LED running light questions

[ankgrays]

I have a "few" questions about lights on my ride. 1981 GL1100I.

I'm going to try to post this on my iPad and add pics too. (I've heard you people like pictures!)

Currently my wing has these:

Old Kaw turn signals

And these on the back:

Back lights

They are hanging from the engine guard on the front. They have "regular" light bulbs in them.

They are wired with this switch on the handlebars, next to the choke:

Light switch

The lights on the front turned out to be Kawasaki turn signals, wired as marker lights. The lights on the back, I'm not sure what they are, but front set as well as the rear two sets are turned off and on with the switch. Neither set are wired to the ignition.

One of the front lights got a little too warm and melted the innards, won't work now and can't find parts to make it work.

So...looking to replace them (front set only). I'm looking to replace with "led driving" lights. Kinda like these: https://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinf ... 1386/3270/.

Now the questions

Do I need to place resistor(s) in line if not wired to the existing electrics, other than to the battery? Why? Why not? If so, one...two...??? Where to place them in the circuit?

Do I need a relay? Same follow up questions.

The bike is already wired for a trailer. Remove that wiring, or leave it?

If I seem confused...it's my normal state. I'm sure there are some of you, that can do this with your eyes closed.

Oh yeah...spot...flood...one of each?

Ready.....GO!

[Bluewaterhooker0]

You might take a look at these. I put a pair on my 1500 and love them. They need to be SPOT lights if you intend to see down the road at all. No resistors needed. Just wire them up. VERY low power consumption. No relay needed. I don't know what trailer wiring has to do with your questions.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/172147323928?_t ... EBIDX%3AIT

[WingAdmin]

LEDs meant for automotive/motorcycle use are meant to take 12 volts, so they don't need a resistor.

They draw extremely small amounts of power, so you don't need a relay.

You might want to have a look at my review of those lights here:

viewtopic.php?f=18&t=18676

Or their other lights, which I think are superior for bikes, and I now have on my bike:

viewtopic.php?f=18&t=34369

[ankgrays]

Thanks Admin! You came through AGAIN!!

But, now MORE questions.

I Read both reviews. I was orig. going with the first ones because they are "pretty chrome ones".

But after reading the second review, I might be swayed.

With the size, wattage and being LEDs the same, the shape being different and the black / chrome thing, what is the difference, making them better?

Oh yeah...maybe the lumens output being greater?

Thanks again!

P.S.: Sorry Blue...no snub intended. The question about the trailer wiring was jus an "added bonus" question. Just trying to clean up any excess wiring in the bird nest mess it came with.

P.S.S.: Added bonus pic for those that like pics:

Me and "Genevieve". Named after my Gma

[Bluewaterhooker0]

I like that second light that Wingadmin posted. My lights were advertised as 15 degree, the smallest angle I could find. The 10 degree would be even better for my use, and the lifetime warranty is great. My 15 degree lights still do a great job of lighting up road markers and street signs, with the scatter light emitted on the sides, and I suspect the 10 degrees would do the same. I guess it depend on your expected results as to the best angle choice.

[WingAdmin]

Agreed - it's the narrow beam that makes the difference. Not only is more light going down the road instead of being spread around where you don't need it, it also means they aren't blinding oncoming drivers.

[ankgrays]

Ok...another quick question...

What gauge wire to use, and should I replace the switch and with what kind?

Ok...three in one questions.

[Bluewaterhooker0]

I think 14 or even 16ga would be fine. The amperage draw is so minimal that it doesn't take much of a wire to run them. I actually tied mine to the headlights. It took a relay to make them work in both high and low beam, but no problems after 10K miles.

[rudolphwolven]

Very bright driving lights from China at $ 12,- each (free delivery) on my GL1000 K1.............directly connected to the current circuit; evt. with extra on/off switch........
In my situation bolted on using the oem-bolt of the orange winker .....without the use of the alu-clamps supplied with the lights......










https://nl.aliexpress.com/item/Motocycl ... 57ac2244ec

[minimac]

What gauge wire to use, and should I replace the switch and with what kind?

Make sure the wire is stranded and not solid-the solid core wire can break easily. Your switch,as long as it's a 12v one will be fine.
You're right .... I like pictures!

[exodust20]

will LED head light trip my head warning light on my 76 gl1000?

[thomasusa]

I have a 1978 gl1000 and have all lights changed to leds. Headlight is led and works fine. Needed to put a led flasher for turnsignals and got it at NAPA store.

[newday777]

Welcome to the forum.
Start a new topic rather than posting on an older non related topic (driving lights vs your headlight question). It messes up the works of people doing a search.

will LED head light trip my head warning light on my 76 gl1000?