Hoglights 7-Inch LED Headlight and 4.5-Inch LED Driving Lights Review Motorcycle Accessories & Apparels
Reply
Founding Member 8,370 posts V-Twin Founding Member 8,370 posts
V-Twin
Like many Indian motorcycle owners from a few years ago, I’ve kitted out my bike with Indian branded accessories from the beginning. With time, aftermarket accessories hit the market giving us more options. A couple of years ago, I ditched the Indian Stage 1 pipes for a set of Rush Warhorse pipes as the factory pipes were too quiet for my liking.

Like the exhaust pipes, there weren’t too many LED headlights that would fit our Indians back in 2015. In fact, the 2014 model Indians had issues fitting Indian's own Pathfinder LED headlights that came out on 2015 Roadmasters! 🤯 With CANbus system controlling everything on our motorcycles, the last thing I wanted was error codes popping up and shutting down my lights. So I reluctantly handed over $1,200 for Pathfinder headlight and two driving lamps. Ouch! 😢

So why was I ditching the Pathfinder headlights for aftermarket headlights?

I have never been happy with my Indian Pathfinder LED headlights. Especially, considering the price I paid. The Pathfinder headlights are reflector-type headlights. Meaning, the light bounces off the parabolic reflector and shines forward indiscriminately (the same technology used since 1911). Whereas, projector-type headlights use lenses to focus and project the light forward with greater precision.

Specifically, the issue I had with Pathfinder headlights is the uneven lighting in front of the motorcycle. For me, that was distracting. Especially on country roads at night with no street lights. I don't care for uneven lighting or shadow patterns (that looks like wings - psychologists would have a field day here! 😲). But that could be just me so I’ve asked other riders, and they were not bothered by the shadow patterns. I should point out that this photograph (below) was taken in a shopping centre car park with flood lighting. The shadow patterns are much more noticeable when there is no ambient lighting.

pathfinder-low-beam.jpg  * Please note all the photographs were auto exposed (not taken with the same settings on the camera).  As such, please use these photographs as a guide only.


After many months of research, I have come to recognise the American made headlights by J.W. Speaker as the leader in lighting. They make LED Daymaker headlights for Harley-Davidson (Model 8700 Evo 2 ). If you prefer adaptive headlight (the light cutoff or the horizon tilts as the motorcycle leans into corners), Model 8790 might suit you better. Whichever you choose, these J.W. Speaker offerings will set you back pretty pennies.  I was looking for a more affordable alternative.

Then I came across Hoglights. As the name suggests, they supply headlights and other LED bulb replacement for Harley-Davidson motorcycles. I contacted this Brisbane based business, and I bombarded them with questions. Nate from Hoglights got back to me promptly. I sent half-a-dozen follow-up emails to Nate, and he replied to every one of them, often within just a couple of hours.

I have a 'rule' about not modifying my motorcycle within 30 days of going on a road trip, but I made an exception as the potential benefit outweighed the risk.  This is what I’ve received. 

hoglights-led-headlights.jpg 


Hoglights Installation

Unfortunately, the installation is not as straightforward as fitting the Indian Pathfinder headlights. For starters, some cutting and grinding are involved. Inside the headlight housing, behind the enclosed headlight bulb, there is a plastic backing plate called the ‘carrier’. The inner opening of the carrier must be enlarged by about 1cm to accommodate the more prominent heat sink on the back of the Hoglights headlight. Nate did warn me about this in his email, so it was not a surprise.

headlight-assembly.jpg 


EDITED: 29 DECEMBER 2018

CHF10 has posted his review below.  According to him, installation on his Chieftain only required the above modification.  And the best part is, Nate from Hoglights is including the modified carrier to our forum members on an exchange basis (make sure you ask Nate about it).  If you feel confident cutting the carrier yourself, even better.

This means the grinding of heat sink I will be mentioning below is NOT required on Chieftains and Roadmasters.


