How To Customize Motorcycle LED Lights / Dual Voltage and Brightness For Tail Lights

[@hughacosta1090]

I see in the replies some people just can't say nothing good. But for me, you nailed it and I am going to fabricate this for my motorcycle. Thanks..

[@ShinyRedGrapple]

Absolutely fantastic video! After watching this I went down to Frys and purchased a couple diodes and resistors and made some simple custom light strips for my CBR that have low voltage constant lights for driving, and if I need to really be seen, like when splitting lanes, I just flip on the highs! And because your video was so easy to understand, I felt really confident like a real pro when I was buying the parts! Thanks a million

[@VR-fn3kv]

Just started a lighting project on my 98 Valkyrie, and while searching internet for cool brake/tail lights, I came across your video. Thanks for doing that. Very smart. I'm impressed. I hooked a cpl LED's up earlier and my 10amp fuses kept blowing. Hope I don't screw it up and burn my bike to the ground.

[@tommyraleigh7734]

This is exactly what I wanted.THANK YOU. Took a while to find this and may I suggest that perhaps you re-post it with reference to Harley Davidson as there are a few hardened bikers who could avail of this info or perhaps not as most of the HD riders GO TO THE DEALERS and perhaps most would would not understand what you are talking about and then probably ask you how do they solder or what do they need to buy from the HD dealer , Wow what a rip off Harley are getting at their loyal Harley customers... THANK You.

[@deankay4434]

The resistor is matched to the color of the LED’s, just check the info sheet on them or as in the video, start with a 200 ohms resistor to see how bright they are, especially when behind a colored factory or homemade lenses. The resistor is the current limiting device, so it is used on the darker or less bright LED’s. Brake lights are alway brighter, today, you hope someone will see them. But play with resistance as 460 ohms May work for tail lights, but only a 200 ohm to brake light. Applying voltage to either is double duty, so two circuits connected at the start will allow voltage to backward into the other circuit, causing all kinds of goofy issues. Hence, we need diodes. Look up a power solving simple math that is P * I X E or PIE. You don’t need a 5 watt or a 3 watt which the math will allow you to operate a 90 ohm coil of a relay. Quit a bit more. 1/2 watt diodes are fine, but as the charging voltage varies from 12.8Vdc engine off, fully charged battery at 100% state of health. The rate of voltage output is determined by the air temp. Cold temps, the alt runs at 14.2Vdc while cold it runs at 13.2Vdc. This is true for charging a battery as well. Remember their is a voltage drop of 0.7 volts across the best diode so using a DMM, don’t freak out. It is normal. Yes, voltage is important but current makes you LED’s last a decade or too much current, they last for 3 Ms. Poof, their goes the magic smoke. Point the ring on the diode toward the LED array, add the resistor on the side that stays darker. Just provide a good ground path to the battery, use Star washers to dig into paint, and dielectric grease sold with silicone at home improvement stores. Remember, the lower the current and voltage, the larger a mistake here becomes. DK, ASE Master Tech since 78, retired.

[@iamwhiteshadow]

The driving light trick is cool so for you who didn't catch the game here if I get this right is you hook up power from the driving light source to the diode with the resistor and the brake light power to the diode without. The Diodes block power from each power source so they work separately and the resistor dims the power from the driving light power (Any constant power source). The diodes work like shutoffs so to say or check valves if you know what they are.

[@hothardrodz]

Thanks a ton for this. Helped me a great deal in getting the tail light working of the motorcycle I'm restoring.

[@Lesscoelectronics]

No problem 👍

[@playitcool09]

Customization is where it is at!! Stick is the start, the final project is the goal. #innovation #customized #outsidethebox

[@kevinmorales8522]

Thanks for this great video tutorial... I've used relays for my 4 led strip for the break and stop lights... and this will make things easier... and much more better wiring...

[@jorgegonzales878]

Good info. My problem is that connected extra side led running lights and an additional brake light on my Harley Street 500 and now I don't have running lights or brake lights at all. And all the fuses as fine.

[@snipsey2]

Great video! This will help me with my custom LED taillight I'm looking to put on my bike. Thanks!!

