I had my main beam indicator light come up on my dash earlier while traveling to work with dip beam on. I asked on the VFR owners UK Facebook page what it could be, he suggested checking my plugs are on the bulbs properly. This video has been a great help to me. Thank you, I have only had my VFR about 4 weeks.
@@networkservices3121 Have a look at my video on the Keis heated jacket! It's awesome, also I have a video on fitting heated grips coming very soon! ;)
@@KevsShed BTW, Moto CNC i bought the risers after watching your video. Cant say enough again about this company. Ill check it out. I live in a small town whose idea of snow removal is flattening it into ice. And for some reason the guy who i bought the bike from has track tires on it. Until those are replaced. Anything below 17 c is a no go on grip. Tires go from taffy to jolly ranchers. Any ways cheers from the states. You brits really love the VFR and i understand why.
Fitted these bulbs on my GSX S1000F having bought them (and not fitted to my VFR). They're decent too. Fundamentally this video covered the basics of fitting for me. Cheers Kev'sShed
Hi Kev. Not sure if it had been mentioned in other comments but on my 2011 VFR800 here in Australia the high beam is H7 and low beam is H4. Also to remove the plugs you have to push in two tabs on either side and then pull it off. Other everything else is the same.Just something to note as there must be different versions
I've been advised by a few people that using LED bulbs can increase the likelihood of your reg/rec giving you problems. My vfr800 v-tec had permanant headlights which can't be turned off. I've certainly got no problems with that, I've just fitted 'night breaker ' bulbs . Bloody bright!!
Great vid Kev! I did the change on mine multiple times (some are better than others) and settled on the Morimoto brand which is a really great quality and been happy ever since. Beam is very bright and pattern is great but it's a bit high so I end up blinding cars but I don't ride too often at night so it's ok. I believe the problem is that these bikes were not designed for LED bulbs so the reflectors do not disperse the beam properly. Honestly they should ban all halogen bulbs from all vehicles period. LEDs are cheaper now and it's no excuse to keep using technology dating back to the horse and buggy! Btw since you use yours as a daily, you should think about putting some foglights on yours. I have SW-Motech installed on my forks and now it's truly a proper long distance sport tourer👍
Thank you for this video! I've had to replace the lower bulbs (in the US we call them "low beam") twice in the 4 years I've owned my '07 VFR, and I've hated the experience both times. There's very little room to work, and getting that little wire clip off the base of the bulb, and then getting it back in place again, is for me a miserable job. And the rubber boot doesn't want to go back on without a fight either. What took you barely 3 minutes usually takes me 2 hours. This is the difference between having mechanical skill (you) and not (me). I will take encouragement from your example and do it a third time in the next few months, prophylactically, since I didn't replace them this year and they're due to blow any day. One thing I was told long ago was to wear latex gloves when handling halogen bulbs, to avoid getting any trace of body oil on the bulb's glass surface which will cause it to heat especially in the spot with the oil and burn out. I don't know if this is true or not but just to play safe I always wear gloves when doing this job. Your explanations are outstanding.
How they made it so hard to replace something so vital to our safety is beyond me. The maintenance manual has you removing the whole front of the bike to do this.
@@alfredopereira6884 That is nuts. I always hated replacing bulbs. I think Honda's design philosophy was, take it to your dealer. The last time I replaced them I had to pull like mad to get the receptacle detached from the socket. I pulled so hard because one of the prongs of one of the bulbs was stuck in the socket. It eventually broke off from the bulb! The bulbs on Kevin's VFR have 2 prongs. On my US version they have 3. That must explain why it's so easy for him to unplug them and why it's a tug-of-war for me. I suggest removing the bulb from the headlight assembly first, then unplugging it once it's out, if you encounter more than minor resistance to removing the bulb from the socket. Sadly I hit a deer at 55 mph last month and totaled the bike. I really miss her, despite the maintenance headaches it was a wonderful motorcycle, superb handling, a magical engine, very comfortable, looked amazing.
