running lights / blinkers
05-05-2011 | 06:53 PM
#1
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 268
From: Chicago
running lights / blinkers
the more time i spend sitting at my 'work table' in the garage (my cigar smoking lounge), the more i get tired of looking at the OEM front turn signals/running lights on my bike. my searches for flush-mounts (helped by links posted in this forum) usually turn up LED and non-LED two-wire turn signals. i never understood the need for running lights if you have a working headlight. are running-lights a hold-over from a by-gone age?
which flush-mount lights are the snazziest and also fit perfectly into the opening from which my OEM front turn signals are protruding?
thanks,
--fred
which flush-mount lights are the snazziest and also fit perfectly into the opening from which my OEM front turn signals are protruding?
thanks,
--fred
Last edited by fred; 05-05-2011 at 06:57 PM.
05-05-2011 | 09:42 PM
#4
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MotoGP
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 5,053
From: NYC
I use these. I just posted this on another thread but the "flush mounts" require an unobtanium little bulb. These are pretty bulletproof.
LOCKHART PHILLIPS TURN SIX SIGNAL | MotoSport
LOCKHART PHILLIPS TURN SIX SIGNAL | MotoSport
05-05-2011 | 11:13 PM
#5
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From: s.e. Michigan
I use these. I just posted this on another thread but the "flush mounts" require an unobtanium little bulb. These are pretty bulletproof.
LOCKHART PHILLIPS TURN SIX SIGNAL | MotoSport
LOCKHART PHILLIPS TURN SIX SIGNAL | MotoSport
05-06-2011 | 09:32 AM
#6
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MotoGP
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 5,053
From: NYC
Really? That's some pretty specific theivery. What's next your shoelaces? I never thought of anti theft with this stuff. I do know that with mirrors its best to use 2 diff fasteners so at least they need 2 tools. BTW, always cover your bike you will avoid most criminal attempts. Seems dumb but it really works. I have even had a bike stolen 1 foot from mine. Mine was covered.
05-06-2011 | 08:06 PM
#7
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a. i expect cars to pull out or make left turns right in front of me. happens all the time, even with my great running lights.
b. do the dim running lights framing a bright headlight really help with visibility? is it more likely to have an on-coming car pass into your face if you don't have running lights? "i didn't see the bike officer. he had no running lights." i have my doubts, but confess i have not read any scientific studies on the matter.
05-06-2011 | 08:27 PM
#8
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Joined: Mar 2009
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From: chicago
I added an extra set of flush mounts in the front in order to keep my markers and signal lights. I thought it was worth the effort.
I don't think it looks too bad, but that's just me.
If I were to do it all over again, I would do the flush mounts as markers, and I would buy mirrors with the built in signals.
I don't think it looks too bad, but that's just me.
If I were to do it all over again, I would do the flush mounts as markers, and I would buy mirrors with the built in signals.
05-06-2011 | 08:28 PM
#9
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From: Chicago
sometimes people steal mail on my street. yeah, that's city life for 'ya. not that long ago i had some no-name, crappy-*** delivery service drop two boxes containing a 9" Ka-Bar, a SOG and a Kershaw right at my front door without a signature. they got delivered in the morning and after aging most of the day where there is regular foot traffic, some punk lifted the boxes. boy, did they hit the jackpot. i expect they are still not quite bored of scoping out my house for more boxes. i fully expect to confront a mail thief on my street some day and have them pull that Ka-Bar on me.
--fred
05-06-2011 | 08:35 PM
#10
Thread Starter
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Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Chicago
I added an extra set of flush mounts in the front in order to keep my markers and signal lights. I thought it was worth the effort.
I don't think it looks too bad, but that's just me.
If I were to do it all over again, I would do the flush mounts as markers, and I would buy mirrors with the built in signals.
I don't think it looks too bad, but that's just me.
If I were to do it all over again, I would do the flush mounts as markers, and I would buy mirrors with the built in signals.
the only thing i don't like about it is that it requires more effort than my laziness-quotient can sustain. more plastic work. i'd rather figure out how to ditch the whole PAIR system.
--fred
05-06-2011 | 08:49 PM
#11
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 182
From: chicago
The signals on top are LP...I don't remember which model they are though. Possibly these:
s5e LP flush mount iridium turn signals | eBay
I don't remember what the bottom markers are.
The pair system isn't that hard to remove. There are pretty clear cut instructions somewhere on here. The block off plates definitely make for a cleaner look.
s5e LP flush mount iridium turn signals | eBay
I don't remember what the bottom markers are.
The pair system isn't that hard to remove. There are pretty clear cut instructions somewhere on here. The block off plates definitely make for a cleaner look.
05-06-2011 | 09:07 PM
#12
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From: Chicago
i guess since LEDs last forever, unlike bulbs that must be periodically replaced (requires effort. bad.), AND LEDs are brighter, i'll go with some LED fmounts. i'll wait on those, though, until i pull off my rear valve-cover and figure out how to ascertain the extent of the damage. "bent and broken valves. and hmmm. that piston appears to be damaged." how the hell do i know what a damaged piston looks like? if my intuition tells me its damaged i might just look for a motor instead of running lights.
