modernizing lights

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  • timebombprod
    Forum Sage
    • Nov 2019
    • 1666
    • spring hill florida

    #1

    modernizing lights

    is there white bulbs for my bike i can order? i dont want ones that blind people but itd be nicer to have a clearer view.
    Ian

    1982 GS650GLZ
    1982 XS650
  • posplayr
    Forum LongTimer
    GSResource Superstar
    Past Site Supporter
    • Dec 2007
    • 23673
    • Tucson Az

    #2
    Yes there are more modern lights (specifically LED) but you will have to be more specific about what you want (e.g. headlamp , tail light, directionals etc)

    Some are plug and play and other require some mods depending upon which you are talking about.

    Comment

    • timebombprod
      Forum Sage
      • Nov 2019
      • 1666
      • spring hill florida

      #3
      Originally posted by posplayr
      Yes there are more modern lights (specifically LED) but you will have to be more specific about what you want (e.g. headlamp , tail light, directionals etc)

      Some are plug and play and other require some mods depending upon which you are talking about.

      im talking about my headlamp and is there a high and low beam pack or just one.

      with my taillights and rear indicators i want to get a taillight with the indicators inside the taillight so it cleans the bikes look up a bit, and id shorten the length of the bar for the front indicators
      Ian

      1982 GS650GLZ
      1982 XS650

      Comment

      • posplayr
        Forum LongTimer
        GSResource Superstar
        Past Site Supporter
        • Dec 2007
        • 23673
        • Tucson Az

        #4
        Originally posted by timebombprod
        im talking about my headlamp and is there a high and low beam pack or just one.

        with my taillights and rear indicators i want to get a taillight with the indicators inside the taillight so it cleans the bikes look up a bit, and id shorten the length of the bar for the front indicators
        Sound like you are asking about styling modernization not LED conversions.

        Comment

        • timebombprod
          Forum Sage
          • Nov 2019
          • 1666
          • spring hill florida

          #5
          Originally posted by posplayr
          Sound like you are asking about styling modernization not LED conversions.
          no i still want the normal headlamp just with an LED but i do have plans for the rest, just now i was looking for an led bulb for the headlamp.
          Ian

          1982 GS650GLZ
          1982 XS650

          Comment

          • cowboyup3371
            Forum LongTimer
            Past Site Supporter
            • Apr 2010
            • 13996
            • In Ohio Now

            #6
            Search through the archives - there are lots of threads for lights like the Truck-lite and others that will work with these bikes but may require a different sized bucket
            Cowboy Up or Quit. - Run Free Lou and Rest in Peace

            1981 GS550T - My First
            1981 GS550L - My Eldest Daughter's - Now Sold
            2007 GSF1250SA Bandit - My touring bike

            Sit tall in the saddle Hold your head up high
            Keep your eyes fixed where the trail meets the sky and live like you ain't afraid to die
            and don't be scared, just enjoy your ride - Chris Ledoux, "The Ride"

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            • Rich82GS750TZ
              Forum Guru
              Past Site Supporter
              Super Site Supporter
              • Jun 2018
              • 5569
              • Mifflinburg, PA / Land of Tar & Chip

              #7
              Lots about the Trucklite (@$150) brand and others whole headlamp direct replacements in this thread. IF you?ve a 7? bucket, and IF you?ve upgraded your RR to a series type like the SH775 to handle the lower draw of an LED, the Trucklite is a great improvement over stock. So glad I got one. I?ve not read any reports on how any of the cheaper (@50) Trucklight knockoffs (some with a fancy varying aiming beam) stack up.

              here?s one thread

              IIRC Grimly has used some LED bulbs w/ the stock housing/lens with success. As Scott said, lots of threads here about LED lights. When you search, do advanced, search titles only to get any meaningful results.
              Links

              Comment

              • Steve
                GS Whisperer
                • Jun 2005
                • 35924
                • southwest oHIo

                #8
                For a headlight, there are several LED replacement "bulbs", but many (most?) of them won't fit in a motorcycle headlight bucket, especially one as small as on your L. There is also no direct replacement, as the L bikes have a strange size headlight that is not used anywhere in the automotive world.

                Many of us have installed a TruckLite 27270C light, but it will require a different headlight bucket and mounting arms. The difference in light output is quite phenomenal. Most of the guys that have considered the TruckLite have balked at the price (about $150, plus the bucket and arms), but after installation, they have all said pretty much the same thing, "I don't know why I waited so long to do this".

                Regarding the rest of your lights: an LED tail/brake light is a good idea, but it's a bit difficult to find a replacement "bulb" that will work in the stock light housing. An even better idea is to replace the whole light with an aftermarket light. You have an advantage with your L in that it simply bolts to a bracket and does not have to match up with any body lines, so just about any aftermarket light would work.

                As far as turn signals go: do you want to "look good" or "be seen"? Incorporating your rear signals into the brake light housing may look cool, but nobody will be able to see them. Same thing with the front. Installing shorter stalks will put the signals closer to the headlight, which will overpower the signals and you simply won't see them.

                Then you have to consider that if you install LED turn signals, you will have to change the flasher unit, too.

                .
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                • Guest

                  #9
                  Originally posted by timebombprod
                  is there white bulbs for my bike i can order? i dont want ones that blind people but itd be nicer to have a clearer view.
                  Look at some of these. http://www.superlumination.com/

                  Comment

                  • wyly
                    Forum Mentor
                    • Nov 2015
                    • 957
                    • calgary canada

                    #10
                    I upgraded my '79 Honda headlight at Xenon Depot, plug and play, great improvement.
                    1979 CBX, AW440 Maico, GS1150EF
                    http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...ine=1447792849

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