LED load?

[JC8865]

I have a stock charging system in the 77 750 I have just replaced the stator and all is well...my question is would replacing turn signals or the brake/tail light with an LED light put un due load on the stator and the charging system?
I have a Cateye tail light with the Std 1157 bulb in it but was looking for something brighter and more visible but don't want to risk any charging system damage. Any thoughts would be great..thanks.



JC

[tom203]

If you want to keep the "all is well " stuff, make sure you have read this link. Do you still have a separate regulator and rectifier,or have you upgraded to combo unit?

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?152769-GS-Charging-System-Health&p=1138531#post1138531

[Steve]

Until you upgrade to a series-type R/R (Rectifier/Regulator), the load on your stator will not change.

That is because the stock system of voltage regulation is to simply shunt any execss directly to ground. The stator still puts out all that it can, all the time, but with LEDs, you will be shunting more to ground, due to lower current requirements of the LEDs. The load on the stator remains the same, your stock regulator will have to work harder to shunt more.

.

[posplayr]

I recently did a comparison of various led bulb replacements for 1166 and 1167 bulbs as well as smaller dash lights. I don't have any numbers in front of me but as I recall the led's generally pull only about 1/8 of the current of a incandescent equivalent. Of the various colors , either green or yellow seemed to pull more current. Red, amber, and white were near or at the bottom.
after sorting though various vendors on amazon, I found some led bulbs for all my brakes and signals that were close to same brightness if not more and much less current. I still have an HID to install but it is 55w so not looking for any savings there. On the later big bikes there are a lot of high powered idiot lights that you can find replacements for as well.

[JC8865]

I still have the separate regulator and rectifier...its just not in my budget right now to upgrade...wich is why I was wondering about changing bubs..sounds like I should keep the stock 1157 in until I can upgrade the r/r...Id rather not put any undue stress on the stock regulator...thanks for the relies and the link..much appreciated.


JC

[cowboyup3371]

A new Polaris SH-775 unit will cost about $75 shipped....just FYI

[posplayr]

Until you upgrade to a series-type R/R (Rectifier/Regulator), the load on your stator will not change.

That is because the stock system of voltage regulation is to simply shunt any execss directly to ground. The stator still puts out all that it can, all the time, but with LEDs, you will be shunting more to ground, due to lower current requirements of the LEDs. The load on the stator remains the same, your stock regulator will have to work harder to shunt more.

.

Yea I guess I spaced, not realizing he said stock charging. To OP and as Steve described, because of the operation of a shunt r/r you will stress the stator if you reduce the load. Going to Series R/r will give you the best way to reduce electrical load and not stress anything.