It’s worth mentioning that higher wattage bulbs can overload the wiring feeding the bulb socket. I’ve seen this on vehicles where the owner replaced the standard headlamp with aftermarket HID. The HID starter module draws more amperage then the harness can handle. Melt down occurs. If you’re lucky, the feed wire breaks before catching fire. The old Lucas theory of letting the smoke out.
My mis-spent youth. I did my apprenticeship during the British Leyland era. Back in the days when the headlamp switch had 3 positions - Dim, Flicker and Off.😀
Also a nice thing to check here is your brake switches. Maybe as you check your oil at a gas stop? My front brake switch was stuck on and I had the wrong bulb so... melted lens.
I’ve been struggling trying to replace the stock incandescent turn signal bulbs with led’s on my 2018 Heritage. The problem I’m running into is that the led bulbs with a standard barrel base will not go deep enough for the guide pins to catch. I’m trying not to replace the entire turn/running light assembly, just the bulb.
@@deanmack8575 👍🏻 Nice! For me, HD just doesn’t make the coolest bikes anymore. I’m narrow minded on that, but yours too is among the last of the best creations. After Willie G...Meh.
Struggling to find a solution and hope Doc has the answer. I like bright like most do. I have discovered a flaw ( well for me it is ) in a tail light that is much brighter than the rest. I travel in groups often. With the slight weave of normal riding, every time that bright tail lamp disappears and becomes visible again, it appears someone is braking because the bulb is so much brighter. This isn’t the issue I’m writing in about. I am a rider that’s had on more than one occasion heard the panic braking behind me as the vehicle behind me finally realized I was stopped. The solution I came up with? The hyper flash brake light bulb...so far so good...but it came with its own issue. It throws a tail lamp code on my 2018 Road Glide. I’m told a load equalizer is the fix. Of course I research it and it’s usually the fix to stop a hyper flashing signal bulb caused by the upgraded bulb from incandescent to led. Seems to go against my “braking” solution. My opinion why my code came on was because my computer picked up the increase/decrease power draw while my bulb was in “strobe mode”. To be clear and transparent, this bulb also replaced an incandescent bulb. So I have a few factors in place. Aside from going back to the OEM bulb, is there a fix for my hyper flash brake light bulb? Is the load equalizer a fix? TIA
Hi doc, appreciate all the knowledge! On my 08 sportster,the right rear bulb goes from running light"on" to no light when pressing the turn signal switch...left side,and front right work as they should.Any thoughts? Thanks
Hey Doc,Traced all wires,all good. Put meter leads on contacts, flashes just fine,put new bulb in....same problem...bulb goes from lit( running light) to off.all other lights and turn signals work...🤔
I have been searching for an answer to erratic turn signal flashing. I have replaced bulbs and flasher, but problem continues. I had my voltage regulator checked, they say it's good. Problem is, at idle turn signals flash at normal tempo, once rpms increase so does the flash speed. Example, 65 mph, flash to change lanes is pretty close to constant on. Your advise will be greatly appreciated. Great channel 😊
In 1999 HD used the frame, rear fender and rails, front handlebars and Star washers to ground ( complete the circuit) for turn signals. Use your ohm meter to be sure the turn signal body is connected to battery ground. Also the ground wire for flasher unit…..Doc
Harley seems to be 10 years or more behind the automotive industry. Tire pressure monitors have been a standard feature in cars for over a decade, my 2008 dodge has them, and now are only available on some models of harley. LED headlights and turn signals are so common in cars that it's almost a standard, but what about harley, lol. I have a 2019 flhxs, and my buddy has a 2020 road glide limited, no led turn signals or tire pressure monitors on his 2020
TPMS is just another worry bs idiot light system. I carry Co2 cartridges and a plug kit on my HD. Telling me I have a flat in the desert, does nothing for me. Fixing it, keeps me going.
If it's a high wattage bulb it's NOT an 1157. The seller may call it that, but no reputable bulb manufacturer (Sylvania, GE, etc) will call something that's higher wattage an 1157.
