Daily Slideshow: Tips for LED Conversion

Why Convert?

Having experience converting exterior and interior lighting on an SUV in my driveway, focus shifted to the retired and civilian-ized FLHTP parked in the garage.  There are a few reasons as to why converting to LED is a good idea. 

• First, safety is always a concern.  Therefore, the theory that a brighter light is better is based on the idea that a brighter light is more likely to penetrate the thick skull of those that would inadvertently cause harm to you or your ride.
• LED bulbs have an extremely long life.  It requires fewer bulb changes.  Personal experience has shown that law enforcement is out heavy during bike rallies, and they're quick to pull over anyone with a light out.  Friend's caught with burned out lights have received fines when we rode during a Laughlin River Run.
• They look cool!  Whether you decide to stick with the amber, red, smoked, or clear lens, LED lights to look so much better than standard incandescent bulbs.
• LED bulbs typically run cooler and utilize less amperage than their regular counterpart.

All the Lumens!

It's easy to start with just a brake light, as it typically does not require anything extra beyond the bulb.  From personal experience, the hardest part of changing out the bulb is finding one bright enough.  Amazon, eBay, and even the local parts store will carry LED bulbs (usually 1157 styled bulbs).  However, it is difficult to find a true lumen rating on these bulbs.  Part of the reason for changing is to have brighter lights, right?  The running "joke line" in the tactical community is "All the Lumens!"  Meaning: Brighter is better (not always the case).

What is a lumen?  Part of the International System of Units, a lumen is a measurement of luminous flux.  IF you do find a lumen rating, a good rule of thumb is a 100-watt incandescent bulb will be roughly equivalent to 1600 lumens.  For example, the standard Halogen H4 bulb has a 60 watt and 55-watt rating for high and low (respectively).  To match the brightness of the headlight, one should find a LED putting out 800 lumens.  A standard 1156 incandescent bulb has an output of 27 watts (also the high setting on the 1157 bulbs).  A 25-watt equal conversion to LED would be about 375 lumens. NOTE: these conversions are approximate as luminous efficacy was estimated.

Trying the frugal method, purchases were made on eBay and Amazon.  Lessons learned are that it is difficult to find REAL lumen ratings and that sometimes the bulbs are so cheap, they don't work.  Spend a lot more cash on the bulbs to get better results.  There are many reputable vendors for LED bulbs.  One found to provide accurate LED ratings and color temperatures (white, off-white, blueish, etc) is Super Bright LEDs.   

>>Join the conversation about how to perform an LED conversion right here in the forum.

Changing out the bulb

Replacing the turn signal and brake light bulbs are relatively easy.  In most cases, only a cross-tip (Phillips No. 2) screwdriver will work.  Once the lens is off, remove the old bulb by pushing in and turning. Once ready for a new bulb, install the new bulb or light assembly and replace the lens.  Using a little dielectric grease on the connector is always a good idea.

NOTE: On newer models with CANBUS (Controller Area Network Bus) systems, you will need to ensure all LEDs are CANBUS compatible.  CANBUS is used on Softails 2011 and newer and all Harley's 2013 and up.

Turn signals get slightly trickier, as they require a proper load (resistance) to create the correct flash interval.  Harley has used a logic module to control turn flash rate and auto canceling since at least the early 1990's.  One could replace these units for over $200.  There are various load equalizers available on the market.  Some work with only one bulb, others may work for two or all four.  Basically, they are a resistor that shorts to ground, creating a load in order to prevent hyper flashing.    Most load equalizers will generate heat, so find a safe place away from plastic and paint to mount it.  Avoid using the snap-lock connectors as they usually cause more problems than solving due to the wiring needing to be weatherproof.  Installing most load equalizers will require cutting wire, soldering or crimping, and heating shrink tube.  

>>Join the conversation about how to perform an LED conversion right here in the forum.

Headlights for the Extra Touch

Headlights are typically the most expensive portion of a LED upgrade.  Some have upgraded just the bulb with the original reflector designed for incandescent bulbs.  It will work, but reviews on the results are mixed.  The best option is to replace the entire headlight assembly (lens, reflector, and bulb).  Being no flash rate to deal with, most headlights are plug and play.  Very few require any significant wiring modification.  Most come with adapters to make the install process easier.

DayMaker (HD's own brand) of LED headlight typically runs about $400.  There are aftermarket LED headlight solutions available from the $100- up range.  One of the best reviews seen regarding three top LED headlights was created by Law Abiding Biker.  The results are surprising.  Click HERE to view their video.

>>Join the conversation about how to perform an LED conversion right here in the forum.

Final Thoughts

Converting to LED really brings a nice modern look to the bike.  One of my favorite conversions is the White/ Amber Front turn LEDs (White for running light, Amber for turn signal).  White or amber color works great for turn signals with amber lens.  Using smoke or clear lens, go with the amber colored LED (unless you use the cool LEDs previously mentioned).  With red, white or red LEDs will work.  Some people swear that red LEDs with the red lens are brighter than white LEDs.  My experience is that it all depends on the LED you purchase.  Keep in mind that Most Harley's have a combined running/brake and license plate light, in which case, a white LED would be required to remain legal.  Finally, if you have a specific question, just ask.  Many on this forum have done the conversions and are more than willing to provide assistance.

>>Join the conversation about how to perform an LED conversion right here in the forum.

For help with your maintenance and repair projects, please visit our how-to section in the forum.