Steve Saunders Goldwing Forums banner
Cancel

GL1500 saddlebag lights

1249 Views 5 Replies 6 Participants Last post by  OldNewbie, 
mmcfee1
imported post

I recently purchased a 92 GL1500I and have been checking everything out on it. Fortunately, the previous owner gave me the complete service manual.

From what I can tell, saddlebag lights were optional for the 1500I. Mine didn't light, but thetail of the saddlebags did. I removed the saddlebag side markers to discover they indeed had wires. Tracing the wires, I also notice the presence of what I think is the "invertor" in the Right Rear bumper/saddle compartment.

I carefullly dis-assembled the reflector/saddlebag marker. Inside was a pink strip that I assume is a led strip. Are these strip replaceable? I wonder if the ones on my bike are stock or an aftermarket item.......How can I tell if they are stock? Also, I tested the output of the wires, it appears to be 120VAC...So I assume the "inverter" steps up the voltage and provides even a sin wave?

I'm wondering if I can replace the strip inside the marker with my own led strip but am unsure if todays more common 12VDC strips will work with the current supply via the inverter, or if I should bypass the inverter to supply 12VDC only......

It appears from Bike Bandit that new reflectors are $50.00 each......I'd rather find a cheaper solution....
Save
Like
Status
Not open for further replies.
1 - 6 of 6 Posts
sandiegobrass
imported post

Can't image what is in there.. probably some "home depot" home lighting strip that the PO needed the inverter for.... and try the Reference and FAQ section of this forum... Rudy, in particular, has a big write up on LED replacement... as do others through out the archives.... and there still is available 12 volt incadescent strips for the 1500 for about $60 a pair.. try cyclemax or many others..
Save
Like
Wolfman
imported post

I can add that I have never seen a stock set. Every one I have seen has always been aftermarket.
Save
Like
rb7632
imported post

The standard LED strips usually used for this lighting is available from J.C. Whitney. These are 12v and tie directly into the bike's wiring system. I'm not sure what the "inverter" is or why its there.

:clapper:
Save
Like
racingbanker16
imported post

I believe the stock lights were a "Rube Goldberg" affair with the inverter you were talking about and some kind of special lights? I had the same type of setup onmy 90 SEwhen I bought it several years ago andthey also didn't work. I replaced them with a setfrom Chrome World.These run on 12 volts and youdon't need the inverter.



http://www.chromeworld.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=catalog.prodInfo&productID=449&categoryID=117
Save
Like
OldNewbie
imported post

Doubt if LED, my thinking is that with a 120v ac device they were neon strips like the nopi street tuners might use under cars. you can buy led strips that could be adapted to fit inside
Save
Like
1 - 6 of 6 Posts
Status
Not open for further replies.
Steve Saunders Goldwing Forums
A forum community dedicated to Honda Gold Wing owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about reviews, performance, modifications, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Goldwing Technical Forum General Motorcycle Discussion Forum New Members Introduction Forum For Sale/Wanted Forum Events
Top