Tail light replacement - Harley Forum

evoKENevo · #1 11-15-2008, 08:50 AM

A couple weeks ago a friend suggested I up-grade my tombstone style tail light because in following me (small group) it just did'nt get much brighter when I was braking. Since then I happened to read an article claiming that a 2357 bulb would be a lot brighter (only on the high end) than the standard 1157 bulb. Yesterday, I was in the cage and stopped at an Auto-Zone to grab a 2357 bulb for about $1**or so...came home to change it out and found that inside the tail light everything was covered in a light layer of dark dust. I cleaned it out,changed the bulb and was really impressed with the difference.

The 2357 bulb has a shorter life than an 1157...but even at only about 1/3'rd we're still talking about a LONG time...and at less than $2**............

Hammerhead Pat · #2 11-15-2008, 10:24 AM

I'm no electrical genius, but what is the difference in the 2 bulbs? Are they different wattages, is it okay to install and not do any damage to the electrical system? If so, that sounds like a pretty smart $2 investment for some brighter brake lights

evoKENevo · #3 11-15-2008, 10:44 AM

Not enough difference in wattage to hurt anything with the 2357 bulb. But,they do make an H1157 (halogen) that would (according to article read) draw more and possibley get hot enough to melt your tail light lens if you were at a long stop with brakes on. That and I saw an LI-1157 (LED) at the store, that's also supposed to be REAL bright w/o the heat...but @ $10** I just did'nt feel the need for it...knowhutImean

!?!

shovelmike · #4 11-15-2008, 12:04 PM

Wow, thanks for the info guys! Looks like I need to get over in the bulb aisle more often, a guy can make some big improvements in visibility for pocket change.
Hey y'all ride safe and God bless. Sincerely: Shovelmike.

Likemlouder · #5 01-29-2009, 11:31 PM

good info. i need to do the led in the sparto on my sporty. i noticed the lens is beginning to show signs from the heat