LED Taillights for Interstates

[BonS]

There is a recent thread by Steel Cowboy in the Tech Section in which he modded his Interstate taillights with LED's.

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,89728.0.html

Steel Cowboy was apparently following the lead of Grumpy in Florida and someone else that I don't remember. Grumpy posted a how-to but that doesn't seem to be a good link any longer.

Anyway, I liked the mod and found my own way that is professional and it's something that I wouldn't mind doing for Interstate owners - for a fair price. For those that don't like taking the risk of doing it themselves or just add up the hassle factor of doing so, this may make sense.

If you want to have me do it then you just remove the trunk taillights and send them to me. I expect the turn around time to be 2-3 days. Removal is simple. Just two screws per taillight. They're easily accessed by opening the trunk lid. Once a taillight is loosened there is a single connector on each to free it from the trunk. Done.

My work is to:
1 ) Disassemble the "permanently" attached red lens from the taillight housing.
2 ) Carefully level the light unit (so the LED's will spray their light straight out the back) and cast epoxy resin plugs that fill the internal voids.
3 ) Shape the epoxy plugs and mill a groove for the wiring.
4 ) Install a Radiantz 48 LED red light unit in each of the four socket spaces.
5 ) Reuse the OEM bulb sockets/seals for the new LED wiring.
6 ) Wire the LED's to the OEM wiring harness plug.
7 ) Reinstall and seal the red lens back onto the taillight housing.
8 ) The finished product is remarkably OEM looking and re-installs exactly like OEM.

This is an unretouched photograph of the running lights (not brake lights). Both the OEM and LED lights are the same red color but the exposure makes them both appear yellowish - but they're not. They are a bright, deep red and absolutely look OEM except for the intensity. As a bonus now all four lamps are dual purpose running lights and brake lights. They have great intensity that'll be visible in all conditions.



The finished unit after LED installation.







If you're interested please PM me so that we can coordinate things so you won't be down very long. I figure that this might be a good thing to get done over the winter months. It'll probably be a week turn around altogether. Based upon the number of inquiries I'll be buying some Radiantz LEDs and try to keep some on hand.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Dang Bon ! Is there no end to your handiwork ? Looks awesome to me.  If it's half as good as the DigiSync it will be great. I have a few questions, I'll put them all together in a PM. 

[Valkorado]

This is very interesting.  Winter is coming...   

[wiggydotcom]

Has anyone ever told you that you're a valuable asset to this board, Bon?

That's a very nice mod---even if I no longer have an Interstate.

[old2soon]

Any idea of a price point yet?? Cuz EVERY danged one of KNOWS Ain't no sucha thing as TOO much light on the back side of ANY motorsickle. Not ONLY innovation but the ABILITY to produce and market it!   As always my Friend-T I A. RIDE SAFE.

[BonS]

Thank you all for the kind comments. I just really enjoy the intersection of my hobbies, engineering and motorcycles.

$200 parts and labor included is what I can do it for as long as I can get the Radiantz LED's for $25 each. So over half of the cost is the parts and shipping. I can do the whole job of buying the LEDs and do the modifications complete for $200 while I assume all the risk of breaking, melting, molding, cutting and wiring the units.

[BonS]

  BonS, this is what you posted on Steel Cowboy's post on how to add Led lights to rear.   " Awesome, Steel Cowboy. This is a great project that's easy to do and I'm excited to get more light at the AFT end of my Interstate. Thanks for the write up. I assume the night time performance is great. How is the daylight performance "   now you are saying that he got the idea from Grumpy, and someone else that you can't remember. He had members asking him how he did them so he posted a step by step with pictures. Even told you which wire went where, he didn't post give me money and I will show you. For you to post pictures that look like his and claim you came up with this idea is just wrong. Steel Cowboy did it to help other members accomplish the same effect, and now you are going to take his idea and charge your brothers $200 or more depending on cost of lights. That's PATHETIC, makes me wonder how many other great ideas you have come up with that were someone else's. I know Steel Cowboy wasn't the first to put LED lights in the trunk, but was the First to show BonS how it's done

Whoa!? In my first post in this thread and in the first sentence I gave credit to Steel Cowboy and even posted the link to his work. I then gave credit to Grumpy and ? that have also contributed by doing the same. I only offer my labor to others here on the board that either don't want to or cannot do their own mods to the taillights. And what is wrong with that?

