Led lights
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 115
Likes: 1
From: Boston MA area
I just bought and installed some LED replacement bulbs by the brand name "Super Spots". The ones that I bought were H9 (high beam) and H11 (low beam). They were direct drop-in replacements for my 2015 Road King. It took me about 10 minutes to do the complete swap. I did not measure the current draw with a meter but the box says that they draw only 1A each. At 12V, that's only 12W each. I believe that the standard bulbs are rated at:
H9 65W (5.4A)
H11 55W (4.6A)
So far so good on the LED replacements as they seem to be much brighter but it is hard to tell because the light is much more white. If I had a bunch of extra time I would break out my Fluke meter and do a more scientific test. I hope that this helps.
H9 65W (5.4A)
H11 55W (4.6A)
So far so good on the LED replacements as they seem to be much brighter but it is hard to tell because the light is much more white. If I had a bunch of extra time I would break out my Fluke meter and do a more scientific test. I hope that this helps.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 15,363
Likes: 24,231
From: NC, USA
I've got an LED headlight, passing lamps, running lights front and rear, saddlebag lid led's, Custom Dynamics LED tribar and plasma rods.
They draw way less than conventional bulbs and anyone that tells you otherwise if probably using a rabbit ear tv antenna and a radar range.
They draw way less than conventional bulbs and anyone that tells you otherwise if probably using a rabbit ear tv antenna and a radar range.
That's the key gentlemen, Watts/Volts = Amps
I agree that LEDs draw far less amps individually, however as I am sure you have all noticed these replacement LEDs we are using have way more than just one LED on them. There are typically many LEDs used to replace one bulb, they all add up folks. The wattage of each individual LED in the circuit adds up to a total, if that total ends up being more than the original incandescent bulb wattage then you are going to draw more current (Amps) This I guarantee you!
My point was changing bulbs out for LEDs will only lower the current or amp draw if the LED has a lower wattage rating than the original bulb did.
I would say most times that will indeed be the case, but it is entirely possible to increase the wattage as well. Need to watch out for this, it's not always as simple as it seems.
I agree that LEDs draw far less amps individually, however as I am sure you have all noticed these replacement LEDs we are using have way more than just one LED on them. There are typically many LEDs used to replace one bulb, they all add up folks. The wattage of each individual LED in the circuit adds up to a total, if that total ends up being more than the original incandescent bulb wattage then you are going to draw more current (Amps) This I guarantee you!
My point was changing bulbs out for LEDs will only lower the current or amp draw if the LED has a lower wattage rating than the original bulb did.
I would say most times that will indeed be the case, but it is entirely possible to increase the wattage as well. Need to watch out for this, it's not always as simple as it seems.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 353
Likes: 32
From: New Brunswick Canada
One last time. No matter how you slice it, whether you look at fixture amps, amount of LED's per fixture, load consuption or any other hair splitter, LED's DO NOT consumer more power. Period. This is someone who spent many a year in electronic avionics and as an electrician.
Anyway, whatever I don't really care if you want to listen but I can tell you this. I also have an extensive background involving electricity and the theory is always the same. It's been that way forever, I didn't invent the theory.
Well as an electrician I would think you'd understand what I'm trying to say.
Anyway, whatever I don't really care if you want to listen but I can tell you this. I also have an extensive background involving electricity and the theory is always the same. It's been that way forever, I didn't invent the theory.
Anyway, whatever I don't really care if you want to listen but I can tell you this. I also have an extensive background involving electricity and the theory is always the same. It's been that way forever, I didn't invent the theory.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 353
Likes: 32
From: New Brunswick Canada
Sorry but where I'm from textbook theory is not "worthless" it's the basis for understanding how things work.
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