DENALI D3's Versus D4's

Here we go again. If you didn't catch the last video where we put ALL the #Denali light pods against each other, click here • WHICH DENALI LIGHT POD...
This Video is only showing the #D3 and #D4 with both of their lens variations.
I use the following equipment to record and edit my VLOGs:-
Sony a6400
Iphone13 ProMax
Go Pro Hero 9 Black
Purple Panda Lavalier Microphone
Rode Wireless GO
My current motorcycles are:-
KTM 1290 Super Adventure S (2021)
BMW R1250GS Adventure TE (2021)
For any additional enquiries please send a PM, e-mail me via [e-mail] or leave a comment below.

[@ABIKETHING]

LETS NOT FORGET THE D3's ARE DOT APPROVED

[@roadglide]

That’s interesting. Why do you think this particular product would meet DOT approval and the others do not?

[@ABIKETHING]

@@roadglide excuse the pun….but I haven’t got the foggiest

[@CCharlsburg]

What difference does being DOT approved make? What's the benefit?

[@MagicAyrtonforever]

@@ABIKETHING Ahah lmao - I only just spotted this one !! :-)

[@LuckyTown77]

@@MagicAyrtonforever from "foggiest" to "spotted". A little pungent.

[@stonecold2653]

D4 spots are the best ,one can see anything jumping out onto the road from hedges etc.(close left or right) but d3 spots got the looks. Great content.

[@brianb.2857]

Great comparison. Thanks.

[@vacoasrebel6729]

D4 wins hands down! Why bother with D3, Denali should just do a round housing D4 for those that want a round light not square!

[@ABIKETHING]

Lets not forget the D3's are DOT approved.

[@wrangler10]

Agree D4 round..why they didn't made them yet ?

[@jerome27100]

@@ABIKETHING That would literally be the only reason to buy the D3’s over the D4’s, if DOT bothers you. The D4 seems to destroy the D3.

[@vacoasrebel6729]

@@ABIKETHING that's pretty much BS from a dealer when so many people have been running D4s for a long time without DOT! Plus 🤔 If DOT is actually that important it's quite irresponsible of Denali and their retailers to be selling not DOT approval D4s or any other light that's not DOT compliant! That said I'll be buying from you another set of D4s for one of my other BMWs rather than the poorer performance D3s😁

[@ABIKETHING]

@@vacoasrebel6729 I’m pretty sure the R&D has gone into the D3’s to be DOT approved due to popular demand from the public. I only get so much info from the manufacturer so I can’t speak for them but with my experience of selling them to a global audience the numbers are huge where a percentage of MY customers won’t touch a light pod unless it’s DOT approved. It’s country specific with Germany and Singapore being the main parties with some states in USA following closely behind hence black slip on covers are required to make the vehicle road legal. This will no longer be an issue if you have D3’s

[@EmsillCazm]

Hey Steve ….Another great informative video 👍, I was considering swapping my D4’s for D3’s but after watching this I will definitely stick with my D4’s, Also what I have taken from this video is that I probably will swap my hybrid lenses for my spot lenses…… I know it must’ve been difficult in the dark trying to set all this up but I think the D3 spots would’ve benefited from being pointed directly up the track, they seem to be going slightly off left and right rather than concentrating the beam directly in the middle, keep up the good work with theses videos 👍

[@wrangler10]

yea I think the same , they look pointed outwards

[@sanqhar]

Hi Steve. Love your videos even though I don't own a GS. Back in the 1960s when they were adding spots to rally cars they often crossed the beams so that the right hand spot illuminated the left side of the road and the left spot lighting the right. The perceived advantages were that on turning the outside spots "saw" further around the corner. I know bikes lean on cornering which is an added complication but have you tried it? The other perceived advantage was that by crossing the beams light was also caste in the centre of the road.. Food for thought? tom

[@JayBe79]

D4 Hybrid look fit for all needs 👍🏻

[@murraykraa2302]

Shame that both the D3 and D4 werent aligned to the same angle along the road. It is so easy to see that the D3 was angled up a lot more than the D4. Not a very fair comparison as the setup of the lights wasn't even. Of course the D4 is probs brighter, but you simply can't make an informed judgement about how much brighter from this video. Shame it's basically a wasted effort.