05-06-2011 | 09:20 PM
#13
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From: Chicago
The signals on top are LP...I don't remember which model they are though. Possibly these:
s5e LP flush mount iridium turn signals | eBay
I don't remember what the bottom markers are.
The pair system isn't that hard to remove. There are pretty clear cut instructions somewhere on here. The block off plates definitely make for a cleaner look.
s5e LP flush mount iridium turn signals | eBay
I don't remember what the bottom markers are.
The pair system isn't that hard to remove. There are pretty clear cut instructions somewhere on here. The block off plates definitely make for a cleaner look.
05-06-2011 | 09:52 PM
#14
Member
Squid
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 35
From: Utah
I have these on the front and back
Tusk Flush Mount LED Turn Signals | Jakehttp://www.jakewilson.com/productDetail.do?navType=type&webTypeId=343&navTit le=Motorcycle+Electrical&webCatId=39&prodFamilyId= 25863 Wilson
They are only 2 wire (No running light) But i wired them up in the front using a method i found on another site to make them running and blinker.
They are cheap and bright.
Fit is perfect in rear but a little small for the front,but I made them work.
Tusk Flush Mount LED Turn Signals | Jakehttp://www.jakewilson.com/productDetail.do?navType=type&webTypeId=343&navTit le=Motorcycle+Electrical&webCatId=39&prodFamilyId= 25863 Wilson
They are only 2 wire (No running light) But i wired them up in the front using a method i found on another site to make them running and blinker.
They are cheap and bright.
Fit is perfect in rear but a little small for the front,but I made them work.
05-06-2011 | 10:22 PM
#15
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MotoGP
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,451
From: San Clemente, CA
hmmm.
a. i expect cars to pull out or make left turns right in front of me. happens all the time, even with my great running lights.
b. do the dim running lights framing a bright headlight really help with visibility? is it more likely to have an on-coming car pass into your face if you don't have running lights? "i didn't see the bike officer. he had no running lights." i have my doubts, but confess i have not read any scientific studies on the matter.
a. i expect cars to pull out or make left turns right in front of me. happens all the time, even with my great running lights.
b. do the dim running lights framing a bright headlight really help with visibility? is it more likely to have an on-coming car pass into your face if you don't have running lights? "i didn't see the bike officer. he had no running lights." i have my doubts, but confess i have not read any scientific studies on the matter.
Having said that, I've ridden with the high beam on during daylight for about the last 25 years...and people still pull out or turn left in front of me, sometimes while looking right at me.
Bottom line is that a motorcycle, because of its relatively small size, does not pose a threat to a car or an SUV, so it doesn't register in the cage driver's tiny brain.
05-06-2011 | 10:52 PM
#17
Member
Squid
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 35
From: Utah
I like having the running lights, even though they don't look cool. I want to give cars every chance to see me.
Having said that, I've ridden with the high beam on during daylight for about the last 25 years...and people still pull out or turn left in front of me, sometimes while looking right at me.
Bottom line is that a motorcycle, because of its relatively small size, does not pose a threat to a car or an SUV, so it doesn't register in the cage driver's tiny brain.
Having said that, I've ridden with the high beam on during daylight for about the last 25 years...and people still pull out or turn left in front of me, sometimes while looking right at me.
Bottom line is that a motorcycle, because of its relatively small size, does not pose a threat to a car or an SUV, so it doesn't register in the cage driver's tiny brain.
Running Light are a requirement here,but I would run them even if they were not.
It gives you much more visibility,especially at night
I even left the faster blink rate after installing LEDs.
It was anoying at first,but I am used to it now.
It gets drivers attention and lets them know your intentions.
05-06-2011 | 11:21 PM
#18
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 268
From: Chicago
Running Light are a requirement here,but I would run them even if they were not.
It gives you much more visibility,especially at night
I even left the faster blink rate after installing LEDs.
It was anoying at first,but I am used to it now.
It gets drivers attention and lets them know your intentions.
It gives you much more visibility,especially at night
I even left the faster blink rate after installing LEDs.
It was anoying at first,but I am used to it now.
It gets drivers attention and lets them know your intentions.
second, a majority of you fine folks who posted on this thread are in favor of the running light as a safety feature and as a requirement in some states (Illinois is probably one of them). since i appreciate and respect 99.9% of the advice i've gotten on this list, i have re-thunk my dismissive attitude to the running light and will attempt to either procure a 3-wire flush-mount, or tinker it as was described above to add the running light capacity (if it doesn't turn into too much of a hassle :-).
cheers.
--fred
05-07-2011 | 12:00 AM
#19
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MotoGP
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 5,053
From: NYC
Hey moto, 1) how did you wire them as runners? and 2) you bike has a mountain behind it.
I acutally have red running leds embedded in my rear turn signals to create a larger rear profile at night, plus 2 sets of turn signals front and back to really wake people up.
I acutally have red running leds embedded in my rear turn signals to create a larger rear profile at night, plus 2 sets of turn signals front and back to really wake people up.
05-07-2011 | 01:26 AM
#20
Member
Squid
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 35
From: Utah
I would really like to see your setup! post pics if you get a chance.
