Bike keeps burning out LEDs, Voltage regulator?

[pablohoney]

Hi there!
I have recently turned my 1979 xs650 special's dash into led idiot lights. I used 12v LEDs from radioshack. And they worked great for a while but now the neutral light is burnt out again. I figure it is the first to go because it is on more of the time. I think that it burned out because when I turn off the ignition it blinks brightly for a split second. A surge? I think that is the problem because it burned out when I turn the ignition off/on a few times. Think that the V/R is the problem? Thanks

 

[pamcopete]

pablohoney,

When you turn off the ignition, there is a surge of high voltage from the inductance in the wiring, mainly the rotor winding inductance and the ignition coil(s). You can install a surge protecting device or just a diode in reverse to protect the LED. You could also get in the habit of turning the kill switch off first before you turn off the ignition.

 

[pablohoney]

Ok, cool thanks.

 

[XSLeo]

You might try LED's with a higher voltage rating. Like 15 or 18 volts. They will handle the surge better. Maybe slightly dimmer but still bright enough.
Leo