[@donaldprice2243]

Could you explain why you keep saying that the D3’s are DOT approved? Are the D4’s not? Thank you, great job explaining

[@ABIKETHING]

No. D4s have an ECE approval but only the D3’s have the DOT.

[@mihaiboc]

Those D3’s are not great tbh. D4’s or D7’s all the way for me at least. Ride safe

[@ABIKETHING]

Lets not forget the D3's are DOT approved.

[@vacoasrebel6729]

@A BIKE THING ECE E Marking is more stringent testing than the America DOT testing. ECE / marking is claimed to be the most technical/scientific testing re on road motorcycle and other road use equipment. If ECE/E marking testing is more stringent than DOT, it seems that more R&D would be needed than for DOT. I'm told that Germany is still part of the EU so E marked is their requirement "NOT DOT". Re Singapore I'm told that according to their Government latest published details "LED lights etc required to comply with internationally recognised vehicle safety standards such of the EU countries (ECE/E mark), OR US DOT." Not both! One or the other is good enough. According to paperwork I have D4s come with E Mark lenses so are also widely accepted and legal in many non EU countries such as GB and Singapore and that Generally USA is only worried about DOT as it's an American baby. Not sure now who is right, or who is putting out duff info if most of the world accept E marking rather than the good ole boys DOT.

[@vacoas04]

I concur. E Mark is ok for Singapore and Germany, why would the Germans who pretty much control the EU want inferior DOT over EU E?

[@bobbyuykim]

Hi steve nice information you got thank you… if you’re open for request. Can make comparison between the 1 set of d7s and 2 sets of d3s being 1 set of d3 on spot and the 2nd set d3s high breed… incase you can thank you…

[@wrangler10]

6:55 this is the best comparison frame. I want from Denali round D4 .Denali make it happen .Good job for the video👍

[@TheCruze712]

I found the D4 much better, that would be my choice

[@ABIKETHING]

LETS NOT FORGET THE D3's ARE DOT APPROVED

[@TheCruze712]

@@ABIKETHING I live in Sicily and I don't think it matters

[@alextinsley9117]

Hey man. I really enjoy what you're doing here, and there all the options I'm interested in have been covered in one form or another, can you do a comprehensive, side by side comparison of the D4 vs. the S4? It would be super helpful. Thanks!

[@Smudge64]

Which way up should the hybrid lense be? I up 2 down or 1 down 2 up? My D3’s are positioned where the BMW OEMs mount

[@thebigoaktree8401]

Great vid Steve, you are always brilliant in helping the layperson understand these system better. Purchased your D4 bundle for my new 1200 Rally Pro. Fantastic kit by the way. The D4 is a beautiful looking light to be honest. However If I had a choice I’d choose the shape of the D3’s to go on my bike. I guess it all comes down to preference here. Denali really should make a circular D4 housing. I think I may make an inquiry to their development team about it.

[@kee7678]

Im wondering what to get for my 900 Rally Pro (Outback Motortek crash guards). D3 or D4 for here in the USA, SoCal. D4 def look brighter but yes I kinda prefer the round now that i see them installed etc. Also, do I buy from dealer in US or the Bundle from Steve I'm thinking.

[@bostjanocvirk4162]

Why are D3 hybrid performing better on denali (youtube channel) in comparison with d4

[@ernier9033]

D4 Hybrid + D3 Fog must be the best combination. In fog and/or snowfall you do NOT want a high beam anywhere!🕊

[@juhairijjj3399]

I mostly like D4 then D3

[@SToplu-qw4hk]

D4 is better,

[@ABIKETHING]

Lets not forget the D3's are DOT approved.