I have the rear integrated tail, but left the side signals.It was not the plan ,but I really like the added side visibility.I would be interested in how to install some rear running leds as well.
1. Here is a link to a pretty good write up of how to convert 2 wire led to 3 wire with running lights.
Convert 2 wire signals to 3 Wire Inputs - CBR Forum - Enthusiast forums for Honda CBR Owners
This is the method I followed and it works great.
you could also solder in resistors, or replace the flash relay if you want stock blink rate
I left mine as is after this mod, it's not obnoxiously fast.
2.There are some advantages of living in Utah and having the Wasatch front in your backyard
Although right now there is still 700 inches of snow in my playground 
05-07-2011 | 02:56 AM
#21
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 258
From: Santa Clara, CA
One thing to bear in mind is local laws concerning rear running lights.
I know here (CA) you can't technically have running ambers in the rear, but still keep it because it's one of those laws where you only have to look out for in a recession when the cops are running out of money and give out BS tickets...... Oh....... Right.......... WE ARE IN ONE!
So I should switch to red at somepoint but that's not really my top on list of concerns.
But if you go to a local auto shop they usually have the brake light repair kit and it's just some red translucent tape. Only to be used temporarily because it does cut down on visibility but it will make them distinctly red, not amber.
But to go with what everyone else is saying here, I love running lights and I have them on every bike I own because I live in an area with terrible drivers (explained above me somewhere).
-----
to throw another aspect of safety in here, daytime headlight modulators, a brilliant invention for daytime riding/lane splitting. Much cheaper to build than buy (300+) so if you want I can build you a schematic that you could mess around with =)
-----
*end semi-threadjacking*
I know here (CA) you can't technically have running ambers in the rear, but still keep it because it's one of those laws where you only have to look out for in a recession when the cops are running out of money and give out BS tickets...... Oh....... Right.......... WE ARE IN ONE!
So I should switch to red at somepoint but that's not really my top on list of concerns.
But if you go to a local auto shop they usually have the brake light repair kit and it's just some red translucent tape. Only to be used temporarily because it does cut down on visibility but it will make them distinctly red, not amber.
But to go with what everyone else is saying here, I love running lights and I have them on every bike I own because I live in an area with terrible drivers (explained above me somewhere).
-----
to throw another aspect of safety in here, daytime headlight modulators, a brilliant invention for daytime riding/lane splitting. Much cheaper to build than buy (300+) so if you want I can build you a schematic that you could mess around with =)
-----
*end semi-threadjacking*
05-07-2011 | 08:27 AM
#22
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MotoGP
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 5,053
From: NYC
By modulator for the headlight you mean one that continuously cycles hi/lo or one that does so while a button is depressed. I want one but like you said they are prohibitively expensive. I always ride with the hi beam. Yeah may be slightly offensive but those cabs do know I am coming & tend to just let me by rather than let me sit there. Either way I win (as in make it home unscathed).
So yeah post the modulator mod if you can.
So yeah post the modulator mod if you can.
05-07-2011 | 09:53 AM
#23
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MotoGP
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,451
From: San Clemente, CA
One thing to bear in mind is local laws concerning rear running lights.
I know here (CA) you can't technically have running ambers in the rear, but still keep it because it's one of those laws where you only have to look out for in a recession when the cops are running out of money and give out BS tickets...... Oh....... Right.......... WE ARE IN ONE!
So I should switch to red at somepoint but that's not really my top on list of concerns.
I know here (CA) you can't technically have running ambers in the rear, but still keep it because it's one of those laws where you only have to look out for in a recession when the cops are running out of money and give out BS tickets...... Oh....... Right.......... WE ARE IN ONE!
So I should switch to red at somepoint but that's not really my top on list of concerns.
05-07-2011 | 10:08 AM
#24
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MotoGP
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 5,053
From: NYC
For me I dont think the amber runners in the rear communicate as well as the reds to drivers especially in the rain/ at night. I think(hope) my reds triangulate my bike & helps them get a bead on me. When I see regular tiny tail lights on scooters & bikes I feel like they contribute to drivers disreguarding them. Since amber is not on any other vehicle rear I would find it confusing.
05-07-2011 | 11:47 AM
#25
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Superstock
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 258
From: Santa Clara, CA
Shortly after I bought my CB700SC Nighthawk S new in 1986, I put 3 wire sockets in the rear turn signals, so I would have rear running lights. I ran it that way, with amber lenses, for 5 years and 48,000 miles. I never had a cop mention it, even when I was pulled over a couple of times.
I only had my sisters boyfriend (who was a cadet and going through the academy a few years ago) mention it when he was going through the VC. You're permitted to have running ambers in front, but only red in the rear. I don't get it but I don't make the laws. I personally like having the amber because it makes it really distinct and people notice that in conjunction with having a license plate mounted red turn signals.
I've been pulled over before and never had any problem with it either, like I said, it's a technicality, and cops do not really care, but if it were under a inspection test for new plates it might present a problem. It would only be a fix it ticket, I think.
Or distinct? hahahaha, I don't think it really matters what color it is just so long as you have them =)
Last edited by bass4dude; 05-07-2011 at 11:50 AM.
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