Electrical Demons VS Soldering iron
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Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 70
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From: south river nj
Electrical Demons VS Soldering iron
I finally got some time to remove my fairing and repair a bad wire. It was a easy find (the main power to the breakers) so with soldering gun in hand made the repair. While in there I put a 2nd solenoid for the headlight. I also added more grounds the soldering gun and wire was already out so it couldn't hurt. What a difference, my volt meter on the fairing is showing 14 volts before it showed 10 and the oil pressure gauge is also working. Put it all back together and put 400 miles on her. Its great to have a dependable bike again!!! My next project is the headlights. Does anyone know what I can do to swap out the h4671 bulbs for a brighter whiter light? I like to ride at night and those yellows are just not bright enough for me. My bike is a 90 fltcu. Thanks for all the advice.
John
Intermediate
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Modesto California
Brighter light at night
I agree that truck lites and some other expensive options are super nice, but I have the same bike as you and a $39.95 headlight off fleabay has made a world of difference. for $20-$50 you can see super good and not spend $300-$500.00
Here is a link to many, many options. Truck lites are in there too
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from...light&_sacat=0
I have this one in the link below but with the white led instead of amber (they look slightly blue like all bright white led lights), bought from same guy, octane lighting. and I wired the led lights to flash with the turn signal. so the led lights are on all the time and then flash with turn signal for whichever side is activated. works good, I can see way better AND other motorists can see my bike better. maybe not for everyone, but I like it. and $40 worked too.
and some super bright bulbs in the spots for another $10-$20 and it looks and works great.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/7-HALOGEN-MO...b627d5&vxp=mtr
Hope it helps....
Here is a link to many, many options. Truck lites are in there too
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from...light&_sacat=0
I have this one in the link below but with the white led instead of amber (they look slightly blue like all bright white led lights), bought from same guy, octane lighting. and I wired the led lights to flash with the turn signal. so the led lights are on all the time and then flash with turn signal for whichever side is activated. works good, I can see way better AND other motorists can see my bike better. maybe not for everyone, but I like it. and $40 worked too.
and some super bright bulbs in the spots for another $10-$20 and it looks and works great.http://www.ebay.com/itm/7-HALOGEN-MO...b627d5&vxp=mtr
Hope it helps....
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,200
Likes: 3,089
From: NW AR
That just makes it challenging. Anyone can fix it in their own shop.
On the halogen stuff, be careful of the wattage on those. Some of those halogens are double what the original bulbs are. Our electrical systems are barely adequate for the original bulbs, and when you go from 5 to 10 amps for a headlight in a circuit that tends to smoke at 5 amps, you have a potential failure point. I went with the LED's primarily to reduce current draw, especially on the Sporty since it is only a 19 amp system and the fuel injection I added sucks up probably 5 by itself.
On the halogen stuff, be careful of the wattage on those. Some of those halogens are double what the original bulbs are. Our electrical systems are barely adequate for the original bulbs, and when you go from 5 to 10 amps for a headlight in a circuit that tends to smoke at 5 amps, you have a potential failure point. I went with the LED's primarily to reduce current draw, especially on the Sporty since it is only a 19 amp system and the fuel injection I added sucks up probably 5 by itself.
Intermediate
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Modesto California
That just makes it challenging. Anyone can fix it in their own shop.
On the halogen stuff, be careful of the wattage on those. Some of those halogens are double what the original bulbs are. Our electrical systems are barely adequate for the original bulbs, and when you go from 5 to 10 amps for a headlight in a circuit that tends to smoke at 5 amps, you have a potential failure point. I went with the LED's primarily to reduce current draw, especially on the Sporty since it is only a 19 amp system and the fuel injection I added sucks up probably 5 by itself.
On the halogen stuff, be careful of the wattage on those. Some of those halogens are double what the original bulbs are. Our electrical systems are barely adequate for the original bulbs, and when you go from 5 to 10 amps for a headlight in a circuit that tends to smoke at 5 amps, you have a potential failure point. I went with the LED's primarily to reduce current draw, especially on the Sporty since it is only a 19 amp system and the fuel injection I added sucks up probably 5 by itself.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,200
Likes: 3,089
From: NW AR
LED headlights and brake/tail lights won't need an "equalizer." Turn signals that depend on the current flow to operate will. Turn signals won't on my era bike if you just swap out the blinker unit to a modern one. A couple bucks at any auto parts store. If your bike has that smart module thing, then you'll need the equalizer resistors or that aftermarket module that's out now. The LED's in the ring around your headlight won't need any other changes if they are just wired in parallel with your existing turn signals.
I found a good quality H4 bulb to be pretty bright. Ask for the premium bulb and pay the extra for it.
I found a good quality H4 bulb to be pretty bright. Ask for the premium bulb and pay the extra for it.
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Modesto California
LED headlights and brake/tail lights won't need an "equalizer." Turn signals that depend on the current flow to operate will. Turn signals won't on my era bike if you just swap out the blinker unit to a modern one. A couple bucks at any auto parts store. If your bike has that smart module thing, then you'll need the equalizer resistors or that aftermarket module that's out now. The LED's in the ring around your headlight won't need any other changes if they are just wired in parallel with your existing turn signals.
I found a good quality H4 bulb to be pretty bright. Ask for the premium bulb and pay the extra for it.
I found a good quality H4 bulb to be pretty bright. Ask for the premium bulb and pay the extra for it.
Besides, I have less than $4000.00 in my entire bike with purchase, and upgrades so, i'm all about keeping it low budget. If I ever sell this one, I may even make money for once......
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