LED`s on 1986 FLHTC
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,583
Likes: 115
From: Boston, MA
Bulbs only will need an equalizer but many of the 'fixtures' will not need them if they already have them built in.
I wonder if this is only if they go through something like the TSM. ???? Meaning lots of people have already installed LEDs as headlights with nothing more added. Taillights too if they don't include the directional lights.
I wonder if this is only if they go through something like the TSM. ???? Meaning lots of people have already installed LEDs as headlights with nothing more added. Taillights too if they don't include the directional lights.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,200
Likes: 3,089
From: NW AR
Yeah, I'm running some LED's. Trucklight LED Headlight and spots, and some SuperbrightLEDS.com amber 1157 bulbs in the front for the turn signal/running light. Can't remember if I put LED turn signals on the back. For the turn signals, you will have to replace both flasher modules with a generic "heavy duty" "OK for LED" 2 wire turn signal module available at about any auto parts store today. I bought a couple at Advanced. I haven't found a LED brake light replacement yet, but the new one sold by the aftermarket companies looks promising.
The best amber ones that Superbight sells is barely adequate, in my opinion. It is about as bright as a regular 1157.
The best amber ones that Superbight sells is barely adequate, in my opinion. It is about as bright as a regular 1157.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
I have LED indicators and used a Badlands equalizer. It's quite possible later LED units (mine replace the whole amber lens plus bulb holder) may incorporate the necessary stuff. If your indicators don't flash correctly, a Badlands or similar module is in your near future!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,200
Likes: 3,089
From: NW AR
The '86 uses a standard automotive flasher unit. 2 of them, actually. They mount inside the faring by the right fork leg. The new ones will cram into the mount if you try hard enough. The OEM one is not the right one for the OEM mount anyway, judging by the looks of the 2, so the MoCo just jammed what they had in there. Round peg in a square hole, so to speak.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 7,736
Likes: 1,524
From: Coromandel Peninsula New Zealand
The '86 uses a standard automotive flasher unit. 2 of them, actually. They mount inside the faring by the right fork leg. The new ones will cram into the mount if you try hard enough. The OEM one is not the right one for the OEM mount anyway, judging by the looks of the 2, so the MoCo just jammed what they had in there. Round peg in a square hole, so to speak.
Use a Badlands ATS -03 module for LED flashers on early bikes.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: NW AR
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Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 44
Likes: 1
From: Cincinnati
I swapped all of my signals for amber LEDs behind smoked lenses, and my tail light for a smoked lay down style tail light. My '94 required installation of the Badlands LE01 equalizer module to make the LEDs flash correctly. I also swapped the fender tip lights for smoked versions that came with an amber and red LED blade style bulb to replace the 194 that was there originally. I think I'm going to pull the LED blades and go back to conventional 194 bulbs for the fender tips. The LED really doesn't distribute the light well in that application. Haven't gotten around to LED head light and spot lights yet.