Zongshen RX3 LED Headlight Review - Page 3

NoVa Rider · 08-23-2015, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpudRider

I now believe at least one version of the LED bulbs will fit inside the RX3 headlight.

Therefore, I ordered that bulb, and it should be here in a week or so. At that time I will attempt an installation, and report my results.

Spud, I am looking forward to your findings, and I'd like to know what bulb you are using.

I noticed that J&P Cycles sells an H4 "PathfinderLED" bulb that appears to have no fan and would seem to be a direct plug-in fit. Price is about $44.

SpudRider · 08-23-2015, 12:14 PM

I have now experimented with the Zongshen LED headlight, and three different bulbs in the stock headlight.

I have used the stock HS1 bulb, an H4 incandescent bulb, and my latest experiment is with an 18W, H4 LED bulb I bought from eBay.

You can purchase this LED bulb from China for $14, delivered. Because I didn't wish to wait, I purchased the bulb from the United States for $21.

Cyclops is selling this LED bulb for $60, plus shipping, with a 1-year warranty.

http://www.cyclopsadventuresports.co...orts_p_97.html

SpudRider · 08-23-2015, 12:16 PM

The H4 LED bulb performs very well, and I like it a lot.

I am still contemplating whether the H4 incandescent bulb, or the H4 LED bulb is best.

The LED bulb offers excellent conspicuity, even in daylight. Here is a photograph I took at midday of the H4 LED bulb from 20 yards, in a standing position.

Here is a photograph I took at midday of the H4 LED bulb from 20 yards, in a kneeling position.

I think the H4 LED bulb offers better daylight conspicuity than the Zongshen LED headlight. For comparison, here is a photograph I took at midday of the Zongshen LED headlight from 13 yards, in a standing position.

Here is a photograph I took at midday of the Zongshen LED headlight from 13 yards, in a kneeling position.

Since the light beam is not so narrowly focused, the H4 LED bulb is much more conspicuous in daylight than the Zongshen LED headlight.

In comparison to the H4 incandescent bulb, the H4 LED bulb casts more light to the sides of the motorcycle, so it illuminates the road better while turning corners on pavement, and while trying to avoid obstacles while riding off road after dark.

In addition, the H4 LED bulb uses less power, generates much less heat, and lasts far longer than an H4 incandescent bulb. However, the H4 incandescent bulb definitely projects the light farther down the road, especially on high beam.

I will experiment more, and let you know my final conclusions after more deliberation. However, I will offer these preliminary conclusions.

If you are riding fast at night on mostly straight pavement, the H4 incandescent bulb will let you see farther. However, if you are riding a lot at night in the city, or riding at night more slowly on winding paved roads, the H4 LED bulb will illuminate the corners much better.

Also, the H4 LED bulb will make you much more conspicuous during daylight than the H4 incandescent bulb.

SpudRider · 08-23-2015, 12:24 PM

Incidentally, these H4 LED bulbs are very water resistant, if not waterproof, as shown in the following video.

I installed a similar H4 bulb in my Honda CRF250X, and it has performed superbly for me.

Jay In Milpitas · 08-23-2015, 04:13 PM

Thanks for the comparison update, Spud. Especially good to know is the difference in pattern.

Is it just me, or does the sky in your pics look a bit hazy? I've been following the news about wild fires in the NW region.

SpudRider · 08-23-2015, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jay In Milpitas

Thanks for the comparison update, Spud. Especially good to know is the difference in pattern.

Is it just me, or does the sky in your pics look a bit hazy? I've been following the news about wild fires in the NW region.

Indeed, the sky is filled with smoke in Idaho.

I hope they can extinguish these forest fires soon.

NoVa Rider · 08-24-2015, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpudRider

You can purchase this LED bulb from China for $14, delivered. Because I didn't wish to wait, I purchased the bulb from the United States for $21.

Cyclops is selling this LED bulb for $60, plus shipping, with a 1-year warranty.

I have not taken my headlight assembly apart yet. Would this LED bulb fit without modifications? Or do you need to cut some space and modify the rubber boot to fit the fan part of the bulb?

FYI there is a PathfinderLED H4 bulb with no fan that probably would fit without mods, but I just learned it only puts out 700 lumens. The PathfinderLED 2000 lumen bulb has a fan and looks similar to the one Spud referenced. Both of these bulbs are about $44 on J&P Cycles.

Spud's bulb is 3600 lumens, or so Cyclops claims.

SpudRider · 08-25-2015, 01:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoVa Rider

I have not taken my headlight assembly apart yet. Would this LED bulb fit without modifications? Or do you need to cut some space and modify the rubber boot to fit the fan part of the bulb?

