The two main types of LED headlights are reflectors and projectors. Read on to learn a little more about each kind.
Reflectors look similar to most traditional headlights with mirrors at the top and bottom. One or two LEDs point backward at the mirrors, which reflect the light forward and cast it in a wide but powerful beam.
When you look into a projector (not when it’s on, please), you’ll see several lenses. Behind each lens is its own LED light that shines forward, while the lenses focus the light on the road ahead. These features give this headlight a modern appearance.
Once you have your new LED headlight, how do you install it? Not all headlights are the same, so you should refer to your owner’s manual. That said, we can provide a basic guide that should give you a good sense of what to do.
First, consider putting down a towel or shop rag on your fender, as this will protect it from any dings or scratches during disassembly. Next, find the ring screw at the bottom of your current headlamp. You’ll need a Phillips head to remove this screw; do so and set it aside.
You should see a tab on the housing ring. Use this to rotate the ring about an inch counterclockwise. Remove the headlamp housing ring and set it aside.
Now it’s time to take the headlamp off your bike. There should be a few screws connecting your retaining ring to the housing—remove them. This should cause the retaining ring and headlamp lens to fall out, so make sure to gently catch them. Set aside the retaining ring and carefully pull the wiring from the back of your headlamp to disconnect the bulb.
This is the most complicated step, and it’s the one that requires you to look at your specific manual. Determine how many wires your new LED headlight has (there may be wires for high, low, and wide beams). The manual will tell you which wires these should connect to.
Once everything is wired up, installation is as easy as disassembly was! Your LED light should have locating lugs that make it simple to position in the housing. Fit the headlamp into its spot, and then replace the retaining ring. Finally, reinstall the housing ring (turning it clockwise this time) and reinstall the Phillips head screw. That’s all there is to it—enjoy your new, bright light!
Now that you know how to install LED headlights on a motorcycle, pick up an upgrade kit and replace your stock bulbs with something that will keep you safe.
