Question... Has anybody replaced their stock 1157 or 1156 bulbs for LED bulbs on their bike? Is it that simple? I know they are brighter, wondering if I could do a simple replacement.. Thanks..
It has been a couple of years, but my son tried to do this on his Jeep. His objective was not brightness, but lower current draw when he parked with the blinkers on (why -- don't ask, and I won't tell!). His shiny new bulbs would not operate his flasher, since they did not draw as much current. Not wishing to redesign the flasher module for lower current, he abandoned the project.
Moral of story:
Check the current draw of both types of bulbs before you invest in replacements.
I was unable to ascertain from the manuals just how the flasher works on the Magna. In most automobiles, the current from the bulbs operates the flasher. I suspect this feature is meant to alert the driver, through reduced rate flashing, that a bulb is defective. If the flash rate does not vary with the bulb current (which you can check by simply removing a bulb and watching what happens) then you should be able to replace with lower current LED bulbs without difficulty.
Let us know what you find out. I too would like to have the brighter bulbs. :smile:
I have seen a direct replacement LED for both models of lights. Have not done it myself, but keep thinking about it. Guess when the bulb burns out I will. I don't have a link, but if you google it I am sure you will get plenty of results.
http://www.superbrightleds.com/other.htm
Thanks guys. I'll try to find a replacement and try one bulb on the tail light and go from there.. :D
Lance, when I followed the link provided above, I found a link to an explanation of current draw, light measurement, etc.
http://www.superbrightleds.com/carbulb-notes.htm
Good read on the problem.
I have done what you are wanting to do. I am still in the process but I experimented with amber stock bulb in the front blinkers and LED in the rear.
This item fixed the flash issue and it will work on our 3 wire system, direct plug in, no wire cutting. They state on the website in rare conditions if you have LED's in all 4 blinkers you might have an issue. My plan was to put LED in the rear blinkers than maybe switch the front.
ELFR-1 Electronic Flasher Relay
http://www.customled.com/PRODUCTS/FLASHER_RELAY/flasher_relay.htm#elfr1
All I can find is a 1.25 inch cluster LED for the rear blinker, the 1.80 inch looks to be too large.
http://www.customdynamics.com/motorcycle_led_bulbs.htm
I have a bayonet style I bought from Pepboys for a basis point, fairly bright but too small around, I haven't tried the bayonet with bulbs shooting light out the sides. IIRC, I emailed a guy who bought one off ebay and he was hoping for more light, that's why I think the larger cluster type will work better.
Thanks Terry and Lawrence for the info. :-D