I can only advise Harley-Davidson LED products. Because they are engineered to fit, last and work with your bike. I am sure there are other products offered all over the world. But they are designed outside of a Harley-Davidson. It’s your choice. Please do your research and watch the reviews. Thanks ~ Doc
Hello Doc. Harley, big fan here from brazil which you have been helping a lot with your videos, i would love if you will take a big challenge, I have a 2017 ultra international model where i want to mount the led turn signals with build in position light on both front and back, problem is the hardwire as I only have one center pole in my present bullets, what to do?
You have me at a disadvantage. I do not know what Harley_Davidson products are available across the ocean. I do know you have different standards and sometimes our products will not pass your rules. Our light conversions replace standard bulbs and then we reprogram the BCM to LED. Check with your local dealers....Doc
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson i get all my parts from college's traveling down here, I mounted as example the fork lights with perfect fit and function, have you heard about an adapter-wire to switch a 1-poled into a 2-poled system for the turn signals ?
Hey doc, I put some leds in the rear turns and I wanted to go back to Regular bulbs. For some reason the left side doesn’t work with a stock bulb any idea?
Of coarse recheck the bulbs and mating socket. I have had brand new bulbs fail and the internal socket prongs rotate when removing the old bulb. Thanks ~ Doc
Hi Doc,I am Arvind(pronounced Avin) from india. Recently i bought the fatbob 2019-107ci. Can u give me the tips for its routine maintenence. Also i am getting a rasping noise from the front portion of the bike while riding. i suspect its the brakes. The bike has done about 4000kms. thanx doc
Congrats on your purchase. Great bike. You are at the mileage for an inspection, which would address your noise. I have not heard a raspy sound from a front brake. Next Service is at 8046KM. Which would include an oil change, lube, adjust and inspect several items. 16000KM includes the same with attention to wheels, neck and swing arm bearings. Then every 8,046KM oil changes with inspection, lube and adjustments. I am guessing you did not receive an owner’s manual with all this information? Thanks ~ Doc
Hi Doc, I have the same problem, I bought aftermarket HogWorkz 5-3/4″ Chrome LED Daymaker Style V2 Headlight and after 30 minutes of riding my bike the highbeam turn on by itself. What is the solution? Thank you
I am not familiar with that product. I would contact their website and inquire on forums. Sometimes the ground wire for the headlight needs a better connection or a larger gauge wire. Thanks ~ Doc
Hey Doc, I have a question regarding lean angle. I'm trying to visualize: When looking at a 90 degree chart do I put the 0 at the top of the vertical line and the 90 on the horizontal line or or vice versa?? I.E. is 20 or 30 more lean?? Might seem like a silly question but I think i'm thinking about it wrong when comparing lean angles on bikes....
I have seen it both ways. In MotoGP the 0 is at the top of Vertical line with 90 degrees on the far right of the horizontal line. and yet in several Superbike articles it is explained the opposite. I have to say it is rare to have someone ask about Lean Angle on a Harley-Davidson topic. Makes me want to bring out the Buell for a Track Day 👍 Thanks ~ Doc
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson I'm looking at HDs wondering which one has the best lean angle. I've been riding a 2013 1200XLC for 5 yrs and learned I really like a curvy spirited ride and figure the limiting factor is mostly lean angle.
What if HD had put LEDs that never had to be changed? Imagine that! But we all know that the current price of LEDs run in thousands of dollars. Just a pipe dream.
I got bulbs from J&P cycles. The bulbs are shorter than normal now they’ve stopped working. And stuck I cannot get them to turn and pull. What now? It’s as if they’ve seized up in there.
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson I have been an auto tech for many years and never known that. Thank you. The wattage numbers are on the bonnet (the metal part of the bulb) not the socket. I had to check for myself and You are correct they are label. I never notice the other numbers
Harley seems to be 10 years or more behind the automotive industry. Tire pressure monitors have been a standard feature in cars for over a decade, my 2008 dodge has them, and now are only available on some models of harley. LED headlights and turn signals are so common in cars that it's almost a standard, but what about harley, lol. I have a 2019 flhxs, and my buddy has a 2020 road glide limited, no led turn signals or tire pressure monitors on his 2020
@@jamessmoth8683 Wait till you need to replace the tire monitors or some other issue with them. Some people want their vehicle to look like a Christmas tree with lights some people don't.
