LED Bulbs for Gauges

[cowboyup3371]

I'm looking at replacing the bulbs in my gauges with LED versions using this one here:

http://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/bayonet-bulbs/ba9s-led-bulb-1-led-wide-angle/3/

I've decided to go with the 120* angled bulb for all of them assuming they'll give me the best light. I also know that for the hi-beam bulb I would need a blue light, neutral a green, oil pressure is a red, and turn signals are the amber. This is based on the requirement the bulb should match the lens to filter the light correctly.

However, I'm unsure of the color for two other areas and hoped someone could help. I'm pretty sure the gear indicator lens is a red so those bulbs should also be red but what color bulb would work best for the speedometer/tachometer? Let me add that I know the outside lens is a clear plastic but I don't care for the orange color the stock bulbs give off at night.

Also, I read posts beforehand, I think from Pete, of issues using a single LED to replace the ones in the speedo; something about not enough light. But I don't remember seeing anything definitive of how many bulbs were used nor their placement beyond one on top and bottom. Could someone offer up any advice as to what they did for those?

Thank you

 

[uk gs nut]

Hi, cowboy. I have similar bulbs in my gs1000, the only problem i found is that i only have 1 indicator tell-tale and the led bulbs are polarity specific and it only flashed when indicating from one side. As for the illumination of the instruments it is a coloured baffle inside the clock head.

 

[Steve]

Just out of curiosity, what is your motivation for installing LEDs?

Longevity? Although I have recieved a "new" bike with non-operative lights, once replaced, I have never had one stop working.

Power saving? I think that if you add up the little bit of power that all those little bulbs consume, then compare that to what the LED replacements will use, you may find that there will not really be much of a savings. Certainly not enough to offset the time, effort and money that you will spend in the conversion.

You are correct in thinking about same-color light behind a colored lens. Also keep in mind that, even with a 120-degree light, you may still be lighting up one small spot of the lens because the bulb is rather close to the lens. One solution is to graft two (or more) bulbs together to fill up the space. That, of course, just adds to the effort and expense.

One other concern will be the blue LED for the high beam. Most of the blue LEDs are a deeper blue than the lens, and will be hard to see. Keep in mind that the lenses are optimized for the color rendition of the incandescent bulb. When you start using 'bulbs' of different colors, you will end up with some interesting (possibly disappointing) results.

.

 

[cowboyup3371]

My main goal for the dash lights is the same as the ones I'll replace for the turn signals - a sharper brighter light to see. I really hate that orange color in the speedometer/tachometer and trying to see some of the dash lights during the day was difficult at times to say the least.

I did not realize that about the blue though so I'll reinstall the old ones for now. Once the bike is running again maybe I can pick up one or two and see how things work out.

 

[sparki]

trying to see some of the dash lights during the day was difficult at times to say the least.

really? what do you need to see on a continual basis / under what conditions was that a problem - i can understand indicators possibly but the others?

 

[MAJikMARCer]

Another consideration that you may or may not experience. For me blue LEDs cause a nasty effect that prevents me from completely being able to focus on them, unlike other LED colors. Must be the specific wavelength. I notice it every Christmas when people put up their LED lights. It's really distracting for me.

Of course your eyes may be better than mine.

 

[cowboyup3371]

So I decided I'll stay with the stock bulbs for now in my gauges. But, one other question - for those of you who put LEDs in your brake light, did you remove the reflector in the housing or will it still work in there?

 

[Steve]

Come over tomorrow, check out the tail light on Mrs. Steve's bike.

We have an LED tower in there, it is plug-and-play, no modification at all.

I have those turn signals waiting for you, too.

.

 

[gert du prez]

Hi Steve,

can you give some specs regarding the 'Plug and play' LED tower ?
where did you get it ? Partnumber ?

and will it fit my 1982 GS1100GL also ?

 

[Steve]

Hi Steve,

can you give some specs regarding the 'Plug and play' LED tower ?
where did you get it ? Partnumber ?

and will it fit my 1982 GS1100GL also ?

I don't remember exactly where I got it, and can not find an exact picture of it with a short search, but it is an older version of THIS from Superbright LEDs.

If I remember corrrectly from pictures that you sent me some time ago, the tail light on your 1100L is different than what we had here, but there should be no problem with a light of this type.

.