[@enriqueorozco8497]

Thanks brotha you saved me 48$ was looking for something similar but saving $$ is the way to go thanks again really helpful clip

[@chrisbates8896]

Exactly my problem (new top box with LEDs built in) and exactly the solution I wanted. Thank you Soooooo much.

[@figgiefigueroa7372]

Nice Chanel I just subscribed I'm a novice on this,but good learner. Thanks!

[@carlchilders2154]

Thank you Steve Buscemi for the informative video.

[@vincep4828]

Good evening everyone, hopefully the gurus here can help out with this problem. I bought a 97 honda shadow 600 custom. I bought a cool set of front and rear led blinkers that are running lights as well. They have 3 wires coming from them. The stock lights have 2 wires. I've googled for weeks. And only find the opposite. Now I am ok with without th running lights, but since I have it open, why not do it correctly. Thanks guys, go easy on me this is my first time.

[@TheQuito213]

Great video, what happens if you go below 250? I assume the higher the resistance the lower the brightness

[@chriss.3476]

Thank you for the detailed explanation. Quick question. What would this mean with a single filament bulb as opposed to doing it to LED? I asked because I have some replacement turn signals that are your regular bulbs but are not three wire like the factory ones are on my bike. They are only two wire and I do not want to do away with daytime running lights. Would using the two diodes as bridges between the factory turn signal and DRLs and the positive wire from the aftermarket turn signal accomplish the same thing? This would be without resistors.

[@charkue]

The opening music is also used by I Hate Everything. Cool.

[@dcautosparky]

never thought of it that way...thanks man keep up the good work and keep sharing knowledge

[@curtishouze1471]

This is just what the doctor order. Thanks

[@RichADio]

Absolutely great video. Thanks.

[@7StarLED]

Hi friends Please please subscribe my new KZbin channel kzbin.info/door/k8UaXVuKxyngUln90oziIg,

[@garyfraser5766]

Hi' ive just got a couple of Brake lights for my Honda Valkyrie,, , got the diode's & resisters of EBay & followed your vid .. spot on, Nice one & thanks for sharing im'e well impressed .... well done,

[@Lesscoelectronics]

Youre welcome, its what I do. tell a friend

[@korrupt3dazn]

Thanks Lessco Electronics! I was able to create my led mod after watching this video.

[@iamhungry4000]

Thanks, how do you actually put it into practice though?

[@fernyblue]

Hope I can get an answer I know this is an old post but still relevant. I want to wire a led strip to ALSO flash when my turn signal flashes so could you put 3 power inputs? 1 running light w/diode 1 braking light w/diode and resistor and 1 from turn signals w/diode.

[@yhwhdesigntruth]

Here is a good one for you. And I believe you would know how to achieve this. Your video here has given me hope for my build. I want to take a led strip that has white and red on it. Red will be wired to both brake and parking and tail lights. Parking will give me 50% brightness Braking will give me 100% brightness Turn signal will be 100% but blinking ( I wanted sequential - just run thru the leds repeatedly ) Reverse would be 100% brightness There are modules out there already but they are not sold by themselves. They are sold with led strips and the strips do not have the colors I want.. I can build my own kit. But I am not sure on the type of led strip or components to put in a project box.... If you dont mind giving some insite

[@Lesscoelectronics]

the only component you really need to shop is that sequencer, all else is pretty straight forward. Just (optional) relays and resistors, maybe a diode or two..

[@SHADOW-bg4mm]

Thanks, I have a project I need to finish, that requires LED strips and the connection of the vehicle/motorcycle.

[@nicoson9578]

Kudos on the video, it was very informative. I have been looking for a video like this for a long time. I still need help with my project. I am doing this to my motorcycle what i needed to know, do i need the dio or just the resister for a amber turning signal or is a completely different set up? can you or anyone please advise? Thank you all.

[@hrgeguat5567]

Excellent I left very clear. Nice music, what is it?

[@billkingsley8918]

Thank you, this is great! Question... I have a two wire LED light on each side of my tour pak tail light. They serve as blinkers and only tuen on when blinker for that side is activated. Is there a way I can use two diodes to connect both the turn signal and brake so that if I use my left turn signal the light will blink even though I apply the brake and the will stay will stay solid, as brake (left turn signal in)? I assume something else will be necessary to stop power from brake.

