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Rear lights - LED?

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Mr Grumpy View Drop Down
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    Posted: 08 Jul 2019 at 11:30
Replacing old fashioned bulbs with LED.

It was MOT time last Saturday for the B750.  Before taking it, I had a check around with attention to the lights. I was horrified to find the stop/tail light not working. How long had it been like that? I should check more often.

I took the bulb out and it was completely blown - gone white. Luckily I had a spare in a box in my garage - probably had it for 15 years! 

I though I would buy one of those LED stop/ tail bulbs as I am worried that a bulb could blow and leave me with no back or brake light.

Anyone had any experience of doing this?


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iansoady View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote iansoady Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Jul 2019 at 11:54
They are of variable quality - some of the cheaper ones are useless. I tried some (6 volt) on my Norton and they were dimmer than the conventional bulbs.
Ian
1952 Norton ES2
1986 Honda XBR500
1958-ish Greeves/Triumph in progress
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Mr Grumpy View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Mr Grumpy Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Jul 2019 at 12:02
I bought some cheapo ones on ebay - I'll see what they are like. We've had new COB LED lighting put in at work - it's like being under the spotlights at Wembley. 
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Mike H View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Mike H Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Jul 2019 at 17:47
What I learned from buying DRL's for the car (and also got one on the Ural's sidecar bumper bar), is that good quality costs. The cheap ones were total crap and not even waterproof!

Look for Cree, and that kind of brand.




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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote sardineone Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Jul 2019 at 21:05
Since I'm running HV ignition coils that draw a bit more current over the wimpy stockers on my Lemans 1000, I've switched to 1157 LED replacements that I bought at AutoZone here in the US. Better battery charging at low rpms and are plenty bright enough.
George

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Brian UK View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Brian UK Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Jul 2019 at 21:58
Depending on the bike model, the rear light also illuminates the number plate. Thus you can only use a white LED.
It also means the LED is capable of showing light in that direction, some will not.

This type is useless.

This type should be better. Just check where they come from.
Brian.

Better 5 minutes late in this world than years early in the next.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Brian UK Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Jul 2019 at 22:01
When I had my Spada III I made up an LED stop tail out oflots of low and high power LEDs wired 5 in series (to make up 15 volts), low power for the tail light, high power for the stop. Much brighter than the original twin bulb setup. I also added some yellow LEDs to illuminate the yellow number plate. No problems at MOT time.
Brian.

Better 5 minutes late in this world than years early in the next.
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Mr Grumpy View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Mr Grumpy Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Jul 2019 at 12:44
The ones I ordered were like the latter - all round and white.  When they arrive I will let you know what they are like. 

The breva has only got one bulb in the tail unit - two is far better as I always fear it will blow leaving me without a brake light. Could I piggy-back another brake light on? Got a rear rack on the bike?


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Brian UK View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Brian UK Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Jul 2019 at 20:13
Yes, and use another LED.  I have a Givi top box with a red lens in it. I put some LEDs behind it. Givi do sell the complete light to fit, but it is expensive. Gives a high level light.
Brian.

Better 5 minutes late in this world than years early in the next.
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