[hubcapsc]

and claim you came up with this idea is just wrong.

It would be if he did that, but he didn't. He attributed the
idea back to its originators and offered to do the work
for us for a fee.

People like him (official site sponsors) get to offer to sell
us stuff.

Bons whips up some nice wiring harnesses, I'd be all over
his offer if I had an Interstate.

I have a Radiantz plug-and-play LED taillight on my Tourer.

Thanks to Bons, plug-and-play Radiantz LED taillights are
available for Interstates too...

-Mike

[Valkorado]

   BonS, this is what you posted on Steel Cowboy's post on how to add Led lights to rear.   " Awesome, Steel Cowboy. This is a great project that's easy to do and I'm excited to get more light at the AFT end of my Interstate. Thanks for the write up. I assume the night time performance is great. How is the daylight performance "   now you are saying that he got the idea from Grumpy, and someone else that you can't remember. He had members asking him how he did them so he posted a step by step with pictures. Even told you which wire went where, he didn't post give me money and I will show you. For you to post pictures that look like his and claim you came up with this idea is just wrong. Steel Cowboy did it to help other members accomplish the same effect, and now you are going to take his idea and charge your brothers $200 or more depending on cost of lights. That's PATHETIC, makes me wonder how many other great ideas you have come up with that were someone else's. I know Steel Cowboy wasn't the first to put LED lights in the trunk, but was the First to show BonS how it's done

Wow.  I was thinking Bon was doing a great service for members, as there are costs and labor involved -- some of which many may not feel comfortable taking on themselves.  Seems to me he gave credit to Steel Cowboy for his excellent write-up, and he didn't discourage anyone from following his instructions and making it a DIY project if they are so inclined.  While Steel Cowboy and Grumpy have posted great instructional write-ups, they did not offer to do this as a service.

[Oss]

Seems to me that BonS is owed an apology here

In my book he is a hero to offer to take risk for us at all

Thanks for stepping up BonS

[Hook#3287]

Seems to me that BonS is owed an apology here

In my book he is a hero to offer to take risk for us at all

Thanks for stepping up BonS

Agreed!  BonS has offered nothing but quality products for a reasonable price, in my opinion.  Nobody else is coming up with new products for our bikes.

I'm considering doing this upgrade on my NTM State.

Keep up the good work BonS

[The emperor has no clothes]

Seems to me that BonS is owed an apology here

In my book he is a hero to offer to take risk for us at all

Thanks for stepping up BonS

Agreed!  BonS has offered nothing but quality products for a reasonable price, in my opinion.  Nobody else is coming up with new products for our bikes.

I'm considering doing this upgrade on my NTM State.

Keep up the good work BonS

+1
Tourus, you may want to rethink your post. You know not of what you speak. 

[Stanley Steamer]

I'm pretty handy, but I may just send you mine this winter.....I'm glad someone is willing to do this for folks who might "let the smoke" out of that wiring job......you can't put it back once that's happened!!.....

[Tourus]

   Ok guys back off, BonS I apologize. This was the first thread of yours that I have ever read. Apparently your a good guy who has helped members in the past. I got a text last night about it. Then a call this morning about it. Ok I made a mistake, if you are helping other members with this and other problems then good for you. I really don't like to be used, so if someone has a problem with this stand up for yourself

Good luck with the LED,s
Steve

[Gavin_Sons]

  Ok guys back off, BonS I apologize. This was the first thread of yours that I have ever read. Apparently your a good guy who has helped members in the past. I got a text last night about it. Then a call this morning about it. Ok I made a mistake, if you are helping other members with this and other problems then good for you. I really don't like to be used, so if someone has a problem with this stand up for yourself

Good luck with the LED,s
Steve

You're really not all that smart are ya? Either that or just a dick. There are plenty of guys on here  that can not do these things for themselves. That is where Bons steps in and does it for them. Seems like you're the only one with a problem with it. So I suggest not buying the product if this is so agaimst your morals.  You apologize then turn around and tell people to stand up for themselves if they think this is wrong. Little hypritical huh?

[72cutlassdude]

Bon,

Would it be possible to do them in Run, Turn, Brake? I already converted my turn signal this way with the Kissan self cancelling kit and installed the Radiantz brake light and led turn signal arrays. Love the light. This is running light mode, the Radiantz lights are amazing.

