Holy cow big difference !

 

How much was it.

 

I could never justify paying $500 for a headlight when there are equally viable options for a fraction of the price. Just my opinion though.

 

I agree , that price is way to high.

 

Is this the same one? For half the price...

J.W. Speaker 5-3/4&Prime, LED Headlight Black 551681 Amazon.com: J.W. Speaker 5-3/4&Prime, LED Headlight Black 551681: Automotive


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Is this the same one? For half the price...

J.W. Speaker 5-3/4&Prime, LED Headlight Black 551681 Amazon.com: J.W. Speaker 5-3/4&Prime, LED Headlight Black 551681: Automotive

That's the Gen1 model. The one in OP is the newer Gen2.

Product description:
The Adaptive 2 headlight improves upon the great success of the first edition, but brings new improved features! Now the adaptive feature fills in the void of light during cornering, left or right, up to a 30 degree lean, and even remains functional with the high beam activated. The Model 8690 A Series features a bright white LED with a genius IQ that knows when you are turning and adjusts the light to eliminate blind spots. The proprietary optics offer enhanced visibility to both riders and other drivers, for a new level of rider comfort. The Model 8690 A Series LED motorcycle headlight combines a heavy-duty, die-cast aluminum housing, signature solid optics, and state-of-the-art LEDs to provide a sleek look and deliver premium performance. Easy to install drop-in upgrade for 5 3/4" PAR46 style headlights.

 

I am tempted to switch from my LED Eagle headlight just for the adaptive feature. Taking sharp turns at night I notice a lack of light in the direction of the turn. It is just the $500 dollar price tag that makes me wonder if it is worth it. So is the adpative feature worth $500?

 

For that much money, I think I'd wait until the FTR1200 headlight hits the store.

 

I went with the eagle light gen III which I am very happy with. The JW Speakers are excellent lights too; however, to expensive for me in Canada.
Thanks planetvic22 for the before and after comparison for this particular headlight. As some wouldn't pay that much for a headlight, there are some who will and will appreciate your post.
Keep us updated on the adaptive feature and whether you feel its worth the investment or not.

 

The difference is huge in visibility. If you got the money then spend is what I say. If it helps keep you alive then it’s money well spent! Ride on and ride safe.


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Nice write-up and great photos.

 

I wont' go back to a normal headlight. The visibility is worth every penny.

 

Okay, question for @planetvic22: I suspect it's hard to separate improved "from the saddle" visibility improvement from more brightness from improved visibility from the adaptive feature, but can you or other users comment on that specifically?
I'm thrifty on a good day, but I can understand the value of more visual "reach" at night. Superficially, I'll admit that one reason I haven't changed the headlight on the Scout is cosmetics. These LED units work well, but I can't wrap my eyes around how they look. #shrug

 

Sorry it took so long to reply. I felt like I was getting some flak over the price. It is nice to see some of the other comments.

For people considering this headlight, here's my feedback after using this headlight for three months. My Scout is used as a daily commuter and I usually ride to/from work in the dark during the winter. I live in the Bay Area, CA - most of the night driving is low beam only.

I think the headlight is a HUGE improvement over the stock headlight. It throws a very wide and even spread. The headlight housing is made from cast aluminum and feels real solid. It was expensive, but it is definitely built to last and performs like it should for the high price point.

The adaptive feature - not worth it IMO. The light is very in tune with the lean of the bike and starts to illuminate outwards at the slightest lean of the bike. I think the problem is the headlight is so bright that the little bit directed toward the direction of turn area doesn't really add much in terms of visibility. It illuminates an area that does not really need to be illuminated. The high beam on this thing is INSANE. At night it illuminates things hundreds of yards away. Daytime riding provides excellent visibility to other drivers.

@MeatballRebel - If I had to do it all over again, I would still purchase the light - just the version without the adaptive feature for ~$200 less. I think the adaptive feature is a great idea, but a bit gimmicky.

@N. Cognito - In terms of looks, I do not mind the appearance of the LEDs. It does look a bit like it belongs on an airplane when the bike is off, but when powered on it just kind of blends in with the bike. There is an option for the black headlight, I went with chrome because I thought it would blend in better with my red Scout. I will try to remember to upload a photo of it during the daytime.

@Trizzino - I could not agree more that the visibility is worth every penny. I think the OEM headlight is borderline dangerous to use at night. I can't believe I rode for a year with OEM.

I think everyone reading this should look into replacing their OEM headlight if you ride at night. No need to install the same one I did, but get something brighter. There are plenty of affordable options on Amazon and replacing the headlight is quick and straightforward. All you need is a screwdriver.

 

I’m not sure why everyone is spending so much money on this. I got the lamp below for $48. Bright as hell and no probs after 6 months so far.

