LED lights

[mealexme]

now, I know changing your indicators to LED from standard bulbs can mess them up. something to do with electrical resistance or something.

The question is, is the same true with the rear lights? You know, the brake light/red running light on the back or can I just swap the bulb set up for an LED set up without any modifications?

I ask because I want to tidy the rear up a bit. Silver bike, orange indicators and red brake lights look stupid. (Obviously I know they will be red when on but still) so I already have some clear/white lens (with orange bulb) indicators in the post and came across this http://www.wemoto.com/bikes/suzuki/gsf_ ... _led_unit/

I can only find one place with a similar set up (clear lens) but bulbs instead of LED's, but they are out of stock and going out of business so I doubt they will get any more in

also looking into tail tidys again, but thats another long, boring story

[Guest Hodgy]

I've done exactly the same on my GSXf, with red led bulbs, it works perfectly and makes it look much 'cleaner'

I did it with the indicators too, but used orange bulbs instead of messing with leds and resistors

[mealexme]

I've done exactly the same on my GSXf, with red led bulbs, it works perfectly and makes it look much 'cleaner'

I did it with the indicators too, but used orange bulbs instead of messing with leds and resistors

so the rear works without the use of resistors? MY indicators are all bulbs so wont have an issue there

just want to make extra sure before I buy it

[Guest Hodgy]

I've done exactly the same on my GSXf, with red led bulbs, it works perfectly and makes it look much 'cleaner'

I did it with the indicators too, but used orange bulbs instead of messing with leds and resistors

so the rear works without the use of resistors? MY indicators are all bulbs so wont have an issue there

just want to make extra sure before I buy it

 

My bikes a 2004 model and they work perfectly

[Mrbarry]

Tail lights and brake lights are fine,

It's only indicators that need to be the right resistance because the flasher unit uses the resistance network as feedback to the timer. It's easy to fudge with ceramic resistors but its best to get accurate resistors rather than ones too low a value or the flash speed won't tell you if a remaining 'bulb' blows. Best way is use a 25 watt variable resistor to get the best results and order fixed resistors for permanent fitting.

Any one wanting and help with that I am kind of qualified shall we say my assistance is also free lol.

[megawatt]

I bought an LED indicator relay for £13 off eBlag. It copes with LED and Tungsten lamps.

[mealexme]

Tail lights and brake lights are fine,

It's only indicators that need to be the right resistance because the flasher unit uses the resistance network as feedback to the timer. It's easy to fudge with ceramic resistors but its best to get accurate resistors rather than ones too low a value or the flash speed won't tell you if a remaining 'bulb' blows. Best way is use a 25 watt variable resistor to get the best results and order fixed resistors for permanent fitting.

Any one wanting and help with that I am kind of qualified shall we say my assistance is also free lol.

I shall keep this in mind next time I replace my front indicators lol

[Fozzie]

Tail lights are always fine as they run off the same voltage just pull less ampage off the line usually

Indicators, just replace with a LED relay, one part for all 4 indicators.

[Mrbarry]

Resistors are only a few p tho, led flasher relay £15?

[stewslash]

i have almost the exact same rear light in my 2001 bandit the only difference is that mine also has indicators built into the rear light works fine , no problems at all

[Stu]

clear LED with built in indicators cant go wrong get LED resistors if you get indicators too not a relay ive heard no end of trouble with relays....resistors just wire in job done

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r71/stu_m_photos/undertray.jpg

[mealexme]

I'm not a fan of the indicator in the rear light. It looks great parked up or even running, but when the indicator is on it looks a bit odd, and not as noticable as normal ones.

I use my indicators to warn people I plan on moving lanes/turning. It just gives me more piece of mind if I know the car behind can see clearly I have the indicator on which probably means I am going to slow down to turn into a junction, so by the time im on the brakes they have already backed off. I would feel having a light within a light may confuse people

[Joeman]

I'm not a fan of the indicator in the rear light. It looks great parked up or even running, but when the indicator is on it looks a bit odd, and not as noticable as normal ones.

I use my indicators to warn people I plan on moving lanes/turning. It just gives me more piece of mind if I know the car behind can see clearly I have the indicator on which probably means I am going to slow down to turn into a junction, so by the time im on the brakes they have already backed off. I would feel having a light within a light may confuse people

 

If you really want to be noticed by cars behind, consider fitting a brake light flasher unit.. if this doesn't get their attention, nothing will!!

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[Mrbarry]

That's very annoying! Also, flashing lights make depth perception less effective, that's why many people don't recommend them on push bikes where they are common, they do get attention tho.

[Guest philgale]

Im the same as stu, put these on my sv650 when i had it. Looked great and really cleaned it up. Also think i only needed a resister for the indicators otherwise they flash to fast. got mine from Hein Gerricke for a couple of quid each.

http://www.jesterstrickbits.co.uk/product_images/q/895/LEDS075__03852_zoom.GIF

[Mrbarry]

Get them from maplins for 30p each. Or RS, or Farnell.......

[stewslash]

yes you will need a resistor for each indicator if they are led built in to the rear light like mine, the only reason I didn't is because I left the original indicators on too http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fFtvs6a ... ature=plcp

if its just led indicators bulbs you want without the messing around of relays or resistors try some canbus led bulbs , i have them as my number plate bulbs on my car so is looks a little bit more like the later model ( white like the newer audis/ bmw's , the resistors are built into the bulb so it wont show bulb failure on the dashboard

http://i1180.photobucket.com/albums/x408/stewslash/IMG_1723.jpg

http://i1180.photobucket.com/albums/x408/stewslash/IMG_1722.jpg

[Mrbarry]

http://bit.ly/SsxMey

You can get them cheaper from maplins but if you don't live by one or want to make a special journey these would be perfect. One per bulb removed works perfectly but it's best test with a pot first if you have one at hand, then you can order a value to suit.

[Stu]

I'm not a fan of the indicator in the rear light. It looks great parked up or even running, but when the indicator is on it looks a bit odd, and not as noticable as normal ones.

 

Ive never had any problems with people not seeing my indicators and have even asked people i have ridden with and they say they are better then most indicators!

[mealexme]

I'm not a fan of the indicator in the rear light. It looks great parked up or even running, but when the indicator is on it looks a bit odd, and not as noticable as normal ones.

 

Ive never had any problems with people not seeing my indicators and have even asked people i have ridden with and they say they are better then most indicators!

fair enough, but from youtube videos at least they just look like the rear light is having a spaz attack and is malfunctioning. It may be a different story seeing them in the flesh

[Fozzie]

Resistors are only a few p tho, led flasher relay £15?

 

Mine was something daft like £1.20

Dont buy the branded indicator relay, just get the right spec relay and use the old connector to wire it into. Takes about 10 minutes to sort and is less wiring and faffing about than resistors.

Also uses less power as the resistors are there to effectively just warm up and waste power to slow the flash rate. My bike is known for reg/rec failure so Im trying to keep the strain on the battery to a minimum out of paranoia

[Mrbarry]

Fair enough I guess, more than one way to skin a cat