LED Replacement Bulbs???

[Vulcan900]

I was in the auto parts store this afternoon getting a tail light for the Rouge, when I saw LED replacement bulbs for 1156 and 1157 sockets. They looked pretty lame compared to what I remembered seeing on ebay, so I figured I check the web when I got home.

After an hour of staring at thousands of LED bulbs on ebay I realized there is no way I can tell what would be a good LED replacement versus a lame one based on the info available on their auctions. Everyone says that their product is the best, brightest thing in the world. Reviews from the purchasers are general good.

Has anyone bought some of these bulbs? What has your experience been? Overall quality, brightness, fitment, longevity?

[freightshaker]

Originally Posted by Vulcan900

I was in the auto parts store this afternoon getting a tail light for the Rouge, when I saw LED replacement bulbs for 1156 and 1157 sockets. They looked pretty lame compared to what I remembered seeing on ebay, so I figured I check the web when I got home.

After an hour of staring at thousands of LED bulbs on ebay I realized there is no way I can tell what would be a good LED replacement versus a lame one based on the info available on their auctions. Everyone says that their product is the best, brightest thing in the world. Reviews from the purchasers are general good.

Has anyone bought some of these bulbs? What has your experience been? Overall quality, brightness, fitment, longevity?

The ones I've tried from the stores are not too bright. I have the Radiantz 1157 bulb. Don't think there is a brighter LED bulb out there!
As for my run/brake/signals in 1156 I use the Hyper LEDS off of eBay.
Also, I have the Kuryakyn Run-Turn-Brake controller and Clear Alternatives lenses in the back as well.

[Vulcan900]

Anyone else have experience with ebay leds???

[MFolks]

When you replace the bulbs with LED's the turn signal flasher will have to be replaced with one rated for them as the new bulbs do not have the current draw to heat up the bimetal strip inside the can.

[Vulcan900]

This I know...... I have the Run-Turn-Brake controller already installed with load equalizers for the rear. I probably will need another set of equalizers for the front.

It seems like they sell a ton of them, purchase after purchase with positive feedback. But nobody is stating how bright they are in scientific quantities like lumens, lux or candela that can be compared to known light sources. It makes me wonder what they are selling.

[vegas56]

Originally Posted by Vulcan900

Anyone else have experience with ebay leds???

I tried a couple of different suppliers 2-3 years ago in my taillight. They looked great in the dark but washed out in the daylight.

[freightshaker]

Originally Posted by vegas56

I tried a couple of different suppliers 2-3 years ago in my taillight. They looked great in the dark but washed out in the daylight.

I have no problem with the Hyper LEDs I got off of eBay, see previous post.

[freightshaker]

Originally Posted by MFolks

When you replace the bulbs with LED's the turn signal flasher will have to be replaced with one rated for them as the new bulbs do not have the current draw to heat up the bimetal strip inside the can.

Or you could just use a simple & cheap ($10) electronic flasher. It won't get hot or over heat like a load equalizer and uses almost no juice compared to a load equalizer.
Simple to do, check my post on it.

[Vulcan900]

If I use an electronic flasher I will loose my auto cancel feature... I might end up trying it anyway with a resistor in line from the switch to the flasher relay in an attempt to trick the bikes computer.

[brent4a]

I second the radiantz....doubt there is anything brighter out there.

[freightshaker]

Originally Posted by Vulcan900

If I use an electronic flasher I will loose my auto cancel feature... I might end up trying it anyway with a resistor in line from the switch to the flasher relay in an attempt to trick the bikes computer.

I know you lose auto cancel, but I thought the 900 lacked that feature from what others have said. If you have a 1600/V2K then true auto cancel goes bye bye...

2nd choice would be the load equalizer, I blive them superior to resistors in quality, ease of install & availability. If you have the Kury Run-Turn-brake controller it's a plug in item.

[Vulcan900]

I am planning this for the V2K.

A load equalizer (LEQ??) is just high wattage resistor of a specific value, usually wire wound and in a ceramic case for heat dissipation. It is my understanding that you need one set of LEQs for the front, and one for the back. I already have a set for the back that are connected to the run-turn-brake controller. Without them I had the fast flash syndrome with standard bulbs.

I am trying to find a way to keep the factory auto-cancel with LEDs, and with out wasting all the power that LEQs waste. Hmmmmmmm.... deep concentration.

[brent4a]

I dont even use the equalizer. They flash a little fast, but not a big deal...and my auto cancell still works.