Rear light conversion

[Patrick]

I'm wondering how many have converted the rear lights to LED and if they like it or if it was worth it.
I've done this to the old cars after being rear ended, but, haven't gotten around to do it to the bikes.

[bentwrench]

Hey Patrick,
                    I went all spendy on my rear lamps.I installed the led board in the brake lamp housing.
I swapped out the rear t/sigs for frt.units(red lens).In those i put the 1.80" red direct base leds from custom dynamics and wired them in with a brk/run/turn module for a sport bike. Now I have 3 brake lamps 3 running lamps and funtional turns.All combined they are very bright and really get noticed.Like I said it was a little pricey but worth IMO.

[RDKLL]

I went with the Kuryakyn LED bullits, 2 lights one on eace side..together they are both red for running and bright red for brake and then individual amber for the turn signals...
Not the best picture

[BobB]

Patrick, I have seen all sorts of LED installations on our Valks, but mine have attracted attention.  I replaced the OEM fender light with an LED from Super Bright LEDs.  The brake light flashes three times as the brakes are applied before staying on solid.  I have the circular LED arrays in the turn signal housings that provide additional running lights.  I still use the original 1156 incandescent turn bulbs there.  The turn signals flash from bright red to bright yellow and back.  I have LED arrays just under the reflectors for additional bright brake lights.  And, I have a mudflap with additional LED running lamps.  In all, four running lights, three brake lights and unique turn signals.  I hope it's all legal...

[sandy]

The LED board is made by Radianz and can be found on Amazon for $90. Best money I spent on lighting. VERY bright!!  Search for Valkyrie tail lights on Amazon.

[Bighead]

No but did put this LED bar on along with some small blinks LED's below

You can see them on either side of the helmet locks

[Robert]

The LED board is made by Radianz and can be found on Amazon for $90. Best money I spent on lighting. VERY bright!!  Search for Valkyrie tail lights on Amazon.

 

[sdv003]

I'm fairly hard to miss.  Replaced the incandescent bulb with a plasma LED, added Hyperlites (you can see them between the turn signals and the license plate) and added red police LED strobes below the bag guards.  The Hyperlites quickly and brightly flash when I hit the brakes and they also serve as running lights.  The police strobes flash in unison with 4 quick flashes and a short period of dark.  I don't think you can miss me unless you aren't paying attention at all.  Hopefully those arent famous last words.

[John Schmidt]

Here's my setup, even brighter with the brakes on. They're LEDs from Radiantz. I've since added smaller LED flashing units that go off like red strobes, just under the fender rail betweent the bags and fender. They alternated and are even brighter.

[Patrick]

Hmmm, OK, quick and good responses, thanks. Doesn't seem you guys had any issues with flashing.

[Robert]

Hmmm, OK, quick and good responses, thanks. Doesn't seem you guys had any issues with flashing.

John Schmidts bike and mine seem to have the same set up and I can tell you when you look at that Radiantz rear light you almost get nauseated.

[MarkT]

Yes I did, a decade ago with clear lenses and pods from a VTX, red LED array bulbs, and relays to provide run brake & turn signals.  Looks and works great, front and rear.  http://www.horseapple.com/Valkyrie/Tech_Tips/VTX_signals/vtx_signals.html

Now I'm doing something similar to Jade (97 tourer) but changing the bulbs.  See this link for a huge variety of led bulbs in 1156 & 1157 versions.  www.autolumination.com/1156_1157.htm

[Patrick]

Yes I did, a decade ago with clear lenses and pods from a VTX, red LED array bulbs, and relays to provide run brake & turn signals.  Looks and works great, front and rear.  http://www.horseapple.com/Valkyrie/Tech_Tips/VTX_signals/vtx_signals.html

Now I'm doing something similar to Jade (97 tourer) but changing the bulbs.  See this link for a huge variety of led bulbs in 1156 & 1157 versions.  www.autolumination.com/1156_1157.htm

I remember the problems you had years ago and looked it up in search. I was just hoping for something easy, I like [ and usually need  ] easy.
Thanks for the reply.



I have no idea why after 18 years I have this bug to start changing things, premonition of the future maybe. If I'm going to do this I'm thinking of adding some lights in/to the saddlebags too.

[Kunkies]

after a near rear-end miss, I installed the Radianz the next weekend.  You won't be disappointed.

Note: the Radianz LED module I installed replacing the stock bulb, reflects up from one of the cross bars of my Hondaline luggage rack, up onto the back of my sissy bar [Valkyrie] plate and into the face of anyone behind me.  It actually looks like I have two tail lights.   

Since, no near misses.
 