[BonS]

I really don't like to be used, so if someone has a problem with this stand up for yourself

Nobody is being used. If you or someone else has a problem with it then please PM me to discuss it. Also, my cell phone is on the home page of my web site TheDigiSync.com as well. No one has to use my services or buy my products. It's a free marketplace so if someone else wants to jump in and do the same have at it. But stop the backbiting. I'm just trying to find ways to pay my bills and feed my family like all the rest of us. But specifically I love being part of this community and finding ways to either be riding or otherwise immersing myself in this hobby.

Thanks to all that have had shared their kind words here today.

[bill-jr]

Hey bonS show off some pics of that fancy blower bike you got in Nashville .....

[Gavin_Sons]

I feel used because you thought of something I didn't.    next time please run your business ideas through me so I can approve or disapprove of them first. 

[BonS]

Bon,

Would it be possible to do them in Run, Turn, Brake? I already converted my turn signal this way with the Kissan self cancelling kit and installed the Radiantz brake light and led turn signal arrays. Love the light. This is running light mode, the Radiantz lights are amazing.

There isn't any turn signal wiring that runs up to the trunk so that's not an option on the IS without adding wiring running from the right side cover and trunk. In addition it takes additional relay logic to merge the turns/run/brake light functions together. A trailer light adapter often does this.

[BonS]

Hey bonS show off some pics of that fancy blower bike you got in Nashville .....

Ha! You got it. Also here's a link to it's debut. http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,86845.0.html

[BonS]

One more thing. Tourus reached out to me and we're good. Sometimes things just get off on the wrong foot and this was one of them. No harm, no foul. Thanks again all.

[Gavin_Sons]

One more thing. Tourus reached out to me and we're good. Sometimes things just get off on the wrong foot and this was one of them. No harm, no foul. Thanks again all.

 
Good for him making it right.

[Oss]

gotta love the PM feature of this board

  It is great to be able to ask a member a question  or in this case that this matter got put to rest

Maybe there is a future lesson here, just like before engaging mouth engage brain, before bashing a member send a pm

[The emperor has no clothes]

gotta love the PM feature of this board

  It is great to be able to ask a member a question  or in this case that this matter got put to rest

Maybe there is a future lesson here, just like before engaging mouth engage brain, before bashing a member send a pm

I agree, but he should have known Bon's reputation is impeccable around here. I'm glad he eventually found out. 

[old2soon]

I KNOW what a Stand Up Guy BonS is from personal first hand experience. Harken back to the recent I-16. I purchased a chrome handle bar mount thermometer from BonS and my big careless paws broke the thing. I/ME/MYSELF broke it. When I went back to his table to purchase another one and he wanted to GIVE me a new one-after I broke the first new one! I would NOT hear of it-my fault my bad-you Sir don't owe me a thing! All the years I've been riding attending M/C events I-16 was the FIRST time I had to TALK with a vendor to git them to TAKE money!!  I will say BonS when you passed us on I-70 in Illinois we SHOULD have rolled it on and stayed with y'all!  Ride with ANYTIME and ANYWHERE my Friend.  RIDE SAFE.

[72cutlassdude]

Bon,

Would it be possible to do them in Run, Turn, Brake? I already converted my turn signal this way with the Kissan self cancelling kit and installed the Radiantz brake light and led turn signal arrays. Love the light. This is running light mode, the Radiantz lights are amazing.

There isn't any turn signal wiring that runs up to the trunk so that's not an option on the IS without adding wiring running from the right side cover and trunk. In addition it takes additional relay logic to merge the turns/run/brake light functions together. A trailer light adapter often does this.

Ok, was just wondering. I still may send you my trunk lights to do, I just don't have the time to do it.  Thanks for your timely response!

[BonS]

Here's a couple of pics comparing the OEM taillights against the LEDs. This is a late afternoon shot and the sun was intense but we're just in the shade. And, YES, his lights are on. And, once again, the red of the taillights doesn't come through and both bikes brake lights look yellowish but to the eye they're ruby red.

I'm working on becoming a Custom Dynamics dealer. If this works out I'll be able to lower the cost of entry into any of the custom work I do. Wish me luck.

Running lights.


Brake lights.

