Cyclops headlight bulbs

There are many modifications available for any bike out there. Some provide a real benefit for their intended use while others are merely just a different version/color/fit of the part they replace. The typical North American consumer often choses to modify their ride more so to personalize it than to actually make real improvements. For this reason certain types of modifications have far greater popularity.

Adding extra lights as a modification can be simply aesthetic or can significantly improve riding experience and safety. Those looking for the off-road look might add auxiliary lights. But what about improving performance without changing the look? Not for glamor but for a real improvement. This is where the bulb kit from Cyclops Adventure Sports comes into play.

I was eager to get my hands on the kit for both my F800GSA and Heather’s G650GS. I am a person who is particular about many things, lighting being one of them, and felt that the BMW lighting even with their auxiliary lights is rather anemic.

The Cyclops kit was an immediate and noticeable difference. This is both from the standpoint of usable light for the rider as well as being visible. I can see more clearly with less strain. As far as being more visible, I can attest that it is far easier to keep track of my girlfriend’s bike in my mirrors. In the past I would have a hard time seeing her if she didn’t also have her auxiliary LED lights on. I can now easily notice the illumination of her bike as opposed to the cars or even bikes around her.

Their full kit for the F800GS consists of two LED bulbs with corresponding drivers and replacement rear caps for high and low beams. Cyclops states:

– Easy Install

– Color Temperature: 5700K (Brilliant White Light)

– 6400 Lumen / 3200 Per Bulb

– IP 68 Rated

– Canbus Compatible

– 12 Month Warranty

Google images

The color temperature of a regular 55w H7 bulb is 3150K with an output of 1400 lumen. By comparing the specs above you’ll see that the lumen more than doubles (the amount of light) and the color temperature increases by 80%. As shown by the chart above, that difference makes for much cleaner, “whiter” light. These two traits, color temperature and lumen, make for not only brighter light but more than twice as much light. The following photos illustrate these points.

IP68 is a rating established by the International Electrotechnical Commission that rates electronic devices for the ability to resist ingression protection. Often referred to as a waterproof rating, it is far more. Ingression for electronics is also dust. A rating of 68 basically means these bulbs, and more importantly the drivers, are both waterproof (submersible) and dustproof.

Just as cars have become increasingly more technological and more difficult to work on, so have motorcycles. Canbus is a system utilized by many motorcycle manufactures to simplify the wiring for a myriad of electronics. It relies on the ability for multiple items to communicate over the same wires, thus reducing the amount of wire within the wiring harness. This is an effective way to keep complicated bikes within a targeted weight. It is a much more fussy system to add to however and if not done correctly will have adverse effects. Canbus compatibility is crucial.

The install was straight forward as could be; literally as simple as changing a light bulb. The included instructions are clear and concise. The fit and finish allows all parts to easily go together.

TIP:

There is one small detail to mention when installing: the kit comes with replacement rear caps for the headlight housing. This is because the back of the bulb mount is larger. The cap for the high beam may come into contact with the left fork leg when turned to full right hand lock. All bikes are slightly different in their headlight placement within the adjustment range. The slotted mount of the headlight housing allows for left and right pivoting but will also allow for movement forward and back. If the fork comes into contact with the cap simply slide the entire housing forward while keeping the current left to right pivot in tact.

When purchasing cars and trucks in the past I have always replaced headlight bulbs with higher performance bulbs immediately. Whenever given the option to also add more lights I do. After getting interested in motorcycles I was sobered to the fact that space, weight, and electrical systems eliminated most of the methods I had used in the past. This is why Cyclops makes a great option. For any questions or further information, feel free to contact us here.