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I would like to replace the buldbulb based tail/brake light and rear indicators/flashers on my bike with one integrated LED unit (flashers in brake light).

These are pretty expensive, and since I'm on a budget I'm looking at building one myself.

I've found some seemingly suitable 12v LEDs. I was hoping to use these to save me bothering with limiting resistors. However, one thing that bothers me is the max voltage rating of the LEDs and the rather unpredictable supply voltage. I've not yet measured it on my bike, but usually you would expect about 13v with the engine running. The absolute max voltage rating of the LEDs I'm looking at is 14v - do you think this is too close? Would the LEDs stand a higher voltage for short periods? (e.g. poss slightly higher V when at high engine revs when overtaking)

How would you protect against this? Would one resistor for the whole set of LEDs suffice? (one resistor supplying multiple paralellparallel LEDs). Any suggestions on what kind of resistor to use? Perhaps it would just be better to use standard votage LEDs if I am forced to use resistors?

Anyway - any advice appreciated!

I would like to replace the buld based tail/brake light and rear indicators/flashers on my bike with one integrated LED unit (flashers in brake light).

These are pretty expensive, and since I'm on a budget I'm looking at building one myself.

I've found some seemingly suitable 12v LEDs. I was hoping to use these to save me bothering with limiting resistors. However, one thing that bothers me is the max voltage rating of the LEDs and the rather unpredictable supply voltage. I've not yet measured it on my bike, but usually you would expect about 13v with the engine running. The absolute max voltage rating of the LEDs I'm looking at is 14v - do you think this is too close? Would the LEDs stand a higher voltage for short periods? (e.g. poss slightly higher V when at high engine revs when overtaking)

How would you protect against this? Would one resistor for the whole set of LEDs suffice? (one resistor supplying multiple paralell LEDs). Any suggestions on what kind of resistor to use? Perhaps it would just be better to use standard votage LEDs if I am forced to use resistors?

Anyway - any advice appreciated!

I would like to replace the bulb based tail/brake light and rear indicators/flashers on my bike with one integrated LED unit (flashers in brake light).

These are pretty expensive, and since I'm on a budget I'm looking at building one myself.

I've found some seemingly suitable 12v LEDs. I was hoping to use these to save me bothering with limiting resistors. However, one thing that bothers me is the max voltage rating of the LEDs and the rather unpredictable supply voltage. I've not yet measured it on my bike, but usually you would expect about 13v with the engine running. The absolute max voltage rating of the LEDs I'm looking at is 14v - do you think this is too close? Would the LEDs stand a higher voltage for short periods? (e.g. poss slightly higher V when at high engine revs when overtaking)

How would you protect against this? Would one resistor for the whole set of LEDs suffice? (one resistor supplying multiple parallel LEDs). Any suggestions on what kind of resistor to use? Perhaps it would just be better to use standard votage LEDs if I am forced to use resistors?

Anyway - any advice appreciated!

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UpTheCreek
UpTheCreek
  • 476
  • 2
  • 9
  • 19

12v LEDs and use on a motorbike

I would like to replace the buld based tail/brake light and rear indicators/flashers on my bike with one integrated LED unit (flashers in brake light).

These are pretty expensive, and since I'm on a budget I'm looking at building one myself.

I've found some seemingly suitable 12v LEDs. I was hoping to use these to save me bothering with limiting resistors. However, one thing that bothers me is the max voltage rating of the LEDs and the rather unpredictable supply voltage. I've not yet measured it on my bike, but usually you would expect about 13v with the engine running. The absolute max voltage rating of the LEDs I'm looking at is 14v - do you think this is too close? Would the LEDs stand a higher voltage for short periods? (e.g. poss slightly higher V when at high engine revs when overtaking)

How would you protect against this? Would one resistor for the whole set of LEDs suffice? (one resistor supplying multiple paralell LEDs). Any suggestions on what kind of resistor to use? Perhaps it would just be better to use standard votage LEDs if I am forced to use resistors?

Anyway - any advice appreciated!