Lights and Limp Mode

[John in PA]

Others have stated that a blown bulb, like a head or tail lamp can cause the computer to throw a fit and go into limp mode. Are the fender tip bulbs monitored by the computer? I was thinking of trying out a couple high output amber LED's there. I know the led's have lower current draw, but is the computer going to pick up on the changed tip lights, or is it just monitoring "more important" bulbs?

Also, if the experiment goes badly, will the computer return to normal operation if I replace with incandescent bulbs again, or will a trip to the BUDS be required??

 

[araneae]

The fender tip lights are not monitored and replacing them with LED's will work fine. I've been using them in mine for about a year now.
Bryan

 

[LDFIREWORKS]

I WAS GOING TO CHANGE MY HEADLIGHT BULBS TO ULTRA WHITE WILL THAT MESS W/ THE COUMPTER , I HAVE NEVER HAD THIS HAPPEN ON ANY OTHER BIKE I HAVE HADE ABOUT 20 OTHER BIKES AND ALWAYS CHANGE THE BULBS TO A BRIGHTER WHITE BULB AND NEVER HAD THIS HAPPEN DOES ANYBODY KNOW OF ANYTHING DIFFERENT PLEASE LET ME KNOW BEFORE I DO IT THANKS

 

[araneae]

I WAS GOING TO CHANGE MY HEADLIGHT BULBS TO ULTRA WHITE WILL THAT MESS W/ THE COUMPTER , I HAVE NEVER HAD THIS HAPPEN ON ANY OTHER BIKE I HAVE HADE ABOUT 20 OTHER BIKES AND ALWAYS CHANGE THE BULBS TO A BRIGHTER WHITE BULB AND NEVER HAD THIS HAPPEN DOES ANYBODY KNOW OF ANYTHING DIFFERENT PLEASE LET ME KNOW BEFORE I DO IT THANKS

The stock headlight H7 bulbs are 55 watts each and most other bulbs are also 55 watt. I used the Osram Hyper Lights H7 which are 65 watts each and didn't have any issues. I wouldn't a higher wattage than 65 watt in any case with the stock wireing.

 

[Big Arm]

Hi John.....welcome

 

[John in PA]

My understanding from posts elsewhere is that the computer responds to decreased current draw on the circuits that are monitored, so it doesn't know if you ADD wattage, only if there's a significant DROP in power usage (as when a bulb blows or is missing)
It does seem like a simple warning light would have been sufficient for this purpose rather than decreasing performance of the entire machine. Seems like attorneys were involved in some of the design aspects of the Spyder!!

 

[Magic Man]

My so it doesn't know if you ADD wattage, only if there's a significant DROP in power usage (as when a bulb blows or is missing) quote]

This is not correct.

MM

 

[John in PA]

My so it doesn't know if you ADD wattage, only if there's a significant DROP in power usage (as when a bulb blows or is missing) quote]

This is not correct.

MM

I picked that up from posts on the spydertalk board. What IS correct??

 

[Magic Man]

I picked that up from posts on the spydertalk board. What IS correct??

Well, we make the most aftermarket electronic components for the Spyder in the world. So just maybe we might know a thing or two about how the Spyder systems work? :dontknow:

Add too much wattage to the some of the CAN-Bus monitored systems and let me know how you make out with that? :banghead:

MM

 

[nickcaro]

John,

Since you asked about replacing the fender lights, I'll do my best to give you some answers based on my experience..

head on over to ;
http://www.superbrightleds.com

and look for the WLED-WHP
This is a really nice replacement for mini wedge bulbs and I use them on my Buell. I have the white ones just to maximize light output but they do offer colors.

Stay away from the cheap ones on eBay they are just not bright at all.
Some AutoZones carry a few high power LEDs but since they cater to the race bike crowd, they tend to be over priced.

superbrightleds.com does not have a fancy website but I assure you they have some great products, very fast shipping and I have been ordering from there for about 6 years.

On the Spyder I wanted to try something new so I bought two of the
744x series 3-Watt LED Wedge bulb. This unit is not an exact replacement and will require some skill with a solder gun, a Dremel and motivation to do something new. I can tell you that these muthas are crazy bright.

I would not worry too much about that series giving you issues. While messing around I blew a fuse and still rode 20 miles to the hardware store to buy a new one with no issue. Please note that if you do pop a fuse while in this area, this fuse also controls your brake running and stopping light. So be careful if you ride with a popped fuse.


Other LED sources;
http://www.radiantz.com/
I have some of their strips under my front fenders and a LED license plate frame.

http://boogey.com/
I have 8 of their Mega Sticks and 2 Mega Grenades.
Unreal, how bright they are. I prefer the sticks over the grenades..

 

[John in PA]

Thanks for the suggestions, Nick. I've used stuff from superbrightleds for my motorcycles and RV. Good folks, good products.

Keep up the good camera work!!!!:2thumbs:

 

[aka1004]

dont like this comment at all

Well, we make the most aftermarket electronic components for the Spyder in the world. So just maybe we might know a thing or two about how the Spyder systems work? :dontknow:

Add too much wattage to the some of the CAN-Bus monitored systems and let me know how you make out with that? :banghead:

MM

this sounds abrasive and arrogant could have say it much nicer to a fellow member and potential customer...

 

[bone crusher]

I can vouch for the NMN products...they will not upset your bike at all...the only odd thing I saw was when I was playing around when all the pieces of the bike were off and some of the LEDS were not yet installed...at that point, I got a 'limp mode'...but, once everything was put back together, the bike worked fine.

The LEDs make a big difference...NMN has what you need...Evan is meticulous with his creations and we benefit.

I have the triple play, fender tips, and taillight...all are good to go!