LED or STOCK lighting
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 3,784
Likes: 100
From: Pasadena TX
I'm running two amps and was worried about current draw. I switched to LED's because they reduced the amp load to roughly half of what it was. I chose Truk Lites because they cost less ($338 for all 3 on Amazon IIRC), but they work great. Very happy with them, and with the reduced electrical load.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 1,962
Likes: 152
From: Not here
The Daymakers on my FTLRX are far superior to the lights that come stock. Cost to whatever ratio, I am seen so much more hat my wife doesn't want me to follow her while she is in her cage. Also the road is so much brighter in front and on the sides so cost=priceless.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,313
Likes: 1
From: Wagoner, Oklahoma
I have installed LED's on everything that lights up on my bike.
I went from stock to halogen lamps, as a result yes running lights and headlight was brighter. But after a period of time the low beam headlight connection evidently loosened and melted half of the three pronged plug.
I have installed the Trucklite version of the LED light. Amazon price for all three lights shipped to the house $409.00. Also had to buy a French headlight ring from J&P Cycles.
I went from stock to halogen lamps, as a result yes running lights and headlight was brighter. But after a period of time the low beam headlight connection evidently loosened and melted half of the three pronged plug.
I have installed the Trucklite version of the LED light. Amazon price for all three lights shipped to the house $409.00. Also had to buy a French headlight ring from J&P Cycles.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 103
Likes: 2
From: NW Ohio
Back about 6-8 years ago when LED's were being made available as replacements for 1157 and similar bulbs, they really sucked. Not as much light and the pattern was much smaller. That probably started the bad-mouthing buzz for LED's. Sort of like the oil leaking HD's of the early 80's, and how many times do we STILL hear that crap?
Since then, LED manufacturing has greatly improved, and now LED's are the technology of choice in good lighting. Much brighter, whiter, bigger patterns, longer lasting, and 20% of the current draw of incandescent. There are still jokers out there making and selling crappy LED's, but buy a quality LED light, and you'll have better lighting than the old school stuff.
Since then, LED manufacturing has greatly improved, and now LED's are the technology of choice in good lighting. Much brighter, whiter, bigger patterns, longer lasting, and 20% of the current draw of incandescent. There are still jokers out there making and selling crappy LED's, but buy a quality LED light, and you'll have better lighting than the old school stuff.
Tourer
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 252
Likes: 2
From: Ontario, Canada
I have the HD Daymaker Reflector. Much wider beam and good side visibility compared to the Daymaker Projector. Both are VERY expensive but worth it to me. HD LED tail light. Custom Dynamics LED rear turns and front Dynamic Ringz running/turns. The front running light goes out and the center 24 amber LED's illuminate on the side you select the turn signal.
Picture taken on a very bright summer day:
Picture taken on a very bright summer day:
Last edited by 03snake; Feb 1, 2015 at 05:25 PM. Reason: sp
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
( 3.60 Amps vs 5.4 Amps- low beam 1.8 vs 4.5)
So you may not have the reserve power you thought.
you can check the specs from TL, then use an online ohm's law calculator to see where you are for power consumption.
Mike
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 3,784
Likes: 100
From: Pasadena TX
Hey John, the TL7 is at about 2/3 consumption of a 65W high beam- not half.
( 3.60 Amps vs 5.4 Amps- low beam 1.8 vs 4.5)
So you may not have the reserve power you thought.
you can check the specs from TL, then use an online ohm's law calculator to see where you are for power consumption.
Mike
( 3.60 Amps vs 5.4 Amps- low beam 1.8 vs 4.5)
So you may not have the reserve power you thought.
you can check the specs from TL, then use an online ohm's law calculator to see where you are for power consumption.
Mike
