Another led conversion gone wrong
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2016
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From: Inland NW
I have an acquaintance that will not stop talking about LED lights. He won't shut up about them Its an obsession really. They cane out what 25 years ago why the cult like following now? Because they're brighter? Or come on a billionth of a millisecond sooner? He has his car set up to do retarded light shows Don't get it.
None of these problems exist with incandescent bulbs, why put yourself thru this?
I know to each his own my hobbies prob seem stupid to most people too I mean who keeps bees and works on motorcycles late into the night that dont need working on?
But are thes light upgrades really worth it?
None of these problems exist with incandescent bulbs, why put yourself thru this?
I know to each his own my hobbies prob seem stupid to most people too I mean who keeps bees and works on motorcycles late into the night that dont need working on?
But are thes light upgrades really worth it?
To reduce the electrical load on your bike is one of the major reasons that people try to do it, and there are proper ways to accomplish it
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 3,599
Likes: 1,588
From: Eastern Ohio
The advantages of LEDs over incandescent bulbs is not a myth, it's too bad that you "don't get it". The technology has come a long way, and there are some quality products available.
To reduce the electrical load on your bike is one of the major reasons that people try to do it, and there are proper ways to accomplish it
To reduce the electrical load on your bike is one of the major reasons that people try to do it, and there are proper ways to accomplish it
Why do you need to reduce the electrical load on the bike? It's plenty capable of handling the loads the bike was built with. So unless you're going parade float and covering the whole thing in lights, or running a huge stereo, what's the benefit? Less wear and tear on the electrical system? Should be a non-issue. Saving energy? For what? You won't get better gas mileage. So really, brightness, and "upgrade" just to upgrade are the only reasons to go LED.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2025
Posts: 1,281
Likes: 657
From: Eastpointe, MI
I understand LEDs. I'm playing devil's advocate here.
Why do you need to reduce the electrical load on the bike? It's plenty capable of handling the loads the bike was built with. So unless you're going parade float and covering the whole thing in lights, or running a huge stereo, what's the benefit? Less wear and tear on the electrical system? Should be a non-issue. Saving energy? For what? You won't get better gas mileage. So really, brightness, and "upgrade" just to upgrade are the only reasons to go LED.
Why do you need to reduce the electrical load on the bike? It's plenty capable of handling the loads the bike was built with. So unless you're going parade float and covering the whole thing in lights, or running a huge stereo, what's the benefit? Less wear and tear on the electrical system? Should be a non-issue. Saving energy? For what? You won't get better gas mileage. So really, brightness, and "upgrade" just to upgrade are the only reasons to go LED.
But again I don't mean to be a hater.
To each his own hobbies.
It's just that I was subjected to a 2-hour dissertation on LEDs last night with the wife visiting her girlfriend and me having to talk to her husband.
I feel like I was assaulted.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 3,599
Likes: 1,588
From: Eastern Ohio
This is my point exactly!
But again I don't mean to be a hater.
To each his own hobbies.
It's just that I was subjected to a 2-hour dissertation on LEDs last night with the wife visiting her girlfriend and me having to talk to her husband.
I feel like I was assaulted.
But again I don't mean to be a hater.
To each his own hobbies.
It's just that I was subjected to a 2-hour dissertation on LEDs last night with the wife visiting her girlfriend and me having to talk to her husband.
I feel like I was assaulted.
Club Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 15,420
Likes: 7,118
From: Beyond Fucital
I understand LEDs. I'm playing devil's advocate here.
Why do you need to reduce the electrical load on the bike? It's plenty capable of handling the loads the bike was built with. So unless you're going parade float and covering the whole thing in lights, or running a huge stereo, what's the benefit? Less wear and tear on the electrical system? Should be a non-issue. Saving energy? For what? You won't get better gas mileage. So really, brightness, and "upgrade" just to upgrade are the only reasons to go LED.
Why do you need to reduce the electrical load on the bike? It's plenty capable of handling the loads the bike was built with. So unless you're going parade float and covering the whole thing in lights, or running a huge stereo, what's the benefit? Less wear and tear on the electrical system? Should be a non-issue. Saving energy? For what? You won't get better gas mileage. So really, brightness, and "upgrade" just to upgrade are the only reasons to go LED.
It reduced the load enough that the battery lasted long enough for the hour ride.
Just saying.
Last edited by RANGER73; Aug 6, 2025 at 12:02 PM.
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 11,454
Likes: 8,283
From: Inland NW
I understand LEDs. I'm playing devil's advocate here.
Why do you need to reduce the electrical load on the bike? It's plenty capable of handling the loads the bike was built with. So unless you're going parade float and covering the whole thing in lights, or running a huge stereo, what's the benefit? Less wear and tear on the electrical system? Should be a non-issue. Saving energy? For what? You won't get better gas mileage. So really, brightness, and "upgrade" just to upgrade are the only reasons to go LED.
Why do you need to reduce the electrical load on the bike? It's plenty capable of handling the loads the bike was built with. So unless you're going parade float and covering the whole thing in lights, or running a huge stereo, what's the benefit? Less wear and tear on the electrical system? Should be a non-issue. Saving energy? For what? You won't get better gas mileage. So really, brightness, and "upgrade" just to upgrade are the only reasons to go LED.
I am certainly not looking to add a bunch of lights, I prefer the minimalist approach, but I did want to add an aftermarket amplifier, and I also added the heated grips.
I wanted enough capacity to run heated gear when we ran on longer trips in Canada in the fall months.