Nothing like paying $20K plus for a nice new Street Bob 114 with LED headlight... and freaking incandescent turns.... pathetic .. paying attention Harley?
If Harley would make lenses out of glass again that would be great, but they won’t. They make all these plastic and fiberglass fairy bikes now. The yuppies just love them. Yuppies don’t care if it’s made of plastic as long as it’s shiny lmfao
Nicholasyoder, hate to break it to ya....Harley has had plastic lenses and fiberglass, alllll the waaaay back to the 60's, at least. I know all of my Guide lenses on my 65 Fl, are plastic. Oh yeah, and the fiberglass saddlebags. Oh, and don't forget the fiberglass, batwing fairing, that you could buy from the factory accessory catalog! So I guess that, I am a Yuppie, for riding a Panhead. My ego is crushed....womp, womp.
@@nicholasyoder you're right. I probably don't know what I am talking about. I have only had my Panhead for about twenty-five years. Thanks for putting me in my place.
@@nicholasyoder you are correct. Guide did, make gless lenses. Late Pans, early Shovels have Guide plastic lenses. Look on a 55 Pan through 67 Shovel taillight. RH-55 plastic lens with a very small script writing Guide on top. 68 Shovel to 72 Shovel are also plastic, Guide lenses. (RH-68) The top clear tag light lens are glass through some of those years. But Harley went to plastic clear lenses. Because the glass ones were prone to cracking. (I actually have two of the clear glass lenses. In original packaging.) But you're correct I don't know what I am talking about.
It’s worth mentioning that higher wattage bulbs can overload the wiring feeding the bulb socket. I’ve seen this on vehicles where the owner replaced the standard headlamp with aftermarket HID. The HID starter module draws more amperage then
the harness can handle. Melt down occurs. If you’re lucky, the feed wire breaks before catching fire. The old Lucas theory of letting the smoke out.
My mis-spent youth. I did my apprenticeship during the British Leyland era. Back in the days when the headlamp switch had 3 positions - Dim, Flicker and Off.😀
Replaced my tail light bulb with an LED bulb for the win.
Great info on "Bulbs"
A request. You often refer to "Early" or late model bikes
It would be valuable to us Harley newbie's if you were year specific
Leave it up to the MOCO to come up with a 1157 bulb which is proprietary for it's signals.
That’s not what he’s saying. He’s saying if you take out an 1157 but in an 1157 and not an 1157 heavy duty
Also a nice thing to check here is your brake switches. Maybe as you check your oil at a gas stop? My front brake switch was stuck on and I had the wrong bulb so... melted lens.
Been running custom dynamics for over 7 years on three different Harleys. Brighter, last a long time.
Led in the front, old style in the rear to keep them flashing. I also have a led flasher bulb in the rear brake/tail light.
Always like the tips, great information as always and thank you sir!
I’ve been struggling trying to replace the stock incandescent turn signal bulbs with led’s on my 2018 Heritage. The problem I’m running into is that the led bulbs with a standard barrel base will not go deep enough for the guide pins to catch. I’m trying not to replace the entire turn/running light assembly, just the bulb.
I think Doc lays awake at night thinking of his next topic...great tech tips most never think of.👌
Great tips as always. Still have 1157s in my 04 Springer but thought they’d gone to LED an everything by now.
You would think? Then you would pay Hundreds of Dollars More!! LOL
@@deanmack8575 Lol, and true. But, I rather like the old incandescent ones just fine. And...You can find an 1157 just about anywhere.
I agree 100%, I'm running an 04 Heritage..
@@deanmack8575 👍🏻 Nice! For me, HD just doesn’t make the coolest bikes anymore. I’m narrow minded on that, but yours too is among the last of the best creations. After Willie G...Meh.
Thanks Doc. Great information as always.
Just in time for the ride to Sturgis! Thanks Doc!
