ST1300 Headlight LED's List

To see twice as far you need 4 times more light.
To see three times as far you need 8 times more light.
To see four times as far you need 16 times more light.
The silver star lights are only 10 to 20% more light which might be measurable but not really useful.
It is a laughable marketing hype.

Our present halogen low beam lighting system is inadequate for the speeds that we drive at night. A very known fact.
The F2 bulb, and its clones, has the correct brightness and focus to see the minimum necessary distance to be safe at speed with minimal glare to opposing traffic.
Those of you who have upgraded and carefully adjusted your beam can validate this statement.

Sorry to be a broken record, here but this has to be repeated and understood that we are making a proper calculated improvement and not being crazy and inconsiderate. It is about safety for everyone.
 
@spiderman302 imagine, I don't even have the halogen upgrade. I am still on the stock OEM version headlights on my ST1100.

I like to run at night, on freeway. Less heat, less traffic. Lots of area have no lights at all.

So, yeah... I'm in for improved vision and safety.

Thank you for your time and efforts.
I really appreciate the work you have done and the information you have put on the forum.
 
Last edited:
spiderman302 said:
Our present halogen low beam lighting system is inadequate for the speeds that we drive at night. A very known fact.
Click to expand...
Nothing brought this to light for me than getting on my ST at night for the first time. It's headlights are more for conspicuity than safe nighttime operation. But I don't ride much at night and am extra cautious when I do. But I am comfortable riding at night.

Then I went to 55/65W bulbs and that was an improvement. Then the G6 LEDs precursor to the F2s. Wow. They were so good I got a set of F2s for my car. Very illuminating.
 
Ok, to maybe tackle this topic too. I have some H4 Halogens installed where I cut the tabs off. The problem is that they tilt upwards due to the difference between the lip tab resting places (Honda bulbs have tbs in different place to H4 as we all know in N.A. !!). So here’s what I’m thinking for new LED H4’s.

1) don’t cut the tabs off completely but leave about 1.5mm protruding on each of the bottom tabs.
2) Bend the tabs over towards the bulb (basically providing the distance to the lip where the bulb seats). This will then keep the bulb level and positioned.
3) latch the the spring latch which will keep them keep it in place.

It means using a nibbler or precision cutting of the tabs but with LED bulbs you’re likely not going to have to replace them anytime soon.

Other alternative. I prefer if do-able.

1) cut bottom 2 tabs off completely
2) Install with them pointing up a bit
3) use the hex adjustment on the headlight assembly to lower bulbs to correct height ad reset the electronic adjustment knob to middle.

Thoughts/comments ?
 
CruisingDog said:
Ok, to maybe tackle this topic too. I have some H4 Halogens installed where I cut the tabs off. The problem is that they tilt upwards due to the difference between the lip tab resting places (Honda bulbs have tbs in different place to H4 as we all know in N.A. !!). So here’s what I’m thinking for new LED H4’s.

1) don’t cut the tabs off completely but leave about 1.5mm protruding on each of the bottom tabs.
2) Bend the tabs over towards the bulb (basically providing the distance to the lip where the bulb seats). This will then keep the bulb level and positioned.
3) latch the the spring latch which will keep them keep it in place.

It means using a nibbler or precision cutting of the tabs but with LED bulbs you’re likely not going to have to replace them anytime soon.

Other alternative. I prefer if do-able.

1) cut bottom 2 tabs off completely
2) Install with them pointing up a bit
3) use the hex adjustment on the headlight assembly to lower bulbs to correct height ad reset the electronic adjustment knob to middle.

Thoughts/comments ?
Click to expand...

I had no issues with my ST1300. Broke the 2 lower tabs off completely with pliers by bending back and forth and then put the bulbs in. The locking bail/spring thingy held the bulbs in. I don't recall any tilt upwards of the bulb. Did that for the original H4 halogen upgrade and then again for the F2 LED bulbs.
 
CruisingDog said:
The problem is that they tilt upwards due to the difference between the lip tab resting places (Honda bulbs have tbs in different place to H4 as we all know in N.A. !!).
Click to expand...
The bulb should sit properly. Unlike the ST1100, the tabs do not prevent the bulb from falling in to the housing on the ST1300. This is not a problem that I had when I installed H4 bulbs in ST1300's. I don't recall that ever being raised by anyone as a problem either.
 
CruisingDog said:
Ok, to maybe tackle this topic too. I have some H4 Halogens installed where I cut the tabs off. The problem is that they tilt upwards due to the difference between the lip tab resting places (Honda bulbs have tbs in different place to H4 as we all know in N.A. !!). So here’s what I’m thinking for new LED H4’s.

1) don’t cut the tabs off completely but leave about 1.5mm protruding on each of the bottom tabs.
2) Bend the tabs over towards the bulb (basically providing the distance to the lip where the bulb seats). This will then keep the bulb level and positioned.
3) latch the the spring latch which will keep them keep it in place.

It means using a nibbler or precision cutting of the tabs but with LED bulbs you’re likely not going to have to replace them anytime soon.

Other alternative. I prefer if do-able.

1) cut bottom 2 tabs off completely
2) Install with them pointing up a bit
3) use the hex adjustment on the headlight assembly to lower bulbs to correct height ad reset the electronic adjustment knob to middle.

Thoughts/comments ?
Click to expand...
Check out post#309 of this thread https://www.st-owners.com/forums/th...-availible-no-glare-no-scatter.149590/page-16
This was my experience when first installing my LED's. Could you be experiencing the same issue. If you read along after this post, others mention the same issue
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom