CustomLED 3rd eye install (pics inside)
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 363
From: Shreveport / Bossier City
CustomLED 3rd eye install (pics inside)
I have been reading threads about what to do with the 3rd eye, and in several are recommendations for LED's as a replacement. Although, in all the threads i have viewed (may have missed some) i havent seen any pics installed on a hawk to show the difference. So..... i ordered a pair and stuck them in. for 10 seconds of labor, and 14 bucks (price per pair + shipping) i think it was worth it. I HATED that nasty yellow looking 3rd eye.
The bulb is a 194, and the link i used is this one....
http://www.customled.com/products/le.../led_bulbs.htm
The pics were taken with a crappy iPhone, so im sorry for the lack of quality.
Stock: (aka: NASTY)
CustomLED installed.. close up:
CustomLED installed, from a few feet away
The bulb is a 194, and the link i used is this one....
http://www.customled.com/products/le.../led_bulbs.htm
The pics were taken with a crappy iPhone, so im sorry for the lack of quality.
Stock: (aka: NASTY)
CustomLED installed.. close up:
CustomLED installed, from a few feet away
Last edited by Mike996; Nov 24, 2009 at 06:04 AM. Reason: Listed wrong company for bulb sourcing
Junior Member
Squid
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 21
what version did you think worked best from your link?
What color white did you get it looks a little blue in the pics. I have thought of getting a brighter light for the 3rd eye. What white color looks closest to the headlamp color in your opinion?
What color white did you get it looks a little blue in the pics. I have thought of getting a brighter light for the 3rd eye. What white color looks closest to the headlamp color in your opinion?
Senior Member
SuperBike
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,978
From: thorold ontario
Mines the exact same color. After putting in my hid it just looked extremely yellow. So I did the ssme thing. Led penut bulb. Same color as yours. Matches my 6000k hid very close. Looks good 
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 363
From: Shreveport / Bossier City
They are sold per pair and not in single units. These are the details of the ones i got:
http://www.customled.com/products/le.../led_bulbs.htm
Net,
This is definately a clear bulb, but it gives off a blueish tint. It is MUCH more blue than my H4 headlight bulb. Im not sure which one would match the headlight.
Last edited by Mike996; Nov 24, 2009 at 06:05 AM.
RUNLEVELZERO #99
SuperBike
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,218
From: Skokie
I presume you have the white 194 eq U installed; i.e. WLED-W4?
http://www.superbrightleds.com/specs/WLED-x4.htm
Does anyone know if these will work in our speedos, tachos, etc? Which are special lower wattage 12v-1.7w (1.4w after 1998 except for the sidestand indicator light) 194 bulbs (which are normally 12v-5w and the heat may be too much in the VTR instruments). The WLED-W4 are .433" in diameter versus the standard 194 (and Honda PN 34909-KW3-003*) at .387" in diameter; but will they fit into the holes in the back of the instruments? The WLED-W4 is 1.014" long and the OEM* Honda 1.7w is .987" long.
The 74-x (see below) is .736" long so its too short (diameter not given); and the 74-xHP is even shorter and .22 in diameter (so it would fit in the hole).
http://www.superbrightleds.com/specs/74-x.html
http://www.superbrightleds.com/specs/74-xHP.html
My question for those of you with a WLED-W4 (for your "3rd eye"), can you check and report back if it will fit into the instruments? If so, its extra length may be OK though it may actually be too bright; so the red WLED-R4 could be about perfect! Note: Only the WLED-W4 and WLED-R4 are non-polarized like the OE* bulbs.
http://www.superbrightleds.com/specs/WLED-x4.htm
Does anyone know if these will work in our speedos, tachos, etc? Which are special lower wattage 12v-1.7w (1.4w after 1998 except for the sidestand indicator light) 194 bulbs (which are normally 12v-5w and the heat may be too much in the VTR instruments). The WLED-W4 are .433" in diameter versus the standard 194 (and Honda PN 34909-KW3-003*) at .387" in diameter; but will they fit into the holes in the back of the instruments? The WLED-W4 is 1.014" long and the OEM* Honda 1.7w is .987" long.
The 74-x (see below) is .736" long so its too short (diameter not given); and the 74-xHP is even shorter and .22 in diameter (so it would fit in the hole).
http://www.superbrightleds.com/specs/74-x.html
http://www.superbrightleds.com/specs/74-xHP.html
My question for those of you with a WLED-W4 (for your "3rd eye"), can you check and report back if it will fit into the instruments? If so, its extra length may be OK though it may actually be too bright; so the red WLED-R4 could be about perfect! Note: Only the WLED-W4 and WLED-R4 are non-polarized like the OE* bulbs.
Last edited by skokievtr; Nov 23, 2009 at 03:40 PM.
