LEDs and a GS1000E

[SandPVRR]

Hello All,
Been looking to reduce the load on the charging system on my 78 GS-1000E. I do a lot of short rides and I'm concerned that eventually I'll wear the battery down.
I've been reviewing SuperBrightLEDs.com - and I need some advise.
First of all - I am assuming that the rear tail light is an 1157 type bulb? Also my gauge lights have blown and I'd like to replace them with LEDs as well. I'd also like to swap the plate light and the running lights as well. I have a WindJammer SS fairing so I need 1157 types for that as well. Has anyone swapped the running lights and left the rear directionals alone? Does it significantly alter the flash speed? Should I just go whole hog and swap the flasher unit for a no-load unit as well?
Thoughts?
-Joey

 

[Eli69]

here's what i did. http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=118025 still working fine after about three years. i did have to replace the flasher with an electronic version. i'm not sure about replacing both front and back signals with leds yet but i am going to try it soon since i just bought a set for the rear.

i'm not sure if the self-cancel unit will still work but i'll let ya know.

 

[SandPVRR]

Eli - Please advise if the self cancel still works - frankly I'd rather it Didn't - I find the self cancelling directionals to be more annoying than anything. I prefer to put my blinkers on before I need to trying to be more visible - and the self cancel just turns them off quicker. Guess I got too used to driving Grandfather's 1953 Studebaker truck (Directionals added - no self cancel feature)
Thanks for the info!
-Joey

 

[Guest]

Eli - Please advise if the self cancel still works - frankly I'd rather it Didn't - I find the self cancelling directionals to be more annoying than anything. I prefer to put my blinkers on before I need to trying to be more visible - and the self cancel just turns them off quicker. Guess I got too used to driving Grandfather's 1953 Studebaker truck (Directionals added - no self cancel feature)
Thanks for the info!
-Joey

If it's working turn signals without the self cancelling feature I can help.
I would gladly trade my working turn signal control unit that you have to manually shut off (otherwise they will flash forever) for a unit that flashes and self cancels. If you're interested PM me.

 

[Guest]

Should I just go whole hog and swap the flasher unit for a no-load unit as well?
Thoughts?
-Joey

If you want to go whole hog, consider going with a HID headlight conversion....35 watts, whereas the stock halogen is 55/60. And easily twice the light output, to boot.
FWIW, if your charging system is sound, I wouldn't be overly concerned with reducing load, unless you're looking to add accessories (heated grips/gloves, etc.)...too much reduction, is also a bad thing, esp. if you decide to take a long-ish trip at some point. A battery tender with a pig tail connection to maintain charge levels while parked is a worthwhile addition, if your rides are typically always short, and the bike goes unused for lengthly periods between rides. Just my $0.02 (Canadian).

 

[SandPVRR]

Well my Canadian friend - right now that two cents compares favorably with our two cents
Perhaps it would be a better idea to get myself a volt meter and monitor my charging system before I go swapping everything else. The nice part about having that large Windjammer SS fairing (besides obvious wind benefits) is the cigarette lighter plug - easy plug in for accessories.
Or - I could mount this up.... Thoughts?
http://www.kuryakyn.com/Products/872/LED-Battery-Gauge
-Joey

 

[Guest]

Perhaps it would be a better idea to get myself a volt meter and monitor my charging system before I go swapping everything else. The nice part about having that large Windjammer SS fairing (besides obvious wind benefits) is the cigarette lighter plug - easy plug in for accessories.
Or - I could mount this up.... Thoughts?
http://www.kuryakyn.com/Products/872/LED-Battery-Gauge
-Joey

Yes, probably good to know where you stand with the health of your charging system (check out the Stator Papers elsewhere on this site).
I happen to have that LED gauge (black, instead of chrome), but have not installed it. This one is better IMHO, and would probably look great in your fairing. Bonanzadave has fitted one on his 1100E with good results, and the only downside, IIRC, was that it has to be detachable, as it isn't completely waterproof.

 

[SandPVRR]

You know - I ran across that one on Amazon.com - and when it had such a horrible review by some guy who bought it for a bike only to find out the not- waterproof bit after the fact - I sort of wrote it off.... On the other hand - its cheap.
I could also just periodically check it with my existing volt meter too.... Hand held though, couldn't do it while riding
-Joey

 

[Sandy]

You know - I ran across that one on Amazon.com - and when it had such a horrible review by some guy who bought it for a bike only to find out the not- waterproof bit after the fact - I sort of wrote it off.... On the other hand - its cheap.
I could also just periodically check it with my existing volt meter too.... Hand held though, couldn't do it while riding
-Joey

I've had the black one installed for 2 seasons now. The only issue was that the back is not fastened very well and was also not very waterproof. I simply glued it back on with some silicon sealant and it's been working fine since.

 

[Indiesol]

It should be noted that if you switch to 4 LED turn signals, you will likely need to get an LED purposed flasher relay.