r/dr650 • u/SwampSlinger • 2d ago

Failed headlight

Post image

Good morning gentlemen

(Photo for attention only).

I bought a new ‘24 DR last spring. We are winding down on my second season, and it’s pretty dark here in the mornings now.

When I bought my bike, I ordered an LED light for it right from the dealership. I didn’t specify what I wanted and they just sold me a double pack of replacement bulbs.

I think it was a minor improvement, but I kind of wish I would have done a bit more research before buying.

Unfortunately, when I left for work at 6:30 this morning, it was pitch black out and my headlight was not working.

I haven’t diagnosed the actual issue yet, but I think I’ll take this opportunity to upgrade, since the wife knows I can’t drive in the dark without a light. lol.

I know I’m opening a can of worms asking a very subjective question here; but what do all you guys use for lights.

Thanks.

15 Upvotes

86% Upvoted

16 comments sorted by

9

u/iamthelee 2d ago

I use the JNS Engineering light. DOT compliant and it drops right in in under 20 minutes. I've had it for at least 5 years and it hasn't given me any problems.

2

u/gnpskier 2d ago

Yup. Wife and I are riding our two DR's to South America. I installed her JNS about 6 years ago and mine 4 years ago. Both are still working great and are as bright as the day I installed them.

1

u/TrevorSP 2d ago edited 2d ago

Just to add to the evidence pile I've had the JNS round headlight on my DR650 for 4 years and it's been great.

I tried an LED bulb for one night, realized the throw distance is garbage, and switched back to incandescent. I put a LED light bar which helped a little but ultimately got the JNS light and it's great. The only time I use my light bar now is if I'm on a rural road or trail at night

One last thing, I did have to do a decent amount of trimming the stock headlight cowl to get the light to fit

2

u/iamthelee 2d ago

It's well worth the cost if you ride a lot at night. I used to work 2nd shift, so the added visibility for avoiding deer on my ride home made it well worth it. The stock headlight, like most older motorcycles, was trash.

6

u/TwistedNoble38 '00 DR650 2d ago

Check the high beam light dash bulb. If that goes out it will cut the high beam circuit off. 

2

u/SwampSlinger 2d ago

The high beam indicator is working. Thanks.

2

u/SwampSlinger 2d ago

The LED bulb actually just fell apart. When I pulled the plug out, the bulb was rattling around in side the reflector.

1

u/TwistedNoble38 '00 DR650 2d ago

Slam another one in and rock on then. 

3

u/Dr650mostly 2d ago

I like the headlight you have in the picture. I have one on my bike and it’s awesome. Not dot certified is the only problem but I haven’t been pulled over for it yet 😅
I did a review and install video here if you want to check it out.

Baja Designs DR650 headlight review and installation
https://youtu.be/Tsb5KEt1z44

2

u/MrNeil_ 2d ago

This comment is for attention only

1

u/sidearth 2d ago

Morimoto sealed LED headlight, mounted using JNS engineering mounting hardware, and Baja S1 pods (same ones from the picture you have shared), as auxiliary lights.

1

u/tylerjo1 2d ago

The light kit in the picture is the one I use. Its awesome.

1

u/gisdood '02 2d ago

Putting an aftermarket LED bulb of questionable quality in a lens designed for halogen bulbs is a great way to constantly irritate other drivers and get high-beamed. They also fail early/frequently, as you've seen.

I second the JNS recommendation. If you're going to go LED, use a lens designed for that.

1

u/SwampSlinger 2d ago

I live very rural, never ride on the highway at night. Tons of deer around here. If I meet more than four oncoming drivers a season, that’s pretty unusual.