LED Lights

[controlu]

I feel certain that this topic has been brought up but I failed to find it.
On my Harley ('08) I tried to replace the brake light, running lights etc. with LED bulbs but the bike kept flashing fault codes because it though that bulbs were burned out due to the reduced load. Will a '03 GL1800 do the same thing?

[baumedagn]

No, it won't. I've replaced all of the lights on my 2012 with LED's with no issues. You will have to either change the flasher to one made for LED's or add load resisters so that the signals don't "hyperflash".

[Greenman]

Yeah the head lights are "plug and play" and not too difficult to replace.

I put in a set of Pathfinders and have really liked them.

Changing out the signals will probably require the load resisters mentioned.

https://www.socalmotogear.com/HONDA-GOL ... g18h7p.htm

Copy and paste the link above and it'll give you one option.

Enjoy!

[am3098]

Install this and LED's will work fine; it also works with incandescent bulbs as well. I'm pretty sure you can find install videos on YouTube.

https://cyclemax.com/inc/sdetail/gl1800 ... her/166397

[DarthJ]

The reason you get hyperflashing is the thermal relay that is used in the bikes think a bulb is burned out due to the reduced load. Some use in line resistors to solve the issue, but I personally think a better solution is to replace the flasher relay (or relays if there is a second for 4-ways, don't know on the 1800s) with an electrically operated one. The resistor idea does work, but one reason to use LEDs in the first place is to reduce load on the bike, these put the load back. Plus, resistors generate heat, so you'd really need to mount them to metal, or you risk (eventually) possibly damaging plastics due to heat. And then there's the splicing of wires to add them to the circuit. Me, I prefer plug and play solutions wherever I can find them. They can be a PITA to replace depending on where they are located, but a search should allow you to find one that will work in your bike. Once you make the switch, then you can use either incandescent bulbs, LEDs, or a combination and you won't have any more issues.

[Andy Cote]

The reason you get hyperflashing is the thermal relay that is used in the bikes think a bulb is burned out due to the reduced load. Some use in line resistors to solve the issue, but I personally think a better solution is to replace the flasher relay (or relays if there is a second for 4-ways, don't know on the 1800s) with an electrically operated one. The resistor idea does work, but one reason to use LEDs in the first place is to reduce load on the bike, these put the load back. Plus, resistors generate heat, so you'd really need to mount them to metal, or you risk (eventually) possibly damaging plastics due to heat.

Well said.

[controlu]

Excellent video on this:

   Never miss a video: Subscribe to the GoldwingDocs YouTube channel today!

Center lead goes to the load, +/- leads are interchangeable.

[DarthJ]

Excellent video on this:

   Never miss a video: Subscribe to the GoldwingDocs YouTube channel today!

Center lead goes to the load, +/- leads are interchangeable.

Great vid, I like the idea of using an auto relay like he did, easy to change connectors of you goof something. Might go that route for my 1500, been wanting to switch to LEDs

[Ghostman]

Also if you add inline resistors you defeat the other purpose od adding LEDs. I have HID headlights and LED brake bulbs and LEDs wherever I can to give the bikes alternator a break. Adding a resistor only puts a load on like a halogen bulb and doesnt save you any voltage. And occasionally some of those inline resistors go bad. Switch to an LED style flasher and avoid all of your headaches.

[Chicken Farmer]

Where does one find those connectors? Thanks!

[raven41951]

SoCalMotoGear.com has a kit for the rear lights which include directional flasher. Check them out.