LED or STOCK lighting
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 64
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From: Iowa
LED or STOCK lighting
I know there has been plenty of discussion on this subject already but I have a new take on the question. Which is better LED or Stock lighting on whatever bike? It has been said LED is much better on the electrical system of the scooter its being used on...... what dollar value is that on the bike vs.. the cost to convert all the lighting? 
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
well, "much better" is really defined as less current draw for the LED- in amps
If the charging system is marginal or the battery is weak- that could be to your advantage.
looking at some LEDS light specs online - some consume about 1/3 less power- that could give a nice margin if you have an amp added, or if you run your spots with the high beam all the time
some of us ( me) feel that the beam pattern of the leds ( I have seen) is narrower than the halogen beam spread.
This can matter if you worry about cars pulling in front of you .
( I notice that a following bike can be easily seen in the mirrors when a ways behind, but once they get close in the passing lane, I no longer see the light in my mirror.)
some leds also seem to have "hot" and "cool" spots in the beam.
a mixed bag.
I am currently using a HD dual halogen on my 09 ( cheep, used on the forum classifieds).
It is pretty good, although I was pretty happy with the stock light...good optics.
I may buy another stocker and put the 2 of them in my 74 Blazer...or I may put in my '53 FL ( I have 6 volt H4 bulbs)
YOU may find you prefer the LED, I'll wait for the cost to come down and the beam spread(s) to be better
mike
If the charging system is marginal or the battery is weak- that could be to your advantage.
looking at some LEDS light specs online - some consume about 1/3 less power- that could give a nice margin if you have an amp added, or if you run your spots with the high beam all the time
some of us ( me) feel that the beam pattern of the leds ( I have seen) is narrower than the halogen beam spread.
This can matter if you worry about cars pulling in front of you .
( I notice that a following bike can be easily seen in the mirrors when a ways behind, but once they get close in the passing lane, I no longer see the light in my mirror.)
some leds also seem to have "hot" and "cool" spots in the beam.
a mixed bag.
I am currently using a HD dual halogen on my 09 ( cheep, used on the forum classifieds).
It is pretty good, although I was pretty happy with the stock light...good optics.
I may buy another stocker and put the 2 of them in my 74 Blazer...or I may put in my '53 FL ( I have 6 volt H4 bulbs)
YOU may find you prefer the LED, I'll wait for the cost to come down and the beam spread(s) to be better
mike
Last edited by mkguitar; Jan 31, 2015 at 07:55 PM.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 654
Likes: 5
From: oklahoma
led headlight, turn signals, brake lights? which ones are ya talking about? i say leds for all. i have had 2 different halogens, hids, and leds for headlights and the truck-lite led is by far the very best. i can see better with just the TL led headlight than i could with any other combo with auxiliary lights. yes the led has a flat pattern but it hasnt hindered anything so far.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 326
Likes: 5
From: N.E. Ohio
I switched to all led lighting because they are brighter and more visible. I went with the TL leds both headlight and spots because of their affordability. The fact that they are less of a drain on the electrical system was a bonus.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 924
Likes: 0
From: Elgin IL
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,907
Likes: 69
From: Wesley Chapel Fl.
Another vote for the TL Phase 7. Light output is much more then the stock halogen. The light spread is different but, more than adequate. I don't run spots and still am impressed with the spread and distance. I do run the HD led taillight. JR
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