RUNLEVELZERO #99
SuperBike
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,218
From: Skokie
Mike998 DID NOT get the "Superbriteleds.com" bulbs I referenced (and he initially gave a link to).
Instead, it appears he got these
http://www.customled.com/products/le.../led_bulbs.htm
The Customled bulbs should work either in the 3rd eye & instruments but no specs are provided in regard to size, draw, lumins, CCT or beam, AND they are more expensive than the Superbrites.
Does anyone have a Superbrite WLED-x4 to try to fit in the instruments?
Mike996: Can you try your Customled T3-1/4 in the instruments & report?
Instead, it appears he got these
http://www.customled.com/products/le.../led_bulbs.htm
The Customled bulbs should work either in the 3rd eye & instruments but no specs are provided in regard to size, draw, lumins, CCT or beam, AND they are more expensive than the Superbrites.
Does anyone have a Superbrite WLED-x4 to try to fit in the instruments?
Mike996: Can you try your Customled T3-1/4 in the instruments & report?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 363
From: Shreveport / Bossier City
Mike998 DID NOT get the "Superbriteleds.com" bulbs I referenced (and he initially gave a link to).
Instead, it appears he got these
http://www.customled.com/products/le.../led_bulbs.htm
The Customled bulbs should work either in the 3rd eye & instruments but no specs are provided in regard to size, draw, lumins, CCT or beam, AND they are more expensive than the Superbrites.
Does anyone have a Superbrite WLED-x4 to try to fit in the instruments?
Mike996: Can you try your Customled T3-1/4 in the instruments & report?
Instead, it appears he got these
http://www.customled.com/products/le.../led_bulbs.htm
The Customled bulbs should work either in the 3rd eye & instruments but no specs are provided in regard to size, draw, lumins, CCT or beam, AND they are more expensive than the Superbrites.
Does anyone have a Superbrite WLED-x4 to try to fit in the instruments?
Mike996: Can you try your Customled T3-1/4 in the instruments & report?
I'll go back and edit the thread tomorrow with the correct info. (no wonder I couldn't find the direct link to those f***in bulbs.)
Oh, and I haven't looked at the cluster bulbs yet, if I get a chance, I'll see if the spare will fit in the cluster.
RUNLEVELZERO #99
SuperBike
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,218
From: Skokie
ya know what... You're right. Somehow I started off on a link to superbright LEDs website, and somehow (alcohol was probably a factor) I ordered them from someone completely different. I'm sitting here looking at the custom led box the stuff came in wondering how the f**k I did all that without realizing it at some point. Wow.
I'll go back and edit the thread tomorrow with the correct info. (no wonder I couldn't find the direct link to those f***in bulbs.)
Oh, and I haven't looked at the cluster bulbs yet, if I get a chance, I'll see if the spare will fit in the cluster.
I'll go back and edit the thread tomorrow with the correct info. (no wonder I couldn't find the direct link to those f***in bulbs.)
Oh, and I haven't looked at the cluster bulbs yet, if I get a chance, I'll see if the spare will fit in the cluster.
Always Learning
Back Marker
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 148
From: Northern Illinois
OK I just figured out my @$$ from a hole in the ground so I am still overwhelmed with that knowledge but from what I am reading, are you saying that I can brighten up my guage cluster just by buying new bulbs? The only reason I ask is I have gone to do that b4 with some custom guages on other bikes and the lights are sealed within. So, I never even checked my Hawk.
RUNLEVELZERO #99
SuperBike
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,218
From: Skokie
OK I just figured out my @$$ from a hole in the ground so I am still overwhelmed with that knowledge but from what I am reading, are you saying that I can brighten up my guage cluster just by buying new bulbs? The only reason I ask is I have gone to do that b4 with some custom guages on other bikes and the lights are sealed within. So, I never even checked my Hawk.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 363
From: Shreveport / Bossier City
Well.. i just spent an hour confusing myself. I took apart my gauge cluster to realize that since i have a 2001 hawk im guessing my bulbs are different from the older models. The bulbs in mine are about HALF the size of a 194. They look more like the tiny instrument cluster bulbs that i had to replace in my eclipse.
BUT....
I wasnt happy so i took my wifes gauge cluster apart on her 2005 GS500, and guess what... hers takes 194's.
so....
I had some extra standard NON-LED 194 bulbs laying around so i tried them out. The picture im posting is of a standard 194 bulb. Where i circled with yellow in the center is the green and blue things im about to discuss.
On bulb 1, standard 194, it had a green center thingie that i marked in yellow. it was very low watt, and looked more yellow than white.
On bulb 2, standard 194, it had a blue center thingie that i marked in yellow. It was MUCH brighter.
