Any "R" owners with experience of this?

[alancu]

I've been considering upgrading the lights on my K1300r and been reading up on LED options and other threads on the forum. I spotted this a about a year ago and have ordered stuff on Aliexpress with pretty good results, although with the usual quality variations.  The price seems to have dropped to the point where it might be worth a try. I very much doubt that is a valid certification and I noticed in some of the reviews that it might generate errors, but I like the idea of a complete housing. So I have to ask, has anyone else explored this?

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004333179909.html

[NIBS]

Hi Alan

  you can get them on ebay for a bargain price:

 https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/194683863346?hash=item2d54100132:g:q9wAAOSwnc1hzdGm&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAAsBm%2F9kngMBNVUi6eJ6NWDSpgnTx9HATdYdSjxWlkbJ2iK3WVlSIRgTkbyikEIKY%2BZA8wCZViI%2F4%2FLL6veDJEGJmohxM6fg7%2FL093yvhUZYdSILqswk9j%2FHTy1saT2NFle0ufHiOd4BWDF9183iyiCpzR9cufKdLi4i%2Fn3VGmSv0QQElou%2FAl8YDlY%2BkX%2FzZ%2FvZxH5jZ%2B%2FZ9rqRH7njMl8zG13797HUbUsvsw0julN%2BU8%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR8zuoYykYQ !!!

Are you referring to spotlights or the fog lights on the Aliexpress link?                           

That LED headlight price does seem incredible, looks good, and it does appear to be a possible plug and play unit, bet it isn't though.

If you do get one please keep me posted as I would be interested also.

Regards
Nibs

[alancu]

Thanks Nibs, yes I am talking about the headlight unit. I did some further searches and there is a big difference in prices, with some reference on the more expensive adverts referring to cheaper copies. I've followed up on some product feedback and there is reference to loose bulbs and wiring issues. It if it really is constructed of aluminium then at the cheapest price its not bad. I do wonder if its completely enclosed how you can change any internals if there are problems.

Found a non advert short video of it here: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/S6tlDp-_KWs

and this is a fitting video of a similar unit on a GS from one of the more upmarket sellers.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2YRBzCsteY

I might give it a go in the new year if I'm feeling brave    Will update if I do so stay tuned.

[NIBS]

Hi Alan

Taking a £375.00 eBay version from Smartbomb as an example it looks as though the units are completely sealed. They aren't meant to be maintained or dismantlement. Guarantees the dust and water proof capability for the life of the unit, IP67.  However the manufacturer in this case only guarantees 1 year and led life of 10,000 hrs, so not overly confident in the Chinese product quality I guess. 

The Aliexpress version:- leds are allegedly good for 50,000hrs, which they say equates to 13years of 8hrs a day operation and with a 3 year warranty, worthless in the event of a failure I imagine. However for £34.00 its got to be worth a punt. You can pay more for one halogen bulb apparently.
They are most likely all made in the same factory as they all hail from China.  All look to have plastic cases but some claim aluminium. They look identical.

Stats:-
Low beam: 7040 (30W)*1PCS = 30W
High beam: (30W)+1860(12W)*3PCS=66W
Position light: 2835 (0.2W) *52PCS=10.4W
Material: Aluminum alloy back + PC front
Voltage: 12V DC for motorcycles
*Lifetime: 50000hrs
*Color temperature: 6000K
*Waterproof: IP67
*Warranty: 12 months

[alancu]

Good info Nibs, agree with everything you say, it could be a good solution or an expensive K1300 themed paperweight!

>The Aliexpress version:- leds are allegedly good for 50,000hrs, which they say equates to 13years of 8hrs a day operation and with a 3 year warranty, worthless > in the event of a failure I imagine. However for £34.00 its got to be worth a punt

One thing just in case it might catch anyone out, that advert is very naughty indeed, it implies it is £34 but look a little more carefully and they do a switcheroo on the picture, the £34 is for the running lights!   Reselect the right picture and lo and behold the cost is around £122. 

BTW....Just looking at your biking history on your signature, very nice indeed! Lusted after a GT185 AND a Z1 back in the day 

[Sutty]

alancu, I changed my dipped bulb for one of these from Amazon The only problem is every now and then it throws up the "lamp F" warning but all is ok. no other problems.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07QXB6SW7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Seasons Regards   Mick

[alancu]

Thanks for the info Mick, will check it out.

>The only problem is every now and then it throws up the "lamp F" warning

I believe the LAMPF issue is because an LED light draws so much less current than the factory fit that the ECU thinks the bulb is blown. Apparently a small load resistor would fix this (though I guess that would require some wiring shenanigans!) It actually references this on the advert:


BTW, If anyone is interested in that light from Alibaba, it does seem the GS owners are ahead of us on this. I think they all probably come out of the same factory but they do a GS version. Here is a guy fitting one, looks promising, I'll feedback to the forum if I decide to go this route and share any info.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4g44KQuHWU