Please don't think I'm being negative. I'm hoping to give constructive comment. I researched replacing halogen headlight bulbs with LEDs and discovered that this was illegal for dipped beam bulbs. The reason given was that headlight reflectors are specifically designed to give the correct beam pattern with a halogen bulb. If the bulb is changed to an LED the pattern will not conform, as the LED filament is a different shape, and the vehicle may fail its MoT test. As far as main beam is concerned, MoT testers are not so concerned with beam pattern but check only to see that it works. So you may get away with an LED as a main beam. BTW, it would probably have been worthwhile to replace the sidelight bulbs with LEDs. Love your excellent videos. Thanx.
Hey there - Looking at passing my A test soon and first 'proper' bike is looking to be the VFR800 (I love its style, cheap on insurance and plenty of grunt) My current bike has had LEDs for 2 years and I can't see myself going back so I will be upgrading like you show here but as dumb as this may sound. For the hi-beam to also be LED would I just buy an extra set of the 'Nighteye LEDs' you link in the description? or are the Hi-beams a different type of bulb?
Great video man. I am going to try it your way before I go with the full fering removal. . Not sure how you manage to get your hands in there .My hands must be really fat compared to yours. I will probably shave some skin.
Hi buddy, I've just brought a 2003 VFR so finding your channel is great thanks. Bike arrives Wednesday so airbox mod is no. 1 on the list, headlight upgrade to LED will depend on your thoughts.
Nice one! I have a follow up video that I will film shortly with regards to the PAIR valve mod as there is a little update that i need to let everyone know about regarding that but as for the LED upgrade, I have since also replaced the Main Beam and side light bulbs with LED replacements and the difference is incredible! I highly recommend it.
@@sjg6074 Yeah as there is another step involved with the PAIR valve that I need to add. I had a discussion with a chap who brought some new info to light. By all means do the snorkel and or flapper mods if you wish but I need to update on the PAIR mod.
@@peterdowney8603 Hi Peter, I bought 2 sets of these, 1 each for the dipped and main beams: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NIGHTEYE-Pair-H7-160W-LED-Fog-Light-Bulb-Headlight-6000K-Daytime-White-DRL-Power/283213312613?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649 I also bought a set of these for the sidelights: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-X-OSRAM-501-W5W-12V-1W-LED-Cool-White-Retrofit-Wedge-6000K-2880CW-02B/142791008169?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649 Total cost around £31
Guys, everyone asking about how to do stuff, you can but the FULL shop manual for the bike online for like $50. Literally tells u how to work on everything on the bike.
Whilst not necessarily a need, LED bulbs will put greater strain on the R/R and in particular the stator as there is far more unused current that needs to be shunted to ground. This can make the stator run hotter. A good mosfet R/R in either Shindengen FH020 or SH847 flavours should help 👍🏻
Ah! Brilliant helpful video. Thanks very much for the upload. Although I wonder if you could help with a little problem I have with my 2008 vtec. My headlight bulbs appeer to be on initially and then later in the ride they are off.? When I flick the switch to high beam - Nothing. Until I use the pass switch and then all lights are illuminated. Any ideas?
The spread of light doesn’t seem as great as the original halogen bulbs although it is brighter, I would say that the main beam has been drastically improved with these bulbs however. I find that the bike is noticed a lot more by other road user since fitting these mind you!
Any problems with the LED headlight bulbs overheating or burning out? Most that I've seen have a fan built-in but don't fit on these bikes without modification.
No problem so far mate, the dipped beam isn't all that great at night but the main beam is awesome! I haven't been pulled out on once since fitting these bulbs either which is a plus!