FYI there is a PathfinderLED H4 bulb with no fan that probably would fit without mods, but I just learned it only puts out 700 lumens. The PathfinderLED 2000 lumen bulb has a fan and looks similar to the one Spud referenced. Both of these bulbs are about $44 on J&P Cycles.

Spud's bulb is 3600 lumens, or so Cyclops claims.

Yes, you do need to make a few modifications to the headlight. I will try to capture some photographs, and post a thread on this topic, tomorrow.

SpudRider · 08-30-2015, 06:03 PM

I did take photographs of my LED bulb installation, but I haven't had time recently to post them. I will try to update the tread as soon as I can.

I switched back to the standard H4 bulb for further testing. Without a doubt, the H4 incandescent bulb is best.

If you are not having heat problems with the headlight reflector, you can't beat a 55W/60 H4 bulb.

If you are concerned about heat damage, I think the H4 LED bulb is next best. The stock, 35W HS1 bulb is anemic, and the Zongshen LED headlight is too narrowly focused for my tastes. The Zongshen LED headlight might work well with the appropriate auxiliary lighting, but I find it unsatisfactory when used alone.

detours · 08-30-2015, 06:28 PM

I'm using an H4 silverstar ultra and it provides a powerful white light with a nice wide spread. I am a little worried about heat so I cut the back off the assembly for extra ventilation.

SpudRider · 08-30-2015, 06:48 PM

Yes, I cut the back from my headlight assembly for two reasons. I want to allow the extra heat produced by the hotter H4 bulb to escape, and to help preserve the plastic headlight reflector. Also, sectioning the back of the headlight assembly makes it much easier, and quicker, to change headlight bulbs.

Paeksukis · 01-19-2018, 01:29 AM

One of my facebook friends bought the Zongshen RX4 headlight and plug it on his RX3. He said just plug it in and it fits perfectly without no extra bracket. Additionally, it's much brighter than the original led and halogen headlight.

Here are the pictures:

Juanro · 01-19-2018, 08:22 AM

Hi, can you please provide a link to where to buy such headlight?

Thanks!

Juanro

woodlandsprite · 01-19-2018, 10:13 AM

LOL

It makes it look even more like a Mini GS with that light installed! Excellent to know there is another option out there. Thx for sharing!

seba_misiones · 01-19-2018, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Juanro

Hi, can you please provide a link to where to buy such headlight?

Thanks!

Juanro

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08-23-2015, 12:14 PM	#32
SpudRider Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Idaho Posts: 25,054	I have now experimented with the Zongshen LED headlight, and three different bulbs in the stock headlight. I have used the stock HS1 bulb, an H4 incandescent bulb, and my latest experiment is with an 18W, H4 LED bulb I bought from eBay. You can purchase this LED bulb from China for $14, delivered. Because I didn't wish to wait, I purchased the bulb from the United States for $21. Cyclops is selling this LED bulb for $60, plus shipping, with a 1-year warranty. http://www.cyclopsadventuresports.co...orts_p_97.html __________________ Spud "Never argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level, and beat you with experience." Mark Twain 2015 Zongshen ZS250GY-3 (RX3) 2006 Zongshen ZS200GY-2 (Sierra 200) 2005 Honda XR650L 2004 Honda CRF250X 1998 Kawasaki KDX220 Mods made to my Zongshen ZS200GY-2: http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=6894
	0

08-23-2015, 12:16 PM	#33
SpudRider Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Idaho Posts: 25,054	The H4 LED bulb performs very well, and I like it a lot. I am still contemplating whether the H4 incandescent bulb, or the H4 LED bulb is best. The LED bulb offers excellent conspicuity, even in daylight. Here is a photograph I took at midday of the H4 LED bulb from 20 yards, in a standing position. Here is a photograph I took at midday of the H4 LED bulb from 20 yards, in a kneeling position. I think the H4 LED bulb offers better daylight conspicuity than the Zongshen LED headlight. For comparison, here is a photograph I took at midday of the Zongshen LED headlight from 13 yards, in a standing position. Here is a photograph I took at midday of the Zongshen LED headlight from 13 yards, in a kneeling position. Since the light beam is not so narrowly focused, the H4 LED bulb is much more conspicuous in daylight than the Zongshen LED headlight. In comparison to the H4 incandescent bulb, the H4 LED bulb casts more light to the sides of the motorcycle, so it illuminates the road better while turning corners on pavement, and while trying to avoid obstacles while riding off road after dark. In addition, the H4 LED bulb uses less power, generates much less heat, and lasts far longer than an H4 incandescent bulb. However, the H4 incandescent bulb definitely projects the light farther down the road, especially on high beam. I will experiment more, and let you know my final conclusions after more deliberation. However, I will offer these preliminary conclusions. If you are riding fast at night on mostly straight pavement, the H4 incandescent bulb will let you see farther. However, if you are riding a lot at night in the city, or riding at night more slowly on winding paved roads, the H4 LED bulb will illuminate the corners much better. Also, the H4 LED bulb will make you much more conspicuous during daylight than the H4 incandescent bulb. __________________ Spud "Never argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level, and beat you with experience." Mark Twain 2015 Zongshen ZS250GY-3 (RX3) 2006 Zongshen ZS200GY-2 (Sierra 200) 2005 Honda XR650L 2004 Honda CRF250X 1998 Kawasaki KDX220 Mods made to my Zongshen ZS200GY-2: http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=6894
	1

