09-02-2025, 06:36 PM
Many 2017 EX owners have complained about the standard LED bulb performance, including myself. It has gaping holes in the low beam pattern, and not seemingly very bright except on high beam, absolutely the worst light I can recall. The H4 lights on the 2013-2014 are far superior as far as a wide pattern with no holes - not LED brightness, but safer overall.
I've looked at retro-fitting the 2013-2014 light to my 2017, but there are problems. The headlight shell only takes the standard headlight rim that is common to all 3 years of US market CB1100s. They have integral mounting pivots and beam adjuster, so there is no way to mount any other reflector/beam setup.
Because comparable LEDs use around 1/4 -1/3 the amperage, the circuit's wiring is much smaller gauge, maybe a 22-24 gauge. Low beam is on all the time, and the starter switch no longer needs to cut out the headlight when cranking. High beam is on a separate fused 10 amp circuit.
If I were to revert to an H4 bulb, I would be inclined to use a headlight relay. Or I could install an aftermarket LED replacement for the H4, but they have their own quirks, needing heat sinks or cooling fans, or a modulator box. There are NO brand name LEDs. I'll still keep trying to pursue this avenue.
I've looked at retro-fitting the 2013-2014 light to my 2017, but there are problems. The headlight shell only takes the standard headlight rim that is common to all 3 years of US market CB1100s. They have integral mounting pivots and beam adjuster, so there is no way to mount any other reflector/beam setup.
Because comparable LEDs use around 1/4 -1/3 the amperage, the circuit's wiring is much smaller gauge, maybe a 22-24 gauge. Low beam is on all the time, and the starter switch no longer needs to cut out the headlight when cranking. High beam is on a separate fused 10 amp circuit.
If I were to revert to an H4 bulb, I would be inclined to use a headlight relay. Or I could install an aftermarket LED replacement for the H4, but they have their own quirks, needing heat sinks or cooling fans, or a modulator box. There are NO brand name LEDs. I'll still keep trying to pursue this avenue.