Author Topic: LED light for turn signals (Read 4738 times)

drbvac · **on:** May 29, 2011, 02:52:20 pm

I have searched all the threads for specific #s and not to promote a seller does anyone know the exact type of amber bulb to order from superbrightleds?

Is it 4 or 3 watts

1157-A30 or 1156 A30 ?

r80rt · **Reply #1 on:** May 29, 2011, 03:17:20 pm

1156 I believe,

olhogrider · **Reply #2 on:** May 29, 2011, 03:33:18 pm

1157 is dual filament, 1156 is single. More watts is better. I have aftermarket dual filaments running as brake lights in back as well as turn sigs. So what if they are amber. Have not switched to LEDs on the traficators just 'cause of the need for resistance.

r80rt · **Reply #3 on:** May 29, 2011, 03:37:06 pm

I've read that if you just change the rear signals to leds and leave the front ones as they are, you'll have enough resistance for them to work. I've not tried it so I don't know if it's true or not.

Sub · **Reply #4 on:** May 30, 2011, 05:17:58 am

Some leds have resistors so they draw the same as oem bulbs and retain the flasher interval.

The real problem with LEDS is that they are pretty directional. Keep that in mind - only people directly behind you, on axis, will see them brightly.I guess some now have dispersion patterns of leds to combat this, but I havent seen them in person yet to comment on them. I think sport bike rider did a led comparison that was pretty informative.. try and google it.

GSS · **Reply #5 on:** May 30, 2011, 01:24:00 pm

Quote from: drbvac on May 29, 2011, 02:52:20 pm

I have searched all the threads for specific #s and not to promote a seller does anyone know the exact type of amber bulb to order from superbrightleds?

You will also need to change the flasher unit if you change to LEDs. It is 1156 and you should buy these in amber color with the highest output and widest angle as these can be very directional.

olhogrider · **Reply #6 on:** May 30, 2011, 08:02:36 pm

You can choose wide or narrow pattern.

http://www.superbrightleds.com/cgi-bin/store/index.cgi?action=DispPage&Page2Disp=%2Fspecs%2F115x-x12x19.htm

You will need a resistor. So if you use a resistor the current draw is the same as an incandescent. What have you gained? Longer life, I suppose. Is it worth it? I don't think so. For steady light like tail and running (by the headlight) it reduces current draw. That's what I changed.

r80rt · **Reply #7 on:** May 30, 2011, 08:15:39 pm

I went with leds in the stop/tail lamp, pilot lights and all the instrument lightinng, except for the engine light that needs feed both ways to work. For the signal indicator bulb make sure you get a AC-DC bulb or it won't work properly.

olhogrider · **Reply #8 on:** May 30, 2011, 08:53:06 pm

Quote from: r80rt on May 30, 2011, 08:15:39 pm

I went with leds in the stop/tail lamp, pilot lights and all the instrument lightinng, except for the engine light that needs feed both ways to work. For the signal indicator bulb make sure you get a AC-DC bulb or it won't work properly.

Uh oh. I put in an LED for the engine light and the fuel light. Are you saying the red check engine light won't work properly? It lights up when the fuel pump runs. What am I missing?

r80rt · **Reply #9 on:** May 30, 2011, 08:58:14 pm

Well if it lights up it's working properly, mine wouldn't do that. I used a led for the gas light and the little red Royal Enfield light though, maybe I should have made sure I got a AC/DC led for the engine light.

olhogrider · **Reply #10 on:** May 30, 2011, 09:04:08 pm

Ok I'll assume it is working. Mine are actually the license plate lights that have the housing as part of the light. I posted elsewhere but I didn't like the engine and gas pump pictures so I bought an ammeter and used that face. My lights shine through the holes that were rivets on the ammeter. The needle is just for looks. No function.

GSS · **Reply #11 on:** May 30, 2011, 10:37:24 pm

Quote from: olhogrider on May 30, 2011, 08:53:06 pm

Uh oh. I put in an LED for the engine light and the fuel light. Are you saying the red check engine light won't work properly? It lights up when the fuel pump runs. What am I missing?

I have LED everywhere except turn signals, tail/brake and check engine light. I tried 2 different 1157s from SuperbrightLED for the tail/brake but none were as bright as the incandescent. The check engine LED simply didn't work...if yours does light up then it is great!

r80rt · **Reply #12 on:** May 31, 2011, 10:51:42 pm

This is the tail/stop LED I'm using, it seems pretty bright to me.
http://www.superbrightleds.com/cgi-bin/store/index.cgi?action=DispPage&Page2Disp=%2Fspecs%2F1157-R19W6_motorcycle_bulb.htm

GSS · **Reply #13 on:** May 31, 2011, 11:59:15 pm

This is one of the bulbs I tried as well. It is the brightest that they seem to have and is fine if you stand directly behind the bike. The illumination on the sides was the bigger issue from my perspective, and the clear bulbs on the sides for illuminating the license plate cast a yellowish light through the red tail light. The OEM incandescent was much better IMHO, so I stayed with that and ended up adding a second LED tail/brake unit behind the seat, and 2 LED side marker lights. I posted the photo in another string earlier. http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/forum/index.php/topic,7829.75.html

r80rt · **Reply #14 on:** June 01, 2011, 12:09:59 am

You've got her lit up like a Chinese gun boat, they shouldn't have any trouble seeing you after dark.

GSS · **Reply #15 on:** June 01, 2011, 04:02:43 am

No one remembers motorcycles after 8 months of winter in Minnesota. Anything to enhance our visibility is helpful although I did go overboard when I failed to find a good 1157 LED!

r80rt · **Reply #16 on:** June 01, 2011, 04:13:17 am

Looks like you did a good job on it to me, it ain't overboard if it keeps you safe

Sub · **Reply #17 on:** June 01, 2011, 02:25:34 pm

Ya that bulb looks great dead behind but off axis and almost nothing. Look at the diagram - only a 40deg viewing angle!!

r80rt · **Reply #18 on:** June 01, 2011, 02:44:43 pm

I've got one on my bike and I can see it perfectly well from the side, it's hard to miss a bright red light in the dark.

Do what you think is best, ya gotta feel safe.

r80rt · **Reply #19 on:** June 01, 2011, 05:03:26 pm

Quote from: r80rt on May 29, 2011, 03:37:06 pm

I've read that if you just change the rear signals to leds and leave the front ones as they are, you'll have enough resistance for them to work. I've not tried it so I don't know if it's true or not.

I tried this theory on my C5 today, it does not work.