[NewValker]

These are on my winter to-do list now!
Look great & increase visibility, win, win.
Craig

[BonS]

Well, good news. I now have a wholesale account with Custom Dynamics. Like Radiantz, they manufacture LED products and a lot more. There aren't any minimums so if you see something on their website let me know. I can't post anything but retail pricing however.

As for installing LEDs in Interstate taillights I can now reduce the price as my cost is less. I'm comfortable in offering the LED installation for $170.00. This, of course, includes the LEDs as well as my labor.

If you see anything on their website that you like let me know by a PM or email to Sales@TheDigiSync.com.

CustomDynamics.com

[The emperor has no clothes]

Well, good news. I now have a wholesale account with Custom Dynamics. Like Radiantz, they manufacture LED products and a lot more. There aren't any minimums so if you see something on their website let me know. I can't post anything but retail pricing however.

As for installing LEDs in Interstate taillights I can now reduce the price as my cost is less. I'm comfortable in offering the LED installation for $170.00. This, of course, includes the LEDs as well as my labor.

If you see anything on their website that you like let me know by a PM or email to Sales@TheDigiSync.com.

CustomDynamics.com

Congratulations 

[Jess from VA]

Just for the historical record, the initial link created years ago (now dissappeared from the interweb) to the how-to to do this LED conversion to the interstate trunk, was by Grumpy (Bill G) and a fellow named Red Barber.

[3fan4life]

Good Deal!

Congrats!

And thanks for reducing the cost!

This makes it easier for me to put this on my list of upgrades.

[GiG]

Looks Great! I may be interested, would love to see them in person if anyone has them installed...

[DK]

Bon's products are high quality, needed accessories offered at a very reasonable price.

He has been nothing but very helpful to me, whether later to his products or other matters.

[Grumpy]

Personally I do not have a problem with Bons doing these. I came up with the conversion about 9 years ago, and for a while I did offer the conversions.  Mine had the brake and tail with the option of turn built in.  Did quite a few of them, but other priority's took me away from doing them.  My shop is always loaded with carb rebuilds, clutch, brake work and general Valkyrie repairs. Right now stay busy and do not have a problem with the light conversions.  Just glad others are supporting the Valkyries.

[gordonv]

Bump

Well, good news. I now have a wholesale account with Custom Dynamics. Like Radiantz, they manufacture LED products and a lot more. There aren't any minimums so if you see something on their website let me know. I can't post anything but retail pricing however.

As for installing LEDs in Interstate taillights I can now reduce the price as my cost is less. I'm comfortable in offering the LED installation for $170.00. This, of course, includes the LEDs as well as my labor.

If you see anything on their website that you like let me know by a PM or email to Sales@TheDigiSync.com.

CustomDynamics.com

I still wish to get this mod done to my IS, just needing to find the time to pull my tail lights and send them off.

How has Custom Dynamics worked out? I'm interested in getting a set of 4 new IS dash lights to increase the lighting. Are you able to supply a set for me, and have a price? I did as much research as I could find, looks like models 194 to us, and they sell for, what?, $3.50 ea from Superbrights.

[Jersey]

Bons. 

I'm actually making my own LED PCBs to mount inside all of my rear lights and am trying to separate the trunk Red Lens from the white backing mount.  Was wondering how you did that?  The glue seems pretty tough and I've not been successful in my attempts.

Thanks,
Jersey

[Avanti]

Heat the taillight unit in an oven at 225 F for 12 minutes. Oven heat and time may vary.
The adhesive will be soft and the taillight can be pried apart without damage.
Separate the halves and let them cool.
To assemble the lens back to the base.
Put the base of the taillight in oven at 225 F for 10 minutes then add the red lens for the last two minutes.
Once hot, remove from oven and press back together.
Remember these taillights are no longer available. So be very careful in finding the temperature of your oven. 

Test, Test, Test is your friend.

[old2soon]

Had BonS convert the tail light on my I/S to the L E D setup. On my P G R missions when they see my brake lights now no one wants ta ride behind me.  Somethin bout the lights bein TOO cursed BRIGHT!  But as I like to tell them-ain't NO sucha thing as lights TOO BRIGHT on a motorsickle!  Good Quality product from a Good Quality Stand Up Guy!  Thanks BonS! RIDE SAFE.