[@Lesscoelectronics]

yes, I cover that in my double diode isolation video.

[@paulstreeter9661]

Do you sell a ready made kit for this? Thanks

[@Majorvideonut2]

I think this would add the resistive current to the 12 volt for the brake light. Am I correct? If you have 6 volts coming from the running light line and 12 volts from the break line... would equal 18 volts. Wouldn't that burn the leds out sooner?

[@markarauza2051]

So I know nothing about resistors but noticed when I was in the store last on another project they have different wattage what watt resistor am I suppose to get for this application? Thanks again cant wait to do this

[@07aussie1]

Great video and easy to follow. I want to connect 6" led strips to make turn signals inside the mirror box my 99 Tahoe. Would I use just one diode and resistor to connect to the turn signal wiring of the truck, so I get the ON/OFF effect on the mirror led? In 2001 Chevy integrated them behind the mirror as an arrow. Any help is appreciated.

[@shabaluga]

Roger Spence i

[@madaorcu009]

its a great video... i hope you can help me... i dont understand all de materials that you use to make it, because my english is very bad, can you give me more details about all the components to buy it an electrnic'store?? thanks a lot!!!

[@madaorcu009]

its in the description on the video... i see it just now... great video.

[@RufusCapstick]

Nice, exactly what I was looking for, thanks

[@VadimNYC]

Awesome! Big help, just what I needed, you answered my questions!!!! Still have one question, to avoid using a resistor, and if I have access to say a running light cable (assuming it’s about 5v) can just use the two diodes with each attached to its own power wire, 5v and 12v to accomplish same running and brake light set up?

[@nicoson9578]

Sorry also forgot to ask, I am doing like running time day lights on the motorcycle but they keep dying on me. i ran them with a on and off switch to turn them on manually. can you please advise so they dont die out so quickly should i use resistors and what wattage. Please understand im not an electrician im just a regular guy trying to make my bike look better and safer.

[@speedwayperformance1]

Hi, we are interested in a running light, brake light and turn signal , three wire setup. 1. We are thinking maybe we use two diodes for the running light 2. place the resistor behind the diode band to stop the led hyper flashing on the turn signal wire. Do you think this will work?

[@jrspallone]

just use "one" 1K ohm resistor and hook up the tail light to the resistor and the brake light to the other side of the resistor which is also hooked up to the led's.....cheaper and easier.......

[@frankbley4824]

Spallone Joseph how do you do it?

[@zishansiddiqui6794]

Good job mate!!! 👍🏻

[@Lesscoelectronics]

thanks man

[@romeparrilla8307]

nice video' can you please give some advice,i have this old 6 volt bike that has only regular front turn signal so i bought 4 mini 6 volt led turn signals and hooked them all up,the problem now is when i switch to the left,all 4 bulbs is flashing,same way when i switch to the right,so what seems to be my problem??thank you so much.....

[@Lesscoelectronics]

theyre probably feeding back to the turn signal switch

[@christoffer1973]

Great explanation and video

[@jnice1964]

Will this work with switchback lights too ....running white and signal amber leds

[@garyduggan5414]

When looking for resistors, they are listed with many different watt ratings. Can you be more specific? 5W, 20W, etc. Thanks

[@marvinrespicio7157]

can you add a strobe module into the low light side

[@josegilbert8337]

Quick question i cant find a answer anywhere ...hopefully u can help ...can i add my turn signals to that to if i do the same as tail light add another resister and diode on a 2 wire led strip ??? So u would have turn ...brake..and running? I have a costume bagger n LEDs r much noticeable but the sattlebag spoilers i have is only for 1 6 inch led strip ?? Plz help great video also

[@Lesscoelectronics]

In order to do that effectively you would be best to use a tri colored led strip to get the best effect, Just as you would see on a pickup truck for example (just in a smaller version).

[@nickpeh1066]

Hi, when I installed the LED bulb 1157 to my bike tail light holder, none running light (2 of them) lighted up, depressed brakes and both lighted up. I tried using one filament bulb with one LED , filament bulb lighted up while LED only light up when brake depressed. In such case, do I need any load resistor for the LED to light up ?

