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Norge Headlamp Upgrade

JJ Eckerman

Tuned and Synch'ed
Joined
Apr 18, 2019
Messages
54
Location
Michigan
Hi Folks,

I had one of the low beam headlamps fail recently on my '08 Norge 1200, rendering my headlamps at half strength. Since I live in a suburban area, riding with high beams is a little risky - it's not unheard of for the local constabulary to ticket for being "too visible".

My question is, has anyone upgraded to the new LED lamps that have appeared on the market in recent years, and what have you had the most success with?

I have not yet attempted to pull the dash panel to access the low beams, but it does not appear or feel like there are any loose wires or moisture entering the assembly causing corrosion. Bike is garaged, and I've only been caught in the rain twice this summer. No evidence of rodents munching on the wires, either -- an advantage of having cats in the house and neighborhood, I suppose!

I want to try to avoid anything that would require major modifications, i.e. removing and discarding the boot to make room for a fan (like I had to do on my Honda).

If there really isn't anything worthwhile, what standard or HID bulbs are preferred?

Thanks in advance!
 
This has been covered a lot Use SEARCH for LED headlights.

Bottom line is that I think you would discover that the lens is not suited to properly focusing the LED light.

I have tried several LED lights on all my motorcycles and I totally believe that you are far better off just replacing the bulb IMHO.
 
There's always a thread from years ago to search for, but is there a thread that covers suggested search terms?

Thank you for the suggestion. Any specific bulb brand you swear by?

This has been covered a lot Use SEARCH for LED headlights.

Bottom line is that I think you would discover that the lens is not suited to properly focusing the LED light.

I have tried several LED lights on all my motorcycles and I totally believe that you are far better off just replacing the bulb IMHO.
 
Look for Osram Nightbreaker series bulbs, or the Phillips equivalent. Up to 100% more light on the road, no modifications and straight swap. Other manufacturers also make similar bulbs, still same power, so road legal wherever you are.
 
Try visiting the site bulbfacts.com. They break down (and independently test) bulbs that work best with projector and reflector style housings. They do not interchange, mixing them results in poor light distribution and things such as blinding oncoming cars. I bought a mid-range reflector LED for my GSX and combined with a 7" E-code housing it is like 5x better than OEM. I don't know what type of housing the Norge uses, but due to the age it is likely a reflector type.
 
For my low beams, I ended up visiting my local auto parts store (one of those franchisee operations, like a Napa, but with more professional equipment and dot matrix printers for everything), where I picked up a set of Philips lamps at a tidy discount!

Thank you all for the advice!


TI don't know what type of housing the Norge uses, but due to the age it is likely a reflector type.

Focused beam halogen - the low beams are an H3 base, the high beams are an H1 base. Like a lot of the Norge's systems, the manuals all blow the repair / replacement process way out of proportion, and are actually quite easy if you know which end of the Allen key goes where!
 
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