Also, the heat sink behind the headlight needs some grinding down to fit within the carrier. If you are a fan of brute force with ‘she’ll be right mate’ attitude, the light bulb could be forced into place without filing down the heat sink. However, if you have a touch of OCD and you prefer to do things the right way, some modification is required. We are talking about chamfering the outer edges of the heat sink (the shiny bits in the photo shows what was ground away). Be careful not to go crazy with the grinder. You wouldn’t want to open up any cavity and let the moisture seep into the headlight. It is also a good idea to paint the bare metal before the installation.

hoglights-grinding.jpg 

The two 4.5-inch driving lights are a straight fit without any modifications. At least on my Vintage. However, they are missing little grooves that marry up with the driving light housing enclosure ring. Without that, driving lamps can rotate freely from road vibration. A bit of silicone is all that is required to prevent any movement. Some masking tape to hold them in place overnight for silicone to cure and Bob’s your uncle.

After this review was published, CHF10 fitted a set of driving lamp on his Chieftain and it didn’t require silicone or taping.  The way the lamps are held in place differs to my Vintage.  Meaning, it is a straight swop. 👍😀

The connector pins on all the Hoglights are straight plug ‘n’ play with Indian plugs (no cutting or splicing wires). And the best part is, no error codes! Woo! Hoo!!

If you have all the tools, allow about 2 hours for the first time installation on a Vintage (possibly longer on full fairing bikes). If you like to sip on a beer or two along the way, please allow more time! 😬😆


Hoglights Performance

If you are willing to persist with the installation, you will be rewarded handsomely.

For starters, Hoglights 7-Inch LED Headlight and 4.5-Inch LED Driving Lights will set you back $580 (comes with 7 years warranty) or about half the price of Indian Pathfinder LED lights.

But the best part is, Hoglights are brighter and have even illumination without the distracting shadow patterns of factory Pathfinder LED lights. I was provided with a small electronic connector that allows me to activate both the low beam and the high beam simultaneously (all the photos only shows low beam operation). Nice!!

hoglights-low-beam.jpg 

By comparison, here is standard halogen headlights.

factory-halogen-low-beam.jpg 

I asked fellow Indian riders positioned in front of me on our 14-day tour to share their thoughts. BigTone (Roadmaster) said, “Whiter light than Indian LED lights”. Dr.Shifty (Springfield) said, “More intense (than Indian LED lights)”. Damich (Roadmaster) said, “Higher illumination than Indian LED lights”. Based on these comments, even if you don’t ride at night, it appears Hoglights will let other road users spot you better.

Finally, the projector-style lights with funky lenses also appear more modern and may appeal to others aesthetically. I was little hesitant to put these lights on my old-school Vintage, especially a black set, but I am digging the modern-retro look now. I think they will look even better on blacked out Darkhorse Chiefs and Chieftains.

hoglights-on-indian-vintage.jpg 

So in a nutshell, Hoglights are little fiddly to install, but they are more affordable, comes with an extended warranty, brighter, offers even illumination and dress up the bike. Now that I have used these lights for over 5,000kms in all weather conditions (including hail and snow), I can recommend them without hesitation.  They also have LED headlight to fit a Scout/Bobber, but I cannot comment on their fitment or performance.

If you want to test out Nate's speedy email response time by asking some questions, please contact him through the website (do mention our forum! 😄). Also, if you are interested in buying a set, or already own some, please post your comments below. http://hoglights.com.au


UPDATE: 30 JULY 2018 - MESSAGE FROM HOGLIGHS AUSTRALIA

Nate from Hoglight Australia says, "Unfortunately it’s been incorrectly described that you are required to trim the heatsink fins to install our lights. In over 60 installs that we have performed in our Brisbane workshop on Indian Motorcycles, we’ve never trimmed the heatsink fins to install a light. Our Indian Motorcycle dealers also don’t trim the heatsink fins to install our lights."


UPDATE: 1 AUGUST 2018 - ANOTHER MESSAGE FROM HOGLIGHTS AUSTRALIA 

For those of you who are concerned about modifying the carrier yourself, Nate has kindly offered to cut down the carrier for our forum members at no charge.  That is what I call, a serious service. 

Nate HogLights wrote:
We will offer a service of cutting your carrier and returning it to you with your lights, ready to be installed for members of the forum.  All you need to do is ship us your carrier (along with a note of your order number) and we will ship it back to you with your order.  This service will be provided free for all members of the forum.  

We hope this may be of some assistance to those who are a little adverse to doing the job themselves.  

