LED Tail lights
- Thread starter jc1300
- Start date
jackthemachinist
80+ Posts
1157 is the older style bulb (insert n twist)
3157 are the new bulbs that are used now ( I believe are 'wedge' base) just insert in socket.
Lets see how 'Jackthemachinest' makes out on his quest.
By replacing the entire lens unit with the built in circuit board (as I did) it was a simple plug n play - works great - just cost more!
Sorry I don't know much about the new 'bus boards'.
I installed the Radiantz LED oversize replacement 1157 bulbs in the stock Harley bagger taillamps on my 1997 Electraglide DFT trike conversion. These LEDs have 48 LED bulbs instead of the auto parts store LED with 12, and are about 1-7/8" diameter instead of about 1-1/8". They are much brighter and much more easily visible, even in direct sunlight. Just pop out the old bulbs and pop in the new. Took 5 minutes. ThumbUp
However, I have the sepearate amber turn signals remounted on my trike, so my taillamps are just "running" lights and brake lights, no turn signal function, so that makes it much easier.
I may try installing the auto parts store LED bulbs in the turn signals using an electronic flasher as recommended. Project for another time....
Radiantz Tail Lights
So I've been looking around for just the right lights for my 2012 Triglide. Reading this thread, I decided to order the Radiantz 9903-18, lay-down, red lens, strobe. Two problems with these lights. One is the connectors do not snap into place in the Harley female connector on the bike. There is nothing to hold them in. I know what your saying, "It's either the installer or the foam gasket will hold the connector in." Directly behind the connector in the light/lens assembly is a large cavity. The foam gasket never touches the back of the connector. Radiantz folks on the phone were great, however I got the usual "It's never happened before." This is generally the reply companies offer when what they really want to say is, "You are a cusomter and therefore you know nothing." The second problem is that once installed the turn signals went batpoop crazy. Another call to Radiantz and another $80 later they're sending a plug and play load equalizer. Now I'm into LED tail lights at the cost of the MOCO units that I'm sure would plug and play.
So I've been looking around for just the right lights for my 2012 Triglide. Reading this thread, I decided to order the Radiantz 9903-18, lay-down, red lens, strobe. Two problems with these lights. One is the connectors do not snap into place in the Harley female connector on the bike. There is nothing to hold them in. I know what your saying, "It's either the installer or the foam gasket will hold the connector in." Directly behind the connector in the light/lens assembly is a large cavity. The foam gasket never touches the back of the connector. Radiantz folks on the phone were great, however I got the usual "It's never happened before." This is generally the reply companies offer when what they really want to say is, "You are a cusomter and therefore you know nothing." The second problem is that once installed the turn signals went batpoop crazy. Another call to Radiantz and another $80 later they're sending a plug and play load equalizer. Now I'm into LED tail lights at the cost of the MOCO units that I'm sure would plug and play.
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- Thread starter
- #34
Yeah.....I think we could have been a bit more specific. Needing a Load Equalizer on the older models {even pre-2014} is 99%. That was part of my question on being plug and play. I've used LED lighting on previous Harleys and always needed the Equalizer. As they have changed the System in 2014 I was trying to make sure it was in fact plug and play. As for the plug...it is the foam on the existing lens that holds the plug in place.
I'm also thinking you would need the Equalizer with the Moco units. And at least you will be getting the laydown and Flash function.
Radiantz 9903-18s have been on my 2014 for 15,000 miles ... they work.
Bob
Bob were they really that easy to install? I watched the video at the website. I have a 2015 that I want to get brighter tail lights for. They are listed at $29.00 ea. Sound right. Just want to check everything out. But look like a good deal.
Answers
"As for the plug...it is the foam on the existing lens that holds the plug in place."
"I'm also thinking you would need the Equalizer with the Moco units."
The foam does not hold the plug in place. There is a plastic spring molded into the connector that snaps shut when it is inserted into the female receptacle on the bike just as does every other such connector on the bike and every auto bring manufactured today. On the Radiantz lights, the foam stops way short of that location and there is a large open area going back to the lens that the connector can fall into. I think Radiantz doesn't want to admit they got a bad batch of connectors and they offered no solution. Harley service tech and parts manager assures me the Harley lights are $5 more than the Radiantz plus the cost of the equalizer, but do not require a load equalizer.
"As for the plug...it is the foam on the existing lens that holds the plug in place."
