Author Topic: Brighter taillights  (Read 1589 times)

Online slowmover

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Brighter taillights
« on: April 01, 2026, 10:29:39 AM »
Will the PHINLION 3600 Lumens bright taillight work safely in a 2013 V7? Or is there a better alternative?
« Last Edit: April 01, 2026, 10:30:19 AM by slowmover »

Online Antietam Classic Cycle

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Re: Brighter taillights
« Reply #1 on: April 01, 2026, 10:48:53 AM »
Never used that particular one. You want a red LED behind a red lens. I use these:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074GPX2Q8
Charlie

Offline ridingron

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Re: Brighter taillights
« Reply #2 on: April 01, 2026, 09:13:05 PM »
Will you need a load resister with these?

Online Antietam Classic Cycle

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Re: Brighter taillights
« Reply #3 on: April 02, 2026, 08:26:06 AM »
Will you need a load resister with these?

Never needed one with the LEDs I use.
Charlie

Online DoubleGuzzi

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Re: Brighter taillights
« Reply #4 on: April 02, 2026, 09:27:20 AM »
Will you need a load resister with these?
Primarily to control indicator flash rate though the low resistance may appear as a short for standard bulbs on 'uneducated' canbus systems.
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Offline Bulldog9

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Re: Brighter taillights
« Reply #5 on: April 02, 2026, 01:37:53 PM »
Never used that particular one. You want a red LED behind a red lens. I use these:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074GPX2Q8

I use these too. Work very well. 8 years for the Stornello, and 6 for the Convert.

As for needing a resistor, not for tail/brake or headlights. LED's are an easy plug and play. The issue with LED's is related to the load on the turn signal relay.  I usually just skip the TS, not worth the time or $$, but the head and tail/brake lights are worth the $$ IMO.  Much less load on the system for the constant on.
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Online DoubleGuzzi

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Re: Brighter taillights
« Reply #6 on: April 02, 2026, 04:11:38 PM »
For a different perspective..

In the UK, replacing halogen headlight bulbs with LED is not allowed. This blanket ruling is no doubt due to the majority of LED bulbs that do not fully replicate the correct beam pattern. I've had to return to a standard bulb during an MOT (roadworthy) test, in order to pass. I now stick with just replacing/upgrading the side/pilot light with LED.

I do replace tail light bulbs with LED but the aim is not necessarily to increase brightness, rather improve resistance to the considerable vibration and hopefully extend longevity. Do consider that a brighter tail light on its own may confuse following vehicles, who may not think that you are braking. There may not be a sufficient difference to light levels when comparing the (normal) running tail light to when braking.
I prefer to wire in a cheap additional tail and stop light, with integral reflector. This replaces the OEM reflector on EU bikes, that sticks out underneath the number (license) plate. Different shapes are available, including semi-oval ones that fit well on modern Triumphs, for example.

 


« Last Edit: April 02, 2026, 04:22:47 PM by DoubleGuzzi »
Nearly natural progression..
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Online Antietam Classic Cycle

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Re: Brighter taillights
« Reply #7 on: April 02, 2026, 07:15:11 PM »
If the taillight bulb also illuminates the license plate, then a red LED won't pass inspection here in Maryland (and likely other states as well). All of my current fleet are "historic", so that's a non-issue to me.

The bulbs I use, and linked to, have a very noticeable difference between taillight and brake light brightness. There is going to be no doubt that I'm braking.
Charlie

Online TN Mark

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Re: Brighter taillights
« Reply #8 on: April 03, 2026, 08:10:31 AM »
Never used that particular one. You want a red LED behind a red lens. I use these:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074GPX2Q8

Thank you for this. I ordered it yesterday for my  Eldorado 1400.

Online Cam3512

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Re: Brighter taillights
« Reply #9 on: April 03, 2026, 08:22:56 AM »
I also have them in my vintage bikes.  Work well.
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Online Tom H

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Re: Brighter taillights
« Reply #10 on: April 03, 2026, 11:14:51 AM »
Superbright led may still have a tail red light bulb with white led's on one side to light the license plate.

Tom
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Re: Brighter taillights
« Reply #11 on: April 04, 2026, 11:32:26 AM »
Never used that particular one. You want a red LED behind a red lens. I use these:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074GPX2Q8

Thank you again for this information and the link. Two red LED 1257’s came in today. One has already taken up residence in the  Eldorado.

It’s a terrific improvement.

Next up, the Eldorado headlight and the driving lights need a major upgrade as well.

Online Antietam Classic Cycle

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Re: Brighter taillights
« Reply #12 on: April 04, 2026, 12:26:12 PM »
Thank you again for this information and the link. Two red LED 1257’s came in today. One has already taken up residence in the  Eldorado.

It’s a terrific improvement.

Next up, the Eldorado headlight and the driving lights need a major upgrade as well.

You're welcome.
Charlie

Online Tom H

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Re: Brighter taillights
« Reply #13 on: April 04, 2026, 05:58:44 PM »
For the headlight on the Eldo, you might look at this one. I have not ridden at night yet, but it's quite bright daytime. The looks are not quite right for an Ambo though:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ1ZD3LF?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_2

On my Eldo, I went with a H4 LED some years ago that seems to be pretty bright and a decent pattern in a H4 lens, I can look up the P/N if needed,

Tom
2004 Cali EV Touring
1972 Eldo
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1973 R75/5 SWB with Toaster
1973 R75/5 LWB
2007 HD Street Bob
1953 Triumph 6T (one day it will be on the road!)

Online Antietam Classic Cycle

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Re: Brighter taillights
« Reply #14 on: April 04, 2026, 08:32:24 PM »
For the headlight on the Eldo, you might look at this one. I have not ridden at night yet, but it's quite bright daytime. The looks are not quite right for an Ambo though:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJ1ZD3LF?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_2

On my Eldo, I went with a H4 LED some years ago that seems to be pretty bright and a decent pattern in a H4 lens, I can look up the P/N if needed,

Tom

I have this one installed on a customer's "1200 Ambassador" project, which isn't on the road yet, so no feedback on brightness or beam pattern. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BNT4V2VC
Charlie

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Re: Brighter taillights
« Reply #15 on: Today at 09:02:13 AM »
When I had my DR650 I picked up a inexpensive pair of 1157 LED bulbs in the Walmart automotive section for under $20. They even had a 3 pulse strobe feature.
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