[@yodasscrotum]

Just my 2 cents, the smaller the resisistor value i.e. below 300 will make led brighter when running "dimmed" ..choose your resistor value at will depending on wanted "dimmed"brightness.. if I'm not mistaken, with my very basic electrical knowledge

[@PaulieDafuq]

Is it possible for that trick to make two led strips become brakes and blinkers?

[@Homnom]

Where would you suggest getting a red LED strip from? And would you use the same resistors for a 6V electrical system?

[@tdlycansoul463]

Thanks for the info, that's pretty cool

[@hansbachtold1966]

shongololo nice video,how about the cirquitdiagram?

[@donbeaubien2372]

Do you need one for each side for front turn signals? Thanks

[@Lesscoelectronics]

yes, absolutely!

[@verdgj626]

Isnt it better to solder the resistor after the diode? Otherwise you loose lightintensity. I am just asking

[@coolgrv9]

Lessco Electronics i want to design for 1w 350ma star red leds . .n same 14v dc power from motorbike(while running), so could you guide me if this design and components goes fine and gonna smoothly work for me , and how many maximum leds i could fit in the circuit, so that it does not burn out later . .plzz do suggest . .!!

[@sijushankar4208]

Dear Sir kindly provide me name of the all items which was you used for making this led light.

[@youngfamilyfarms]

Hi, great video, couple questions. Looking at 5 amp diodes I'm finding lots of different voltages from 40 volts up to 1000 volts. What is the proper voltage for a 12v motorcycle flasher strip LED just like you built. Second question is on the 300 ohm resisters I'm finding different wattages from 1/4 watt up to 10 watts. What is the proper wattage? Final request is for another video showing how to make an LED run constant as a running light and then make it flash off to work as a blinker. Thanks

[@Lesscoelectronics]

+Joshua Young these are the diodes we carry: www.ebay.com/itm/10-Pack-Omega-AU-3005-A3N-5-Amp-Diode-3A-Diodes-12-24-Volt-/361516971422?hash=item542c17359e

[@2bikemikesguitartopics145]

Josh wattage for resistors depends on how much current goes thru them to the load, which in this case is the LED light. first thing is find in the spec for the light or combination of lights will be powered thru a resistor. led are low current devices so you are likely looking for a numerical value of 2-3 digits followed by ma. ma is short for milli ampere. this is 1 1000th of an amp which is the unit of measure for current. this is important to use in this formula. P=IRxI. so wattage is the unit of measure termed as power, P. I is the current value and R is the resistor value. using this formula you can determine actual power that the resistor will disipate. once you know this the standard rule for safety and cooling for resistor it to make the resistor wattage 50% larger. ok so, say you find current value of 300ma for led. for the formula you need to convert ma to amps. this is easy by moving the decimal point 3 positions left. so, 300ma = .3 amps. or 30ma = .03 amps. see, easy. you know your resistor is 300 ohms so use this in the formula to get wattage/ power thru resistor. this power value is the same wattage thru the diode and increase the diode wattage by 50% also for same reason as resistor. in the video was used 5amp diodes. this was likely very safe and oversized than required so you may be able to use a lower wattage or amp diode and possibly lower cost. now diode current, a 1amp diode is = to 1000ma. I offer this because now you can determine the optimal diode spec needed for your install. I hope this helps.

[@Lesscoelectronics]

www.ebay.com/itm/10-Pack-Omega-AU-4005-A5N-5-Amp-Diode-5A-Diodes-12-24-Volt-/141732960621?hash=item20fff1596d

[@robertstiles5533]

Hello can I hook up a led light kit on my xr650r it all ac stock I hooked up dc system 12 v. Can I get regulator / rectifier 24v or more to power let’s say 150 watt led or 200 watt led My xr 650r has dual 100 watt ac output. Or I can change it to one 200 watt single output system. I trying get very brite led headlite

[@eddybeltran69]

Hey what about the diodes what other choises besides 5amp? It can be higher or lower amps? Thanks

[@allanmarkaventurado1448]

can u teach me how to make integrated tail light. I really like your project... tnkz

[@arunbabu6719]

Good job. I am going to try it on my Honda.

