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Author Topic: The best 1156/1157 LED bulbs I've found  (Read 12150 times)
Valkpilot
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What does the data say?

Corinth, Texas


« on: January 13, 2013, 09:35:24 AM »

I like the look of red lenses on the rear of the bike and have converted my rear signal sockets so that they will be run, brake, and turn lights.  The problem is that red lenses with conventional bulbs and/or most LED bulbs, is that the lights don't show up particularly well, especially in daylight.

These seem pricey, but are actually pretty close to what you'd pay for other LED clusters.  For me, an advantage is that they are truly plug and play if you've already got 1157 sockets installed.

http://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/led-vehicle-replacement-bulbs/1157-led-bulb-dual-intensity-45-smd-led-tower-/814/728/

This company recommends that if you have amber lenses, buy amber LEDs and red LEDs for red lenses.  Here's why: http://www.superbrightleds.com/cb/car.lens_color.html?prod=1157-x45-T
« Last Edit: January 13, 2013, 10:43:54 AM by Valkpilot » Logged

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Aquaman
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Posts: 72


Clinton Township,MI


« Reply #1 on: January 13, 2013, 10:18:56 AM »

Doe's it matter if you have a clear lens ?
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Valkpilot
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Posts: 2151


What does the data say?

Corinth, Texas


« Reply #2 on: January 13, 2013, 10:43:09 AM »

Doe's it matter if you have a clear lens ?

In that case (or for smoked lenses) buy the color you want to show.
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saddlesore
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« Reply #3 on: January 13, 2013, 03:18:26 PM »

Did you have to use the load equalizers?  LED's use less power and usually have to have them for proper function.
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Valkpilot
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Posts: 2151


What does the data say?

Corinth, Texas


« Reply #4 on: January 13, 2013, 03:40:46 PM »

Did you have to use the load equalizers?  LED's use less power and usually have to have them for proper function.

I use a variable load electronic flasher, which eliminates the need for load equilizers.  I don't like equalizers because they're basically just a big resister that generates the same heat as an incandescent bulb.

But, if you put LEDs in all four turn signals, you'll need to install a diode kit at the turn signal indicator in the headlight bucket (or remove the indicator bulb.)  Otherwise there's not enough resistance in the circuit and the current from one side will backfeed to the other side causing all four signals to flash when you turn on one side or the other.
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saddlesore
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« Reply #5 on: January 13, 2013, 05:13:12 PM »

THANKS, I messed around with LED's before and had the problems you mentioned. 
I tried one resistor,two resistors, just front, just back, and finally decided I was in over my head.
 The LED's I had weren't really any brighter so I scraped the whole idea.   
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shortleg
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maryland


« Reply #6 on: January 14, 2013, 06:05:31 AM »

  I use clear lenses on the rear with leds.
 They seem to work well.
        Shortleg[Dave]
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MarkT
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« Reply #7 on: January 14, 2013, 10:43:54 AM »

Years ago I installed a Kisan Signal Minder which has a time-out fn you can set for a different interval, to shut off the signal when it times out in case you forget. (Important for safety not to signal a turn if you're not turning, to not signal wrongly causing an oncoming FTY left turner collision - much more dangerous than the opposite error, which can also be dangerous for left turn, rear-end accidents)  Also can pause the timer if you connect the pause line to the brake light circuit.  It's digital, and supports low-load LED lights. I wrote the tech article years ago, but much of it is still valid - http://www.horseapple.com/Valkyrie/Tech_Tips/Installing_Kisan_Products/installing_kisan_products.html

I have clear lenses front and rear, and 1157 LED arrays, red in back, amber in front.  Source detailed at link below, but they were from Autozone (which I am presently boycotting for their anti-gun stand, another story.) These arrays had 24 LED's, all pointed to the rear which I think is OK for the signal pods.  Wired my own circuit to support full function lights in the rear.  Tech tips page at http://www.horseapple.com/Valkyrie/Tech_Tips/VTX_signals/vtx_signals.html
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saddlesore
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« Reply #8 on: January 14, 2013, 12:28:24 PM »

I converted my rear signals to running/signal/flashers recently and found I'll be able to use the LED's that are mentioned here without the need for load equalizers.  I'll try the LED's I have and if they work I'm going to order the LED's above.
The link below is the unit I bought.  Yeah, it's pricey but it's for my lady.

http://www.kriss.com/bltsystem.php
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joefromperry
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Perry, OH


« Reply #9 on: January 15, 2013, 03:12:33 PM »

+1 on the Kisan SignalMinder. It's been on the Interstate since 2005.
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brew1brew
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Posts: 525


Plano, TX


« Reply #10 on: January 17, 2013, 08:25:13 AM »

I just ordered my Kisan signal minder, they are sending a LED replacement for the turn signal indicator to replace the incandescent bulb inside the headlight bucket. I thought that is great customer service!

Also I ordered these 1157 LED cluster replacements for the back blinkers, they can be R-T-B. They also have white/yellow for the front to make your front blinkers running lights and blinkers.

I'm thinking about using Radiantz LED board, I'm not convinced that the LED stack bulb is brighter. But I have not seen the LED bulb and I have the Radiantz board on my VTX.
« Last Edit: January 17, 2013, 08:30:14 AM by brew1brew » Logged

Les
2014 Valkyrie GL1800 C Blue
valky1500
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MI


« Reply #11 on: January 17, 2013, 09:59:34 PM »

Did you have to use the load equalizers?  LED's use less power and usually have to have them for proper function.


It's easy adding led lights to circuits with incandescent bulbs when using the right parts.   Grin

http://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/flashers-load-resistors/metric-bike-diode-kit/1190/2805/
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R J
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DS-0009 ...... # 173

Des Moines, IA


« Reply #12 on: January 18, 2013, 05:40:09 PM »

I don't know if we are talking Oranges vs Apples or not, but this is my 128 LED tail/brake light on MGM before I converted him to a Trike.

You want bright, this is bright.

This is the brake light in a lighted garage.   Notice the reflection on the tractor seat.



This is just the tailight.



Here is the link to the innards of the light.  

http://www.radiantz.com/index1.html?c16.html&1

Select tailights, then Honda and the one showing I think is a VTX.

Yeah it is pricey but it has a hell of a warranty.      I've had them in there for over 6 years, no problems.

I have been told many times that my brake light is on.    I pull up stop and ask them if they see  a difference.    The greatest comment is, DAMN that mother is BRIGHT.
« Last Edit: January 18, 2013, 05:42:19 PM by R J » Logged

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