Help, I still cannot find a 12V21W Red Turn Signal bulb. I have the Priority Lite Mod and it's of course great to have more lighting on the rear, but I prefer to have three red across. I have conducted numerous Internet searches and have yet to receive the right item from store that claim to carry Japanese bulbs. Just had BikeBandit guy search his database and he only came up with OEM and red 1156/7.
I know the 1300 uses type 1157. These are common bulbs found at Pep boys for a couple of dollars. Or, go here: www.clearalternatives.com who sells the bulbs, LEDs and more.
Thanks, but these rascals have offset "nubs". I have been to Pep Boys, Auto Zone, Kuryakyn and Chaparral. Each time I end up with an 1156 which doesn't fit. These are odd in that they are single filiment bulbs which mimic a dual element. I think the technology is cool, but a pain when doing a mod. I think these just started with the 06 1800F and N as you may have read a question from an N owner with the same issue. The replacement bulb from Honda is almost $4.00. I even searched for a clear one to color myself. :nope:
I faced the same situation with my 05 Spec-2 1800C. I decided to go ahead and swap out the lamp sockets in the rear for standard 1157 sockets. I ran wires for the running lamp filament and used red 1157 lamps.
The sockets I used were a perfect fit, they pressed in nice and tight with no glue or anything else required. I bought the sockets and lamps at PEP BOYS the sockets are part number 84725.
I faced the same situation with my 05 Spec-2 1800C. I decided to go ahead and swap out the lamp sockets in the rear for standard 1157 sockets. I ran wires for the running lamp filament and used red 1157 lamps.
The sockets I used were a perfect fit, they pressed in nice and tight with no glue or anything else required. I bought the sockets and lamps at PEP BOYS the sockets are part number 84725.
It looks like the Priority Lite Module supplies a running light function so in your case you might consider installing an 1156 socket. The extra wires I ran were only to light the running lamp filament in an 1157 lamp.
Duplicolor Garnet red....Matches the color of my bike so I had it on hand. Most paints will do. Can also use an permanent marker .Either way add coats til you get what you want
First of all, I have done a lot of research on developing a red color incandesant bulb but I have had not luck. What ends up happening is that over time the red coloring fades. There is not one single state DOT that approves of a red colored bulb due to this issue. If you are looking for a true red bulb, your best bet would be to purchase an LED replacement bulb. These are carried by Show Chrome, Kury, and many others. They tend to be a little more money but they will never burn out.
In regards to your bulb issue, an 1156 bulb is a single function bulb and an 1157 is a dual function bulb. The 1156 and 1157 both have a round base but the pins on the side are different. The reason for this is to insure that the bulb is installed correctly. The 1156 bulb will have two pins 180 degrees apart and at the same height. The 1157 bulb will have two pins 180 degrees apart but at two different heights. The 1157 bulb will also have two inputs on the bottom instead of one.
Some OEM's are also going to a 7443 bulb. This is a bulb made entirely out of glass with the base flattened and wires on the side. This is a considerted a wedge bulb and is quite common on automobiles and the GL1800. This type of bulb is offered in clear, amber, and LED.
Thanks, but my bulbs are not 180 degrees. I am familiar with 1156 and 1157s as I have used them in my bikes and cars. As you have most likely read other responses to my question. Others have the same issue. Gosh, I wish it was just as simple as swapping out a 56 or 57. If you get a chance, stop by a Honda dealer and ask him to show you a bulb for an 1800 F or N. You will be surprised.:choppersm
In 2005, Yamaha and a few others (Honda) changed all of their lenses to clear and went with amber bulbs. When they made this change, the changed the bulb base on the 1156 style bulb. It still has two pins but they are placed at 135 degrees instead of 180 degrees. The reason for doing this was so that a person could not put a clear bulb in when they have a clear lens. As far as I know, the motorcycle industry is the only one doing this so I would assume that you will have to go through a dealer to get a bulb or swap out your bulb base.
Well Alright, that's some information I needed. We are on the same page now. The dealer can only get amber replacement bulbs. So for now, it's either changing the socket or coloring the amber bulb. You seem very well versed in this technology. How is it a single filament bulb can support dual functions such as full-time running and blinkers? I was amazed the first time I took the bulb out.