Cheers!
Nate



——-

Special thanks to my riding buddies

While we were on tour, we've encountered countless roadkills on the side of the road, so we set off early every morning to avoid riding in the dark. For the most part, we've succeeded. One night after dinner, I wanted to take some comparison photos of our headlights. The Pacific Fair Shopping Centre in Broadbeach (Queensland) became an unlikely testing ground.

shopping-centre-test.jpg 

Big thanks to BigTone (red Roadmaster) and Dr.Shifty (Springfield Darkhorse) for their assistance. Damich (far right) was channelling some ‘positive energy’ during our photo shoot while he was on the phone with his Mrs. 🤣
Let's be kind to one another.
Melbourne, Victoria
Reply 7
jumping jack flash Junior Member 20 posts
jumping jack flash
Great write up V-Twin I have also installed the hog works LED Head lights and driving lights they are a big improvement on the original all though it took a few hours and a bit swearing due to trying to put the nacelle back on but in the end I finally managed to get it reattached the only thing I had to have done was adjust the beam so I got the guys at Elizabeth st to do it when I had my 24000 km service done .
Reply 1
Dr.Shifty Master Member 1,979 posts
Dr.Shifty
Nice write-up. The factory halogen lights look like mine. I'm impressed with the difference that shows up in the photos.

What did you use to grind down the heat sink? Is it file work or does it need an angle grinder?
Cheers, Kim.

From Woodrising (no, nobody else has heard of it either)
Used to ride a Scout and Springfield Dark Horse
Reply 1
kmoulds Full Member 355 posts
kmoulds
A great review.  Thanks for taking the time effort, it's much appreciated.

Cheers Kym - Sydney - NSW
2016 custom painted red & black Indian Springfield
Reply 1
V-Twin Founding Member 8,370 posts
V-Twin
jumping jack flash wrote:
Great write up V-Twin I have also installed the hog works LED Head lights and driving lights they are a big improvement on the original...
Hey Jack.  Great to hear.
Let's be kind to one another.
Melbourne, Victoria
Reply 0
V-Twin Founding Member 8,370 posts
V-Twin
Dr.Shifty wrote:
Nice write-up. The factory halogen lights look like mine. I'm impressed with the difference that shows up in the photos.
I think these would be perfect for you... if you want more illumination.  As I wrote in my review, the camera was auto exposing so don't put too much faith in the brightness difference between the 3 photos.  HOWEVER, note the difference between the shadow (lit by shopping centre flood lighting) and light in the 3 photos.  You will note the contrast difference between the lit and unlit area in the photos - I think that is a good indicator of how effective the lights were working (or not).

Dr.Shifty wrote:
Is it file work or does it need an angle grinder?
You need power tools for sure.  It would take forever by hand.
Let's be kind to one another.
Melbourne, Victoria
Reply 0
V-Twin Founding Member 8,370 posts
V-Twin
kmoulds wrote:
A great review.  Thanks for taking the time effort, it's much appreciated.
Thanks for reading!!  😄
Let's be kind to one another.
Melbourne, Victoria
Reply 0
Dr.Shifty Master Member 1,979 posts
Dr.Shifty
There's a dealer just around the lake a bit from me. Hmm...
Cheers, Kim.

From Woodrising (no, nobody else has heard of it either)
Used to ride a Scout and Springfield Dark Horse
Reply 0
stevenlb21 Senior Member 936 posts
stevenlb21
Thanks for the info on Hoglights, they have been in either OzBike or Heavy Duty magazines but nothing compares to someone you know and what they think of a product.

This is something that I'll be looking into as my next big purchase  for the Chieftain and I can't complain about the price either
Cheers......Steve
Penrith, NSW

2015 Indian Chieftain (Indian Motorcycle Red)
"TECUMSEH"
IMRG Membership No.  AU101486

Meanwhile back at the Ranch, Tonto disguised as a door gets his knob shot off !!!.
Reply 1
V-Twin Founding Member 8,370 posts
V-Twin
stevenlb21 wrote:
Thanks for the info on Hoglights, they have been in either OzBike or Heavy Duty magazines but nothing compares to someone you know and what they think of a product.
Me too Steve. I place a lot more credibility on our members collective experiences over paid advertising.  Glad it was useful.
Let's be kind to one another.
Melbourne, Victoria
Reply 1
Cloud Full Member 406 posts
Cloud
nice, will look into some of them, thanx V-Twin
Ride Safe, Ride Often
2016 Chief Dark Horse- 2nd Edition
with more mods than the previous Edition
NOR Perth WA