08-23-2015, 12:24 PM	#34
SpudRider Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Idaho Posts: 25,054	Incidentally, these H4 LED bulbs are very water resistant, if not waterproof, as shown in the following video. I installed a similar H4 bulb in my Honda CRF250X, and it has performed superbly for me. __________________ Spud "Never argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level, and beat you with experience." Mark Twain 2015 Zongshen ZS250GY-3 (RX3) 2006 Zongshen ZS200GY-2 (Sierra 200) 2005 Honda XR650L 2004 Honda CRF250X 1998 Kawasaki KDX220 Mods made to my Zongshen ZS200GY-2: http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=6894
	0

08-30-2015, 06:03 PM	#39
SpudRider Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Idaho Posts: 25,054	I did take photographs of my LED bulb installation, but I haven't had time recently to post them. I will try to update the tread as soon as I can. I switched back to the standard H4 bulb for further testing. Without a doubt, the H4 incandescent bulb is best. If you are not having heat problems with the headlight reflector, you can't beat a 55W/60 H4 bulb. If you are concerned about heat damage, I think the H4 LED bulb is next best. The stock, 35W HS1 bulb is anemic, and the Zongshen LED headlight is too narrowly focused for my tastes. The Zongshen LED headlight might work well with the appropriate auxiliary lighting, but I find it unsatisfactory when used alone. __________________ Spud "Never argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level, and beat you with experience." Mark Twain 2015 Zongshen ZS250GY-3 (RX3) 2006 Zongshen ZS200GY-2 (Sierra 200) 2005 Honda XR650L 2004 Honda CRF250X 1998 Kawasaki KDX220 Mods made to my Zongshen ZS200GY-2: http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=6894
	0

08-30-2015, 06:28 PM	#40
detours Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Arvada, CO Posts: 1,004	I'm using an H4 silverstar ultra and it provides a powerful white light with a nice wide spread. I am a little worried about heat so I cut the back off the assembly for extra ventilation. __________________ Red 5 standing by! 2015 CSC red RX3 with 19" front wheel, Shinko 804/805, skid plate, tall seat, 13T/45T sprockets, progressive shock, Winyoochanok windshield, GENSSI LED headlight, SW-Motech tankbag, Shorai Lithium battery 2014 Ural Patrol
	0

08-23-2015, 04:13 PM	#35
Jay In Milpitas Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Milpitas, CA. USA Posts: 775	Thanks for the comparison update, Spud. Especially good to know is the difference in pattern. Is it just me, or does the sky in your pics look a bit hazy? I've been following the news about wild fires in the NW region.
	0

08-30-2015, 06:48 PM	#41
SpudRider Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Idaho Posts: 25,054	Yes, I cut the back from my headlight assembly for two reasons. I want to allow the extra heat produced by the hotter H4 bulb to escape, and to help preserve the plastic headlight reflector. Also, sectioning the back of the headlight assembly makes it much easier, and quicker, to change headlight bulbs. __________________ Spud "Never argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level, and beat you with experience." Mark Twain 2015 Zongshen ZS250GY-3 (RX3) 2006 Zongshen ZS200GY-2 (Sierra 200) 2005 Honda XR650L 2004 Honda CRF250X 1998 Kawasaki KDX220 Mods made to my Zongshen ZS200GY-2: http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=6894
	0

01-19-2018, 08:22 AM	#43
Juanro Join Date: Oct 2015 Posts: 321	Hi, can you please provide a link to where to buy such headlight? Thanks! Juanro
	1

01-19-2018, 10:13 AM	#44
woodlandsprite Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 366	LOL It makes it look even more like a Mini GS with that light installed! Excellent to know there is another option out there. Thx for sharing!
	0