Hi Kev, thanks for your videos. Fantastic. I have just bought some aftermarket lights for my vfr800 vtec to get me legal in the EU. The original honda assembly has 4 holes for the same size bulbs dipped and full beam but the aftermarket dipped holes are bigger than the full beam holes. Just wondering if that might be something to do with the adaptor you showed or if I need to buy bulbs with a bigger base so that they dont drop through the holes into the reflector section of the light. Cheers mate
Hi Kev, love your videos on the Vfr,brilliant. What model bike is this? And what do you think of getting a Vfr around 02- 05 in 2022. Most bikes from this year in my part of Norway have about 30 to 50 thousand miles. If the bike is good and serviced through the years are these still good touring bikes? I am on a budget for this bike thats why i am not consodering never models. I just need to get a vfr because of fond childhood memories, love the look and sound of the vfr.
@@KevsShed I work in a garage and we see loads of folks coming in with "upgraded" LED bulbs fitted, most of the time you never get a beam pattern on them. I'd looked at doing this on my own bike and then decided against it after a bit of research, think there may be a few that are ok but its finding them without having an endless budget to keep buying and trying different ones.
To be fair, I’ve pulled them out. I will say that they helped me be seen and I never once was pulled out on while they were fitted but unfortunately the night time performance was dreadful!
Hi kev love the vids and the chanel i have don the head light bulb change for led's i have just changed the side light bulbs for led's but one is not working i have swapped it for a different led but it is still not working have got any advice.
Hi Kev thanks for the info turned the led bulb half a turn put it back in job done thats something else iv'e learned thank again keep posting the vids .
I've a blown indicator bulb, front offside, but how the hell do you get it out without taking the whole fairing off? I've tried undoing the little access panel inside the fairing but i can't get the lamp holder to even turn. Arhgggg......
All I know is that the excess current and not absorbed by incandescent stock lamps will inevitably be poured onto the stator, with the consequence that we will shorten its life further.
Pierpaolo Quaranta I agree entirely that there is additional current not being utilised by the standard halogen lamps however it is generally the Reg/Rec that has to deal with this burden in the form of waste heat. There’s a follow up video to come on a regulator/rectifier upgrade! Watch this space 👌🏻
@@KevsShed Sure, but without an upgrade step, all the heat not released, will encrease its work. I know there are some smart regulator too. I don't remember their codes.
Best VFR tutorials on UA-cam Kev!
I had my main beam indicator light come up on my dash earlier while traveling to work with dip beam on. I asked on the VFR owners UK Facebook page what it could be, he suggested checking my plugs are on the bulbs properly. This video has been a great help to me. Thank you, I have only had my VFR about 4 weeks.
No probs
Just want to say thanks, recently got a 07 vfr VTEC and your videos inspired me to get wrenching. Peace to you and keep the videos coming!
Will do 👍🏻
I just got an 09 VFR about 5 weeks ago.
Stupid winter.
@@networkservices3121 Have a look at my video on the Keis heated jacket! It's awesome, also I have a video on fitting heated grips coming very soon! ;)
@@KevsShed BTW, Moto CNC i bought the risers after watching your video. Cant say enough again about this company.
Ill check it out. I live in a small town whose idea of snow removal is flattening it into ice. And for some reason the guy who i bought the bike from has track tires on it. Until those are replaced. Anything below 17 c is a no go on grip. Tires go from taffy to jolly ranchers.
Any ways cheers from the states. You brits really love the VFR and i understand why.
Thank you, VFR friend across the sea. By all means :)
Fitted these bulbs on my GSX S1000F having bought them (and not fitted to my VFR). They're decent too. Fundamentally this video covered the basics of fitting for me. Cheers Kev'sShed
Nice, glad you found it useful! 👌🏻
Hi Kev. Not sure if it had been mentioned in other comments but on my 2011 VFR800 here in Australia the high beam is H7 and low beam is H4. Also to remove the plugs you have to push in two tabs on either side and then pull it off. Other everything else is the same.Just something to note as there must be different versions
I've been advised by a few people that using LED bulbs can increase the likelihood of your reg/rec giving you problems. My vfr800 v-tec had permanant headlights which can't be turned off. I've certainly got no problems with that, I've just fitted 'night breaker ' bulbs . Bloody bright!!