[@seabumbb3067]

It seems a bit funny to be buying Denali's from a UK supplier when I live in the USA but you are far more helpful than I found Denali and you offer these great videos and support. Thank you. Any idea when you might be getting the HD Pan American bundle in stock? I stopped riding the Pan America because the low beam lights are so terrible at night I would outrun the lights at anything beyond idle speed - terrifying if coming into a new city on major highways. What I just purchased are two sets of D3s for my KTM SAS -- which I bought because the Pan American has been plagued with electrical issues and those poor low beams (high beams are very nice but it is rare to not have other traffic to consider.) Yes, I bought two bundles, fog and driving, knowing it is overkill, but also, I wanted a second ezCan for my GPS, heated gear and Innovv K5. Thanks again for your time and help to our world-wide community.

[@Azantys]

Hey Steve I went with the DOT approved D3s driving Lights here in Canada for my 2022 1250 GS. And I am happy with the outcome. I have put the D3 Yellow trioptic lens on the upper crash bar hanging down from each side of the beak. I also added 2 S4s on the Lower crash bar or engine guard bar. Oh man how visible I became lol. I rarely ride at night, but when I have to, I can see way better than before and more confident given the number of potholes on the #@#$ roads in Quebec :). Thank yo for the great video !!

[@MrMohamednon]

D4 spots are the best , have the great wide angle and long range view also.

[@bazerk856]

D4s are the best. If I could afford them I would get them.

[@brianmorse8811]

D3's 😁👍💯

[@Gazza13]

Just purchased the D4 with yellow lenses thanks to all your in-depth videos and reviews. Really helpful !!

[@SuperGizzzmo]

Don’t Think that go on my Kawasaki Ninja 1000 sx Sports tour

[@cvejarsaez]

Hi Steve….. what a great video… very objective and clarifying. And in my case, right on time, since I am setting up my Denali configuration for my new. Bike… thanks very much. Cheers from Chile !!!

[@BoilerRealm]

I’m currently running a pair of D3’s, spot on the left, hybrid on the right. 30% on low, 100% on high beams. think I’ll eventually get another set. Probably the D3 fogs to run at 100% all the time, and then run D3 spots on 30/100.

[@ABIKETHING]

I reckon you’re on the money with that combination

[@kee7678]

I was wondering if anybody does that. I'm also deciding on the D3s...or the D4s ....I'm in SoCal USA....

[@kaffeinekeiser9091]

Thanks for this one. When my D4 pair arrived with the yellow lenses, straight away installed the hybrids. This confirmed my choice, saving me a bit of brain space for other concerns. *Your mileage may vary

[@P67R_Nick]

I love these types of videos and appreciate the time you put in making them. The D4 Spots win it for me Steve, my next purchase at some point.

[@breathin_gas]

Another great video. Thanks a lot. I haven’t tested my D4s on the road yet, but after the introduction I was getting the feeling I might have maid a mistake in buying them. With this video I’m confident, everything is perfect the way I did it. To me it’s obvious, that the D4s are the better one for me. Thanks for the effort and greetings from Germany!

[@mikelane3032]

Great video - D4 looks significantly better. However can you run the S3 at a higher power level during normal road riding without glare for other road users? I.e. D4 at 25% for urban/motorway but S3 could be run at higher power levels? I found my Clearwater Darla's produced a cone of light that dazzled other road users above about 30% power.

[@ABIKETHING]

R u referring to T3 or S4? There isn’t an S3.

[@darrenpalmer3073]

Great video thanks. Would be interested in the coloured lens review when you have time.

[@ABIKETHING]

Ah! Yes time. That valuable commodity that can never be replenished.

[@nateryan7041]

D4 hybrid all the way ??

[@christopherkhear5952]

Great vid , thanks

[@rickwheeler6811]

I just ordered D2 and harness from your site. Shipping and exchange included is cheaper than me purchasing from USA into Canada. Great prices. Thanks Rick Newfoundland

[@RoamingWithRobert]

helpful but something looked off for your camera settings. D3’s looked terrible compared to your other video at same location. ALso, the denali video that compares the lights shows a pretty clear advantage to the D3’s. SInce I’m looking to add 4 D3’s to my gsa (2 with spot lenses and 2 with hybrid lenses) I wish you’d done that comparison. :) thanks for the information either way 😊

[@PhillipOrman-ge2vg]

D4 spots

[@SocalMotoRx]

Thanks for the video but you aimed the D3 wrong. The hybrid should be lighting the foreground like a fog light and also have the punch of a spot but you can see that the light isn’t starting until towards the top of the fence.

