Going all LED in the back and adding some bling

(June 8, 2015) I finally made the investment in LED lights for the back of my bike. Even though I already had some low-cost LEDs in the turn signals and auxiliary tail lights, I also upgraded those to products from Custom Dynamics. The new lights draw less power load and offer much brighter luminosity for increased safety. I also recently purchased a new chrome “timer cover” (P/N 32047-99A) and was surprised by how a such a small part can make such a big improvement to the appearance of my bike.

Back in 2009 when I purchased this 2006 FLHTCI Electra Glide Classic from my friend Mitch, the Tour-Pak was detachable and had no lights. There were only four lights on the back of the bike: (1) tail light/brake; (2/3) turn signals; and (4) fender light. Even though I very much liked the way the bike looked with the Tour-Pak off, I also learned that I used that big piece of luggage most of the time. Hence, I soon added the side lights and then the rear lights. Adding those corner/rear lights was a real adventure as I had to cut holes in the fiberglass with a hacksaw. That was scary! And when the mounting bracket began to wear out, I switched to a sturdier all-the-time mount.

LED Lights & Tour-Pak turn signals

Now, I have ten lights on the back of my bike, nine of those LEDs, with the small fender light being the last incandescent bulb: four in the Tour-Pak, two auxiliary tail lights, the two turn signals, and the tail/brake light. I want to be seen when I ride, especially at dusk, when visibility tends to be at it worst. These LEDs certainly do the job.

Kevin at Jockeys Cycle used to work at Custom Dynamics and has a real talent for wiring these lights into the bike. I’ve learned from experience that the quality of LEDs varies widely and I can assure you that the Custom Dynamics products are among the brightest and come with warranty coverage. Check out the videos I’ve included at the end of this article to see how bright these new lights are.

Of course, they aren’t cheap. Here’s a rough-order price summary: (1) Tour-Pak kit ($140) with run-turn-brake module ($46) and signal stabliizer ($60); (2) run/brake tail light ($160); (3) auxiliary run/tail lights ($40); plus labor ($150+). That’s about $600 total. You can definitely pay more.  

Chrome looks better than aluminum

Aluminum tarnishes and pits easily. It’s soft metal. My stock “Timer Cover” (click on the photo at right to see what I referring to) looked really shabby after a 110,000 miles. So, for about $30, I purchased a new chrome Timer Cover Kit, which comes with chrome fasteners, and the bike’s appearance improved far beyond my expectations. I was surprised how such a small part can make such a big difference in the look.

On the other hand, I have dispensed with the chrome cover on my voltage regulator. I read more than one post on Harley-Davidson forums that the chrome cover interferes with the cooling of the voltage regulator and I buy that argument. I just installed a new regulator last year and it cost me more than $300. I can live without the chrome cover if it extends the life of this vital and relatively expensive part.

Keep the shiny side up!

-The Long Rider 

Videos