Great vid Kev! I did the change on mine multiple times (some are better than others) and settled on the Morimoto brand which is a really great quality and been happy ever since. Beam is very bright and pattern is great but it's a bit high so I end up blinding cars but I don't ride too often at night so it's ok. I believe the problem is that these bikes were not designed for LED bulbs so the reflectors do not disperse the beam properly. Honestly they should ban all halogen bulbs from all vehicles period. LEDs are cheaper now and it's no excuse to keep using technology dating back to the horse and buggy! Btw since you use yours as a daily, you should think about putting some foglights on yours. I have SW-Motech installed on my forks and now it's truly a proper long distance sport tourer👍
Thanks Kev, I never knew I had side lights in the nose. And I thought I would have to pull all the plastics off for the lights. Love your vids bud
Cheers mate 👍🏻
Thank you for this video! I've had to replace the lower bulbs (in the US we call them "low beam") twice in the 4 years I've owned my '07 VFR, and I've hated the experience both times. There's very little room to work, and getting that little wire clip off the base of the bulb, and then getting it back in place again, is for me a miserable job. And the rubber boot doesn't want to go back on without a fight either. What took you barely 3 minutes usually takes me 2 hours. This is the difference between having mechanical skill (you) and not (me).
I will take encouragement from your example and do it a third time in the next few months, prophylactically, since I didn't replace them this year and they're due to blow any day.
One thing I was told long ago was to wear latex gloves when handling halogen bulbs, to avoid getting any trace of body oil on the bulb's glass surface which will cause it to heat especially in the spot with the oil and burn out. I don't know if this is true or not but just to play safe I always wear gloves when doing this job.
Your explanations are outstanding.
Thank you so much! 👍🏻
@@KevsShed great advice in your vids. Have you done one for shortening a side stand on a Vfr800?
How they made it so hard to replace something so vital to our safety is beyond me. The maintenance manual has you removing the whole front of the bike to do this.
@@alfredopereira6884 That is nuts. I always hated replacing bulbs. I think Honda's design philosophy was, take it to your dealer.
The last time I replaced them I had to pull like mad to get the receptacle detached from the socket. I pulled so hard because one of the prongs of one of the bulbs was stuck in the socket. It eventually broke off from the bulb!
The bulbs on Kevin's VFR have 2 prongs. On my US version they have 3. That must explain why it's so easy for him to unplug them and why it's a tug-of-war for me. I suggest removing the bulb from the headlight assembly first, then unplugging it once it's out, if you encounter more than minor resistance to removing the bulb from the socket.
Sadly I hit a deer at 55 mph last month and totaled the bike. I really miss her, despite the maintenance headaches it was a wonderful motorcycle, superb handling, a magical engine, very comfortable, looked amazing.
Much appreciated for your video. Thank you! 👌
Great video,very helpful txs
Actually the little plastic plugs work by pushing the center in. That releases it. You do have to pull the center out to reinstall it.
Yeah, I found that out the hard way 🙂
That’s great info, it makes perfect sense now too!
BigBadLoneWolf cheers for the tip 👌🏻 I’ll check it out and get a few spares ordered in!
Great video and explanation 👍🏻
Very helpfull Thank you 😊
The high beam is alson h7? They all 4 bulbs are h7? Thank you!
Please don't think I'm being negative. I'm hoping to give constructive comment.
I researched replacing halogen headlight bulbs with LEDs and discovered that this was illegal for dipped beam bulbs. The reason given was that headlight reflectors are specifically designed to give the correct beam pattern with a halogen bulb. If the bulb is changed to an LED the pattern will not conform, as the LED filament is a different shape, and the vehicle may fail its MoT test.
As far as main beam is concerned, MoT testers are not so concerned with beam pattern but check only to see that it works. So you may get away with an LED as a main beam.
BTW, it would probably have been worthwhile to replace the sidelight bulbs with LEDs.
Love your excellent videos. Thanx.
Correct in every respect, I did change the sidelights too though 👍🏻
Thank you
Thanks Kev!
thanks! was a great help!