Motorcycle 5.75" 5 3/4 LED Headlight Daymaker For Harley Sportster XL1200 XL883 | eBay

 

That's what I did too.It works fine,but do you need to change anything else.I did go to start my bike the next day,and it needed to be charged up

 

The adaptive feature is a bit of a gimmick imo. I would think in order for it to be truly adaptive it would need to be tied into the bikes lean angle detection. I’m not sure if that’s the case though. As far as cost who cares, it’s your money do what you want with it lol. I’m getting the eagle Infiniti beam for my bobber and a eagle gen 3 with halo for my wife. We don’t ride much at night so I think this light is better suited for us. Good write up on your light, enjoy the ride.


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The adaptive feature is definitely tied into the lean of the bike. A slight tilt in either direction triggers more light in the direction of lean. The "problem" is that the low-beam light is so bright, crisp, and wide that the additional LEDs triggered by leaning provide a negligible amount of light.

 

I wanted one on my Bobber to see better on sharper turns at night. I bought the old version JW adaptive on sale for my Chieftain and I am happy with it. I have a hard time spending the full price for an adaptive on the Bobber since I already have an Eagle lights LED on it.

 

$500.00,....I've bought complete and running motorcycles for less.

I have installed a LED HID lamp in my headlight. Bright as daylight and a simple bulb swap. It still retains the parking light function too.
Another forum member sent me this lamp and he wouldn't take a penny for it.

 

Momz,

Do you remember the brand of bulb you are using?
You are happy with it? Is this configuration lighting up the ditches for you?
I hear that replacing the bulb will cause it to fog up, and leave water inside the lens, are you seeing this yet?

I want to update the OEM light too, but not 100% sure what to go with yet. I have been considering a complete LED swap, not just the bulb.
But I will consider all options. Not sure how bad I need the parking light, but something else to think about.

Thank you.

4T

 

Just got the email about this. Really want it. But thinking about waiting for the matching knockoffs first.

Scout® Pathfinder LED Headlight | Indian Motorcycle

 

Just got the email about this. Relly wnt it. But thinking about waiting for the matching knockoffs first.

Scout® Pathfinder LED Headlight | Indian Motorcycle

I was just looking at this - received the same email

 

The new Indian LED light looks cool. Not $300 cool though.

 

Well folks I would need to agree with Mbrownp1, I also bought the ones off of eBay, and then bought the matching passing lights from Amazon, they all work great. Total at about 100 dollars... @40 dollars for the passing lights I bought an extra set... The headlight is a plug and play. No issues with idiot light on speedo.. all works fine...

 

I installed additional rear brake/running lights.. idiot light came on. Before adding load resistor i replaced all blinkers with LED bulbs.. idiot light went out.. I thought maybe I burnt it out. Lol.. reinstalled OEM blinker bulbs. Light came back on.. guess the bike wants all LED’s.. lol..
Basically, I added two brake/running LED lights, and another brake LED light. All are wired to rear fender harness... and I added all LED bulbs to blinkers...

 

After 100 miles on the Bobber, my main gripe is the headlight. Watched videos on the Adaptive 2 and can’t see it helping that much for the price increase from the non-adaptive. I’ve toyed with getting the Pathfinder from Indian or the Eagle Lights 8900 Gen III

 

Before is only the 5.75” holegen headlight.. this is after...

 

I use a $70 LED replacement that I get from DKcustoms on my Harleys. Works great, no issues on 5 different bikes. That $500 one is really nice, but I can't afford that. It has a little fan on the back of it that you hear run when you power the bike up, but never any issues. Since it utilizes the stock housing, looks stock until you turn it on. Really makes road signs pop.

 

I think the original poster is smart for upgrading, with all of the riding he is doing, and at night, etc. I always upgrade the tail lights first though to LED, more worried about being seen than seeing. Maybe Scouts already have them? I put one of those tail light flasher kits from Custom Dynamics on my wife's bike, made a HUGE difference in visibility from the rear. I may do this on my bikes if it works for Indians.

 

4Thunder, For headlight, I ordered aftermarket LED LIGHT through Amazon for 1200 sportster. Plug and play. Works great. About $50.00 with shipping.. maybe less for You. I live in Hawaii...

 

Exactly. I paid $48. No issues whatsoever. And much much much brighter. Not sure why people are paying $200-$500.

 

I think the original poster is smart for upgrading, with all of the riding he is doing, and at night, etc. I always upgrade the tail lights first though to LED, more worried about being seen than seeing. Maybe Scouts already have them? I put one of those tail light flasher kits from Custom Dynamics on my wife's bike, made a HUGE difference in visibility from the rear. I may do this on my bikes if it works for Indians.

Scout tail light is already LED. After I upgraded the headlight I replaced all 4 turn signal lights w LED. Effective and looks better too.

 

What did you replace the turns with exactly?

 

Correct, ,want to say I replaced the blinker bulbs with LED bulbs...Been looking for rear blinker lens.. instead I found red LED Rear blinkers from a Dark Horse. Should be lit and play. Plus they are a little bigger than the scout...