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GL1500 saddlebag lights

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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....
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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..
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I can add that I have never seen a stock set. Every one I have seen has always been aftermarket.
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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:
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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
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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
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