Struggling to find a solution and hope Doc has the answer. I like bright like most do. I have discovered a flaw ( well for me it is ) in a tail light that is much brighter than the rest. I travel in groups often. With the slight weave of normal riding, every time that bright tail lamp disappears and becomes visible again, it appears someone is braking because the bulb is so much brighter. This isn’t the issue I’m writing in about. I am a rider that’s had on more than one occasion heard the panic braking behind me as the vehicle behind me finally realized I was stopped. The solution I came up with? The hyper flash brake light bulb...so far so good...but it came with its own issue. It throws a tail lamp code on my 2018 Road Glide. I’m told a load equalizer is the fix. Of course I research it and it’s usually the fix to stop a hyper flashing signal bulb caused by the upgraded bulb from incandescent to led. Seems to go against my “braking” solution. My opinion why my code came on was because my computer picked up the increase/decrease power draw while my bulb was in “strobe mode”. To be clear and transparent, this bulb also replaced an incandescent bulb. So I have a few factors in place. Aside from going back to the OEM bulb, is there a fix for my hyper flash brake light bulb? Is the load equalizer a fix? TIA
Hi doc, appreciate all the knowledge! On my 08 sportster,the right rear bulb goes from running light"on" to no light when pressing the turn signal switch...left side,and front right work as they should.Any thoughts? Thanks
As simple as a bad bulb? It may look good but internally not. Check all wires going from under the seat to the bulb…Doc
Thanks,tried swapping bulb from left side,same result...tracing wires tomorrow
Hey Doc,Traced all wires,all good. Put meter leads on contacts, flashes just fine,put new bulb in....same problem...bulb goes from lit( running light) to off.all other lights and turn signals work...🤔
I have been searching for an answer to erratic turn signal flashing. I have replaced bulbs and flasher, but problem continues. I had my voltage regulator checked, they say it's good. Problem is, at idle turn signals flash at normal tempo, once rpms increase so does the flash speed. Example, 65 mph, flash to change lanes is pretty close to constant on. Your advise will be greatly appreciated. Great channel 😊
Forgot bike info, 1999 Softail Custom
In 1999 HD used the frame, rear fender and rails, front handlebars and Star washers to ground ( complete the circuit) for turn signals. Use your ohm meter to be sure the turn signal body is connected to battery ground. Also the ground wire for flasher unit…..Doc
My Dad a taillight melt on his ‘02 FLHTC from running a hotter bulb
Harley seems to be 10 years or more behind the automotive industry. Tire pressure monitors have been a standard feature in cars for over a decade, my 2008 dodge has them, and now are only available on some models of harley. LED headlights and turn signals are so common in cars that it's almost a standard, but what about harley, lol.
I have a 2019 flhxs, and my buddy has a 2020 road glide limited, no led turn signals or tire pressure monitors on his 2020
TPMS is just another worry bs idiot light system. I carry Co2 cartridges and a plug kit on my HD. Telling me I have a flat in the desert, does nothing for me. Fixing it, keeps me going.
Wonderful information, thank you
Thanks for watching Roscoe….Doc
I have a 2018 softail , why did Harley put LED in the rear and 1157 in the front ? I swapped out the 1157 for leds .
I would guess LED in rear for brightness? Also old 1157 in front so they can sell the white/amber LED upgrade 👍 Thanks ~ Doc
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson Thanks
If it's a high wattage bulb it's NOT an 1157. The seller may call it that, but no reputable bulb manufacturer (Sylvania, GE, etc) will call something that's higher wattage an 1157.
I have 2004 sportster 883 custom what led would you recommend for all including headlight?
I can only advise Harley-Davidson LED products. Because they are engineered to fit, last and work with your bike. I am sure there are other products offered all over the world. But they are designed outside of a Harley-Davidson. It’s your choice. Please do your research and watch the reviews. Thanks ~ Doc
Thanks your the man. I will use HD parts thanks
Heavy duty doesn't always mean higher wattage
Means thicker filament
Hello Doc. Harley, big fan here from brazil which you have been helping a lot with your videos, i would love if you will take a big challenge, I have a 2017 ultra international model where i want to mount the led turn signals with build in position light on both front and back, problem is the hardwire as I only have one center pole in my present bullets, what to do?
