LED Taillight Bulbs....

[Vince Lupo]

Has anyone tried an LED taillight bulb in place of a standard incandescent bulb? I was reading the December issue of Classic Bike, and editor Hugo Wilson installed one in his '54 Thunderbird. He said that they are brighter and draw less current than standard bulbs, and wondering if anyone else has tried them. I don't know if most everyone uses 1157 bulbs, but I'd be interested in using an LED conversion for that type of taillight bulb on my '66 SuperHawk.

Thanks!

 

[chrisf]

Yeah, they're great. Just make sure you get clear. One thing to consider is that they are directional and my not light your license plate well.

--Chris

 

[locOleoN]

Yep.. I use an 1157 bulb led specially designed run off a stator, rather than an alternator.
I bought a some LEDS on ebay and the never worked properly...

I got mine from JD Motorcycle Lighting & Accessories at: (416) 284-8202
http://www.jdcustomlighting.com/
jd@customlighting.com

John hand makes them for bikes that run off a stator and it work amazing...

John will most likely be at the bike show this weekend.

 

[Scarcat]

??? confused ???

An alternator has two parts ... stator and rotor. Sorta can't have one without the other to make an alternator.

I'm feeling quite confused. Am I missing something?

 

[TonUpSoldier]

ppl commonly refer to a motorcycle alternator as simply a stator. We all know its an alternator, or a generator, depending, but i think Noel was refering to the fact that they guy makes them to run off a motorcycle design alternator rather than a car.

 

[rudy]

All methods of turning a rotational energy into electrical energy will result in the creation of an electrical sine wave, better known as AC (alternating current). Generators have something called a commutator. This mechanically turns the AC into DC by using carbon brushes to make contact between the positive (or negative) output lead and the winding that is at it's peak of the voltage generating cycle in it's rotation. Mechanical rectification = high maintenance and unreliability.

Modern generation of DC in vehicle charging systems is done by electrical rectification with that magical little box aptly called the "rectifier", which is usually some arrangement of diodes. This is called an alternator because it produces AC (alternating, hence the name) which is later rectified to DC as mentioned. Therefore bikes DO have alternators, much the same as cars do. Stators (stationary) and rotors (rotating) are just the different parts of it and are found in generators, alternators and motors. How nice and smooth your output voltage is depends on how many "poles" or "phases" the system has, the speed at which the rotor is turning, as well as the battery's ability to fill in the gaps between the pulses of DC (capacitor effect). I'm sure that this is where the brilliant Mr. John's lights will shine (pun intended ).

If the power is lumpy and the bulb is designed in such a way that it will need above a certain voltage, lets say 12 volts, to actually turn on and shed some light, the RMS (average) voltage of the lumpy system could quite possibly be too low and provide no light at all. Incandescent lights don't care about voltage fluctuations. They will just glow a little dimmer at a lower voltage. So, if you have an old Honda with a two phase system that only runs one phase without the headlight on, better give John a ring and get him to hook you up with the goods.

;D Just couldn't resist using my 3 years of college for some kind of good ;D

 

[Vince Lupo]

Actually I think my system is a 3 phase (if I'm not mistaken), and yes, the third phase is engaged when the headlight is turned on. I was doing a bit of research online, and one particular LED website said to order the same colour bulb as your lens. So, if your taillight lens is red, then you should order a red bulb. And this particular site has a 'wide angled' version...I'll post the link here so you guys can check it out.

And I'd love to be at the show this weekend in T.O, but I'm about 530 miles away. Guess I'll have to wait for the DC show to come, which is next weekend.

Here is the link: http://www.superbrightleds.com/tail-brake-turn.html

 

[TonUpSoldier]

I can attest to the fact that a red LED with a red lens doesnt work. Its dim as hell. However i switched based on suggestions here to a white LED and there's a VAST improvement.

 

[Vince Lupo]

I appreciate the insight. In the interim I ordered a red bulb from these guys. There is a money back guarantee if I'm not happy, so if I need to send them back it's not a big deal.
I'm always trying to find ways to boost the output (and reduce the draw) of my charging system, as it's only putting out 13 volts which is about as good as it gets. These vintage Honda charging systems were never flame throwers to begin with, so I try to take any advantage to help it out whenever I can.