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LED or STOCK lighting

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  #1  
Old 01-31-2015, 07:11 PM
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Default 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?
 
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Old 01-31-2015, 07:51 PM
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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
 

Last edited by mkguitar; 01-31-2015 at 07:55 PM.
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Old 01-31-2015, 08:13 PM
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thanks the jury is still out.............. I really like the idea of LED tail and turning lights but have heard many of your comments and concerns on the main lamp
 
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Old 01-31-2015, 08:19 PM
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Oh, I gotta BAL ( LED) taillight and it is awesome.

Mike
 
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Old 01-31-2015, 09:48 PM
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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.
 
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Old 01-31-2015, 11:05 PM
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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.
 
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Old 02-01-2015, 01:33 AM
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+1 on the TL led all around for me people see them far better than stock.
 
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Old 02-01-2015, 06:23 AM
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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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Old 02-01-2015, 06:53 AM
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From looking at threads on HDfourms, IMO the best Led available now is --


$340.00

 
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Old 02-01-2015, 07:18 AM
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OP; you didn't mention a goal w/your question...are you looking for "operational, functional, or both" when defining the word "better?"
 


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