A fair point, but it is almost impossible to compare unless you have three bikes with three different kits installed, AND, you have to have a really good, dark area for the testing, preferably with cones setup and reflective tape. I just don't have the setup to do that.
@@cruisemansgarage I understand that, but that would make it 'easier' to really make a choice. But, as you used all three and I suppose under similar circumstances, which perform best in your opinion? I will receive my GoldWing shortly with the original Honda fog lights installed, but I'm not sure if it would be wise to spend the additional ± € 600 on the Pathfinder multi function lights. (More expensive than in the US as I have to get the lights over to Europe with customs duties etc.) I guess I would not mind spending the money if I new for sure the pattern would give me noticeably more light on the road.
@@albertrenting8998 They all performed well. The Rivco's were the only one that brought some flashing headlights from oncoming cars at night, they are really bright. The Honda units are solid lights and use the nice button on the dash. The Pathfinder's have the integrated look of the Honda's, but with more features. If I were buying a bike that had the Honda unit already installed, I would probably spend my money elsewhere.
Very nice to know. I had not installed them yet, but after this interview I think I'm going to use the pathfinder led. It's always nice to see the comparison requirements. Thanks Cruiseman's garage
I bought my DCT Tour in August 2018. Waited for the OEM fog light to come off back order and received them sometime in October. If I knew about the pathfinder kit sooner, I would have gone with them, simply because of the extra functions.
Actually just ordered a set of the Pathfinders about 10 min ago. Just got my first Honda Goldwing, and am tearing it down to accessorize, so, I figured since I have the bike down to the switch panel now is the time. By the way, thanks for the vid on the removal of the fairings, it helped immensely. I just hope I can remember how it all goes back together when the time comes. LOL.
Yes Albert has a great idea show lights at nite. Also the cost of each would be nice to know if you are allowed to say saves time for us since you are already taking the time to show and tell us about the differences in these products. Again great video and keep up the good work...
Hope you are able to install and test the Electrical Connection Fog Lights. I think they may be the best fog light option for the 2018+ Honda GW. Should install easily, are very adjustable, look very good with finished trim, and have ab amber light option.
Good review Cruisman.(thanks for the disclaimer too)... I'm a +1 for the light only retro fit for the SoCal into my current OEM lights. Loved that it uses the same wire harness and switch/ A quick swap of the light into the OEM brackets is what I would do. Can't see spending just under $400 for the whole kit when I just need the lights
Michael, you will have to swap the Honda Fog Light harness for the PATHFINDERLED harness because it has the extra connector for the Multi-Function. But, it is an easy swap. The hard part, is putting in the switch button, and you already have that.
@@cruisemansgarage I thought you said it was the same harness and OEM button? I get you may have to run that sync wire/power wire for the Halo LED's. It's not PnP for the light to switch thought?
@@MichaelGreenham Well, by "same harness" I was referring the internal main harness on the bike. You are correct, there is an extra wire to power the lights and multi-function.
@@cruisemansgarage My new DCT non-tour doesn't have the switch, so that may push me to something like the RIVCO. Can't imagine tearing bike down to get to the switch panel change.
The lights I put on my BMW R1200RT had the option of a flood or spot pattern. Since they were sold individually, I put a flood on the right side, to illuminate the road edge and help see deer, etc., and a spot on the left to illuminate down road. Wish setS were sold this way, since I now need lights for new GW DCT.
I went with the SoCal. I'm enjoying the project of installing them. Says 2-3 hours for install. Swap the hours for weeks and that's me. Thankfully have your videos for guidance.
Great comparison details! I am going to buy the Rivco lights. Staying on with my high beams is a big + for me. I'll trade using their switch to stay on. With CanBus it might be a while b4 someone comes up with a fix to keep the Honda light switch on. They are a flood vs a spot pattern as not designed to be a driving light. I also like their brightness & easy install. If getting a lot of cars flashing at me I'd consider lowering the beams slightly or maybe moving the left to the outside. I'd either solder those supplied connectors b4 use or use Posi-Locks. If not familiar check out Posi-Locks & Posi-Taps.
I wonder whether a mix of two brands (1) makes sense and (2) is even possible. The super-bright of the RIVCO in the right-side well and one of the others in the left...