"I'm also thinking you would need the Equalizer with the Moco units."
The foam does not hold the plug in place. There is a plastic spring molded into the connector that snaps shut when it is inserted into the female receptacle on the bike just as does every other such connector on the bike and every auto bring manufactured today. On the Radiantz lights, the foam stops way short of that location and there is a large open area going back to the lens that the connector can fall into. I think Radiantz doesn't want to admit they got a bad batch of connectors and they offered no solution. Harley service tech and parts manager assures me the Harley lights are $5 more than the Radiantz plus the cost of the equalizer, but do not require a load equalizer.
- Thread starter
- #37
Well - Not on mine is all I can say. My 2013 needed a Load Equalizer, but not a FLH.
jc
Acouple of pictures of my lite problem. Radiantz LED lites, the plug with the little loop in the plug, snaps right in. The plug on the left thats looks like it has some weird plastic blob on it, loop has been cut off, would not seat all of the way. I looked at the pin side and it looks as tho some of that plastic stuff got inside of the female pin. Now both lights came from a different dealer. In other words I was trying save a buck. Both off of Amazon. The one with the bad plug I just sent back today to Radiantz with a note stating what the problem was. Amazon has refunded my money so I have another on the way from Cycle shack. Hope it comes with a good plug on it.
I put on a set of the HD Layback tail lights a coupla years ago. Took 15 minutes. Have always worked perfectly, are very bright, and did not need any equalizer stuff. I have many other extra lights added on also that have always functioned perfectly, and still have never needed an equalizer.
Bob were they really that easy to install? I watched the video at the website. I have a 2015 that I want to get brighter tail lights for. They are listed at $29.00 ea. Sound right. Just want to check everything out. But look like a good deal.
Mine were $100 each. The entire Harley stock lens assembly came off (2 screws and a plug) .... the entire new layback led strobe lens unit (9903-18) went back on ... and the plug was a perfect fit on my 2014. The plug goes into a horizontal plug "bank" under the lens.
They are VERY bright!!!!
- Thread starter
- #41
Radiantz is reluctant to admit anything might be wrong with their connectors. Glad to see I'm not alone on this issue. Some folks' connectors click into place just like the OEMs, and some don't.
NHBAGGER
400+ Posts
Radiantz 9903-18s have been on my 2014 for 15,000 miles ... they work.
Bob
Got a little more info from Radiantz. Seems they are concerned about the strobe/turn feature.
"We don't suggest using the taillights with strobe foryour taillight/turn signals just because when your hit your turn signals thelight will strobe and when you hit your brake the lights will strobe. It mightconfuse the people behind you"
Lights are worthless?
So what they are saying is, they are selling lights that are worthless to trike owners? I spend $260 for the lights and another $70 for an equalizer so the turn signals might work and now they say, sorry don't use our lights on your trike? WFT?
So what they are saying is, they are selling lights that are worthless to trike owners? I spend $260 for the lights and another $70 for an equalizer so the turn signals might work and now they say, sorry don't use our lights on your trike? WFT?
I don't give a rats butt if they are confused .. it definitely wakes them up ... and they see me!
I am old school and find hand signals confuses them even more. :xzqxz:
They are so much brighter than the stock wedge bulb when just running.
The tour pak LEDs on my 2014 are also signalling a turn and braking.
Boborag:
I am old school and find hand signals confuses them even more. :xzqxz:
They are so much brighter than the stock wedge bulb when just running.
The tour pak LEDs on my 2014 are also signalling a turn and braking.
Bob
orag:NHBAGGER
400+ Posts
nevtat, you have to remember these are not specifically for Tri Glides. 2 wheelers have separate directional, maybe that is the difference.
HDBOB, nice video. Would have liked to have seen what it looks like when you hit the brake and have a directional on just to see if it really is confusing.
HDBOB, nice video. Would have liked to have seen what it looks like when you hit the brake and have a directional on just to see if it really is confusing.
Well, Duh
nevtat, you have to remember these are not specifically for Tri Glides. 2 wheelers have separate directional, maybe that is the difference.
Yes I understood that before I ordered the lights. I also believed a few people who posted to this thread that the 9903-18s worked great on their trikes. My bad apparently for not knowing they wouldn't work so well before ordering and for believing that Raiantz woun't lie to me on the phone regarding their product.
