Tail Lightbulb upgrade?
06-15-2014, 07:54 AM
#1
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Tail Lightbulb upgrade?
Perhaps not an upgrade,, but more reliable.
My SH goes though a 7443 taillight bulb every 2-6 months.. always the same, broken filament.
I assume it's due to vibration, bumps and such.
I have done a MOD which allows for less voltage drop from R/R to battery (and thus the electrical system) and while that will cause incandescent bulbs to burn brighter and have a shorter life. ... I don't "think" that is the issue here.
Always using best quality bulbs I can find (so not a 7-eleven no name brand )
Always use dielectric silicone on the plug.
Bulb sockets are clean, tight and OEM quality.
So I decided to try some LED replacements.
In theory they should;
It was an Ebay purchase from JDM..
My SH goes though a 7443 taillight bulb every 2-6 months.. always the same, broken filament.
I assume it's due to vibration, bumps and such.
I have done a MOD which allows for less voltage drop from R/R to battery (and thus the electrical system) and while that will cause incandescent bulbs to burn brighter and have a shorter life. ... I don't "think" that is the issue here.
Always using best quality bulbs I can find (so not a 7-eleven no name brand )
Always use dielectric silicone on the plug.
Bulb sockets are clean, tight and OEM quality.
So I decided to try some LED replacements.
In theory they should;
- Resist vibration better
- Come to full brightness faster then an incandescent bulb
- Be more resistant to voltage issues (if there are any)
It was an Ebay purchase from JDM..
06-15-2014, 08:32 AM
#2
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Location: Phoenix, AZ
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I just experimented with some CREE led's for my taillights on my cage. They're the first ones that I've seen that are noticeably brighter than a filament bulb (not by as much as the price suggests, but you can easily tell in a side by side). A lot of the multi LED's like the ones you've shown are often dimmer than a filament bulb, but the diodes they're using are getting better so it's only a matter of time.
Here's what I used:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I haven't bought any more because of the price (probably not worth it but I had to try once!), and I'm waiting to see if there are any heat issues with the housing, melting plastic and all that.
Here's what I used:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I haven't bought any more because of the price (probably not worth it but I had to try once!), and I'm waiting to see if there are any heat issues with the housing, melting plastic and all that.
06-15-2014, 10:17 AM
#4
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Location: Bisbee, AZ
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Have also been considering LED as replacement for eventually all incandescent bulbs on the bike. I have not been having any burn out issues, I just want to reduce current draw on the alt.
E. not saying they aren't, but 800 lumens is huge. Post back and lets us know.
My tail light also illuminates the license plate so I will need a white bulb. I found these. Search Results For "7443" | LED Replacement Bulbs for Cars | 12v | Super Bright LEDs
For those with money to burn there this http://www.vleds.com/bulb-type/brake-lights/7443.htm
I guess they think that someone will pay that.
E. not saying they aren't, but 800 lumens is huge. Post back and lets us know.
My tail light also illuminates the license plate so I will need a white bulb. I found these. Search Results For "7443" | LED Replacement Bulbs for Cars | 12v | Super Bright LEDs
For those with money to burn there this http://www.vleds.com/bulb-type/brake-lights/7443.htm
I guess they think that someone will pay that.
06-15-2014, 10:33 AM
#5
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I went with LED license plate bolts long ago...when i tried a LED taillight from Clear Alternative.
After going back to the OEM tail light, I left the LED license plate bolts on... and it seems to work well... and looks good to boot.
06-15-2014, 10:42 AM
#6
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These are white LED,s though they do make the same bulb in red led, so just make sure you order the right one.
I went with LED license plate bolts long ago...when i tried a LED taillight from Clear Alternative.
After going back to the OEM tail light, I left the LED license plate bolts on... and it seems to work well... and looks good to boot.
I went with LED license plate bolts long ago...when i tried a LED taillight from Clear Alternative.
After going back to the OEM tail light, I left the LED license plate bolts on... and it seems to work well... and looks good to boot.
What is the wattage of a regular 7443. The LEDs are 33 .5w=16.5w. Hmmm.... me thinks that won't reduce current draw.
Last edited by xeris; 06-15-2014 at 10:51 AM. Reason: add
06-15-2014, 11:35 AM
#7
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06-15-2014, 12:17 PM
#8
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I use a Phillips LED bulb for the front "eye" light
Just removed dual CREE LED headlight and am back to running a Hella 130/55 H4
LED front and rear turn signals
and now LED bulbs ion the taillight.
Leaves me plenty of power for some driving lights (LED) or heated gear...likely gloves this coming winter.
Just removed dual CREE LED headlight and am back to running a Hella 130/55 H4
LED front and rear turn signals
and now LED bulbs ion the taillight.
Leaves me plenty of power for some driving lights (LED) or heated gear...likely gloves this coming winter.
06-15-2014, 02:18 PM
#10
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