:cheers:
First of all, I have done a lot of research on developing a red color incandesant bulb but I have had not luck. What ends up happening is that over time the red coloring fades. There is not one single state DOT that approves of a red colored bulb due to this issue. If you are looking for a true red bulb, your best bet would be to purchase an LED replacement bulb. These are carried by Show Chrome, Kury, and many others. They tend to be a little more money but they will never burn out.
In regards to your bulb issue, an 1156 bulb is a single function bulb and an 1157 is a dual function bulb. The 1156 and 1157 both have a round base but the pins on the side are different. The reason for this is to insure that the bulb is installed correctly. The 1156 bulb will have two pins 180 degrees apart and at the same height. The 1157 bulb will have two pins 180 degrees apart but at two different heights. The 1157 bulb will also have two inputs on the bottom instead of one.
Some OEM's are also going to a 7443 bulb. This is a bulb made entirely out of glass with the base flattened and wires on the side. This is a considerted a wedge bulb and is quite common on automobiles and the GL1800. This type of bulb is offered in clear, amber, and LED.
He can't just buy an LED lamp replacement. His bike has the Honda propriatary socket/lamp. The bayonet base has pins about 160 degrees apart. His options are 1) Either to change out the entire assy. 2) Replace the socket. 3) Paint his lamp.
Thanks, I appreciate the help and decided to buy a permanent red marker and paint my lamp. Worked like a charm. I looked at replacing the socket and couldn't figure how to separate the base from the plastic housing. I have used LEDs and knew they would present the same problem as an 1156/7.
Thanks to all who helped me with this situation.
David Arrington
Bradenton (Don't Hate Me Cause I Ride Year Round) Florida:harder:
First of all, I have done a lot of research on developing a red color incandesant bulb but I have had not luck. What ends up happening is that over time the red coloring fades. There is not one single state DOT that approves of a red colored bulb due to this issue. If you are looking for a true red bulb, your best bet would be to purchase an LED replacement bulb. These are carried by Show Chrome, Kury, and many others. They tend to be a little more money but they will never burn out.
In regards to your bulb issue, an 1156 bulb is a single function bulb and an 1157 is a dual function bulb. The 1156 and 1157 both have a round base but the pins on the side are different. The reason for this is to insure that the bulb is installed correctly. The 1156 bulb will have two pins 180 degrees apart and at the same height. The 1157 bulb will have two pins 180 degrees apart but at two different heights. The 1157 bulb will also have two inputs on the bottom instead of one.
Some OEM's are also going to a 7443 bulb. This is a bulb made entirely out of glass with the base flattened and wires on the side. This is a considerted a wedge bulb and is quite common on automobiles and the GL1800. This type of bulb is offered in clear, amber, and LED.
The reason that Honda can get away with a single function bulb that has dual functions is that Honda will shunt the running lights when the turn signals are turned on. Honda is the only OEM that does this.
Also, not all bikes with clear lenses have the 135 degree pins. I do not know why the OEM's do this, maybe they just want to drive us nuts.
Yea, for those of us with Honda's sockets and 9 pin flasher assy's it's a giant pain in the rear. Sometime in the future I will probably go ahead and change out the front sockets with 1156's.
For those that want to change out sockets you remove the reflector assy and cut off the socket leaving about a 1/4 inch or so sticking out. Then make some verical cuts in the remaining socket material trying not to cut into the reflector. One those cuts are made you should be able to pry out the pieces with some small needlenose pliars.
PEP BOYS 1157 socket pn 84725 is a perfect fit. Just insert into the reflector and lightly tap around the base to make sure it is seated. Don't worrry about the adapter ring it comes with, it is not needed.
If you are interested, I am selling my OEM turn signals from my 2002 VTX 1800C. I have installed LED turn signal conversion kits which replace the stock bulb with an LED board. I have then taken the rear LED's that were amber and replaced them with red LED's. I currently have these wired as dual function; running/turn. If anyone is interested in these, I am putting on some custom mini LED lights to replace the OEM houisngs. I am looking to sell the front and the rear but would be willing to split. The conversion kits retail for about $50 each. If anyone is interested, let me know.