I want to attempt to convert my instrument lights to LEDs. I've been searching around and reading about how its' done, and I think I have an understanding and a plan. Was hoping someone can take a look at what I'm attempting and let me know if I've got this right or not before I order the LED's.


Bike is an 2006 GS500F. I'm planning to get:

• 3 of these #74: http://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/instrument-cluster-gauge/74-led-bulb-1-smd-led-wedge-base/227/
• 3 of these #194: http://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/led-vehicle-replacement-bulbs/194-led-bulb-6-led-wedge-base/200/882/

It's my understanding that:

• the 3 #74s will be used for the oil pressure, high beam, and neutral lights
• 2 of the #194s will be used for the tach + speedo
• the plastic on the remaining #194 will be shaved down so that it fits in the turn signal indicator light. This is because the turn signal requires a non polarized #74, which doesn't seem to be available

Does this sound right? Has anyone done this recently?

You can do the 2 diode modification I've posted elsewhere. Then stay with the smaller ones for the indicators.
The larger T-10 base does not fit well into the T-5 socket for the turn signal.

For best color rendition, you want an LED of the same color as the lens. Using white in the indicators makes them appear washed out in color.

Do you have a link for the 2 diode modification? I stumbled across some references to it yesterday, but couldn't find any diagram or explanation.

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=46823.msg750726#msg750726
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=60035.msg690197#msg690197
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=46704.msg729657#msg729657

Quote from: spray____ on May 24, 2013, 03:24:11 PM
Do you have a link for the 2 diode modification? I stumbled across some references to it yesterday, but couldn't find any diagram or explanation.

Also check adidas' youtube page. lots of great howtos on various repairs and mods one can do to our beloved hotrod

Wow, 3 different threads. I really should have been able to find it. Thanks for the links.

Also thanks for the videos. I think I've probably watched all of them at least once, a few more times than that.

SuperBrightLED shipment arrived. Went out and bought the diodes last night.

Everything went together pretty smoothly. There isn't much room for error when cutting and soldering those wires, but I managed to get it done right. Everything is now nicely soldered, heat shink wrapped, and taped back together to the point where you wouldn't know anything was done.

The LED's look pretty slick. They are very bright, and the colour is much more rich than it was previously. Loving the blue gauges.

Thanks for the help guys, you really helped make this an easy job.