[@in4naptime]

I'm trying to use this on a led brake light. However, when I use a resistor it's not having the same effect as in the video. Instead when I add a resistor instead of it getting dimmer some of the leds turn off. Is there anything I can do to fix this? I have a feeling it's the way the brake light is internally wired.

[@patrickdonnelly9386]

Do you hook it up to two outputs then?

[@wwvette]

Why Would I Go Through The Hassel? I'm Wiring Up My Own LED System For My Honda Motorcycle By Just Patching Into Those Systems, And Switching Out The Flasher Relay To Solve The Hyper Flashing...

[@DrofBBQ]

Excellent video thank you very much.

[@nochee1000]

if I make 10 LEDs and 12 volts.How ohm resistor that I use...?How amp diode that I use...?How amp diode for tail lamp..?How amp diode for brake lamp...?answer my question and send the video to me please....Thanks,,,

[@Elmer_R]

Great video👍👍. Question can I use that same style diode on my 36 led set up? Also would I only need 2 diodes to make all 36 LED work? A little info on my set up I have 36 diodes LED with resistor on each one of them. The specs are 12v forward voltage is 2.0 and forward current is 20. Thanks for your help

[@Lesscoelectronics]

I would use 3 amp diodes on yours

[@Elmer_R]

@@Lesscoelectronicsappreciate the response. how many of them would I need?

[@Lesscoelectronics]

depends, what is your 36 led strip doing exactly?

[@Elmer_R]

@@Lesscoelectronics they are in my taillights. the purpose for them are for my parking lights and I want to make them also my brake light. Thanks for your help

[@Lesscoelectronics]

@@Elmer_R oh, in that case 1 will do the trick

[@123youtubuser]

What's the name of the ending song of your video? I know I've heard it before years ago but I can't recall the name.

[@michaelpalmisano6788]

Can this be done with rgb LEDs ? If so do I need different diodes or resistors?

[@swenexXx.]

Awesome tutorial sir. I'll apply this on my motorcycl brakelight. So the diode alone without the resistor brightens the LED strip than it's usual brightness?

[@Lesscoelectronics]

Yes sir, cool huh?

[@swenexXx.]

@@Lesscoelectronics Yeah! Thank you so much for this easy to understand tutorial for someone like me who knows nothing much about electronics.

[@hruruknguyenvit18]

Great video! I think I'm going to try this on my Ducati 1100 Evo. One question though, do you have any advice on integrating the turn indicators onto the one LED strip with the rear brake? Thanks again 😄

[@Lesscoelectronics]

+Dylan Hrurukvit that'll be an entire different video, let me think about that. maybe in the future I may create a how to on it.

[@Lesscoelectronics]

+Dylan Hrurukvit that'll be an entire different video, let me think about that. maybe in the future I may create a how to on it.

[@wyattoutlaw2370]

What diodes are they.? Is there different voltage diodes. Should I be looking for 12 v diodes for my motorcycle setup. Also should I use diodes inline on all my led indicators aswell?

[@Lesscoelectronics]

Fuji Wags These are the most popular 5 amp ones we sell: stores.ebay.com/Lessco-Electronics/_i.html?_nkw=diodes&submit=Search&_sid=77826561

[@reniererasmus3535]

Awesome Cool stuff , thanks man

[@diobarroga3509]

Just a question... what wattage do I need for the resistor and how many volts for the diodes do I need?

[@melonmalone6307]

12v 1w 510-560ohm resistor in4004diode

[@iamwhiteshadow]

Great video although a bit too late for me I just bought new blinkers dang it.

[@melikesutube]

I can't seem to find those diodes (1n5004) anywhere :( could I use a slightly different one? Say a 3amp diode? Awesome video by the way, thanks for sharing :)

[@Daveinstthomas5212]

i like to have a run, brake, and turn. is it possible on one LED strip using this.

[@hassanuddin6923]

I think I saw one on a racertv video, cb350 I think Did you find a solution? I want to build something similar

[@radiantzLED]

we have the parts to do what you are asking. www.radiantz.com

[@20pylej]

Same here. I'm looking to just have my rear turn signals act as a running and brake light. 3 in 1, eliminating a tail light. Raidianz do u guys have this?