You have me at a disadvantage. I do not know what Harley_Davidson products are available across the ocean. I do know you have different standards and sometimes our products will not pass your rules. Our light conversions replace standard bulbs and then we reprogram the BCM to LED. Check with your local dealers....Doc
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson i get all my parts from college's traveling down here, I mounted as example the fork lights with perfect fit and function, have you heard about an adapter-wire to switch a 1-poled into a 2-poled system for the turn signals ?
Doc, please make a video on CRITICAL FASTENERS. thanks!
My ol shovel head has glass lenses
that haven't melted.
to confusing we should go back to oil lamps. good info.
Hey doc, I put some leds in the rear turns and I wanted to go back to Regular bulbs. For some reason the left side doesn’t work with a stock bulb any idea?
Oh and the bulb does work in the other side
Of coarse recheck the bulbs and mating socket. I have had brand new bulbs fail and the internal socket prongs rotate when removing the old bulb. Thanks ~ Doc
Doc,
Good information as usual. What is the manufacturer name of the bike lift tables your shop is using?
Looks like a Handy lift
Hi Doc,I am Arvind(pronounced Avin) from india. Recently i bought the fatbob 2019-107ci. Can u give me the tips for its routine maintenence. Also i am getting a rasping noise from the front portion of the bike while riding. i suspect its the brakes. The bike has done about 4000kms. thanx doc
Congrats on your purchase. Great bike. You are at the mileage for an inspection, which would address your noise. I have not heard a raspy sound from a front brake.
Next Service is at 8046KM. Which would include an oil change, lube, adjust and inspect several items. 16000KM includes the same with attention to wheels, neck and swing arm bearings. Then every 8,046KM oil changes with inspection, lube and adjustments. I am guessing you did not receive an owner’s manual with all this information? Thanks ~ Doc
Hi Doc, I have the same problem, I bought aftermarket HogWorkz 5-3/4″ Chrome LED Daymaker Style V2 Headlight and after 30 minutes of riding my bike the highbeam turn on by itself. What is the solution? Thank you
I am not familiar with that product. I would contact their website and inquire on forums.
Sometimes the ground wire for the headlight needs a better connection or a larger gauge wire. Thanks ~ Doc
Low Country Harley-Davidson Thank you so much . I will contact them.
LOL..Non Harley bulb.. Love that statement. Always buy that "special" made Harley Davidson bulb. If you don't, your warranty will be void :)
LED bulbs behind a stock lens not designed for LED makes for a red dot in the center of the lens. That's why they offer a kit with lenses.
There are lots of LED bulb styles out there now... might find one that puts a few LED's to the side and only one pointing back.
Hey Doc, I have a question regarding lean angle.
I'm trying to visualize: When looking at a 90 degree chart do I put the 0 at the top of the vertical line and the 90 on the horizontal line or or vice versa??
I.E. is 20 or 30 more lean?? Might seem like a silly question but I think i'm thinking about it wrong when comparing lean angles on bikes....
I have seen it both ways. In MotoGP the 0 is at the top of Vertical line with 90 degrees on the far right of the horizontal line.
and yet in several Superbike articles it is explained the opposite. I have to say it is rare to have someone ask about Lean Angle on a Harley-Davidson topic. Makes me want to bring out the Buell for a Track Day 👍 Thanks ~ Doc
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson I'm looking at HDs wondering which one has the best lean angle. I've been riding a 2013 1200XLC for 5 yrs and learned I really like a curvy spirited ride and figure the limiting factor is mostly lean angle.
What if HD had put LEDs that never had to be changed? Imagine that! But we all know that the current price of LEDs run in thousands of dollars. Just a pipe dream.
Put the slot on lense at bottom. Any water intrusion will drain out. Good tip Doc. Ride safe
Custom dynamics pro beam led replacement!
I got bulbs from J&P cycles. The bulbs are shorter than normal now they’ve stopped working. And stuck I cannot get them to turn and pull. What now? It’s as if they’ve seized up in there.
