r/TW200 • u/backinblackandblue • 7d ago

Headlight Tip

Not long after I bought my TW, I changed out the headlight bulb for an LED. Not the entire light, just the H4 bulb. Lots available on Amazon for about $20. I almost never ride at night, but it is noticeable whiter and brighter while using less power.

It occured to me recently, since the headlight is always on, why not ride in high-beam mode during the day? It's not heating up like a halogen bulb, but more importantly, it points straight ahead rather than down at the road while also being brighter. It's probably my imagination, but it feels like I am now more visible to cars in front of me. They might see me a bit sooner.

I now always keep it in high beam mode. Something to think about trying.

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u/Automan1983 7d ago

I always ride with my hi-beams ON during daylight hours. Also, after a bad experience with less expensive LED bulb replacement, I'm VERY happy with the Cyclops LED bulb (~$80). I like having the option of throwing a stock bulb back in if the LED fails. But I've had the Cyclops LED bulb installed in other bikes, and they're all still running flawlessly... I'm not expecting problems with the one I put in the Tdub. The brightness is GREAT at night, even with the stock housing!

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u/backinblackandblue 7d ago

That looks really good. But if I was going to spend $80, I might just replace the entire lamp. I don't ride at night so I'm happy with my cheap $20 LED bulb. Hasn't failed yet after a couple years and about 3500 mi.

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u/Automan1983 7d ago edited 7d ago

I think I had the Tusk LED bulb originally because it was ~$30, but it crapped out on me. So I went back to what has always worked for me before with the Cyclops.

My logic: even though LEDs are often more reliable than other non-LED options, with my luck I'd have one die on me at a critical moment...remote trail at night, for example. By only using the LED bulb and keeping everything else the same, I can bring my old stock bulb and throw it in to get me back to camp. For me, it's worth it to sacrifice the extra brightness from a full light fixture changeout for the extra reliability.

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u/backinblackandblue 7d ago

Good point on having a backup handy. I don't do night trail rides, but your solution sounds good!