Upgrading Lighting Project - Need Assistance

2827 Views 13 Replies 7 Participants Last post by jermterp, Nov 1, 2018

lastwachter

Discussion Starter · Oct 18, 2018

I have a 2009 VRSCDX. This winter I plan to upgrade some safety features including horn and lighting. For the lighting, there are several things I want to do and need to sort out what is needed and where to wire it in.

My Game Plan

FRONT

HEAD LIGHTS
Brighter - To use many aftermarket lights, will I need to replace the housing with something 5.75"? I was told the V-Rod headlight is a different size.

FRONT SIGNALS
I will be replacing them with RRI SigZ V2 LED 1157 Turn Signals - Running Lights.
FRONT SIGNAL REPLACEMENT CHOICE

-Will these just plug n play?
-I am under the impression that the front signals are 1157.
-I assume I will need a load equalizer, if so, any recommendations?
-Will I need two since I will be doing the same to the back or can I wire them in somewhere that will take care of both?
-If so, where?

REAR

TAIL LIGHT
I want to upgrade with a brighter light if possible. Here is my current light, I am not sure if it is stock or aftermarket as there was a PO
CURRENT TAIL LIGHT

SIGNALS
I will be replacing them with RRI SigZ V2 LED 1157 Turn Signals - Tail Lights.
RRI Signals

-I am under the impression the rear signals are 1156 as they do not run all the time.
-In order to make them run all the time I will have to replace them with 1157 internals correct?
-I also need to purchase the Auxillary light kit as well, correct?

FLASHING BRAKE LIGHTS
-I want the brake lights to flash before becoming solid so I will need a device for that as well, any suggestions?
(SINCE PURCHASED The Custom Dynamics Magic Strobe Brake Light Modulator For Harley V-Rod 2002-2010. Waiting to install.)

FINALLY
I need to know if all of these devices will work together and in what order they may need to be attached.

Load equalizer>Brake Flasher>Aux light kit>1157 light internals>1157 LED RRI Signals.

I know there is a lot to go over here, so any help in any part would be greatly appreciated. I want to work on getting the game plan set up and start on it this winter when I put the bike up.

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Athena

· #2 · Oct 23, 2018

I replaced my headlight, vrscd 2007 with a digital product Harley made. No problem, and I didn't have to worry about resistors. Also less drain on the battery.Rear light was replaced with a flashing bulb unit, the electronics are in the bulb so no fancy wiring. Left the turn signals since they need resisters.

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lastwachter

Discussion Starter · #3 · Oct 23, 2018

Athena said:
I replaced my headlight, vrscd 2007 with a digital product Harley made. No problem, and I didn't have to worry about resistors. Also less drain on the battery.Rear light was replaced with a flashing bulb unit, the electronics are in the bulb so no fancy wiring. Left the turn signals since they need resisters.

The PO installed LED headlight and taillight however I would like to upgrade them as I know there are brighter units out there.

I have already purchased the Custom Dynamics Magic Strobe Brake Light Modulator For Harley V-Rod 2002-2010. That should just be a plug and play unit. Hopefully no issues there.

As for the signals. I think the running and brake lights would be too beneficial not to do it, my only question is...Can I run a single load equalizer for both sets or will I need two, one for the front signals and one for the rear?

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Athena

· #4 · Oct 23, 2018

I would use two load equilizers

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coastrider

· #5 · Oct 23, 2018

lastwachter said:
The PO installed LED headlight and taillight however I would like to upgrade them as I know there are brighter units out there.

I have already purchased the Custom Dynamics Magic Strobe Brake Light Modulator For Harley V-Rod 2002-2010. That should just be a plug and play unit. Hopefully no issues there.

As for the signals. I think the running and brake lights would be too beneficial not to do it, my only question is...Can I run a single load equalizer for both sets or will I need two, one for the front signals and one for the rear?

One resistor for each side. Putting front and back will stop them working. Or buy one of the load equalisers like the Badlands or Biketronic to do everything.

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lastwachter

Discussion Starter · #6 · Oct 23, 2018

coastrider said:
One resistor for each side. Putting front and back will stop them working. Or buy one of the load equalizers like the Badlands or Biketronic to do everything.

