To LED or not to LED, that is the question . . .

Discussion in 'Indian Motorcycle General Discussion' started by BigDawg, Jan 14, 2022.

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  1. BigDawg

    BigDawg Well-Known Member

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    Okay, so about a year and half ago I was down riding with @doublej and my high beam indicator started flashing whether I was on high or low beam. My actual headlight seemed to be working fine, both on high and low beam. We were both stumped. We even contacted @Bobby Jesus to find out which terminals on the VCU might be impacting this, but everything looked fine with the contacts.

    On my way home, I stopped for gas. Apparently I'd been riding with the high beam on because when I started back up, the indicator stayed on full time, like it was supposed to. As soon as I switched back to low, it started blinking again.

    When I got home, I just put in a new Sylvania SuperStar and everything went back to normal.

    So, I back to square one and thinking maybe it's time to bite the bullet and go full LED. I've also been replacing the running lights more often than I think I should need to.

    I'm not that concerned with the cost (although I'd rather not pay Polaris Prices) as much as I am ease of installation and lack of issues with the VCU.

    Advice please ! ! !





    BD
     
    #1 BigDawg, Jan 14, 2022
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  2. IROQUOIS

    IROQUOIS Gold Member

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    #2 IROQUOIS, Jan 14, 2022
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  3. Baldhead_J

    Baldhead_J Gold Member
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    Do it. It's worth it. There really isn't a substitute.
     
    #3 Baldhead_J, Jan 14, 2022
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  4. Rodd

    Rodd Bronze Member

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    That would be my experience on the Scout also.
     
    #4 Rodd, Jan 14, 2022
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  5. Hugh Jorgan

    Hugh Jorgan Well-Known Member

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    I have an 18 Springfield DH…. I switched out the light bulbs to LED. Got them on Amazon…. Kept the OEM assembly just changed the bulbs.
     
    #5 Hugh Jorgan, Jan 14, 2022
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  6. Dan_Frisbie

    Dan_Frisbie Bronze Member
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    With HID lights, when the low beam burns out, the bike will switch to the high beam element at a lower voltage and flash the indicator. That’s normal operation.
    If your bike is a 2014, don’t bother buying LED lights. The computer sees the lower current draw and trips a fault. Even if you put resistors in, it will cause the indicator to flash.
    2015 and newer can go to LEDs with no problems.
     
    #6 Dan_Frisbie, Jan 15, 2022
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  7. Ny Mike

    Ny Mike Bronze Member

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    B423F04F-D7CE-43DB-9A69-5E9FFB66C11A.jpeg I bought these for my spots cause one was out. They were under $20 they are insanely bright to the point they make my oem headlight look ridiculously dim. But I don’t know if they make a headlight. I also need to look into replacement my bright also just went out for some reason. But I’m not dropping 100,s of $ for a replacement
     
    #7 Ny Mike, Jan 15, 2022
    Last edited: Jan 16, 2022
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  8. Ny Mike

    Ny Mike Bronze Member

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    #8 Ny Mike, Jan 15, 2022
  9. IROQUOIS

    IROQUOIS Gold Member

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    I see what you're talking about.
    Turn signals and parking lights are not serviceable they way I read it.
    Headlights and fog lights are available.
     
    #9 IROQUOIS, Jan 15, 2022
  10. Ny Mike

    Ny Mike Bronze Member

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    ;)
    Ok when I got time I’ll get back on. Just getting ready to roll on out ;):D
     
    #10 Ny Mike, Jan 15, 2022
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  11. BigDawg

    BigDawg Well-Known Member

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    Well, gents, thanks for all the tips. I will be ordering them later this afternoon ! ! !





    BD
     
    #11 BigDawg, Jan 15, 2022
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  12. IronButt70

    IronButt70 Bronze Member

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    ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
    What he said. Switched 5 years ago and no failures. Many said switching the turn signals would cause rapid flash because of less resistance but I never had that issue.
     
    #12 IronButt70, Jan 15, 2022
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  13. Ny Mike

    Ny Mike Bronze Member

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    #13 Ny Mike, Jan 16, 2022
  14. Baldhead_J

    Baldhead_J Gold Member
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    #14 Baldhead_J, Jan 16, 2022
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  15. IROQUOIS

    IROQUOIS Gold Member

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    We're on a different page somehow.
    Shows in stock. Now it's been a couple years ago when I ordered them but I believe you have to create a account to add anything to your cart on the website.......?

    Motorcycle H4 LED Fanless Headlight Conversion Bulb with Internal Driver - 2,000 Lumens | Super Bright LEDs
     
    #15 IROQUOIS, Jan 16, 2022
    Last edited: Jan 16, 2022
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  16. BigDawg

    BigDawg Well-Known Member

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    #16 BigDawg, Jan 16, 2022
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  17. NorthernVandal

    NorthernVandal Well-Known Member

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    You don't really need to toss huge coin at great lighting, try ordering a Pathfinder bulb, part UBH04. Dennis Kirk has them for like $39. Stunning improvement in the factory housing.
     
    #17 NorthernVandal, Jan 19, 2022
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  18. Alpal

    Alpal Gold Member
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    I concur on that,...... @muz found me some great ( non LED ) headlight bulbs, vibration resistant, especially designed for motorbikes which light up the night far more than OEM,.....Chip in with the brand and part number please Muz,.....ata boy!:cool::cool:
    Alpal
     
    #18 Alpal, Jan 20, 2022
  19. NorthernVandal

    NorthernVandal Well-Known Member

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    These are the ones I buy, fantastic lighting from Pathfinder. PathFinderLED Mini H4 LED Bulb - UBH04 Harley Motorcycle | Dennis Kirk
     
    #19 NorthernVandal, Jan 20, 2022
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  20. muz

    muz Bronze Member

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    Osram - Night racer. German made.
     
    #20 muz, Jan 20, 2022
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