The Ultimate Guide to Harley LED Tail Lights: How They Work, Benefits, Cost, Installation, and More

Harley Davidson motorcycles are known for their iconic style and performance on the road. As a Harley owner, you want to make sure your bike not only looks great, but also stands out from the crowd. One way to do that is by upgrading to LED tail lights. In this comprehensive guide, we'll dive into the world of Harley LED tail lights, exploring how they work, their benefits, cost, installation process, and more. Whether you're a seasoned Harley rider or new to the brand, this guide will provide you with all the expert-level insights you need to make the best decision for your motorcycle.

How Do Harley LED Tail Lights Work?

Harley LED tail lights work by using light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to produce light. Unlike traditional incandescent bulbs, which use a filament that heats up to create light, LEDs use a semiconductor material that emits light when an electrical current is passed through it. This allows them to be much brighter and more energy-efficient than incandescent bulbs.

LED tail lights are made up of a series of small diodes that emit light when electricity is applied. These diodes are arranged in a pattern to create the desired shape and light output. The light produced by LEDs can be customized in terms of color, brightness, and patterns, making them a popular choice for customizing motorcycles.

Symptoms of a Faulty Tail Light

Before we dive into the benefits of upgrading to LED tail lights, it's important to understand the potential issues that can arise with a faulty tail light. Some common symptoms of a malfunctioning tail light include:

• The tail light does not turn on at all
• The tail light flickers or blinks
• The tail light is dimmer than usual
• The tail light stays on even when the bike is turned off

If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to address the issue as soon as possible, as a faulty tail light can not only put you at risk on the road but also result in a traffic violation.

The Benefits of Harley LED Tail Lights

Now that we understand how LED tail lights work, let's explore the various benefits they offer as an upgrade for your Harley Davidson motorcycle.

Increased Visibility and Safety

One of the biggest benefits of LED tail lights is their increased brightness and visibility. LED lights are significantly brighter than traditional incandescent bulbs, making it easier for other drivers on the road to spot your motorcycle, especially in low light or adverse weather conditions. This can greatly improve your safety on the road, as other drivers will have a better chance of seeing you and avoiding potential collisions.

Additionally, LED tail lights are designed to turn on faster than incandescent bulbs, which can make a significant difference in emergency situations where every second counts.

Longer Lifespan

LED tail lights have a much longer lifespan compared to traditional bulbs. While incandescent bulbs typically last around 1,000 hours, LEDs can last up to 25,000 hours or more. This means you will likely never have to replace your tail lights again, as they should outlast the lifespan of your motorcycle.

This longer lifespan also makes LED tail lights a more cost-effective option in the long run, as you won't have to constantly replace bulbs or worry about them burning out unexpectedly.

Energy Efficiency

As mentioned earlier, LEDs are much more energy-efficient than traditional bulbs. This means they require less energy to produce the same amount of light, resulting in less strain on your motorcycle's battery. This can be particularly beneficial for riders who frequently use their bikes at night or in low light conditions.

Customization Options

LED tail lights offer a wide range of customization options in terms of color, brightness, and patterns. This allows you to truly make your motorcycle stand out and reflect your personal style. Whether you want a classic red tail light or a more unique color like blue or green, the options are endless with LED lights.

Cost of Harley LED Tail Lights

The cost of Harley LED tail lights can vary depending on the brand, style, and customization options. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $200 for a set of LED tail lights for your Harley motorcycle. While this may seem like a significant investment, the long-term benefits and customization options make it a worthwhile upgrade for many riders.

It's important to note that the cost of LED tail lights may also vary depending on the specific model of your motorcycle. Some models may require additional parts or wiring, which can affect the overall cost.

Installation Process

Installing LED tail lights on your Harley motorcycle can be done in a few simple steps. However, if you are not comfortable with working on your bike's electrical system, it's best to seek professional help to ensure a safe and proper installation.

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

Before you begin the installation process, make sure you have all the necessary materials, including the LED tail lights, a screwdriver, wire strippers, and electrical tape.

Step 2: Remove Old Tail Lights

Using a screwdriver, remove the screws holding the old tail lights in place and gently pull them out. Keep the screws in a safe place, as you will need them for the new installation.

Step 3: Install New Tail Lights

Take the new LED tail lights and carefully align them with the holes where the old ones were removed. Secure them in place by using the screws from the old lights.

Step 4: Connect the Wires

The new LED tail lights will come with wires that need to be connected to your motorcycle's electrical system. Use wire strippers to remove a small portion of the insulation from the wires and attach them to the corresponding wires on your bike's system. Secure the connections with electrical tape to ensure they stay in place.

Step 5: Test the Lights

Once the wires are connected, test the lights to ensure they are working properly. If they are not, double-check the connections and make any necessary adjustments.

Step 6: Secure the Wires

Use zip ties or wire clamps to secure the wires in place and prevent them from getting tangled or damaged.

That's it! You now have a set of brand new LED tail lights on your Harley motorcycle.

Comparison with Traditional Tail Lights

To further understand the benefits of LED tail lights, let's compare them to traditional tail lights in terms of cost, lifespan, and energy efficiency.

	LED Tail Lights	Traditional Tail Lights
Cost	$50 - $200	$10 - $20
Lifespan	25,000+ hours	1,000 hours
Energy Efficiency	Less strain on battery	More strain on battery

As you can see, LED tail lights may have a higher upfront cost, but their longer lifespan and energy efficiency make them a more cost-effective option in the long run.

Top Brands for Harley LED Tail Lights

Now that you understand the benefits and installation process of LED tail lights, let's explore some of the best brands on the market for Harley motorcycles.

1. Custom Dynamics

Custom Dynamics is a popular choice for LED tail lights among Harley riders. They offer a wide range of customization options, from color and brightness to patterns and shapes. Their lights are also known for their durability and longevity.

2. Kuryakyn

Kuryakyn is another top brand for LED tail lights, offering a variety of styles and designs to fit different models of Harley motorcycles. They also offer plug-and-play options for easy installation.

3. Harley-Davidson

Of course, Harley-Davidson also offers their own line of LED tail lights specifically designed for their motorcycles. These lights are known for their high-quality and seamless integration with Harley bikes.