🥲 are you familiar with those pieces of thin rubber in the kitchen to help open tight lids? It has helped me in this situation….Doc
I have a 98 springer and the tail light went out. The guy gave me an 1157 bulb. I replaced it. But the running light doesn't work. Why???
Hey Doc how about telling us how we can tell the difference of the 1157 bulbs by looking at them.
You are correct. I failed to mention most bulbs have the watts printed on the socket. Thanks ~ Doc
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson I have been an auto tech for many years and never known that. Thank you. The wattage numbers are on the bonnet (the metal part of the bulb) not the socket. I had to check for myself and You are correct they are label. I never notice the other numbers
YEAH IT'S NOT FUN MELTING A LENZ COVER. LOL. LIVE AND LEARN.......THANK MISTER.......
Changed mine to blacked out led front and rear looks good on my 2016 road king but may not be legal in all 49 states!👍😎
Simple... just bring it to your local Harley Dealer..
(if you could afford the labor charge) 🙃
As always, Doc.... 👍👍
Your the Best
You're
Bulds? Must be those new ones they're using.
Typo is fixed. Thanks!
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson no worries.
I have all my bulbs and bulds replaced with LED's.
Much brighter and hopefully last longer.
What's a bulb?
just put some 1157 white leds in the fronts, looks killer
The fact that Harley still uses bulbs 💡 and charges $30g for a new Roadglide is really upsetting to me!
LED
Thought I would see a cool 1157cc build......still stuck around
New bikes wouldn't have this problem if they'd start putting in LED's from the factory. Just sayin......
100% Agreed.
It's not a problem if the proper bulb is used.
@@allanmccullough8550 not my point at all
Harley seems to be 10 years or more behind the automotive industry. Tire pressure monitors have been a standard feature in cars for over a decade, my 2008 dodge has them, and now are only available on some models of harley. LED headlights and turn signals are so common in cars that it's almost a standard, but what about harley, lol.
I have a 2019 flhxs, and my buddy has a 2020 road glide limited, no led turn signals or tire pressure monitors on his 2020
@@jamessmoth8683 Wait till you need to replace the tire monitors or some other issue with them. Some people want their vehicle to look like a Christmas tree with lights some people don't.
👍👌😎
Nothing like paying $20K plus for a nice new Street Bob 114 with LED headlight... and freaking incandescent turns.... pathetic .. paying attention Harley?
Not to rain on Parade but most bikes come with LED bulbs
Well duh.. Harley comes with garbage halogen. LED is superior
If Harley would make lenses out of glass again that would be great, but they won’t. They make all these plastic and fiberglass fairy bikes now. The yuppies just love them. Yuppies don’t care if it’s made of plastic as long as it’s shiny lmfao
Nicholasyoder, hate to break it to ya....Harley has had plastic lenses and fiberglass, alllll the waaaay back to the 60's, at least. I know all of my Guide lenses on my 65 Fl, are plastic. Oh yeah, and the fiberglass saddlebags. Oh, and don't forget the fiberglass, batwing fairing, that you could buy from the factory accessory catalog! So I guess that, I am a Yuppie, for riding a Panhead. My ego is crushed....womp, womp.
Pan M8 you don’t know what you’re talking about. Guide made glass. Sounds like you e got a shit ton of repop junk.
@@nicholasyoder you're right. I probably don't know what I am talking about. I have only had my Panhead for about twenty-five years. Thanks for putting me in my place.
Pan M8 your welcome! You’re never too old to learn lol
@@nicholasyoder you are correct. Guide did, make gless lenses. Late Pans, early Shovels have Guide plastic lenses. Look on a 55 Pan through 67 Shovel taillight. RH-55 plastic lens with a very small script writing Guide on top. 68 Shovel to 72 Shovel are also plastic, Guide lenses. (RH-68) The top clear tag light lens are glass through some of those years. But Harley went to plastic clear lenses. Because the glass ones were prone to cracking. (I actually have two of the clear glass lenses. In original packaging.) But you're correct I don't know what I am talking about.