LED Brake lights dimmer?
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2007
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LED Brake lights dimmer?
I was riding my '07 Ultra today. When I stopped, a fellow rider who was behind me, thought my clear lens LED brake light didn't seem as bright as standard Ultra lights. I checked them out in my garage when I got home, and they looked pretty good to me. But I think I read somewhere that LEDs can be more difficult to see when in direct sunlight. Does that make any sense?? I'm not overly concerned because of the 2 additional brake lights on the tourpack, but I am interested in some feedback.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2006
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From:
RE: LED Brake lights dimmer?
Not all LED lights are created equal. There are some good articles and reviews on WebBikeWorld.
I think the is a viewing angle difference on LED lightbulbs also.
I think the is a viewing angle difference on LED lightbulbs also.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,602
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From: Southern California - Palm Springs Area
RE: LED Brake lights dimmer?
ORIGINAL: wallyn
Not all LED lights are created equal. There are some good articles and reviews on WebBikeWorld.
I think the is a viewing angle difference on LED lightbulbs also.
Not all LED lights are created equal. There are some good articles and reviews on WebBikeWorld.
I think the is a viewing angle difference on LED lightbulbs also.
You can tell when riding behind them who got the Budget LED's..
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,738
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From: St. Charles, IL
RE: LED Brake lights dimmer?
2 problems I can see;
1. You have a clear lens on the light. LED's are a directional light source and they work much better with a red lens because the opaque red lens will absorb the light andmake the whole lens bright. With a clear lens, the light will go out the clear lens and you have to be at the right angle in order to get the most light.
2. Yes, not all LEDs are equal. If you got a small LED replacement lamp from your local auto parts store to plug in, they will not be any brighter and most are dimmer than the incandescent lamps.
1. You have a clear lens on the light. LED's are a directional light source and they work much better with a red lens because the opaque red lens will absorb the light andmake the whole lens bright. With a clear lens, the light will go out the clear lens and you have to be at the right angle in order to get the most light.
2. Yes, not all LEDs are equal. If you got a small LED replacement lamp from your local auto parts store to plug in, they will not be any brighter and most are dimmer than the incandescent lamps.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,548
Likes: 163
From: Mt. Airy, MD
RE: LED Brake lights dimmer?
ORIGINAL: bikenuts
I was riding my '07 Ultra today. When I stopped, a fellow rider who was behind me, thought my clear lens LED brake light didn't seem as bright as standard Ultra lights. I checked them out in my garage when I got home, and they looked pretty good to me. But I think I read somewhere that LEDs can be more difficult to see when in direct sunlight. Does that make any sense?? I'm not overly concerned because of the 2 additional brake lights on the tourpack, but I am interested in some feedback.
I was riding my '07 Ultra today. When I stopped, a fellow rider who was behind me, thought my clear lens LED brake light didn't seem as bright as standard Ultra lights. I checked them out in my garage when I got home, and they looked pretty good to me. But I think I read somewhere that LEDs can be more difficult to see when in direct sunlight. Does that make any sense?? I'm not overly concerned because of the 2 additional brake lights on the tourpack, but I am interested in some feedback.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,108
Likes: 9
From: Lincolnton, NC
RE: LED Brake lights dimmer?
1. You have a clear lens on the light. LED's are a directional light source and they work much better with a red lens because the opaque red lens will absorb the light andmake the whole lens bright. With a clear lens, the light will go out the clear lens and you have to be at the right angle in order to get the most light.
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Road Master
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 889
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From: Orange County, CA
RE: LED Brake lights dimmer?
ORIGINAL: steveh326
I put a Kuryakyn smoked taillightwith LEDs on my bike, and my buddies riding behind me in the daytime said the same thing. Nightime seems to be brighter than stock. I ended up adding the module that turns my signals into taillights as well so I had enough visibility back there... since I was not gonna give up my smoked lense...lol.
ORIGINAL: bikenuts
I was riding my '07 Ultra today. When I stopped, a fellow rider who was behind me, thought my clear lens LED brake light didn't seem as bright as standard Ultra lights. I checked them out in my garage when I got home, and they looked pretty good to me. But I think I read somewhere that LEDs can be more difficult to see when in direct sunlight. Does that make any sense?? I'm not overly concerned because of the 2 additional brake lights on the tourpack, but I am interested in some feedback.
I was riding my '07 Ultra today. When I stopped, a fellow rider who was behind me, thought my clear lens LED brake light didn't seem as bright as standard Ultra lights. I checked them out in my garage when I got home, and they looked pretty good to me. But I think I read somewhere that LEDs can be more difficult to see when in direct sunlight. Does that make any sense?? I'm not overly concerned because of the 2 additional brake lights on the tourpack, but I am interested in some feedback.
Been through this many times on the forum... But the Kuryakyn LED's SUCK! They use cheap LEDs that don't have the wide viewing angle of automotive type LEDs. Read the review mentioned in an earlier reply. I have the Heavy Cycle LEDs and they blow my buddy's Kuryakyn away.
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Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Tidewater
RE: LED Brake lights dimmer?
All LEDs are not created equal and the old adage ya get what ya pay for applies here also.. Having said that, The Panacea from Kury has never failed to keep the cages off my tail, it is bright during the day and looks like a highway sign at night. No such thing as too much light in the back...
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,837
Likes: 50
From: usa
RE: LED Brake lights dimmer?
I have a Kury with red lense...I find that the brake lighting isn't that bright either....I also have the brake/turn module...which gives me good brake lighting.
I was looking at the HD L.E.D. on saturday,it seems much brighter...maybe santa will bring me one.
I was looking at the HD L.E.D. on saturday,it seems much brighter...maybe santa will bring me one.
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