im changeing taillight on 05 harley sportster to laydown type which is flatter they suggest useing a led bulb which is flat and round and will be more acceptable to the laydown lens.ive been told different stories.one person says no problem changeing regular 1157 for 1157 led,next one says i will have to install resistor in the wire.are these led bulbs really this much of a problem,isnt anything easy anymore,im just trying to have a better looking bike and didnt think there would be this much of a problem. to me a bulb is a bulb as long as its the same number.can anyone please give me a good straight answer other than dont fix whats not broke.am i really going to have all of these electrical problems everyone is talking about just for changeing a bulb. please help
2006-08-18 01:26:26 · 6 answers · asked by RAY E 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
As long as they are the same bulb (1157) you should have no problem. Make sure that the LED light is a bright, or brighter when installed, for safety!! Some colored LED bulbs do not provide enough light for a colored lens!!!!
2006-08-18 01:36:41 · answer #1 · answered by fire4511 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In an electronic circuit there is a resister in series with an LED. It has been many years since I was in school so I don't remember the formula. If the store tells you that it is a direct replacement to the 1157 then maybe there is a resister incorporated into the bulb. The dealer should have all the snswers for you.
2006-08-18 08:40:41 · answer #2 · answered by Thomas S 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just installing an LED 1157 bulb won't work the wonders you think it will. Yes, the light will be brighter but now it's focused in a smaller area than your original taillight. My bro-in-law made the change you're considering and now I refuse to follow him because when he hits the brakes it's very difficult to see his brake light come on because the beam is so focused. Better to get a complete LED taillight assembly designed that way.
2006-08-18 15:35:56 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the LED bulb is rated at the same voltage as the incandescent one no resister should be needed. I don't see a problem with that at all. It almost sounds like some Harley mechanic BS to bilk you out of more money.
2006-08-18 08:34:59 · answer #4 · answered by wernerslave 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Light Emitting Diodes use less power to produce light. As a result, you need a resistor to reduce the load traveling to the diode... otherwise it will burn up in a much shorter lifecycle. The link below will help you calculate what resistor to use with an LED. Good luck!
2006-08-18 19:02:35 · answer #5 · answered by Dave 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no you will not have any probs
2006-08-18 18:19:37 · answer #6 · answered by John L 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