I have an older 2 cycle motorcycle on which I wish to upgrade various bulbs from incandescent to LED. However I'm not sure that simply regulating them with a resistor will be enough.
The main problem is that the voltage fluctuates with the engine RPM. This is a small displacement bike (125 cc), so the RPM varies greatly, and these bulbs are driven directly off of the magneto (no battery). So voltage ranges from around 4V to 8V.
Currently the neutral light varies in intensity greatly depending on the RPM. At idle it is difficult to see in daylight. So I would like for consistent intensity at any RPM.
A further problem with the existing bulbs is if the headlight burns out then all the smaller bulbs (in the gauges, tail light, etc) burn out within a few seconds because the amperage available to them increases greatly.
Since both the voltage (based on RPM) and amperage (if the headlight burns out) can vary, do I need an IC regulator, or will a resistor suffice?
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Dan East
The main problem is that the voltage fluctuates with the engine RPM. This is a small displacement bike (125 cc), so the RPM varies greatly, and these bulbs are driven directly off of the magneto (no battery). So voltage ranges from around 4V to 8V.
Currently the neutral light varies in intensity greatly depending on the RPM. At idle it is difficult to see in daylight. So I would like for consistent intensity at any RPM.
A further problem with the existing bulbs is if the headlight burns out then all the smaller bulbs (in the gauges, tail light, etc) burn out within a few seconds because the amperage available to them increases greatly.
Since both the voltage (based on RPM) and amperage (if the headlight burns out) can vary, do I need an IC regulator, or will a resistor suffice?
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Dan East