RX3: M3C LED Headlight Installation

[SpudRider]

I bought an M3C, LED headlight bulb from eBay, and installed it in my Zongshen RX3 headlight. This LED headlight bulb has a cooling fan, and projects both high and low beams. This LED bulb comes with a variety of mounting plates. I installed the H4 mounting plate.

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Zongshen%20RX3/GEDC1274_zpsppnvycdo.jpg (http://s442.photobucket.com/user/spudrider/media/Zongshen%20RX3/GEDC1274_zpsppnvycdo.jpg.html)

The mounting plate is attached by a single screw, as shown below.

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Zongshen%20RX3/GEDC1275_zpstq3v1tbd.jpg (http://s442.photobucket.com/user/spudrider/media/Zongshen%20RX3/GEDC1275_zpstq3v1tbd.jpg.html)

The RX3 employs a plastic retaining clip to hold the headlight bulb in place. I trimmed this retaining clip, and placed it under the H4 mounting plate on the bulb. I trimmed the two projecting tabs which allow you to rotate the clip into a locked position. I also trimmed a small notch which provided me with enough space to screw the H4 mounting plate into position. ;)

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Zongshen%20RX3/GEDC1268_zpsqhrjsjp4.jpg (http://s442.photobucket.com/user/spudrider/media/Zongshen%20RX3/GEDC1268_zpsqhrjsjp4.jpg.html)

[SpudRider]

The M3C LED bulb came with bullet connectors attached to the three wires. I removed the bullet connectors, and soldered three spade connectors which fit into the H4 headlight socket. In the near future I will buy an H4 male plug, and connect this plug to the wires coming from the bulb in place of the spade connectors.

I placed the H4 bulb into the headlight reflector, and twisted the retaining clip into the locked position. Then I plugged the spade connectors into the H4 headlight socket.

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Zongshen%20RX3/GEDC1262_zpsfvvq0zhy.jpg (http://s442.photobucket.com/user/spudrider/media/Zongshen%20RX3/GEDC1262_zpsfvvq0zhy.jpg.html)

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Zongshen%20RX3/GEDC1259_zpswvznprco.jpg (http://s442.photobucket.com/user/spudrider/media/Zongshen%20RX3/GEDC1259_zpswvznprco.jpg.html)

After installing the headlight assembly, the job was complete. :)

[SpudRider]

This LED bulb has about 3/8-inch clearance with the bike's frame. :tup: The fan continuously operates to cool the LED bulb whenever the headlight is lit. The entire LED light is waterproof, as shown in the video below. ;)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbY-Xk4y6_k

[SpudRider]

I installed a similar, H4 LED bulb in the headlight of my Honda CRF250X. Here is a link to the thread which details that installation. :)

http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=13947

[SpudRider]

This H4 LED bulb does a much better job illuminating the road than the stock, HS1 headlight bulb. :tup: However, this LED bulb doesn't perform as well as an incandescent, 55W/60 H4 bulb. ;) Therefore, I am currently using an incandescent H4 bulb in my RX3 headlight. :) However, if heat from the hotter H4 bulb damages the plastic headlight reflector, I am ready to switch to the H4 LED bulb. ;)

[SpudRider]

Here are some photographs I captured before I removed the H4 LED bulb. The first image shows the LED bulb photographed at midday from a standing position, at a distance of 20 yards.

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Zongshen%20RX3/GEDC1216_zpsp3zmhw2k.jpg (http://s442.photobucket.com/user/spudrider/media/Zongshen%20RX3/GEDC1216_zpsp3zmhw2k.jpg.html)

The next image shows the LED bulb photographed at midday from a kneeling position, at a distance of 20 yards.

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Zongshen%20RX3/GEDC1219_zpspeluizud.jpg (http://s442.photobucket.com/user/spudrider/media/Zongshen%20RX3/GEDC1219_zpspeluizud.jpg.html)

The next image shows the LED bulb photographed at sunset, with low beam, at a distance of 30 yards.