Well that’s the problem with reviews from sponsored companies. Got to keep them happy. But pathfinder definitely took the win 🥇. That being said my guess is you didn’t do it in dark seeing some might be a total failure. Good video. Thanks for info
I may go back in a little further in time than you. I remember when Fog Lights were Yellow lenses and these White lenses were auxiliary lights. The Yellow lights penetrate fog where White reflects off of fog (crystallization). When/why did this change?
Technically are these fog lights or driving light? Aren't Fog lights used provide illumination forward of the vehicle that enhances visibility in fog, rain, snow, or dust? Driving lights are designed to send powerful beams far ahead, illuminating the next stretch of road that drivers have to traverse.
Good question. I think they are called Fog Lights because they are so low to the ground, but I could be wrong about that. None of these send a powerful enough beam out ahead of the bike to be considered a driving light. They throw a little extra light, but most of the light is fill light (between the front of the bike and the low beams) and some ambient light off to the sides of the bike. Now, that said, I did not adjust any of these to their max vertical setting, so perhaps they would throw a little more light down the road if I attempted that.
Beat me to the punch, Reggie! "FOG" lights need to be diffuse and aimed relatively low and really NOT so bright. I wonder if we can get amber lens covers or replacements for any of these?
These are fog lights. If you look up aftermarket lights for pickups, like Rigid, many come in your choice of beam patterns. They'll have diagrams of the beam types.
I installed the Rivco lights and they are super bright., Really light up the sides and down the road. However I can not use them as much as I would like. Even on the interstate oncoming traffic flashes me to dim my lights. I had the wife meet me on the road at night and she said they blinded her. I have tried to adjust them to point down some but there is no beam focus on these lights. Once while traveling I stopped at a truck stop for fuel and a trucker that I had been behind came over and told me that the lights shined into his mirrors and caused issues for him.
Too bad you didn't test the Show Chrome lights which have the same wiring installation as the Honda lights but for less AND Show Chrome uses the OEM switch instead of mounting a goofey after market switch like the Rivco. Nice Video, thanks.
Uh so I guess from what you've said, your test lights are less true fog lights and more for marking lights. Thanks for the video although I don't see why these couldn't have been mounted to a frame and powered in a dark garage to show the beam.
If I already have the Honda fog lights, and want to switch to the Pathfinders, is there an extra plug on the existing wiring that the multi-function plug will plug into or does it have to be ran all the way up to the switch?
There is a sub-harness that mounts between the lights that has the extra plug and that sub-harness plugs into the existing Honda harness on the bike. So no, you do not have to run anything up through the top shelter. Basically, you would just need to remove the fog light covers, lower cowl, inner lower cowl and inner cowl. All easy to remove and my video shows you how to do that.
If you have the OEM fog lights, you just need to change the light. You can use the OEM wire and switch? But how you change the 3 modes for the pathfinder (SoCal) led?
Do the DRL lights stay on when High Beams are on? You know how the fog lights turn off for High Beam. Does the DRL lights go off Too and the multi-function light. and I have the Honda fog lights already, where does the extra connector go on the pathfinder that's not on the Honda Light?
I installed the pathfinder multifunction led. Still adding other lights annd stuff so I have not tested them on a ride. The multi function does not seem to work in the garage, but maybe I'm not using the button correctly. Any suggestions on how that works?
Drivers need to be distracted from using their cell phones and focusing on seeing me. The quicker they see me the better the safety value of these lights become.
ABSOLUTELY CORRECT !! I don't know or care personally what type of fog lights are on my bike, but they are on ALL THE TIME for visibility. Others in my tour group tell me they can see me a mile behind them.The ones I want to have see me are the dizzy bastards on their cell phones while driving....they and drinking drivers are the real menace on the road
I wouldn't buy anything from electrical connection. I had some problems with a light I bought from them and they never replied to my emails or calls. Half of the stuff they make don't last long.
Just so you know SO Cal Moto Gear lights can not have the bulb replaced if it happens to short out. Big Disadvantage in that you have to BUY a New set of Lights Honda can have a new bulb and you are back in business. "Show Chrome" can have a new bulb install if needed. Be advised that L.E.D. is great but if the manufacturer designs the light where it cant be serviced eg: So Cal )_ your in a bad position and the only recourse is to purchase another set ( BUMMER ) !!!