Andrew Shadow
Site Supporter
I wasn't referring to retrofit bulbs. These were the HID assemblies that came with the car. One of the worst were one of the Mercedes models. They blinded oncoming traffic.
St1100 headlights
- Thread starter Richiepops
- Start date
ST1100Y
Site Supporter
Sorry but about every LED headlight set (on some models even the taillights as well), regardless if car, truck/coach or motorcycles run way too bright and on wavelengths that are almost painfull to the eye...
Tesla's are among the worst, same with high priced Mercs, Beemers, Range Rovers, Porsche, Audi, VW, Seat, Skoda... pretty much every Asia made EV as well...
Then the GS'ers and all the other wannabe ADV riders with their always on aux lights... unbearable...
Nice that those egocentrics can spot a hair on a Raccoon's sphincter from over a mile away... but I and everyone else can't see $h!t...
Andrew Shadow
Site Supporter
That is why I included the statement if they are properly designed. Many of them are, but many are not as you have pointed out.Sorry but about every LED headlight set (on some models even the taillights as well), regardless if car, truck/coach or motorcycles run way too bright and on wavelengths that are almost painfull to the eye...
Tesla's are among the worst, same with high priced Mercs, Beemers, Range Rovers, Porsche, Audi, VW, Seat, Skoda... pretty much every Asia made EV as well...
Then the GS'ers and all the other wannabe ADV riders with their always on aux lights... unbearable...
Nice that those egocentrics can spot a hair on a Raccoon's sphincter from over a mile away... but I and everyone else can't see $h!t...
I have been the victim of exactly what you describe. I have also seen LED headlights that are not a problem. The better ones are usually the ones that come from the factory, but not always as you stated. The other problem beyond the design is that people do not use them properly, such as driving with the high-beams on when they should not be. Another problem is the misuse of the lights from their intended purpose. While off-road lights are allowed to be on a vehicle in most jurisdictions, it is illegal to have them turned on while on a public road in most jurisdictions. The problem is not the light. The problem is the idiot using the light.
So I guess my previous statement needs to be changed to;
if they are properly designed and responsibly used
ST1100Y
Site Supporter
On many car models already the OEM DLR's are dazzling AF...
But having BRIGHT LIGHTS is a sales merit these days, giving the driver/owner the sensation of "superiority" over all other road users... wrong, they're just annoying...
On many car models already the OEM DLR's are dazzling AF...
But having BRIGHT LIGHTS is a sales merit these days, giving the driver/owner the sensation of "superiority" over all other road users... wrong, they're just annoying...
DRL's are made to be that way. They are either single purpose DRL's or they are high beams with a decreased light output.
They are meant to grab attention, and because they are used in the daytime there's less issue with them "blinding you" like high beams do at night.
Part of why many governments have rules about using high beams AT NIGHT, and when they must be dipped (switched to low) based on distances.
To my knowledge there are no daytime rules about running DRL's or high beams (other than Canadian rules if your car came with daytime headlights or DRL's you MUST use them.)
ST1100Y
Site Supporter
The governing automotive safety bodies tend to disagree, making these safety features mandatory in all new vehicles.
The OEM manufactuers then design them into the vehicles to meet the standards that apply to them.
ST1100Y
Site Supporter
Back in the day when TUV and DMV still ruled... regulations about max wattage and lumen, proper positioning and shape of light sources on the vehicle...
Now we choke on EC directive dictates "bought and paid" in Brussels...
Everyone wearing hats with EMT strobes is probably next on the agenda...
On the legal side: I believe I'm right that, here in the UK, headlight units that were designed to take incandescent bulbs must only be fitted with incandescent bulbs. Fitting LEDs or HIDs into an ST's headlight is breaking the law.
Your MoT tester will fail you if you try to sneak others through.
Andrew Shadow
Site Supporter
The UK changed that regulation to accommodate LED and HID bulbs with an amendment that was issued back in March of 2021. The change has been incorporated in to the MOT inspection manual published February 2023. It now states:
MOT inspection manual: motorcycle
section 4.1
A ‘light source’ means any bulb, LED or other means of emitting light.
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Thanks for the reminder and the system inheritance that was brought over to this part of the world...not only in the UK, in south east asia too!
I have to swap out my LED bulbs every year during vehicle inspection just because of the stupid rules and regulations about everything being OEM and need to be OEM configuration.
If I don't revert everything back to default, I won't be able to pass inspection and get my bike taxes paid and insurance covered
Even then, I run the risks of being stopped and given a ticket anytime if and when the authorities decide to...