IMRG AU - 101381
Reply 1
V-Twin Founding Member 8,370 posts
V-Twin
Cloud wrote:
nice, will look into some of them, thanx V-Twin
Good news!  Expect a forum-wide email shortly.
Let's be kind to one another.
Melbourne, Victoria
Reply 0
V-Twin Founding Member 8,370 posts
V-Twin
Nate from HogLights has joined us as a Supporting Vendor.  To celebrate, they are offering our members 10% discount.  If you are interested, please visit: http://www.indianmotorcycleforum.com.au/post/hoglights-led-headlights-10-discount-offer-9803537
Let's be kind to one another.
Melbourne, Victoria
Reply 0
stevenlb21 Senior Member 936 posts
stevenlb21
That's great news V-Twin, I will be getting in contact with Nate for sure
Cheers......Steve
Penrith, NSW

2015 Indian Chieftain (Indian Motorcycle Red)
"TECUMSEH"
IMRG Membership No.  AU101486

Meanwhile back at the Ranch, Tonto disguised as a door gets his knob shot off !!!.
Reply 1
V-Twin Founding Member 8,370 posts
V-Twin
CHF10 wrote:
So now I need to factor in the cost of buying power tools. 😐

Well...... No cutting or grinding on this Chieftain Dark Horse!

Nate (Hoglights) informs me that Hoglights does NOT require grinding on Chieftains/Roadmasters.
Let's be kind to one another.
Melbourne, Victoria
Reply 0
Dr.Shifty Master Member 1,979 posts
Dr.Shifty
V-Twin wrote:
Nate (Hoglights) informs me that Hoglights does NOT require grinding on Chieftains/Roadmasters.
The headlight carrier for Chieftain/Roadmaster bikes, and the Chief bikes, is the same part number - 5450485 - so I wonder why grinding was necessary on V-Twin's install.
Cheers, Kim.

From Woodrising (no, nobody else has heard of it either)
Used to ride a Scout and Springfield Dark Horse
Reply 0
V-Twin Founding Member 8,370 posts
V-Twin
Dr.Shifty wrote:
The headlight carrier for Chieftain/Roadmaster bikes, and the Chief bikes, is the same part number - 5450485 - so I wonder why grinding was necessary on V-Twin's install.
I think we need someone with a Chieftain/Roadmaster to step up and try the Hoglights.  If no griding is required, then we will know.
Let's be kind to one another.
Melbourne, Victoria
Reply 0
V-Twin Founding Member 8,370 posts
V-Twin
CHF10 wrote:
Incompetent installer?
In any field of work, two people may perform a given task in two different ways.  In my opinion, it does not necessarily make one of them incompetent.

Re: Cutting the Carrier - We know the carrier needs to be modified (cut to make the inner opening larger).  Nate informed me that this was required, so that is not debated.  I believe he is working on a template for us Indian owners so that this modification is easier to perform.

Re: Griding - I will assume the back of the headlight is still 'touching' something, presumably the outer perimeter of the carrier.  Is it just gently 'kissing' and a little force is all that is required to fit the light OR does it need a good amount of force, I cannot say.  What the individual installer chooses to do next may differ.  If I was installing it myself, I might have just forced it in. 😆

Until a couple of Chief owners install their Hoglights and share their reviews we will not know for sure.
Let's be kind to one another.
Melbourne, Victoria
Reply 0
stevenlb21 Senior Member 936 posts
stevenlb21
V-Twin you have installed them, so you are in the know on how it's to be done, until others have done it and posted there exploits your in the drivers seat as all knowing all seeing all doing
Cheers......Steve
Penrith, NSW

2015 Indian Chieftain (Indian Motorcycle Red)
"TECUMSEH"
IMRG Membership No.  AU101486

Meanwhile back at the Ranch, Tonto disguised as a door gets his knob shot off !!!.
Reply 0
Nate HogLights Junior Member 22 posts
Nate HogLights
V-Twin wrote:
In any field of work, two people may perform a given task in two different ways.  In my opinion, it does not necessarily make one of them incompetent.


