About a week or so ago, a previous forum member asked (on a separate thread) about power and cost details of my LED conversion, and I've finally summarized it. Attached is a detail breakdown of power all the lights, plus the ignition. I'm not promoting one direction or another, but I would like to give my data so that others can use it to make their own decisions. Before flaming me for any mistakes I made in my math, please let me know (either here or PM), and I'll fix the information ASAP.
Executive Summary:The reduced power consumption is highest for those who drive with their lights on. There is only a ~4.5 watt reduction for those who do not drive with lights on, while there is a 35W reduction if you drive with lights on. This does not include the additional ~35W reduction of an LED headlight. The cost to replace all incandescent lights (except headlight) with new LEDs is approximately $50 before tax and shipping, but this does not include the ~$10 flasher relay, or repairs you may need to do to get your LEDs working correctly.
In addition, converting to a Dyna-S with 5ohm coils adds ~23W, so switching out all LEDs (except the headlights) will offset the entire increased demand of the ignition, with a little room to spare.
Assumptions:1. Under "typical" use conditions, the brake and turn signals are used 10% of the time.
2. While "on", flashing lights are powered 50% of the time, and unpowered 50% of the time.
3. Left and right turn signals are used equally.
4. The incandescent headlight is a 60W/55W high/low.
5. Typical voltage is 13V.
6. Current consumption for LEDs is constant regardless of the voltage applied. All supplier data is provided at 12V.
7. Duty cycle for the stock and Dyna-S ignition are provided in
76' CB550 w/ Dyna S and 3 ohm coils, is my charging system going to explode?. See post #5 by TwoTired.
