Taillight replacement?

[Jonnielights]

Hello,

So after blindly figuring out how to replace the headlight and running lamps with LED's today on my Kymco Like I realized, that though I was ultimately successful, I made a lot of mistakes along the way, and did a lot of unnecessary things before I got the job done.

That said, I thought it wise to inquire about disassembling the taillight assembly and replacing the the lamp, any tips, instructions or direction would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Jon

[Stig / Major Tom]

Not able to give the post at present....but I posted a DIY on installing a lighted Bestem top case on my LIKE...
which involved steps leading to getting at the tail lights.

A forum search should pull it up.  "
Stig

[stuo]

Be sure to buy the "extra bright" bulb. The first bulb I bought off ebay (from China) was $1 and was worthless because the brake light section was no brighter then the running light. The one I finally used cost $20 a pair at O'reilly's Auto Parts, labelled "extra bright", and I am very satisfied with the result: a very bright brake light using 1/5 the current of the old incandescent bulb, so my brake switches won't burn out again and leave me unable to start my DT300i. Yup, both switches burned out after only 3000 miles. Apparently the last owner burned out the left side switch and I never noticed it because I always start using the right side brake.

[PaulF]

Found that thread on the taillight replacement Stig.  Going to put the original globe back in as I rode behind my scooter yesterday and was not impressed with the led brakelight,  great at night but not strong enough during the day.

[Tromper]

I just got a couple Sylvania Zevo 2357 (a bit brighter on the brakes than a 1157) in, I'll be installing one in one of my HD200s and doing a side by side comparison rather soonish.
I'm tracking that in the ADV forum at this point, & will post results there if anybody's interested.

[PaulF]

Will be very interested.  Was interested in the Zevo 1157 as there are some good reviews on it but did not know about the 2357.

[Tromper]

The 2357 didn't seem to catch on well in incandescent, most likely due to having 1/3rd the life of the 1157.
My thoughts were, for LED this will be much less of an issue, that & I got a pair off ebay for 6 bucks cheaper than I could have picked up the 1157s.

The bases are identical.  I just did the install a bit earlier & looked pretty good, but I'll need help from the wife to get shots of the brake lights and such.
I could use a binder on the brake handles but another pair of eyes for an impression is useful as well.

My initial impression was that the running light was similar in visibility but saturated the reflector a bit better so the glow was nicer.   The brake light, from what I could see reflecting off the garage door, was notably brighter.  Only question is whether or not it'll cause problems with glare for folks behind me.  I want 'em to see me, but I don't want them blind and made.

It is of note that the new LED is up against a 9 year old 6k mile incandescent so the OEM light is probably not at it's best.

[Stig / Major Tom]

Re. scooter and motorcycle tail light bulbs:
www.kisantech.com makes a pulsing brake light bulb, called a tailBlazer. See youtube videos.
I installed a pair in my Burgman, and one in a  CB500X.
We really like them. Usually there are 2 versions avail. -- halogen or LED. Halogen got better reviews, so we went with them.

Stig

[Tromper]

Kinda neat Stig.
I may look into something like that next.
Did you just get bulbs or did you get a modulator?

[Stig / Major Tom]

Kinda neat Stig.
I may look into something like that next.
Did you just get bulbs or did you get a modulator?

No, it was all self contained in the base of the bulb. Pop old bulb out, pop new one in. Baddabing. Also came with spares, which I never needed in 2 yrs use.

Burgman has 2 brake ligjts - so both were doing their things back there.
Reassuring.
Stig

[Stig / Major Tom]

No, it was all self contained in the base of the bulb. Pop old bulb out, pop new one in. Baddabing. Also came with spares, which I never needed in 2 yrs use.

Burgman has 2 brake ligjts - so both were doing their things back there - a two bulb pulse, simultaneously.
Reassuring.
Stig