There are a million & one ways to skin a cat and grinding is certainly one of them! 

We try to make things as easy as possible and sometimes its a little learning exercise for us too!  Our template is close to being completed which will make it easier for the install process.  

Unfortunately, at times its an education process.  We are rewriting installation instructions for our 7" models (not just for Indians, but HD's too) which will make it the processes a little clearer.  

There have been some comments about other brands and going straight in.  If I may, I'd like to address those too.  

These are the major differences between HogLights and other brands, ebay, etc available: 
  • HogLights are designed for the Australian market – meaning they comply with our ADR’s.
  • The beam pattern is also for RHD (not the US LHD)
  • The HogLights 7” unit is an 80w LED unit as compared to many others which are a 40w unit (we stopped selling this style of light about 2 years ago).
  • HogLights have a 7 year warranty with our headlights
  • If you have a problem, we do our upmost to sort it out. 
  • We are also a local Australian owned small business - you can walk into the shop and talk to the owners (always happy to have a chat)
  • We're riders as well, we understand the importance of quality lighting on a motorcycle
Happy to answer any further questions. 

Cheers!
Nate
Nate @ HogLights

Current rides: '12 Road Glide, '10 FatBoy, '13 '72
Wish list: Scout Bobber, Chief Dark Horse, Triumph Rocket III
Reply 3
stevenlb21 Senior Member 936 posts
stevenlb21
I'll be supporting them that's for sure, their prices are too good to pass up.
Cheers......Steve
Penrith, NSW

2015 Indian Chieftain (Indian Motorcycle Red)
"TECUMSEH"
IMRG Membership No.  AU101486

Meanwhile back at the Ranch, Tonto disguised as a door gets his knob shot off !!!.
Reply 1
V-Twin Founding Member 8,370 posts
V-Twin
stevenlb21 wrote:
V-Twin you have installed them, so you are in the know on how it's to be done, until others have done it and posted there exploits your in the drivers seat as all knowing all seeing all doing
Huh haha!!  Nice of you to say so but I don't work on my bike.  I know my limitations - check tyre pressure and fill up with petrol. 😆
Let's be kind to one another.
Melbourne, Victoria
Reply 1
V-Twin Founding Member 8,370 posts
V-Twin
Nate HogLights wrote:

  • The beam pattern is also for RHD (not the US LHD)
  • The HogLights 7” unit is an 80w LED unit as compared to many others which are a 40w unit (we stopped selling this style of light about 2 years ago).
I did wonder if the beam pattern was still a thing... the light horizon (cut off point) looked so flat so I wasn't sure but it makes sense.

Also, the 80w LED will explain why they are so bright. 

Thanks for the clarification Nate.
Let's be kind to one another.
Melbourne, Victoria
Reply 1
stevenlb21 Senior Member 936 posts
stevenlb21
V-Twin wrote:
Huh haha!!  Nice of you to say so but I don't work on my bike.  I know my limitations - check tyre pressure and fill up with petrol. 😆

Please dont destroy my illusion  of you oh Grand Wizard.
Cheers......Steve
Penrith, NSW

2015 Indian Chieftain (Indian Motorcycle Red)
"TECUMSEH"
IMRG Membership No.  AU101486

Meanwhile back at the Ranch, Tonto disguised as a door gets his knob shot off !!!.
Reply 2
faceonahead Senior Member 894 posts
faceonahead
Nate HogLights wrote:
Now, for what seems to be the biggest issue.  Modifications to your ride.  I'll clarify this straight up - yes, a small modification is needed for the Headlight Carrier (#5450485) no modifications are needed to the lights.  The modification to the Headlight carrier involves using our new template (almost finished and will ship with all Indian headlight sales) and about 5-7 minutes of work.
What are we talking here, angle grinding, or is it a plastic carrier?  Just want to know what I am up for in advance

For everyone else from what I can see Part shark sell this part for US$23 so its not like its expensive to replace if you get it wrong
2020 Challenger Dark Horse, BAM stick pipes and high flowair and a stack of cosmetic mods
Reply 1
Reply