Hey there - Looking at passing my A test soon and first 'proper' bike is looking to be the VFR800 (I love its style, cheap on insurance and plenty of grunt) My current bike has had LEDs for 2 years and I can't see myself going back so I will be upgrading like you show here but as dumb as this may sound. For the hi-beam to also be LED would I just buy an extra set of the 'Nighteye LEDs' you link in the description? or are the Hi-beams a different type of bulb?
They are identical bulbs bud! 👌😎
Was it any better with the LED bulbs fitted?
Great video man. I am going to try it your way before I go with the full fering removal. . Not sure how you manage to get your hands in there .My hands must be really fat compared to yours. I will probably shave some skin.
Hi - would you consider making a video on how to change the turnsignal bulp?
Already done chap, have a look through the VFR playlist, you’ll find it 👍🏻
Hi buddy, I've just brought a 2003 VFR so finding your channel is great thanks. Bike arrives Wednesday so airbox mod is no. 1 on the list, headlight upgrade to LED will depend on your thoughts.
Nice one! I have a follow up video that I will film shortly with regards to the PAIR valve mod as there is a little update that i need to let everyone know about regarding that but as for the LED upgrade, I have since also replaced the Main Beam and side light bulbs with LED replacements and the difference is incredible! I highly recommend it.
@@KevsShed so am I best waiting for the update before doing it?
@@sjg6074 Yeah as there is another step involved with the PAIR valve that I need to add. I had a discussion with a chap who brought some new info to light. By all means do the snorkel and or flapper mods if you wish but I need to update on the PAIR mod.
@@KevsShed any recommendations for main/dipped LEDS brands websites etc?
@@peterdowney8603 Hi Peter, I bought 2 sets of these, 1 each for the dipped and main beams:
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NIGHTEYE-Pair-H7-160W-LED-Fog-Light-Bulb-Headlight-6000K-Daytime-White-DRL-Power/283213312613?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649
I also bought a set of these for the sidelights:
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-X-OSRAM-501-W5W-12V-1W-LED-Cool-White-Retrofit-Wedge-6000K-2880CW-02B/142791008169?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649
Total cost around £31
Guys, everyone asking about how to do stuff, you can but the FULL shop manual for the bike online for like $50. Literally tells u how to work on everything on the bike.
You can get the FULL shop manual online for the bike for free! Literally tells u how to work on everything on the bike.
Hi kev’s shed, i have a honda vfr800 vtec 2003.
Do i have to change the regulator/rectifire to instal led headlights?
Whilst not necessarily a need, LED bulbs will put greater strain on the R/R and in particular the stator as there is far more unused current that needs to be shunted to ground. This can make the stator run hotter. A good mosfet R/R in either Shindengen FH020 or SH847 flavours should help 👍🏻
@@KevsShed thank you for the advice and for the quick reply,
You got a new subscriber
I would have used a pair of pliers to pull out the rubber seal.
Ah! Brilliant helpful video. Thanks very much for the upload. Although I wonder if you could help with a little problem I have with my 2008 vtec. My headlight bulbs appeer to be on initially and then later in the ride they are off.? When I flick the switch to high beam - Nothing. Until I use the pass switch and then all lights are illuminated. Any ideas?
I would expect that it is an earth issue, check each of the earth points for corrosion, that'd be my bet!
@@KevsShed Cheers buddy. Will have a go tomorrow 😁
How was the light spread after the change? I’ve seen a vid and the led bulbs seemed to focus most of the light into a small slot.
I am also interested on your findings!
The spread of light doesn’t seem as great as the original halogen bulbs although it is brighter, I would say that the main beam has been drastically improved with these bulbs however. I find that the bike is noticed a lot more by other road user since fitting these mind you!
Hiya do u have the make of LED bulbs used. Also what are your thoughts and what are they like at night too. Thanks if can help.