[@Andy80F]

The quandary I'm feeling before committing is the DOT approval, the D4s seem so much better in output and spread but not if there may be issues, legally, on using them on the road. No such issue with the D3's but is it just a case of buying the D4 covers for MOT etc or is it a moot point in the UK. The cost difference is fairly minimal and the size is also close so it really is just the legality that concerns me (obviously not a bad boy biker 😇).

[@erling2631]

I have to say I like d3 spot in combo with d7 looks really good on the bike, R1250 gs

[@SaskRiderMoto]

Is the brightness/distance affected going from clear lens to yellow/amber? Is there an amber/yellow hybrid lens or amber/yellow spot lens and again is the brightness/distance affected vs clear?

[@a9503128]

Umm, I’m on a GSA with a pair of D4 hybrid lenses.. reckon as I’ve the BMW fogs on the bike I’ll put my amber spot lenses in

[@deshanChinthana]

Pair of D3 spots with pair of D4 hybrids will be a perfect combination.

[@thebluetrumpet74]

Great video Steve, as always. For me the D4s win hands down. I'd go for the D4 with Hybrid lenses.

[@Nceb]

I have the D4 lights, and have tried them with both the clear and yellow lens. By far, the D4s are amazing when I had my 2019 Versys 1000 SE LT +. I sold the bike, but kept the D4 lights, and looking for way to get a bracket for my 2018 H2 SX SE. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pYjQeJiLj7KpiMk

[@floadventure0728]

Personally, I hesitated for my KTM 1290 SAS 2020. I ended up opting for the D4 (Spot lences) under the lights with SW-MOTECH mounting brakets and the D2 (Flood lences) mounted on the front fender with DENALI mounting brackets. All controlled by the CanSmart. The design of the D4's fits better with the lights of the 1290 SAS👍. Car driver can see me👀 properly in traffic and it's even easier to ride in traffic jam. It's a real pleasure to ride at night. Ride Safe.✌ @A Bike Thing > Thank you for your life-size tests

[@7777Gixer]

It is obvious both pairs of D4s win the D3s hands down. However we also need to consider the differences of their power drawn and price.

[@hondavaradero9009]

So , with two pairs d3 or d4 (one spot and one hybrid) we can have exelent ligthing. We just have to put the hybrid lights under the spots in order to spread the light in front of the bike and not up to the sky. Exept if we modify the d7 making the upper ligthts spots and the down hybrids , loosing the possibilites of separation , individual setting on or off and ligthing volume

[@SuperGizzzmo]

D4 spot 100% where are commute to work and cost down some dodgy country lanes would be very good to have

[@stevepreston3151]

HI Steve i was delighted to see you buy the KTM 1290 SAS looking forward to you showing us how to strip and fit all the gear I’m hoping watching you i will be confident to do it myself, keep up the brilliant videos

[@firesquad0155]

3 spot and the 4 spot are my picks and I am getting my GSA Rally this year and I will be purchasing one of these pairs for sure

[@MrGbustamante]

Cant find the video where you definitively state if the D3 can be hung upside down or not

[@paulchambers2296]

D4 Hybrid best of the bunch, yes please on the yellow lens👍

[@Reggie3cl]

Nice comparison, very useful. One question though: if I wanted to hang a set of D4s rather than have them sitting on top of my lightbar (to keep them a bit further from my indicators) can you turn the hybrid lens upside down, or do the lights work the same both ways up?