[@keithkingdon]

Great Video! Thanks

[@illSampleThat]

thanks for doing this video great job

[@stgyoungfrizzle]

ok so how is it installed when yo onle have one power wire??

[@moochie80]

i want my led to be a little bit brighter under the resistor so should i choose a higher ohm or lower ohms. for example 600 ohm 1w for a bright look or 250 ohm for a brighter look......... PLEASE HELP

[@KBFProductions]

You'd want a lower ohm resistor, so 250 ohm would be brighter than having the 600 ohm.

[@moochie80]

thank you

[@spongehow]

A question about the resistor. You said you used a 300 Ohm resistor, If you use a say 500 Ohm resistor the parking light would be dimmer correct?

[@Lesscoelectronics]

+spongehow yes, significantly so.

[@foford2010]

+Lessco Electronics what about the wattage? 1/2 watt...1/4 watt

[@Lesscoelectronics]

yes, you can also tinker with wattages too, theres just no limit to altering the variables of this stuff.

[@shabaluga]

spongehow i

[@djtren63]

Can this method work fo hi/lo beam for motorcycle headlights?

[@Lesscoelectronics]

No sir, those are high amperage unlike the led's I am using here.

[@melonmalone6307]

Do you recommend a diode in4007

[@HanoverHouseDental]

50W load resistor needed for 5W/21W brake circuits

[@verdgj626]

Great vid dude. Helped me a lot!

[@TinkersGarage]

What LED strip is this and where do I order it.. thank you

[@jennyli4252]

hello,this is jenny,we can supply the led strip to you.our company mainly making led strip ,we have our own factory in shenzhen china,you want to order,contact me please.thanks a lot. email:[e-mail] whatsapp/wechat:[phone] skype:[e-mail]

[@bcgoldhunters]

Hi there. quick question... Just to clarify will this work on a strip of LEDs for 12v motorcycle brake light? Thank you Great video

[@Lesscoelectronics]

+Steve-O Knight yup

[@bcgoldhunters]

+Lessco Electronics thanks. does the size of resistors and diodes matter. in case of turn signal bulb on motorcycle. trying to stop the fast flash rate from a flasher relay

[@spartacus09ful]

+Steve-O Knight You can buy a new relay for led lights, the filimant lights draw more power which is why your led's flash fast

[@profanepunk]

anxiety attack

[@skulledmonte84]

i went to ebay they want to sell packs of 10 i dont need that many how about Radio shack would they have the diodes an resistor ASAP PLEASE

[@79401Jeeper]

Radio Shack used to carry that kind of stuff, but you'll probably pay them as much for 1 as you'll get the pack of 10 for on ebay.

[@nicolasandersen7574]

Is the 5amp diode good if i want My highbeam to turn on both High and low beam?

[@Lesscoelectronics]

The long answer is the right one I think here, You should measure the draw with a meter to determine that before trusting a diode with current. Or better yet, Just use relays and let them do the switching since that's what they're really made for.

[@nicolasandersen7574]

Lessco Electronics ok thanks for the info😊

[@bennyserrano6940]

nice video thanks ..really help me

[@charlielister60]

Where did you purchase your diodes? I can't find any diodes model #IN5004. I found plenty of model #IN5404.

[@melonmalone6307]

In4004

[@shaileshpatel9517]

Hi Sir My bike in led light Not supported Please help me Led light in bike wiring Connection videos ,

[@1silvervespa]

Think I'd like slightly brighter Running light ..... Brake is plenty bright . Bit brighter running lights for like Day time and Sunny days ... Tail light needs to be seen for sure. Bplay with resistor size I suppose ...

[@freakenstein1984]

Do you do custom work?

[@Lesscoelectronics]

nah, just for me..

[@timurbayram5162]

why do we use diods?

[@osmarneto8368]

What's the name of video's ending song??? Please!

[@Lesscoelectronics]

The name is hot heat, it's a non copyrighted song from the youtube creator

[@melonmalone6307]

resistor is it 12v or 1watt ???