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Zongshen%20RX3/GEDC1225_zpspkeq4szl.jpg (http://s442.photobucket.com/user/spudrider/media/Zongshen%20RX3/GEDC1225_zpspkeq4szl.jpg.html)

The final image shows the LED bulb photographed at sunset, with high beam, at a distance of 20 yards.

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Zongshen%20RX3/GEDC1230_zpspkduyui7.jpg (http://s442.photobucket.com/user/spudrider/media/Zongshen%20RX3/GEDC1230_zpspkduyui7.jpg.html)

[detours]

Very nice! I really like the light output of my silverstar, but if the housing starts to melt, this will be my choice too. I can't go back to that weak 35W lamp.

[SpudRider]

Thank you, Detours. :)

This LED bulb does an acceptable job; it is far superior to the anemic, stock, 35W HS1 bulb. ;) However, a standard, incandescent, 55W/60 H4 bulb performs best.

After about 6,000 miles of riding with the incandescent H4 bulb, I did notice some bubbling/distortion at the top of the headlight's plastic reflector. :wtf: However, after cutting away the rear of the headlight assembly, I haven't noticed any further damage. :) If the plastic reflector remains in good condition, I am sticking with the incandescent H4 bulb. ;)

[SpudRider]

Here is a photograph of the headlight assembly after I removed the LED bulb, and re-installed the incandescent H4 bulb. Without the fan present, I installed the rubber boot over the incandescent bulb. ;)

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Zongshen%20RX3/GEDC0620_zpsnp8utdyc.jpg (http://s442.photobucket.com/user/spudrider/media/Zongshen%20RX3/GEDC0620_zpsnp8utdyc.jpg.html)

[detours]

I found a 3000 lumen, 40W LED headlight mod on a TU250x forum. It's an H4 style headlight so it would probably fit the RX3. I ordered one for my wife, but I will try it out on my RX3 when it comes in.

I'm very interested in how it compares to my Silverstar Ultra. If it's as bright and has a good light pattern, I'll order one for myself. It will run much cooler, so the plastic reflector will be happier.

Topic and installation instructions (very similar to the RX3)
http://tu250riders.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=20165

LED Headlight
http://tripageled.com/store/index.php?route=product/product&keyword=Yamaha+FZ-09+Led+headlight+bulb&category_id=0&product_id=193

[oneshrewddude]

I will be trying this one in the near future... I have one on my KLR and I love it... 😀

http://www.cyclopsadventuresports.com/3800-Lumen-H4-LED-Headlight-bulb-_p_83.html

[adriansk8]

hello to all !!
I tell them that this week make the change of light by an LED , when installing see that was not well installed , I notice that the light has been shaped triangle, a friend said I should be upside down triangle backwards and flat top part . this is true?
the light does not illuminate me either high.

Greetings from Colombia!

[SpudRider]

I will be trying this one in the near future... I have one on my KLR and I love it... 😀

http://www.cyclopsadventuresports.com/3800-Lumen-H4-LED-Headlight-bulb-_p_83.html

Unfortunately, I think that particular LED will be too long. The M3C bulb which I installed has the same dimensions as the 3600 lumen version of the Cyclops H4 light. However, the 3800 lumen version of the Cyclops bulb is longer, and I fear it will contact the frame of the bike. :ohno: The M3C bulb barely fits, with only a little room to spare. ;)

Can you order the Clyclops, 3800 Lumen bulb, and return it if it does not fit?

[SpudRider]

hello to all !!
I tell them that this week make the change of light by an LED , when installing see that was not well installed , I notice that the light has been shaped triangle, a friend said I should be upside down triangle backwards and flat top part . this is true?
the light does not illuminate me either high.

Greetings from Colombia!

Hello; we are glad you joined us. :hi:

Yes, the flat part of the triangle of LEDs should face the top. The headlight reflector in the United States is molded so you cannot install the LED bulb incorrectly. :shrug:

On low beam, the two bottom LEDs are lit. On high beam, all three LEDs are lit. With this particular bulb, the high beam does not shift the light pattern, it only makes it brighter. ;)