Help With Updating to LED Signals / Lights

[nightmoves]

So, after hours of fruitless searching, and in an attempt to preserve my sanity, I've resorted to just asking you guys for some basic help. It seemed like a super easy update at the time I began this, but now I'm coming up empty. Why are there thousands of options for motorcycle lights?

Basically, I want to update the lights on my 1982 kz440 LTD to LED's. The plan is to lose the rear fender and eventually chop the seat and seat hoop by about 6 inches. I'm not asking for a detailed explanation regarding installation and all that, just point me in the right direction and I'll take it from there. I think what I'm looking for is a slim and streamlined LED system that can be installed under the back of the seat, and a really basic front signal set.

Here are a couple of shots of the back end of the bike for reference. I know lights aren't a huge investment, but I figured I'd attempt to narrow down my options here before ordering parts.






Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[krafty]

Unfortunately as you already mentioned there are about a million different options. If you are a DIY kinda guy you can buy some of the LED strips and build your own brake and tail lights and fit them however you best like the look. There are whole bunch of examples in this thread: http://www.dotheton.com/forum/index.php?topic=14127.0

As far as turn signals go, figure out the general shape you like first and begin searching that way. There are round lights, oval lights, triangle-shaped, bullets, etc. Once you have that shape narrowed down you can start searching. Most will be from China. Most will not be DOT-approved, although they all work just fine. Some will be $15, some will be $150. Some will be single-element (turn only), some will be dual (turn and marker). One of the primary differences you'll encounter is that most aftermarket signal lights have a ground wire while your originals probably are grounded directly through the frame. Plan on adding ground loops or running ground wires to them.

I was in the same boat as you a few months ago. I started bookmarking the ones I liked on various websites and on ebay. Eventually I settled on a tail light and turn signals, and then I changed my mind. Eventually I ordered these:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Motorcycle-Rear-Brake-Light-License-Plate-Bracket-LED-Custom-Tail-Light-Tail-/200989803151?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2ecbed028f&vxp=mtr
http://www.ebay.com/itm/BLACK-AMBER-BULLET-LED-TURN-SIGNALS-for-Harley-Softail-Dyna-Sportster-V-Rod-/380707383409?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item58a3eda871&vxp=mtr

Good luck.

 

[nightmoves]

That's awesome. Really really appreciate the point in the right direction. I like the look of the lights you picked up on ebay. I'll try to narrow down what I'm willing to deal with (don't have a whole lot of electrical experience) and go from there.

Thanks again for the help! This was exactly the input I've been looking for.