[@markshirley7639]

D4 I've (you've) made up my mind 👍🏼

[@khaledjabersecurityenginee1476]

I was goi g to get D7 and D3, now I’ll get D7 and D4 hybrid at the same time 😉

[@motoRaconteur]

We went with a D4 + D3 combo. Will report how we feel abut it

[@yassinegha7507]

I think D4 better than D3 . Thanks Steve for this video 👍🏻

[@Gmac025]

Very happy with my D4’s. Thanks Steve.

[@dragomirerev36]

I personally think that the D4’s are the more versatile lights on the market so fare!

[@BubbaSatori]

My kingdom for a horse. - Benny Hill

[@stephenuffindell]

D4 spot was brilliant thanks for sharing.

[@mikeheck3050]

I can only image what a PITA these comparisons are to make happen, and I thank you for them. I do also appreciate these Denali comparisons as I can't justify Clearwater prices. I currently have a pair of D3's on backorder from another vendor, sorry mate but I have had warranty issue with Denali and don't wish to add the International shipping issue to the equation. Anyway, I feel that the D3'S with hybrid lenses were not aimed correctly left to right in your video. There was a big black hole in the middle. One of the strengths of the D3 is suppose to be a long range beam. The reason I'm being a pain here is that I already own a pair of DR-1 lights. These have mounted next to the mirrors on my BMW K 1600. They are great for down road lights, but suck as DLR lights. My plan is move the DR-1's to the forks and replace them on the high mounts with either S4's or D3's. I'm located in the Midwest portion of the USA and we have allot of tall 4 legged rats that roam the backroads in the dark. I commute to work on my bike at 6:00am in the morning so spotting these moving hazards is a major priority. So my question is do I run the the S4's and DR-1's, or do I go with the D3's and DR-1's? Your video helped but didn't answer this question. I do love your channel and I am a subscriber. It is kind of sad though that you have to explain the whole inmates thing every video. Social media, a blessing and a curse.

[@ABIKETHING]

D3 hybrid with the DR1

[@micahruddell74]

Another great video. The D4 is brighter. I live in the US so I will be going with the D3s. Thank you!

[@kee7678]

D3s DOT and the D4s are NOT....hmmm. I'm in US so...I guess I'll have to go D3s...

[@mohamedelsayed8766]

diffently D4 spot

[@scottwebley5521]

After waiting a few months for the D3's, I now realise I've made a mistake 😅

[@joecairney5253]

Agree Scott. After seeing this video (thanks Steve) I phoned and cancelled my D3 order - which has been on back order for weeks - and switched to D4's. Advised they should be with me tomorrow, so will have fitted by weekend.

[@johntucker4218]

I actually want to change to the d3 after putting the d4 on my Africa twin want to swap 😉

[@kee7678]

Why is that? The DOT issue? @@johntucker4218

[@alanoswin8827]

D4s for me excellent

[@sunseeker8457]

The D4 spot for me!

[@willettpaul1414]

D4 looks better

[@metalhead2023]

Amazing video

[@Willzivanlife]

Great video…

[@willycalvez5685]

D4 for me!

[@jeffreykrijnders1907]

Thanks narrowing down the choise I've to make with your videos, D3's are for me in this perspective the better choice. Cheers

[@ABIKETHING]

Plus they're DOT approved

[@johnparish5498]

D4 look best to me… id say drive better for my kind of roads. Have you any footage of them on the bike being ridden? Esp narrower B roads hedge / tree lined? Im amazes how good lighting has got!

[@wayneskiv4r987]

Lights lights lights and more lights really where are you riding these bikes the moon 🌚

[@ABIKETHING]

That’s the plan. Isn’t it?

[@RikkyTang]

Dipped beam on my R1250R is basically good for about 30mph and can't be upgraded - that's why I'm here.

[@jimariel6785]

Big head.

[@mtscott]

The D3 spot v D4 spot…I don’t think they had the same trajectory. As such the D4 looked brighter coz they were pointing to the ground. Anyway..I don’t like any. They are just too big and destroy the look of the bike (personal opinion - others may think otherwise).

[@ABIKETHING]

I promise you they were not pointing at the ground. D3 spot does have excellent long range and narrower than the d4 spot