Rear Turn Signal to Running Light Wiring

[Auggie_1970]

Hey guys, about to pull the plug on some dual intensity led rear turn signals. My intent is to have them function as both running and turn signals. Wiring the turn signal portion will be straight forward. My question is on the running light wire. I was probably going to just tap into the rear brake light running light but then started to over think things. My question is if I do this ts this the best approach.
Reason I'm asking is that I never paid much attention to how the stock fronts work but when you turn the signals on does the front running light stil stay on or is there some kinda of over ride that disables them for that split second. Hard to explain but I'll give it a shot..it other words do you get a signal flash, then back to the dimmer running light , back to signal flash, etc.....Or should it be signal flash, no light, signal flash etc....I'm going to have to go check...Anyhow, if I tap into the rear, I will always have the signal to dimmer running light thing going on. If the front functions differently I guess I can just run a wire from the rear to tap into the front. Any suggestions from anyone thats tried this? Thanks

 

[tfisher65]

The stock front lights have a dual filament bulb. The running lights are always on using the smaller filament. When you activate the turn signal the larger filliment overpowers the running light but the running stays on. If the lights you have a dual intensity as you say then it should not be a problem. The blue running light wire used on the tail light is the same circuit used on the front running lights.

 

[Auggie_1970]

Ok great, that answers my question...Thank you for your help.

 

[Miles Long]

I had extra front turn signal lights that I put on the rear a few years ago. I ran extra wiring from the running light circuit to power them up. They work in conjunction with front (yellow) and rear(red) l.e.d. marker lights, mounted on the raditor shroud and passenger back rest support rails respectively. I disabled the auto on feature for the front running lights, so that all the running and marker lights come on only when a manual switch is closed, and only when needed (fog or dusk).
The catch with having running lights on the rear of the bike is that some states and provinces DO NOT allow a continuous yellow light to be displayed at the rear of a vehicle. If I am ever stopped and ticketed or warned, I will just disconnect the bullet connector for the running light filament on the rear signals. But till then, everything stays as is. The bike is much more visible now with the extra running lights(in addition to the extra two-bulb brake and tail light also in place. Both taillights have l.e.d. 1157 bulbs installed.)
To limit any strain on the stator, I also put the headlight on a manual switch. For daytime riding, I shut down the headlight, and use dual 37 watt halogen (G.E. H 7616)spot lights. Many people have commented that these are much brighter and attention-grabbing than a single headlight.
Cheers, Miles

 

[Auggie_1970]

Miles, thanks for the information. I made a call to the local state police headquarters here and told them I wanted to add running lights to the rear of the bike and asked if amber (yellow) was an option, unfortunately red is the only acceptable running light in the rear so I'm going to purhcase amber for the fronts and red for the rears, both in led...should free up some load on the charging system. Eventually plan on replacing the rear brake with something that looks good and is functional...still considering all my options for that one though...thanks again.

 

[Nicki66]

Months past I had emailed Florida State troopers asking what color running lights were allowed and maximum headlight wattage allowed. Here is there reply:
[FONT=&quot]Thank you for your inquiry. The maximum candela for headlights on a motorcycle is: 12,500 lower beam and 75,000 upper beam. These specs were according to the Federal Motor Safety Standard 571. Also, Florida specifies what color lights and their locations may be on a motor vehicle. There are only three colors that can be legally on a motor vehicle: Red, White, and Amber or Yellow. White and Amber can only be in the front, and Red, White or Amber may be in the rear. If I may be of further assistance to you, please do not hesitate to call or write.

[/FONT]

 

[Frosty72]

I bought a brake/running/turn signal kit from http://www.customdynamics.com/tailconversion_kit.htm

and added red led light bars to the rear, it works great.

The current from your running lights might be too much for the leds, they might be full brightness with just running light current.