Any thoughts/experience on LED indicator bulbs

[FJmonkey]

Are we talking about the FJ flash unit? When the circuit is OPEN (blown bulb) it flashes faster so we know a problem exists. Add a resistor and the flash rate is back to normal...

[aviationfred]

I should have the resistors tomorrow. I will install them and add the results here. Along with whether or not I can wire them in without removing the main fairing.

Fred

[Dads_FJ]

The resistors are used to increase the current flowing thru the flasher's bimetallic element. An electronic flasher uses a timing circuit to turn the current on and off, it is NOT dependant on the amount of current flowing...

A bimetallic device uses the amount of current flowing thru a circuit to heat the element. As it heats, the 2 metals expand at different rates, therefore causing the bimetallic element to bend away from the unfixed pole, therefore creating an open. When open, it cools and bends back to the unfixed pole, and closing the circuit, and the cycle begins all over....

Since LEDs use MUCH less current, the bimetallic element never opens, and the signlas don't flash.  If you've ever used a trailer with the standard flasher, you probably noticed that the flash rate was much faster when the lights were connected. This is because the current draw is higher and the bimetal element heats up faster...

Do you know if the FJ incorporate a bimetalllic style or an electronic style?

[RichBaker]

The resistors are used to increase the current flowing thru the flasher's bimetallic element. An electronic flasher uses a timing circuit to turn the current on and off, it is NOT dependant on the amount of current flowing...

A bimetallic device uses the amount of current flowing thru a circuit to heat the element. As it heats, the 2 metals expand at different rates, therefore causing the bimetallic element to bend away from the unfixed pole, therefore creating an open. When open, it cools and bends back to the unfixed pole, and closing the circuit, and the cycle begins all over....

Since LEDs use MUCH less current, the bimetallic element never opens, and the signlas don't flash.  If you've ever used a trailer with the standard flasher, you probably noticed that the flash rate was much faster when the lights were connected. This is because the current draw is higher and the bimetal element heats up faster...

Do you know if the FJ incorporate a bimetalllic style or an electronic style?

Not sure, the way it acts with LEDs, I've always assumed it was bimetallic.... To be sure, I'd have to open one up. Not going to do that to my functional unit, though...

[nurse]

I should have the resistors tomorrow. I will install them and add the results here. Along with whether or not I can wire them in without removing the main fairing.

Fred

Did you manage to have a go at doing the resistors?  Don't forget to post up and let us know!

[Goetz]

I just installed led turn signals today, they suck. put load resistors on the back pair, and they flash at a good rate but only 4 of the sixteen leds light up. its these here...

[FJmonkey]

So kind of late but I found the resisters that I used that passed the long burn-in test. Radio Shack 271-1101, 1/2 watt 10-Ohm, used 2 in parallel.

[fj11.5]

Just taking the piss,, liquid electrical tape , heated seat ect ect ,, seen an apprentice sparky use the stuff on a live fire panel, 24v , arked out the tube when applying the the stuff and that shit burns , quickly ,, 

[FJmonkey]

Just taking the piss,, liquid electrical tape , heated seat ect ect ,, seen an apprentice sparky use the stuff on a live fire panel, 24v , arked out the tube when applying the the stuff and that shit burns , quickly ,, 

The liquid electrical tape in the uncured condition will be rich with solvent. Depending on the solvent can be quick to burn. Once the tape dries, solvent evaporated, it will be no more flammable then regular electrical tape.

[movenon]

 

[nurse]

Ok folks, quick update.  Have bought theses

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/300811936141?var=600065252626&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

And these

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/360449150191?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

Have fitted one of the bulbs and they are seriously bright!! I mean bright like you could use them as a headlight!  The flash rate with out resistors is ok, I could probably live with it at a push.  But I will install the resistors at the weekend and see what the flash rate is like, have a trial and see what I think works best.  I  will let you know you guys know what I think and post up pictures if I can. 

[Arnie]

Nurse,

Those are some seriously expensive and extremely bright lights.
Won't be anyone able to say they didn't see you,
unless they're now claiming to have been blinded by your lights.

Just out of interest, are these things legal to use on public roads?

Arnie

[SlowOldGuy]

From my observation, any lighting product that provides better visibility for a motorcycle is usually considered illegal by some official department.

However, I will NOT stop using my 80/100W headlight bulbs in the FJs or the HID light I just installed in my FZ.

DavidR.

[carey]

From my observation, any lighting product that provides better visibility for a motorcycle is usually considered illegal by some official department.

However, I will NOT stop using my 80/100W headlight bulbs in the FJs or the HID light I just installed in my FZ.

DavidR.

Troublemaker   

[nurse]

Nurse,

Those are some seriously expensive and extremely bright lights.
Won't be anyone able to say they didn't see you,
unless they're now claiming to have been blinded by your lights.

Just out of interest, are these things legal to use on public roads?

Arnie

Well I guess if you are comparing to normal filament bulbs they are a bit steep, but as far as stand alone led bulbs go they are only and extra £5 each compared to the more common led bulbs i have seen all over ebay and they are quoted to last about 50,000 hours so it should need to change them in my life time, but as said they are bright.  They just about fit in the Givi rack indicator housing, they are a bit longer and the fitting may need some fiddling/modding but I will see over the weekend and let you know.

As for legality there are no regulations on brightness of bulbs they just have to be clearly visible and flash at an appropriate rate.  Beside what policeman in their right mind would believe "honestly officer one second he was signalling left the next thing I knew everything went dark, I was blinded by his indicators!" I imagine the officers response will be something along the lines of "right you are sir, if you wouldn't mind blowing into this here road side breath tester I'm sure we can sort this out"