The myth of the better H4 Halogen light

[j3gq_imp]

A few posts have been written about the CB1100 headlight, in particular about the lagging LED headlight in the newer model. Some said it's all a matter of adjustment, other claim that the older H4 light of the DLX was so much better, yet others again have claimed it's bulbs, reflectors. That is an important subject - just one late night return home, - planned or unplanned - can turn into a serious accident.

So I thought, I have to see the difference for real. But how am I gonna do this without professional equipment, with connectors not matching inside the headlight buckets, for different models, with parts expensive, etc. etc.

Here come the ultra short version of my tests out in the dark, in the middle of the night and how it's done. I bought 3 different LED lights (7 inches diameter, for motorcycles) from Amazon, all equipped with H4 connectors fitted my car. This allowed me to compare those three lights with the light of my EX, and with the H4 Halogen lights of my car.

Hereunder follow the surprising test results, while the details regarding test setup, and photos I will add later tomorrow or on Monday. Ready ? The winners and the losers are ... sorted by real-world performance:

1) LED1 (from Amazon) : best light in the test, cost ~ 100€, excellent low and high beam, will work in the worst conditions,
2) LED2 (from Amazon) : same here, for 60€ only,
3) my car's lights (both on) : okay, but not as good the LEDs,
4 LED built into my EX : very bright, white light, but the reflector fails to illuminate a sufficient surface in front of the motorcycle, even after careful adjustment,
5) my car's light (only one side) : not very impressive considering the size of the reflector, and the fact that my bulb is top notch and not old,
6) LED3 (from Amazon) : high light output, but useless reflector, also for about 100€,

If you are interested, keep reading this thread.

[peterbaron]

[GoldOxide_imp]

The OEM CB1100 headlamp is quite nostalgic looking. I like it.

The 2014 Moto Guzzi Griso has the same lookin' headlamp. Very classy.

[PowerDubs_imp]

Apples, oranges, and pineapples.

[Randy B]

A few posts have been written about the CB1100 headlight, in particular about the lagging LED headlight in the newer model. Some said it's all a matter of adjustment, other claim that the older H4 light of the DLX was so much better, yet others again have claimed it's bulbs, reflectors. That is an important subject - just one late night return home, - planned or unplanned - can turn into a serious accident.

So I thought, I have to see the difference for real. But how am I gonna do this without professional equipment, with connectors not matching inside the headlight buckets, for different models, with parts expensive, etc. etc.

Here come the ultra short version of my tests out in the dark, in the middle of the night and how it's done. I bought 3 different LED lights (7 inches diameter, for motorcycles) from Amazon, all equipped with H4 connectors fitted my car. This allowed me to compare those three lights with the light of my EX, and with the H4 Halogen lights of my car.

Hereunder follow the surprising test results, while the details regarding test setup, and photos I will add later tomorrow or on Monday. Ready ? The winners and the losers are ... sorted by real-world performance:

1) LED1 (from Amazon) : best light in the test, cost ~ 100€, excellent low and high beam, will work in the worst conditions,
2) LED2 (from Amazon) : same here, for 60€ only,
3) my car's lights (both on) : okay, but not as good the LEDs,
4 LED built into my EX : very bright, white light, but the reflector fails to illuminate a sufficient surface in front of the motorcycle, even after careful adjustment,
5) my car's light (only one side) : not very impressive considering the size of the reflector, and the fact that my bulb is top notch and not old,
6) LED3 (from Amazon) : high light output, but useless reflector, also for about 100€,

If you are interested, keep reading this thread.

You should post up either links of part numbers for the lights that you tested.

[j3gq_imp]

Apples, oranges, and pineapples.

Please explain this comprehensive theory of yours ?

[Hovmod_imp]

Perhaps they mean that this isn't about the *shape* of the lamp at all?

[tommymck]

Apples, oranges, and pineapples.

Please explain this comprehensive theory of yours ?

Please explain this comprehensive theory of yours ? Generally speaking, the phrase "apples to apples" means that you should compare things that have enough in common to compare.

"Apples to oranges" means that things are being compared that shouldn't be compared because the result of the comparison isn't meaningful. So, for example, comparing the 0 to 60 time of a BMW 1000RR to that of a BMW R50/2 isn't particularly useful because one is a vintage low horsepower bike and one is a modern superbike.

In any case, I've never noticed an issue with my 2017 EX headlamp. Is this something that is viewed as lacking?

Apples, oranges, and pineapples.

Please explain this comprehensive theory of yours ?

Please explain this comprehensive theory of yours ? Generally speaking, the phrase "apples to apples" means that you should compare things that have enough in common to compare.

"Apples to oranges" means that things are being compared that shouldn't be compared because the result of the comparison isn't meaningful. So, for example, comparing the 0 to 60 time of a BMW 1000RR to that of a BMW R50/2 isn't particularly useful because one is a vintage low horsepower bike and one is a modern superbike.

In any case, I've never noticed an issue with my 2017 EX headlamp. Is this something that is viewed as lacking?

[j3gq_imp]

Hi tommymck, thanks for your help. Now, my question wasn't a problem of being lost in translation. PD's expression and intent is obvious. And he comes a little bit across as saying "BS !!!".
I just cannot see how PD's judgement - because this is what it is - is justified given the little knowledge he has been given (because the details I haven't yet provided). It looks premature to me, so I wanted to know his reasoning and make sure that my judgement in this case is not premature too.

Back to the subject : can one compare the light intensity, light output & distribution of light of different (but similar) sources of light the way I have done ? Same power draw, same size light source, same size reflectors (more or less), without being able to accurately measuring photo-metric illuminace over a larger surface ... I think I can. And I'll certainly try to understand any well founded argument against it.

To your question about the EX : no problem in daytime (being seen, not seeing). But at nighttime in places without other light sources (no traffic, no street lights) riding the EX can indeed become difficult.

[j3gq_imp]

-> for tommymck, another opinion ...
http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread....#pid115378