Cheap LED headlight upgrade
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 842
Likes: 47
From: New Hartford CT
I have an HID from forum sponsor Motorcycle Metal that has performed brilliantly (pun intended) for a few years now. The difference really is like... night and day.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 842
Likes: 47
From: New Hartford CT
In many of our older bikes, the flasher will not recognize that the LED is blinking as it draws such small amounts of current. I was too lazy (and cheap) to do the wiring work to allow the use of the LED turn signals, so I did the same with mine - changed all of my lights (incuding the spots) except the turn signals (and my HID headlight) to LED.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,195
Likes: 3,085
From: NW AR
Just buy an electronic flasher module. I bought a couple of them at Advance Auto. Then they will work with the LED turn signal bulbs. They were square instead of round, but I managed to get them in the holder.
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Road Master
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 856
Likes: 9
From: North Carolina
The color is white with a slight bluish tint. The brightness seems to be about the same as the standard H4 bulb. Between work and the weather I haven't tested it real good on the road/interstate. It seems to be much like the old bulb except with a lower power draw, which is what I was going for. I have the 32 amp stator/regulator but, with everything on (spot lights, extra tail lights, radio) the guage seems to indicate that there's little to no charging going on. Turn off the spots and the extra tail lights and things get better. When I hit the brakes the guage indicates about 10-11 volts. I have LED 1157s on order too. If they work like I'm told they work I should be in good shape.
Last edited by falconbrother; Nov 26, 2013 at 10:13 AM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,884
Likes: 912
From: South La.
Not to hijack but, I was looking on the above link at Discount Fleet Supply since I'm in the market for this light and noticed an option for a H4 to H13 adapter. Do 13 Fatboys need this? Just thought I'd throw it out there to see if someone had this immediate info. Thanks
edit: did some digging and found that the adapter is NOT needed. That search function has some amazing info. once you use it. lol
edit: did some digging and found that the adapter is NOT needed. That search function has some amazing info. once you use it. lol
Last edited by tas_todd; Nov 26, 2013 at 10:53 AM.
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Road Master
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 856
Likes: 9
From: North Carolina
I forgot to mention, as to the low beam/high beam. There is a low beam high beam but...There is no difference in the brightness, only the direction of the beam. The low beam focuses lower and the high beam angle is a little higher. I'm going to stick with this bulb for a while. If I decide I hate it and go back to the original bulb I'll keep this forum updated. So far I like it just fine.
I'm trying to get the power usage under control, in part, because my long range plan is to upgrade my stereo system. I want some wiggle room for lots of good sound from the stereo.
I'm trying to get the power usage under control, in part, because my long range plan is to upgrade my stereo system. I want some wiggle room for lots of good sound from the stereo.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,484
Likes: 272
From: Canton, GA
skip the LEDs and go old school ... great output, low price
Install a Cibie 7" lamp unit ($79), install an Osram Rallye
70/65w bulb, have a helper hold the bike upright while you
aim the lamp per the "VOL" instructions at
http://www.danielsternlighting.com/tech/aim/aim.html and
you're all set.
Stop, and signals: Old school inexpensive incandescent upgrade tip I got from an expert that makes your brake and rear turns light up at 40 candle power and front turns at 43 candle power (easy plug and play ..... and the only time Honda car parts may be best for your American classic)
3496s and 3497s are the best pick to replace 1157s and
1156s, respectively, but it has grown very difficult to get
good quality ones. They cannot be bought in the aftermarket,
from anyone. They can only be bought from a dealer of
genuine Honda (car) parts.
Part number for the single-filament variety (3497 for stop
lights and turn signals) is is 34903-SF1-A01; it replaces
lower-output bulbs including 1141, 1156, 1073, 7506, and P21W).
Part number for the dual-filament variety (3496 for
stop/tail and turn/park lights) is 34906-SL0-A01; it
replaces lower-output bulbs including 1016, 1034, 1157,
2057, 2357, 7528, and P21/5W.
Don't try to buy these bulbs in the aftermarket, and don't
let the dealer sell you anything but a genuine Stanley-made
Honda bulb; everything but the genuine Honda product is
junk. These are ultra premium bulbs with very long lifespan,
the corrosion proof nickel plate base, etc.
Install a Cibie 7" lamp unit ($79), install an Osram Rallye
70/65w bulb, have a helper hold the bike upright while you
aim the lamp per the "VOL" instructions at
http://www.danielsternlighting.com/tech/aim/aim.html and
you're all set.
Stop, and signals: Old school inexpensive incandescent upgrade tip I got from an expert that makes your brake and rear turns light up at 40 candle power and front turns at 43 candle power (easy plug and play ..... and the only time Honda car parts may be best for your American classic)
3496s and 3497s are the best pick to replace 1157s and
1156s, respectively, but it has grown very difficult to get
good quality ones. They cannot be bought in the aftermarket,
from anyone. They can only be bought from a dealer of
genuine Honda (car) parts.
Part number for the single-filament variety (3497 for stop
lights and turn signals) is is 34903-SF1-A01; it replaces
lower-output bulbs including 1141, 1156, 1073, 7506, and P21W).
Part number for the dual-filament variety (3496 for
stop/tail and turn/park lights) is 34906-SL0-A01; it
replaces lower-output bulbs including 1016, 1034, 1157,
2057, 2357, 7528, and P21/5W.
Don't try to buy these bulbs in the aftermarket, and don't
let the dealer sell you anything but a genuine Stanley-made
Honda bulb; everything but the genuine Honda product is
junk. These are ultra premium bulbs with very long lifespan,
the corrosion proof nickel plate base, etc.
Last edited by Fatboy1389; Dec 1, 2013 at 04:29 PM.
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 856
Likes: 9
From: North Carolina
I have replaced everything but the turn signal bulbs and am happy with all except I'm still not %100 on the headlight bulb. There's a good chance I'll go back to my old H4 bulb. It does make a huge difference on the volt meter. I love that part. I have enough extra voltage to power a small village now.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,547
Likes: 7,153
From: Oxford, Nc
I have replaced everything but the turn signal bulbs and am happy with all except I'm still not %100 on the headlight bulb. There's a good chance I'll go back to my old H4 bulb. It does make a huge difference on the volt meter. I love that part. I have enough extra voltage to power a small village now.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/180587514103...84.m1423.l2649
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Road Master
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 856
Likes: 9
From: North Carolina
Yea, I think I'm going to switch to HID headlight. I did forget something. My spotlights are still the standard incandescent bulbs. I'd like to go LED on those too. Just not sure how just yet.