I see, so a single load equalizer from say Badlands will cover all led lighting issues that may occur?

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rc4man

· #7 · Oct 23, 2018

Recently replaced my front turn sigs with Custom Dynamics Pro Beam units, they are LED and plug n play with no resistor.

They offer a rear but the rears as you have commented are 1156 replacement which are a single filliment incandescent lamp type and do not work as full time running lamps.

HD offered an electronic unit that ran the stock incandescent bulbs at a low voltage for running and a higher voltage for turn and hazard functions. I have one of those installed which offers more rear light than stock, and guarantees that you still have rear light when the tail lamp bulb fails.

I do not know if your LED replacements will work with this unit as I was not willing to mess with what I have.

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flybigjet

· #8 · Oct 23, 2018

lastwachter said:
I see, so a single load equalizer from say Badlands will cover all led lighting issues that may occur?

Yes.

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jermterp

· #9 · Oct 25, 2018

I've just ordered this: https://www.eaglelights.com/products/eagle-lights-v-rod-led-projection-headlight

Will let you know how it works out once I receive it. Coupon code promotion for 20% right now too.

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cherrybomb

· #10 · Oct 26, 2018

jermterp said:
I've just ordered this: https://www.eaglelights.com/products/eagle-lights-v-rod-led-projection-headlight

Will let you know how it works out once I receive it. Coupon code promotion for 20% right now too.

I tried the eagle healight for the vrscdx and was disappointed how it fit. The OEM has serrated bosses that make contact with the " bracket"
to bolt it up. Eagle lights were smooth and required lock washers be slid in as you try to make up the hardware. Turned out the bosses were a bit to wide to allow the washers to fit. I did not want to modify the product and possible void warranty by filing down the bosses. Maybe the washers would keep the headlight aligned?
Didn't want to take the chance so I sent it back.
Fantastic customer service, great folks to deal with.

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rc4man

· #11 · Oct 29, 2018

The Eagle Lights unit look identical to other China made units floating around at half the price. I purchased one of those others and it came with toothed lock washers to fill the gap. The instructions said they were for Muscle models but I needed to use them with my 04 B with the standard aluminum bracket.
Seems stable enough though it's tricky fishing the washers into position.

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jermterp

· #12 · Oct 29, 2018

rc4man said:
The Eagle Lights unit look identical to other China made units floating around at half the price. I purchased one of those others and it came with toothed lock washers to fill the gap. The instructions said they were for Muscle models but I needed to use them with my 04 B with the standard aluminum bracket.
Seems stable enough though it's tricky fishing the washers into position.

Are you happy with the light output and pattern? Is it much better over stock?

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rc4man

· #13 · Nov 1, 2018

The low beam is significantly better than stock. They get high beam by the addition of some projector lamps. All LED are on together during high beam so you have the improved low beam plus the others. Can't say though that the additional beams add that much.
thus far haven't ridden extensively with it at night, just a mile or so down the road and back.
Haven't ridden at night at all since adding the Probeam turn signals.
I used to run Silvania Silver Star Ultra bulbs for low beam, but as expensive as they are, and the fact that I've had two fail during night rides I'm looking forward to the potential longevity of this unit. If it lasts as long as only two of those bulbs then it's paid for itself.
If you shop around on either ebay or Amazon you can find these units at under $100

https://www.customdynamics.com/probeam-amber-white-dynamic-ringz-1157?cat=824

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jermterp

· #14 · Nov 1, 2018

rc4man said:
The low beam is significantly better than stock. They get high beam by the addition of some projector lamps. All LED are on together during high beam so you have the improved low beam plus the others. Can't say though that the additional beams add that much.
thus far haven't ridden extensively with it at night, just a mile or so down the road and back.
Haven't ridden at night at all since adding the Probeam turn signals.
I used to run Silvania Silver Star Ultra bulbs for low beam, but as expensive as they are, and the fact that I've had two fail during night rides I'm looking forward to the potential longevity of this unit. If it lasts as long as only two of those bulbs then it's paid for itself.
If you shop around on either ebay or Amazon you can find these units at under $100

I appreciate the feedback, excited to see how it works out on my bike.

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Upgrading Lighting Project - Need Assistance

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