- - - Updated - - -
I don't give a rats butt if they are confused .. it definitely wakes them up ... and they see me!
I am old school and find hand signals confuses them even more. :xzqxz:
They are so much brighter than the stock wedge bulb when just running.
The tour pak LEDs on my 2014 are also signalling a turn and braking.
Bob
Nice video. I'm with the other folks who would like to see how the lights behave with the brakes applied and turn signal operating. Thanks.
NHBAGGER
400+ Posts
Thanks HDBOB, that helps to understand what they were talking about.<br />
Confusing or not, it should get their attention. I like them. Now to decide between laydown black or red.
Confusing or not, it should get their attention. I like them. Now to decide between laydown black or red.
It's all good
Installed the $60 Radiantz plug and play load equalizer and everything works great and they flash exactly like HDBob's Trike. I'm happy with the lights now. I got a nice email from Radiantz, see below:
I am willing to take responsibility for anything we overlook on our site when we
put it up. If you look at our site we do not have a Triglide option on the site
to have that mentioned.
I will add the triglide to the site now and it will be noted.
Ray Runyan <Ray@radiantz.com>
Installed the $60 Radiantz plug and play load equalizer and everything works great and they flash exactly like HDBob's Trike. I'm happy with the lights now. I got a nice email from Radiantz, see below:
I am willing to take responsibility for anything we overlook on our site when we
put it up. If you look at our site we do not have a Triglide option on the site
to have that mentioned.
I will add the triglide to the site now and it will be noted.
Ray Runyan <Ray@radiantz.com>
- Thread starter
- #54
After looking at the Video of the manic flashing of both the Tail lights with the strobe option, I decided to just go with the straight LED Red Laydown option. $180 total cost and really like them. The Laydown looks better {IMO} and the difference in brightness is large! Took about 10 minutes - Turned the bike on - Hit the flashers for about 10 blinks and all works as intended. Very glad I went with the unit as opposed to LED Bulbs only. The Laydown. the Brightness and matching the lights to the Tourpak worked out good for me. Thanks
Same on mine Works great and bright
S ooooooo??--- if I am reading all this correctly --- for a 2011 (Pre 2014 - electrical system) in order to utilize the Radiantz 9903-17 (non strobe) --- I also have to use/order an equalizer ???
- Thread starter
- #57
Yes, or any other quality Load Equalizer....jc
What is the HD part # for a LED lay down that will work on a 2011?---- per above it appears that will work without the need for an equalizer if I am reading correctly.
Thanks
Thanks
- Thread starter
- #59
Not that they don't exist...But I have never seen a LED Laydown tail light by Harley{for the TriGlide} And it's kinda interesting that the only one listed online now is #67800133 {Red} is a Bar and Shield, comes in pairs WITH a module for $350........Help us out gang - Other HD part options? As the option here includes a module, looks like a true plug and play like the 14's on up, are not available on the 2011. But what the hell do I know!! LOL
jc
LED Bulb change
I did a lot of research on finding LED bulbs while I was building a VW engine/tranny trike.
Bulbs can be found on Amazon.com , Superbritghtleds.com, E-Bay, and other places. Do a search online for LED bulbs & you'll get good results.
I was trying some 1157 & 3157 bulbs out on my new (2016) tri glide the other night. (Same bulb just different base.) I found that the rear bulbs were an easy change as they were standard 3157 type. The front turn/park lights will be harder to find as Harley inset the bulb deeper into the reflector than usual.
(Hmmm, they maybe wanted to sell their $335 front LED light conversion?)
Anyway, I plan on calling Super Bright LEDs & see if they can find a bulb with the right configuration for me.
Hope this will help someone with their problem.Good luck to all.
I did a lot of research on finding LED bulbs while I was building a VW engine/tranny trike.
Bulbs can be found on Amazon.com , Superbritghtleds.com, E-Bay, and other places. Do a search online for LED bulbs & you'll get good results.
I was trying some 1157 & 3157 bulbs out on my new (2016) tri glide the other night. (Same bulb just different base.) I found that the rear bulbs were an easy change as they were standard 3157 type. The front turn/park lights will be harder to find as Harley inset the bulb deeper into the reflector than usual.
(Hmmm, they maybe wanted to sell their $335 front LED light conversion?)
Anyway, I plan on calling Super Bright LEDs & see if they can find a bulb with the right configuration for me.
Hope this will help someone with their problem.Good luck to all.
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