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| V-Strom Modifications and Performance The brag page, good and bad. |
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#1
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The following is a cheap & lazy method to achieve brighter & more noticeable turn signals.
When I broke a 21 watt (OEM) turn signal bulb in my K7 650, I replaced it with a 26.7 watt Sylvania 1156 LL bulb which was markedly brighter relative to the 21 watt. However, one member read my short thread on the improvement and put 26.7 watt bulbs in all his turn signals. The result was that his flasher unit over heated and temporarily stopped working. After cooling, it functioned normally. So he ended up putting the 26.7 watts bulbs in the rear signals and OEM bulbs in the front. With that arrangement, everything worked for him. But, I wanted brighter turn signals all around. So, after 2 minutes of hard thinking (I had to rest for ½ day after that exertion), I decided to purchase two 1156 – 24 LED bulbs from Superbrightleds.com for a total of $19.54 which includes shipping. I next installed 26.7 watt bulbs in both rear turn signals and the 24 LED bulbs in the front signals. The result, as I theorized, was that the blink rate is now about double relative to using all OEM bulbs AND the 24 LED bulbs are, perhaps, 20% brighter than the 26.7 watt bulbs. And, as advertised, these LEDs should last until the sun becomes a red giant (you need at least 12 sun masses for a supernova). I now have brighter turn signals that blink about 2 times per second which I believe is more noticeable. Yes, it cost considerably more than OEM bulbs but my motto is, "He who never experiments, never learns." As such, I shall label this a success unless one of you members tell me that my bike is going to blow up soon or that the police will toss me in prison for violating some vehicle code.
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Previous stallions: 1969 Kawasaki 350 - died @ 25,500 miles 1974 Kawasaki Z900 - 116,000 miles and counting 1972 Kawasaki 175 Trail bike - gave away 1972 Suzuki 185 Trail bike - gave away 2006 Yamaha TTR 225 Trail bike 2007 Suzuki 650 V-Strom
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#2
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I like it and had thought of doing the same. Thanks for experimenting for me!!
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#3
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Quote:
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![]() DL 1000 Ride Safe 2009 Suzuki DL 1000 1999 Honda Valkyrie 1974 HD 1200 Super Glide 1972 Kawasaki H2 750 1960 ? Allstate Vespa 125 Scooter |
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#4
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I have LED's as well, but I also have the relay so that the signals flash at regular speed.
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FB MEMBER #133 - 2008 Wee |
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#5
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I used the narrow viewing angle because the most of the vehicles that you want to see the turn signal are approximately in front of your bike. But, also, the lens on the turn signal diffuses the light significantly so that those vehicles to your side can also see the signal, albeit, with lesser intensity.
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Previous stallions: 1969 Kawasaki 350 - died @ 25,500 miles 1974 Kawasaki Z900 - 116,000 miles and counting 1972 Kawasaki 175 Trail bike - gave away 1972 Suzuki 185 Trail bike - gave away 2006 Yamaha TTR 225 Trail bike 2007 Suzuki 650 V-Strom
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#6
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The cheapest way will be installing reflectors in otherwise black housings of them. Four signals, four pieces of aluminium foil make a noticeable difference. Cost zero, time ½ hour.
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#7
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Yes, I did put aluminum foil in the turn signal housings about a year ago and posted the results which were that it increased the brightness by approximately 30% (highly subjective). Since than, I have sprayed the interior of the housings with a highly reflective silver paint. This did not noticeably improve the brightness but I was slightly concerned with electrical conductivity of the aluminum foil near/touching the metal bulb socket.
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Previous stallions: 1969 Kawasaki 350 - died @ 25,500 miles 1974 Kawasaki Z900 - 116,000 miles and counting 1972 Kawasaki 175 Trail bike - gave away 1972 Suzuki 185 Trail bike - gave away 2006 Yamaha TTR 225 Trail bike 2007 Suzuki 650 V-Strom
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#8
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Great idea! Did you glue the foil in place with spray glue? |
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#9
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Did that three years ago. Works perfectly.
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#10
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I have been using 50 watt halogen bulbs in all my signals for 4 years now with no problems encountered. Maybe I just got lucky.
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05 / 650 in blue 88 / KDX 200 in green 81/82 DT 175 Yamahussies 79/SP 370 Suzuki-bad bike-no keep 78/ GT 750 water pumper 75/Suzuki 125 RV |
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