Disappointed in FJR headlights

[Jack D]

Getting the feel for my new to me 2009 FJR. After 500 miles I finally had the chance to ride at night on a dark road. After a 2004 Goldwing, a 2006 BMW R1200RT and my 2 2012 Triumph Tiger 800s I have to say that the FJR headlights are very poor compared to these other bikes. They remind me of my 1993 Honda ST1100. I tried adjusting them higher and lower but was not satisfied with them. I will try new bulbs but it looks like I will need to have auxiliary lights to do any serious night riding. I do not want to use HID bulbs in the stock reflectors. I will be checking with IBA FJR riders to see what solutions they have found. So far the bike seems like a keeper but the suspension could use some help. That is not a big concern, IMHO most bikes need help in the seat and suspension department.

 

[RadioHowie]

Interesting opinion, that flies in the face of many who feel the FJR's headlights are pretty amazing for a motorcycle.

I will have to agree with the majority on the quality and amount of light. especially in "High Beam" mode.

However, at first, I, too, was unhappy with my FJR's lights until I realized they were pointed at tree-top level when I first bought it.

Gave it a serious (measured) adjustment and all is well.

Many DO add auxiliary lighting for FJR-nominal runs at night through deer-country, though.

 

[Surly]

All is good, after those other rides you saw the light and got an FJR.

I find the lights great.

Best regards

Surly

 

[majicmaker]

Mine look like a night game at a stadium. No complaints.

 

[escapefjrtist]

FJR is generally thought of having a good set of headlights.

In addition to correct aiming [as RH pointed out] a bulb change might be in order. Bulb output does degrade over time, but do be wary of the high power bulbs with limited life. A good quality replacement is all that's required.

--G

 

[Fontanaman]

I try to avoid riding at night for I fear deer. Some guys put brackets on the rear view mirror mounts and hang lights on them. Do a little searching on the forum to find all the posts. I am happy with the stock lights.

The FJR suspension is shot at 20k or so. Maybe less if you have had experience with performance motorcycles. I upgraded my FJR with GP Suspension fork mod and a Penske in the rear. One of the best mods I have put on the bike and the most expensive but worth every penny. The updated suspension locks the bike to the road and make it a pleasure to ride.

Welcome to the forum.

 

[maddad]

Well considering you rode a Honda, BMW and Triumphs before going to an FJR, maybe it's not the lights but your eyes that you need to get checked.

Lights I found are a lot better then most bikes I've ridden with. But as the others say, may simply be a time to swap them out. Easy to do without removing any parts. Have done a few Tim Horton parking lot changes.

 

[wfooshee]

Mine has the best headlights of any vehicle I've ever had; I wish my work car's lights were half as good!

But like RH, I had to aim them when I bought the bike. Like his, they were quite high, so high beam went skyward instead of roadward.

There is a very sharp cutoff at the top of the low beam pattern. That cutoff should be below the line directly ahead of the bike.

 

[Bounce]

Coming from a GL1800 it's possible you're spoiled. Those have some of the best lights on the 2 wheeled road.

The cut off on the FJR is well designed and, IMO, the weakeness is hauled over into a hard curve out in the deep dark nowhere. The cutoff means you're leaft heading into the heart of darkness. Aux llghts helped me when out in BFE. Other than that, the OEM reflectors with some good Phillips replacement bulbs do journeman duty.

 

[paulo888]

I have rigid industries 4 led lights on mine. But Clearwater lights are really nice if you have the dough.

 

[SacramentoMike]

Many here don't seem to agree with you about the stock headlights. Do you feel better about them now? Of course not. So

is a link to a little video I made that gives you a sense of the difference between stock FJR headlights and stock plus Clearwater Krista LEDs. They offer many advantages, like seeing down the road, conspicuity (being seen), low power draw, adjustable brightness, long lifespan, super quality, great customer service. Expensive, and worth it. (You'll notice the horn and full brightness of these adjustable LEDs are tied together.)
MUCH discussion here on the forum about these lights specifically, and lots more about a wide range of other lighting options. Try this format in Google: "clearwater lights site:fjrforum.com"

 

[Patriot]

Clearwaters ROCK !!!

 

[RedPorscheKilla]

I love my FeeJay and had the opportunity to ride her a few times in the dark. I like the light output, I think that the FJR comes with a decent light, yet I decided to replace my bulbs with the OSRAM Night Breaker PLUS and found they serve me better.

Compared to my C90 with highway bar (so 1 headlight and 2 aux lights) or my Gixxer I found the lights of the FJR are superior, yet since I don't care of a good or bad light, but the blindness of the cages, made me buy the 3 LED LM1500 from Realtime Industries (Being a forum member gives you 10% discount, well taken!!), I will mount them on the fender mounts. You can never have enough light. Being seen is for me key, so good lights, reflective decal on the side and rear, additional braking lights on the licensplate frame, back-off installed, hi-vis jacket and helmet....but I'm writing my self off topic

V

RPK

 

[TomInPA]

Some don't like the HIDs, I do...and have them aimed in a way that I have never been flashed by an oncoming driver. With the Clearwater Krista lights, dark roads are no problem, and daytime visibility is as good as it gets.

 

[Mihalis fjr]

I am very satisfied with my headlights!I have ride many bikes..but these fjr headlights are excellent(for me)!

 

[900gc]

Ditto on the Osram Nightbreaker Plus bulbs. I found them to be a worthwhile upgrade. They won't last as long as standard bulbs but the better light is worth more frequent changes to me.

Linky:

https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/accessories-tyres/41141/headlamp-bulbs-tested

I work nights and depending on the time of year, commute in the dark both ways. So to insure that I can see better when needed:

 

[El Toro Joe]

I like these...

 

[RossKean]

Has anyone found an enhanced output bulb that provides reasonable longevity? The high vibration environment of a motorcycle spells an early demise for many of the high-output lights. I got 75,000 miles out of the OEM bulbs but wouldn't mind paying a premium for H4's with significantly more intensity. I'm not crazy about the blue-white bulbs like the Piaa posted above. Also, I would be interested in real information on lifetime - not just manufacturer's claims (maybe even a warranty for X years).

 

[ionbeam]

Has anyone found an enhanced output bulb that provides reasonable longevity?...I would be interested in real information on lifetime - not just manufacturer's claims (maybe even a warranty for X years).

One bulb reference here. Roughly 1.5 years (18k miles) so far.