[doubletee]

The LED board is made by Radianz and can be found on Amazon for $90. Best money I spent on lighting. VERY bright!!  Search for Valkyrie tail lights on Amazon.

+1   

[Paladin528]

I have an I/S without the fender mounted brake light.  Where can I find one that is a direct fit that I can change to LED?

[Patrick]

Well, after 18 years I pulled [ actually jerked] the trigger on some new rear lights and a much needed new windshield. OH, and a loud ass horn.

[MarkT]

Yes I did, a decade ago with clear lenses and pods from a VTX, red LED array bulbs, and relays to provide run brake & turn signals.  Looks and works great, front and rear.  http://www.horseapple.com/Valkyrie/Tech_Tips/VTX_signals/vtx_signals.html

Now I'm doing something similar to Jade (97 tourer) but changing the bulbs.  See this link for a huge variety of led bulbs in 1156 & 1157 versions.  www.autolumination.com/1156_1157.htm

I remember the problems you had years ago and looked it up in search. I was just hoping for something easy, I like [ and usually need   ] easy.
Thanks for the reply.



I have no idea why after 18 years I have this bug to start changing things, premonition of the future maybe. If I'm going to do this I'm thinking of adding some lights in/to the saddlebags too.

I don't recall problems.  But then I enjoy tinkering as well as puzzles - things to solve.  They have worked now for many years with no further attention.  And I will be applying the same mod to Jade - though this time w/o the expense of VTX pods.  I already have the parts - but not the motorcycle.  Thanks HAULBIKES.  They have had the bike for over 2 weeks now, it took them over a week to pick it up, and they have taken it SEVEN HUNDRED SIXTEEN MILES FURTHER AWAY to the Atlantic coast - and no plans to deliver it anytime soon - looks like at least the middle of Sept.  But I don't know, THEY ALSO FAIL TO KEEP ME UPDATED LIKE THEY PROMISED.  But THEY TOOK THEIR PAYMENT IN FULL OFF MY CC IMMEDIATELY.  MY NEW BIKE IS SITTING IN YORK PA.

DO NOT USE HAULBIKES UNLESS YOU LIKE WAITING FOR IT FOR WEEKS.

[Ramie]

I have an I/S without the fender mounted brake light.  Where can I find one that is a direct fit that I can change to LED?

I know amazon sells the light with out the lens and chrome ring but unless your I/S has already been modified your CB radio will need to be relocated.

[Paladin528]

No CB installed on my bike so not an issue.  just want to add the light.  Would like to have everything I need before I tear into it.

[PharmBoy]

The run/brake light that fits the standard & tourer also fit the hole in the interstate.  You will have to wire into the existing run/brake lights on your interstate.  I added one several years ago along with the LED board.  Money well spent...Jim

All LED's except turn signals

[Patrick]

OK. Mine is a Tour. I'm about to stick a couple small lights in the bags [tail/stop] and replace the tail/stop light.
I'll stick some new 1157s in the turns and see how it looks.

[Jess from VA]

I have an I/S without the fender mounted brake light.  Where can I find one that is a direct fit that I can change to LED?

Here is an old post with the parts list to add a std tail light to the interstate fender knockout (prices from '08).  To save a buck, some chase a used Honda taillight from a few other bikes (some shadows, sabre), but while the lens is the same, the mount is not exactly the same, though some have reported making it work. I have this on both my interstates (like in PharmBoy's photo), and it is a nice addition to the rear.  Esp under the trunk, which is usually in the shade, an led or just the 1157 shows up nicely.

http://forums.delphiforums.com/valkyrie/messages/?msg=11596.1

Tail light parts fishe.


Here is an led taillight led array to plug and play with the bulb socket.  I recall having to do a little shaving on the inside of the lens.

http://www.amazon.com/Radiantz-Tail-Light-Honda-Shadow-Valkyrie-VTX/dp/B000TK8LY8

 

[PharmBoy]

Patrick, the #3496 bulb is brighter and lasts longer than the #1157.  At least, they say it lasts longer.(I know that it's brighter.)...Jim

[Patrick]

Patrick, the #3496 bulb is brighter and lasts longer than the #1157.  At least, they say it lasts longer.(I know that it's brighter.)...Jim

Hi Jim
Are they brighter, OK. I should have added that the lights/bulbs would be LED.  If the flasher doesn't want to work I'll probably look for a 'regular' brighter bulbs for the front turns [ 1073/1156 style] rather than use resistors. I don't like adding resistors if I can get away somehow without them.

[Patrick]

Thanks for all the responses.

