The BSA A7-A10 Forum

Technical (Descriptive Topic Titles - Stay on Topic) => Lucas, Ignition, Charging, Electrical => Topic started by: rowan.bradley on 06.09. 2018 18:21

Title: Adaptive LED Headlamp
Post by: rowan.bradley on 06.09. 2018 18:21
Has anyone used an adaptive LED headlamp on a BSA A10? The leading one seems to be made by J.W. Speaker (https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/jw-speaker-8790-adaptive-led-7-headlight) and has some excellent reviews, but is fiendishly expensive. It seems possible to buy much cheaper, apparently similar ones from China, such as this: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/113114140772. It says it's for Harley Davidson, but since the A10 has a 7 inch headlamp shell, it's difficult to think of a reason why this would not work, maybe with a bit of adaptation. Presumably it's a 12V unit.
Has anyone tried anything like this? What problems did you come up against. and did you in the end achieve a good solution?

Thanks - Rowan
Title: Re: Adaptive LED Headlamp
Post by: muskrat on 06.09. 2018 20:40
G'day Rowan.
Sorry no experience with that (or any modern led). Thinking it would look weird on a BSA. You could buy 7 of the Chinese for one of the American, probably 1/10th the quality. I'd get the cheapie and if it works and looks OK I'd save up for the Yank.
Gawd I didn't pay that much for a whole bike!
Cheers
Title: Re: Adaptive LED Headlamp
Post by: RDfella on 06.09. 2018 20:55
HOW much? Try acetylene, it's cheaper. As I ride for pleasure, I don't ride at night anyway (nothing to see) and prices like that would only reinforce my decision. Just keep a battery charged for the brake light.
Title: Re: Adaptive LED Headlamp
Post by: Black Sheep on 06.09. 2018 22:23
Choose a fine moonlit night and riding is a pleasure. You are missing out!
Title: Re: Adaptive LED Headlamp
Post by: rowan.bradley on 06.09. 2018 22:31
Thinking it would look weird on a BSA.
As far as I can see, the difference in appearance would hardly be noticeable. They could both be in a 7" chrome shell. The only difference in appearance would be a single bulb in the original light, and an array of LEDs in the new one. Why would that be a problem?

Thanks - Rowan
Title: Re: Adaptive LED Headlamp
Post by: WozzA on 07.09. 2018 00:41
I must have some Scottish blood in me somewhere or just being a cheap ar$e
I've put in these LED's on both bikes & to be honest they have preformed perfectly..
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/2-x-H4-LED-Bulb-HID-White-360-Hi-Low-Beam-Motorcycle-Headlight-6000K-High-Power-/152873419545?hash=item2397f74319
and tail / stop light...
 https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/2-X-LED-BRAKE-STOP-TAIL-LIGHT-BULB-GLOBE-12V-LIGHT-CAR-UTE-4WD-BAY15D-13SMD-505-/282544821252?hash=item41c8fbd404
Title: Re: Adaptive LED Headlamp
Post by: Black Sheep on 07.09. 2018 07:19
I use LED stop/tail lights in all my bikes. Haven't yet found a good BPF LED headlight bulb but might give the H4 a try. Must have a suitable reflector kicking around somewhere.
Title: Re: Adaptive LED Headlamp
Post by: BSA_54A10 on 07.09. 2018 08:06
The very best headlight I have ever had on the A10 was the 6V VW kombi halogen conversion.
Same globe as the Beetle but you need the Kombi-waggon flat fronted reflector to fit in a motorcycle shell.
You can even keep the original Lucas front glass.
Latter model Kombi's used a sealed beam.
The globe is the size of a golf ball but the light is excellent.
Used it in both the A 10's  and the B 40 .

Tried most of the LED replacement globes but none of them give enough light to ride at more then 5 mph.
Title: Re: Adaptive LED Headlamp
Post by: Greybeard on 07.09. 2018 09:10
I've got some Lucas branded, (Wassell) 45 Watt 6v filament bulbs that seem pretty good.
Title: Re: Adaptive LED Headlamp
Post by: RoyC on 07.09. 2018 09:39
I've fitted the 3rd one down (NEW SPECIAL OFFER 4  'DAYLIGHTER')  from Paul Goff. It gives an excellent light.  http://www.norbsa02.freeuk.com/goffylighting.htm 

Title: Re: Adaptive LED Headlamp
Post by: RDfella on 07.09. 2018 15:22
Reminds me of the Triton I had. Race spec Triumph 6T motor with alternator. Riding at night was good for about ten minutes, after which the lights dimmed and you had to pull over and run at a fast tickover fot several minutes to get enough charge to see again. Never knew whether to ride like a loon to get as far as possible before the light failed (bearing in mind the light was rubbish anyway) or ride sensibly and take twice as long. That and a clutch that needed cleaning every week, otherwise she wouldn't 'go over the top' fast enough to strike a light. And the Norton wideline frame that I couldn't get on with. Those were the days. Get ahead, get a BSA.