Reducing the load without adding anything is not a bad thing, the rotor and stators only have so much "life" in them. Quality LEDs are super efficient.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 7,967
Likes: 6,861
From: NC
I understand LEDs. I'm playing devil's advocate here.
Why do you need to reduce the electrical load on the bike? It's plenty capable of handling the loads the bike was built with. So unless you're going parade float and covering the whole thing in lights, or running a huge stereo, what's the benefit? Less wear and tear on the electrical system? Should be a non-issue. Saving energy? For what? You won't get better gas mileage. So really, brightness, and "upgrade" just to upgrade are the only reasons to go LED.
Why do you need to reduce the electrical load on the bike? It's plenty capable of handling the loads the bike was built with. So unless you're going parade float and covering the whole thing in lights, or running a huge stereo, what's the benefit? Less wear and tear on the electrical system? Should be a non-issue. Saving energy? For what? You won't get better gas mileage. So really, brightness, and "upgrade" just to upgrade are the only reasons to go LED.
My 1979 and early 1980s bike only had 22 amp output. My 1989 and my 2002 Electra glide had 32 amp output. My 2019 has a 45 amp output. At slower speeds in town, I could not run wife and my electric gear on the older bikes. The ElectraGlides were marginal before I got my 2019.
Last edited by Goose_NC; Aug 6, 2025 at 02:13 PM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 3,599
Likes: 1,588
From: Eastern Ohio
YOU don't need to, I said it is one of the reasons many do, and on a touring bike, there are some accessories to add, whether or not you approve. I am keenly aware the the rotor, stator and VR are capable of handling the load the bike was built with.
I am certainly not looking to add a bunch of lights, I prefer the minimalist approach, but I did want to add an aftermarket amplifier, and I also added the heated grips.
I wanted enough capacity to run heated gear when we ran on longer trips in Canada in the fall months.
Reducing the load without adding anything is not a bad thing, the rotor and stators only have so much "life" in them. Quality LEDs are super efficient.
I am certainly not looking to add a bunch of lights, I prefer the minimalist approach, but I did want to add an aftermarket amplifier, and I also added the heated grips.
I wanted enough capacity to run heated gear when we ran on longer trips in Canada in the fall months.
Reducing the load without adding anything is not a bad thing, the rotor and stators only have so much "life" in them. Quality LEDs are super efficient.
Do you use electric clothing? Even the new stuff has a heavy draw. Many LED headlights are superior to Halogen headlights. I did cover many miles traveling two lane back roads many nights with incandescent bulbs. Before Halogens were stock. The difference between Halogen and LED is the same improvement from incandescent to Halogen.
My 1979 and early 1980s bike only had 22 amp output. My 1989 and my 2002 Electra glide had 32 amp output. My 2019 has a 45 amp output. At slower speeds in town, I could not run wife and my electric gear on the older bikes. The ElectraGlides were marginal before I got my 2019.
My 1979 and early 1980s bike only had 22 amp output. My 1989 and my 2002 Electra glide had 32 amp output. My 2019 has a 45 amp output. At slower speeds in town, I could not run wife and my electric gear on the older bikes. The ElectraGlides were marginal before I got my 2019.
The comment about the stator and rotor having only "so much life in them" is an incorrect statement. It's just wire and iron. Nothing there wears out. A failure in the insulation, wire to plug, or overloading and overheating are what cause failures. Not age.
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2025
Posts: 1,281
Likes: 657
From: Eastpointe, MI
I didn't mean to start an argument or add to this argument or even have an argument - sorry.
To each his own really.
it's just that I know quite a few people that are really into this spending a lot of money and time on this.
it's just something that wouldn't interest me.
if it's got incandescent bulbs fine if it's halogen that's fine too I'm okay with LEDs.
I just wouldn't spend any time or money changing one to the other.
I've got four vehicles to maintain - maintenance and when things are truly broken, I got to mow the grass and my own dumb to other's hobbies.
To each his own really.
it's just that I know quite a few people that are really into this spending a lot of money and time on this.
it's just something that wouldn't interest me.
if it's got incandescent bulbs fine if it's halogen that's fine too I'm okay with LEDs.
I just wouldn't spend any time or money changing one to the other.
I've got four vehicles to maintain - maintenance and when things are truly broken, I got to mow the grass and my own dumb to other's hobbies.
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 11,454
Likes: 8,283
From: Inland NW
We're talking about a Super Glide Sport. Touring bikes, heated gear, etc. are irrelevant in this particular discussion. The basis that LEDs reduce draw on the system is an added benefit, I feel is exaggerated for the average Harley and Harley Rider. Like I said before, it's unnecessary unless you want brighter or plan to add more load. The OP did not indicate he was adding load. He wanted to upgrade to LED to upgrade and have brighter lights (I assume).
The comment about the stator and rotor having only "so much life in them" is an incorrect statement. It's just wire and iron. Nothing there wears out. A failure in the insulation, wire to plug, or overloading and overheating are what cause failures. Not age.
The comment about the stator and rotor having only "so much life in them" is an incorrect statement. It's just wire and iron. Nothing there wears out. A failure in the insulation, wire to plug, or overloading and overheating are what cause failures. Not age.
I replied to your direct reply to my prior post, which was directed at Robert. Nothing about a Super Glide. You asked about load, I gave you my answer as it related to my situation. I did not say ALL did it for the load benefit, did I?
I certainly was not directing it at the OP, and you know this. To parse what I said about the life of a charging system, you even stated the fact, overheating or overloading is what causes issues, and that is obviously what I meant when I said "so much life in them" as we were talking directly about the load.