LED lights?

[Anonymous]

I would like to improve my visibility/communication by replacing my stock turn signals and break light with LED counterparts but don't know the electrical ramnifications.

Can anyone point me either to an online distributor of LED turn signal and break lights that would simply plug into my existing electrical system

OR, if that's just not possible, could I be pointed to a site that would explain what's necessary for a conversion?

Thanks

[Anonymous]

I would like to improve my visibility/communication by replacing my stock turn signals and break light with LED counterparts but don't know the electrical ramnifications.

The electrical ramifications will be a much lower load on the charging circuit when these lights are used, as the LED's take a fraction of the power of incandescent bulbs. Not a big deal.

The visibility ramifications will be a different matter. You will find that the typical bike LED signals are very dim and not at all visible in even moderate sunlight. The typical LED tail lights are similar and often have a very narrow visibility range to the side. To get really first rate LED's, you will need to get some OEM lights that meet the DOT requirements, like the current R1, R6 or GSXR units. Pretty much all aftermarket lights do not come close to meeting DOT regs. Your other choice would be to go to a commercial truck/trailer supply house and find some DOT approved LED marker or tail lights. Those are very bright and work very well. But they are also large and hard to package on a bike.

For just these reasons, I picked up a set of late model GSXR signals to replace the monsters on my 1100. They are not as small as the aftermarket ones, but they meet DOT regs and I know people will be able to see them. As I ride to work in heavy traffic all summer, visibility is a significant issue for me. When I never rode in traffic, I removed the signals completely from my GSXR and it looked much better for it. For my current useage, that is not an option, though.

Mark

[Evil Hobbit]

Or, you could put them together your self using a dozen or so high intensity LEDs these cost about $2 for 5.
I've been thinking about this for a while I just don't have time to do it. I think that 12 LEDs in wired in parallel off of one 1Kohm 1/2 watt resistor should do the trick.

[Anonymous]

Or, you could put them together your self using a dozen or so high intensity LEDs these cost about $2 for 5.
I've been thinking about this for a while I just don't have time to do it. I think that 12 LEDs in wired in parallel off of one 1Kohm 1/2 watt resistor should do the trick.

Anyone seen a guide for dummies on how to do this? I'm no novice electrician, but I only have repaird, not created. This is definitely not something I can fathom without some sort of primer.

[Anonymous]

Or, you could put them together your self using a dozen or so high intensity LEDs these cost about $2 for 5.
I've been thinking about this for a while I just don't have time to do it. I think that 12 LEDs in wired in parallel off of one 1Kohm 1/2 watt resistor should do the trick.

You do that, and they'll hardly be lit.

Use a voltage LED calculator to plug in ohms to find what resistence to use. On all the LED's i have used on my car, i use a 470 ohm resister, or just run 4 in series. Keep in mind this is for a 12v led, and you have to factor in that your battery will peak around 14.4 sometimes...

[Gerry]

a little info

http://256.com/gray/docs/leds/