Finally, i put the LED 194 in to compare to the bright standard 194
Standard bulb with blue thingie on the left, LED bulb on the right.
I know this is confusing, but ive had a few whiskey drinks tonight, and its the best i can do at the moment. I brought my wife into the garage and showed her the difference. She likes the standard 194 look better. Im more of a fan of the LED 194 myself. to each his or her own.
BUT....
I wasnt happy so i took my wifes gauge cluster apart on her 2005 GS500, and guess what... hers takes 194's.
so....
I had some extra standard NON-LED 194 bulbs laying around so i tried them out. The picture im posting is of a standard 194 bulb. Where i circled with yellow in the center is the green and blue things im about to discuss.
On bulb 1, standard 194, it had a green center thingie that i marked in yellow. it was very low watt, and looked more yellow than white.
On bulb 2, standard 194, it had a blue center thingie that i marked in yellow. It was MUCH brighter.
Finally, i put the LED 194 in to compare to the bright standard 194
Standard bulb with blue thingie on the left, LED bulb on the right.
I know this is confusing, but ive had a few whiskey drinks tonight, and its the best i can do at the moment. I brought my wife into the garage and showed her the difference. She likes the standard 194 look better. Im more of a fan of the LED 194 myself. to each his or her own.
Last edited by Mike996; Nov 24, 2009 at 07:51 PM.
RUNLEVELZERO #99
SuperBike
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,218
From: Skokie
Well.. i just spent an hour confusing myself. I took apart my gauge cluster to realize that since i have a 2001 hawk im guessing my bulbs are different from the older models. The bulbs in mine are about HALF the size of a 194. They look more like the tiny instrument cluster bulbs that i had to replace in my eclipse.
BUT....
I wasnt happy so i took my wifes gauge cluster apart on her 2005 GS500, and guess what... hers takes 194's.
so....
I had some extra standard NON-LED 194 bulbs laying around so i tried them out. The picture im posting is of a standard 194 bulb. Where i circled with yellow in the center is the green and blue things im about to discuss.
On bulb 1, standard 194, it had a green center thingie that i marked in yellow. it was very low watt, and looked more yellow than white.
On bulb 2, standard 194, it had a blue center thingie that i marked in yellow. It was MUCH brighter.
Finally, i put the LED 194 in to compare to the bright standard 194
Standard bulb with blue thingie on the left, LED bulb on the right.
I know this is confusing, but ive had a few whiskey drinks tonight, and its the best i can do at the moment. I brought my wife into the garage and showed her the difference. She likes the standard 194 look better. Im more of a fan of the LED 194 myself. to each his or her own.
BUT....
I wasnt happy so i took my wifes gauge cluster apart on her 2005 GS500, and guess what... hers takes 194's.
so....
I had some extra standard NON-LED 194 bulbs laying around so i tried them out. The picture im posting is of a standard 194 bulb. Where i circled with yellow in the center is the green and blue things im about to discuss.
On bulb 1, standard 194, it had a green center thingie that i marked in yellow. it was very low watt, and looked more yellow than white.
On bulb 2, standard 194, it had a blue center thingie that i marked in yellow. It was MUCH brighter.
Finally, i put the LED 194 in to compare to the bright standard 194
Standard bulb with blue thingie on the left, LED bulb on the right.
I know this is confusing, but ive had a few whiskey drinks tonight, and its the best i can do at the moment. I brought my wife into the garage and showed her the difference. She likes the standard 194 look better. Im more of a fan of the LED 194 myself. to each his or her own.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 363
From: Shreveport / Bossier City
If its anything like my 01 hawk you will. I had to take 3 bolts out, then remove the electric connector from the back and it was out in no time. I took 5 outside screws out on the backside to remove the bezel, then flippied it over and took the 2 screws out on the speedo and lifted the speedo face up to look at the bulb. i didnt take the needle off as i was not sure how it came off and didnt want to break it.
RUNLEVELZERO #99
SuperBike
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,218
From: Skokie
On a 98, I believe you just have to remove 2 bolts, unplug the harness If at all), lift the assembly up a bit, and pull out the rubber bulb plugs to replace a bulb. 10 minutes tops. use a little silicone spray on the rubber bulb plugs so they pop back in easier but keep it off the bulbs.
Senior Member
MotoGP
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,132
From: Phoenix, AZ
Hmm, one of my bulbs went out (I think it was the neutral) and if I recall correctly I put in a 5w one, and it has been working just fine for over 2 years that way.
RUNLEVELZERO #99
SuperBike
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,218
From: Skokie
If you've been following, the object is to decrease amp draw, improve readability and bulb life. LEDs do all.
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194, 2005, 34909kw3003, bulb, bulbs, gauge, gs500, gs500f, installation, instrument, led, mini, panel, replacement, w4, wledxhp
