Tungsten to LED conversion
Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2014 1:12 pm
Hello again everyone. Come on spring!!
I have a 1978 GL1000. There's 12 instrument light bulbs that should be replaced. Five in the dash (indicator lights), 2 in the tachometer, 2 in the speedometer, and one in each of the temp. guage, fuel guage, and voltmeter. I'm considering the possibility of changing to LED lamps. Has anyone done this, and do you have any advice? Is it a good idea? It's minimally better from a loading perspective, but does it work the same, or better? A quick look shows me that a supplier called Martek, has an LED lamp, (#57 Wide Angle), indicated without a wattage. Judging by the photo on their website, it would appear to be an identical alternative to the tungsten bulbs that are now on the motorcycle, and it did pop-up first in my search. So, it would simply be, take one out, and put one in. That would be good for this tech wizard. They sell for $10.95 ea. which seems a bit pricey, since I need twelve of them. so it would be nice to find a suitable alternative somewhere else.
Also, I'm a bit confused, (no surprise there). Below are conflicting specs. that I'm seeing.
Original owner's manual: 12V-2cp SAE Trade Name No.57.
Bulb presently on motorcycle: Toshiba A12-3.4 watt.
Clymer manual: US #57(12V-2cp "no wattage") and Euro 12V3.4W.
Also, a separate no-name wiring diagram (I may have got it on-line) 12V3.4 watt.
I wish they'd make up their mind! I'm probably making too much out of it, but if anyone can assist me here, with some direction, alternatives and possibly suppliers, I'd appreciate it.
Thank you..................Dave
I have a 1978 GL1000. There's 12 instrument light bulbs that should be replaced. Five in the dash (indicator lights), 2 in the tachometer, 2 in the speedometer, and one in each of the temp. guage, fuel guage, and voltmeter. I'm considering the possibility of changing to LED lamps. Has anyone done this, and do you have any advice? Is it a good idea? It's minimally better from a loading perspective, but does it work the same, or better? A quick look shows me that a supplier called Martek, has an LED lamp, (#57 Wide Angle), indicated without a wattage. Judging by the photo on their website, it would appear to be an identical alternative to the tungsten bulbs that are now on the motorcycle, and it did pop-up first in my search. So, it would simply be, take one out, and put one in. That would be good for this tech wizard. They sell for $10.95 ea. which seems a bit pricey, since I need twelve of them. so it would be nice to find a suitable alternative somewhere else.
Also, I'm a bit confused, (no surprise there). Below are conflicting specs. that I'm seeing.
Original owner's manual: 12V-2cp SAE Trade Name No.57.
Bulb presently on motorcycle: Toshiba A12-3.4 watt.
Clymer manual: US #57(12V-2cp "no wattage") and Euro 12V3.4W.
Also, a separate no-name wiring diagram (I may have got it on-line) 12V3.4 watt.
I wish they'd make up their mind! I'm probably making too much out of it, but if anyone can assist me here, with some direction, alternatives and possibly suppliers, I'd appreciate it.
Thank you..................Dave