[PharmBoy]

Patrick, if you use some type of regular bulb in the front turn signals, the LED's in the rear should work.  They are all tied together to the same flasher...Jim

[Patrick]

Patrick, if you use some type of regular bulb in the front turn signals, the LED's in the rear should work.  They are all tied together to the same flasher...Jim

Thats the plan and I'm hoping you're right.  On autos and trucks I've found the need to add more resistance and I prefer to just try and find higher watt/CP front bulbs..
But, If I don't have to do that, good. I like easy.

[Patrick]

Just a bit of an update.  I wanted easy.

Signals. Local parts stores [ even Walmart] now have inexpensive LEDS [ 2 ring]. I stuck them in the rear and they were quite bright. I also stuck in the expensive [ 4 ring] lights from Radiantz and they were very bright. The lights flashed very fast. I stuck in #198's in place of the 1157's and it slowed them down enough.

Tail/brake. I did the same as above. The 2 ring was brighter, the 4 ring brighter yet. I hacked the reflector in order to install the VTX [ Valkyrie] light from Radiantz. That is very bright. Extra round puck lights were put on the bags and they show up pretty good.

I haven't added the brake modulator yet. [flasher] . Since I prefer to bring up the rear when riding with others, I think I now have the brightest lights of any of us.

Now, I'm still waiting for the new windscreen to show up. After 18years the original is pretty beat up.


Why I've become so anal about this recently I don't know. Maybe its because there has been at least 6 bikers death due to some dumb ass cager within the month. I guess I want to be seen.

[Paladin528]

The Flash rate when using LED signal lights can easily be cured with a Flasher designed for LED lights.  These are Electronic and not Coil operated so the flash rate is the same no matter what.

[bassman]

Could also take a look at these options for even more light in the rear...


http://www.amazon.com/Signal-Dynamics-License-Plate-Frame/dp/B000GVILXQ

http://www.hyperlites.com

[fudgie]

I stuck in a LED bulb from auto zone. Was a little brighter. Then my cruise didn't work. So when I took the lens off to change back out the bulb, the LED was still glowing a tad bit with the bike off.

If you have the audiovox CC LED wont work.

[Patrick]

As I think I've mentioned before with other vehicles, I've tried numerous electronic flashers that appeared to have the correct specs but none would work. So I think I have 4 useless electronic flashers, maybe they'll be of some use some day.

[Paladin528]

When I did th eLED conversion on my ACE Tourer I had to try 3 different LED Flashers before I got one that worked.  I also had to splice in a diode to the single indicator on the dash.  The issues I had stemmed from the way Honda had wired the bike.  The single indicator lamp allowed power from left to right so strange things would happen.  Once the splice was done the LEDs worked perfectly. 
I wouldnt think the Valk (at least the interstate) has the same issue.  Do the standards and tourers only have a single turn signal indicator on the Tree?  There is a diode kit from Kuryakin for just this issue.  I made my own though.

[Patrick]

When I did th eLED conversion on my ACE Tourer I had to try 3 different LED Flashers before I got one that worked.  I also had to splice in a diode to the single indicator on the dash.  The issues I had stemmed from the way Honda had wired the bike.  The single indicator lamp allowed power from left to right so strange things would happen.  Once the splice was done the LEDs worked perfectly. 
I wouldnt think the Valk (at least the interstate) has the same issue.  Do the standards and tourers only have a single turn signal indicator on the Tree?  There is a diode kit from Kuryakin for just this issue.  I made my own though.

The STD/Tour also uses a single indicator. So at least for now I'm not going to mess with it, still riding season. Heck, I doubt I'll ever mess with it. The higher CP/wattage front bulbs allow for a  better flash rate and are brighter also.

I'll probably just add the brake light modulator after this season. Unless in a panic situation over the decades I've become accustomed to flashing the brake lights anyway, but, this will be easier maybe.

[ammpro]

http://s961.photobucket.com/user/ammpro/media/Valk%20Tail_zpsuo9gislm.jpg.html

I purchased a 15 LED bar and fastened it to the support bar with silicone adhesive, after removing those difficult-to-use helmet locks. Then I connected it to the bike wiring with a $5 LED brake light flasher, from China. Works great. No drilling. No brackets.

[ammpro]

Previous post did not include image, only URL. Let's see if this works better...

[Paladin528]

I hear you....
As a note since the bike uses a single indicator it acts as a power transfer from side to side.  Incandescent s dont care but LEDs do.  The Diode mod is simple enough.  it essentially takes the 2 wires for the turn  signals and adds a diode to the positieve side of the bulb.  The bulb then gets grounded to the frame.  Add an electronic flasher and you are good to go with ALL LED signal lights.

[ammpro]

Yeah, I didn't bother with turn signals, just running and brake.