt it. If it is there HID unit there would be a ballest in there so it's an easy check.

Just looked in the 2010 CVO brochure and HID light is not mentioned as being on the bike. I'm sure if it was the HID light, it would have been mentioned.

[JCZ]

The lights that came stock on my 10 SESG aren't half of what the HID is that Jim (hd-dude) sold me.  A bit pricey but well worth it if your age is starting to show through your night vision.

Most of the Nor Cal krew are using the HID and it certainly shows when we're riding at night.   While being much brighter, they're not glaring so they don't blind the on-coming drivers.  Much like the lights in a Mercedes or BMW.

[GregKhougaz]

Having good lighting has always been a pet project of mine.  I had 100 watt halogens on my car back in 1976.  In my SERG, I have the HID H4(9003, HB2) Hi/Lo 6000K Motorcycle HID Kit from Xenonlink.  Pure white light and amazing performance.  It is the same color and intensity as the headlights in my Porsche.  The single light set up for the SESG is only $76 and takes under a half hour to install. 

HD now sells both a 7" round HID bulb kit for the touring bikes, 68043-06B, $525.  The book says it fits Road Kings but there is no reason it would not fit the SESG.   HD also has an LED headlamp now, 73390-10
for the same price.  Others have both for much cheaper, about $285. 

LED used less power than HID but I have not heard much as to which performs better.  Unless it is a lot better... I would have to recommend the Xenonlink system.       

[mjb765]

Having good lighting has always been a pet project of mine.  I had 100 watt halogens on my car back in 1976.  In my SERG, I have the HID H4(9003, HB2) Hi/Lo 6000K Motorcycle HID Kit from Xenonlink.  Pure white light and amazing performance.  It is the same color and intensity as the headlights in my Porsche.  The single light set up for the SESG is only $76 and takes under a half hour to install. 

HD now sells both a 7" round HID bulb kit for the touring bikes, 68043-06B, $525.  The book says it fits Road Kings but there is no reason it would not fit the SESG.   HD also has an LED headlamp now, 73390-10
for the same price.  Others have both for much cheaper, about $285. 

LED used less power than HID but I have not heard much as to which performs better.  Unless it is a lot better... I would have to recommend the Xenonlink system.       

The setup you describe for the SESG is only a one bulb setup. The bike has separate High and Low bulbs.

[tjstreetglide]

The setup you describe for the SESG is only a one bulb setup. The bike has separate High and Low bulbs.

You have to buy one for each bulb

[smkblwr]

laylonlor I agree with the poor lighting, i just had mine adjusted and it helped but it still has dark spots on high beam, my dealer wasnt surprised when i asked him to check it i told him it ****** and they were alittle low but still looking for a good upgrade.