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NIGHTEYE-Pair-H7-160W-CREE-LED-Light-Bulbs-Headlight-6000K-Daytime-Xenon-White/254458632108?hash=item3b3eea97ac:g:L6oAAOSwKMddYJyH
There is a link to the bulbs that i bought, I find them to be bright and crisp, also not had a single car pull out on me since fitting them! :)
Any problems with the LED headlight bulbs overheating or burning out? Most that I've seen have a fan built-in but don't fit on these bikes without modification.
No problem so far mate, the dipped beam isn't all that great at night but the main beam is awesome! I haven't been pulled out on once since fitting these bulbs either which is a plus!
Hi Kev, thanks for your videos. Fantastic. I have just bought some aftermarket lights for my vfr800 vtec to get me legal in the EU. The original honda assembly has 4 holes for the same size bulbs dipped and full beam but the aftermarket dipped holes are bigger than the full beam holes. Just wondering if that might be something to do with the adaptor you showed or if I need to buy bulbs with a bigger base so that they dont drop through the holes into the reflector section of the light. Cheers mate
Hi Kev, love your videos on the Vfr,brilliant. What model bike is this? And what do you think of getting a Vfr around 02- 05 in 2022. Most bikes from this year in my part of Norway have about 30 to 50 thousand miles. If the bike is good and serviced through the years are these still good touring bikes? I am on a budget for this bike thats why i am not consodering never models. I just need to get a vfr because of fond childhood memories, love the look and sound of the vfr.
I am an Italian biker. you could do me
see how to adjust the height of the headlights in mine VFR800 VTEC ? Tank's.
Thanks, great informative helpful video. How did you like the bulbs long term?
I’m not all that impressed with the way the light scatters to be fair. I have a follow up bulb video coming very soon! 👌🏻
@@KevsShed I work in a garage and we see loads of folks coming in with "upgraded" LED bulbs fitted, most of the time you never get a beam pattern on them. I'd looked at doing this on my own bike and then decided against it after a bit of research, think there may be a few that are ok but its finding them without having an endless budget to keep buying and trying different ones.
@@davidmilne1474 I'm not that impressed with these, follow up video to follow soon!
4 years on how are the bulbs if you still have the vfr?
To be fair, I’ve pulled them out. I will say that they helped me be seen and I never once was pulled out on while they were fitted but unfortunately the night time performance was dreadful!
@@KevsShed thanks for the feedback
Hi kev love the vids and the chanel i have don the head light bulb change for led's i have just changed the side light bulbs for led's but one is not working i have swapped it for a different led but it is still not working have got any advice.
They are polarity sensitive mate, turn it round and try again! 👌🏻
@@KevsShed Thanks i will try that tomorrow spot on .
Hi Kev thanks for the info turned the led bulb half a turn put it back in job done thats something else iv'e learned thank again keep posting the vids .
@@garyhewitt270 Sweet!
I've a blown indicator bulb, front offside, but how the hell do you get it out without taking the whole fairing off? I've tried undoing the little access panel inside the fairing but i can't get the lamp holder to even turn. Arhgggg......
Especially For You Mate!
ua-cam.com/video/HVLvEmL9wv8/v-deo.html
How do you remove the headlight relay?
All I know is that the excess current and not absorbed by incandescent stock lamps will inevitably be poured onto the stator, with the consequence that we will shorten its life further.
Pierpaolo Quaranta I agree entirely that there is additional current not being utilised by the standard halogen lamps however it is generally the Reg/Rec that has to deal with this burden in the form of waste heat. There’s a follow up video to come on a regulator/rectifier upgrade! Watch this space 👌🏻
@@KevsShed Sure, but without an upgrade step, all the heat not released, will encrease its work. I know there are some smart regulator too. I don't remember their codes.
Fitting the rubber backing on after changing the bulb has been a nightmare. It sits on fine but not on 100 percent such a pain.
How did you get the plug at 1:54 off?
It literally just pulls off mate 👍🏻
Thanks but actually mine had some clips you have to press on the sides for it to release. I figured it out eventually 😅