Zongshen RX3 LED Headlight Review

[SpudRider]

After nightfall arrived, I took the bike for a ride to test the headlight patterns. At first, I had the headlight pointed too high. However, I quickly returned home, and discovered the headlight was very easy to adjust for the proper angle.

As stated earlier, the low beam has a distinct horizontal cutoff in the pattern, and is aimed significantly lower than the high beam. The light pattern is well very focused. In fact, it is too focused for my preference. I don't think the low beam casts enough light to the side of the road.

The high beam is also very focused, but casts a little more light to the side. The high beam projects well down the road, and illuminates the signs very well. However, once again, I would prefer a much wider light pattern.

Final Analysis

After replacing the stock HS1 bulb with an H4 bulb, I prefer the light patterns from the stock headlight over the LED headlight. I ride off road a lot, and the stock headlight illuminates the side of the road much better than the LED headlight. The wider illumination patterns make it easier to see rocks, ruts, and other obstacles on an unpaved road. Since the RX3 headlight is attached to the frame, rather than the triple tree, the wide light patterns also make it easier to see the side of the road while negotiating turns on city streets. Therefore, I prefer the stock headlight, with an H4 bulb, over the upgraded LED headlight.

I replaced the LED headlight with the stock headlight, and I will compare the brightness of the two light patterns this evening. However, any differences in brightness aside, I am sure I will still prefer the light patterns from the stock headlight.

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

After replacing the stock HS1 bulb with an H4 bulb, I prefer the light patterns from the stock headlight over the LED headlight.

Spud, is there any evidence of excess heat with the H4 setup? Any discoloration?

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

Spud, is there any evidence of excess heat with the H4 setup? Any discoloration?

No, there is no indication of any excess heat, discoloration, or any other damage. If one is concerned about excess heat from the 55W/60 H4 bulb, all he has to do is drill a couple of ventilation holes in the rear cover of the headlight. All the headlights on my other motorcycles are completely open in the back. Only the bulb is covered with a rubber boot.

There is nothing inside the back cover of the headlight that is vulnerable to dirt or rain. The low front fender and the high, well protected location of the headlight will also protect it from the elements. One could drill several ventilation holes in the lower portion of the cover if he were worried about rain entering the headlight.