| Author | Message | ||
     Kybueller |
Just installed a clear alternatives LED tail light. I like it, has a good glow to it, and really bright when the brake is put on. I will try to get some pictures up later. Greg | ||
| Ara |
Greg, I've heard that LED tail and brake lights aren't a good idea for lens setups that were designed for incandescent bulbs. Evidently the LEDs are plenty bright when viewed through a very narrow arc, but are insufficiently bright off axis. Be sure your new lighting is safe. | ||
| Duff24 |
also if your license plate is underneath the taillight like on the Firebolts, there won't be any light getting to it with an LED... | ||
| Rr_eater |
What are you guys talking about? I have a Heavy Cycles LED tail light I bought from American Sport Bike, and it is the brightest, most easily viewable tail light on the planet if you ask me, but oh wait....... While on a recent large group ride/chase through the california mountains a couple weeks ago, I was time and time again approached and comments made to the effect of "that is the dam brightest tailight we have ever seen". They could see it half way across a 3/4 mile valley, in BRIGHT fall daylight. Be carefull when condeming LED tailights to the "not bright enough" idea, or against the law idea (if they are the right color!!), per a CHP officer after I approached him and asked the question MYSELF. The primary concern in reguards to the law is color and intensity (lack of). He actually said he wondered why all vehicles did not come with them now, ESPECIALLY motorcycles(hmmmm, wonder if the X might be proof of that........). If you are using a cheap honda-zone crap LED, then that is another story, especially if using the factory incandesent-intended reflector and red lense. American Sport Bike's kit comes with a whole board assembly of PROPERLY positioned and aimed LEDs, clear lense, and LEDs specifically positioned and aimed to light the licence plate on Firebolt models and de-tailed Lightnings like mine. So be careful before hammering the "LED are bad" mentality out there. Do your research and buy quality components, those are the things you should concentrate on BEFORE modifying or changing components related to safety and visibility. Bruce | ||
| Aldaytona |
I think those guys were commenting on LED 1157 replacement bulbs and they were correct. Those applications are not good as they do not project light onto the chrome backing plate and reduce the surface area of the tail light itself. The more expensive LED purpose made tail light assemblies, like you mentioned, are the way to go. | ||
| Cruisin |
I switched to a clear taillight lens and put an 1157 bulb in and it's definitely brighter than stock. I think having a clear lens lets the light come through better. Also, if you use these you do get some reflection off the backing:  http://www.ledtronics.com | ||
| Kybueller |
I have the clear lens and it seems to do pretty well, even off axis. My plate has another light for it. I will ask my friends that ride behind to tell me how it does. Greg |
