LED Mirror Signals

[shaggystyle]

Ok, so here's my newest idea for a weekend project:

I picked up a bunch of ultrabright LEDs and a spare set of mirrors to test with (thanks Serraph). I'm thinking about removing the stock front turn signals and building a custom set of LED signals into the mirrors. I just don't like the stocks sticking out so far and flushes don't seem like they would get enough attention. Here's a few quick photoshops of my current ideas. Comments, suggestions and criticism are welcome. As always I'll document the process as I go for anyone interested in giving it a try themselves.

 

[wrightme43]

Cool

The first ones you posted seem the most intuitive instantly recognisable I am turning signals.

I think its a good idea.

 

[yukon_alex]

Cool

The first ones you posted seem the most intuitive instantly recognisable I am turning signals.

I think its a good idea.

I agree. I also think that with 5 LEDs per mirror, it would be the most visible as well! What a great idea!

 

[thatguyx]

how do you get the mirror out of the housing, that's my question lol. if you can do that, why not buy some used GSXR mirrors and cut out the rear and make them bigger full on signals. Legally speaking, they'd have to pass inspections (since they do on stock GSXRs) and my personal opinion is that they're brighter. Halogens with reflectors may not be as bright on paper, but they're mor visible (much wider viewing range) than a few leds. most radioshack leds are around 5000mcd, which isn't ok for most applications. But for your turnsignals to be brighter you might want to look into those industrial strength (i think 10k mcd or 15kmcds) leds.

but, i digress, go for it man. i like #1>3>5 the rest are meh.

 

[cv_rider]

Those do look neat. I also like the first one the best. You'd want to make sure the LEDs weren't recessed at all, as it could make it hard to see them if you weren't looking directly head-on to the bike. Even flush or protruding a bit, the raked-back angle of the mirrors could make it hard to see from the opposite side.

 

[Boneman]

1st ones for sure! Remember, you want them to be easily recognizable as turn sigansl and not "hey, look at those cool little lights on that guy's mirrors!"

 

[Wavex]

Nasaman, is that you?



nvm, inside joke lol


+1 on the 1st one!!!

 

[nimzotech]

I too like the position of the LED in the first photo. The fith picture also is very good. Just curious, but how were you planning on running the wire through the metal part of the mirror?

Cheers and keep us updated. I wish I had Serraph left side mirror, mine broke off at the base several weeks ago.

 

[reiobard]

i would like to do those as well as some flush mounts, My question is to how you are going to get the wiring out to the mirrors, don't we have solid stalks?

 

[shaggystyle]

how do you get the mirror out of the housing, that's my question lol. if you can do that, why not buy some used GSXR mirrors and cut out the rear and make them bigger full on signals. Legally speaking, they'd have to pass inspections (since they do on stock GSXRs) and my personal opinion is that they're brighter. Halogens with reflectors may not be as bright on paper, but they're mor visible (much wider viewing range) than a few leds. most radioshack leds are around 5000mcd, which isn't ok for most applications. But for your turnsignals to be brighter you might want to look into those industrial strength (i think 10k mcd or 15kmcds) leds.

I got these puppies (YELLOW T 1 3/4 LED, ULTRABRIGHT | All Electronics Corp - Parts, Supplies and Components), they are only 3000mcd but that's because they are wide angles. Actual brightness is something like 20-25 lumens I believe. Putting 5 of them together on one mirror should be plenty bright enough to get everyone's attention. Not really sure about removing the mirror without breaking it...but that's why I bought a spare set to practice on. I've been kicking the gixxer idea around in the back of my head, but at $50 per mirror it's cheaper and simpler to just use LEDs (we don't have to worry about any inspections here in KY).

 

[shaggystyle]

My question is to how you are going to get the wiring out to the mirrors, don't we have solid stalks?

This is where I'm going to have to get "creative". I initially thought I could get away with running the wiring up through the stalk....now I'm thinking that's not gonna happen. So, my only other option is to run them externally and tape (or secure in some other fashion) the wire to the stalk. I don't think black tape would look too bad if I did a nice clean job of it, but I'm not sure. We'll see how it goes. I'm more of a jump in headfirst and fix the issues as you get to them kind of guy. That one's a ways down the road still.

 

[djneall]

I think the first one makes the best statement that you are turning.
Thanks for the great info. I am very interested to hear how it works out, as I would consider making that mod on my bike as well.

 

[GConn]

Nice idea. I remember reading this thread the day before yesterday and today I found these on ebay

eBay Motors: BLuE LeD ArrOwS YAMAHA YZF R1 R6 FZ1 FZ6 FZ750 V MAX (item 380026639347 end time May-14-08 16:45:00 PDT)

 

[shaggystyle]

You know what I hate about ebay....people clutter up their pages with so much junk advertising that you can never really figure out what they are selling.

I'd considered buying something similar, but I decided I'd rather do it myself for a lot of different reasons (but primarily just because I like playing with stuff:Flash.

 

[GConn]

Fair enough. Just saw that and I thought maybe you would be interested. It's probably junk anyways.

 

[Gemini77]

Keep me posted, I love the idea and would like to put some on my bike!!!

 

[Tailgate]

It appears that such supplemental turn signal lights are illegal in CA since they project light to the front. Below is an excerpt from the CA DMV:

(d) In addition to any required or authorized turn signal lamps, any vehicle may be equipped with supplemental rear turn signal lamps that are mounted on, or are an integral portion of, the outside rearview mirrors, so long as the lamps flash simultaneously with the rear turn signal lamps, the light emitted from the lamps is projected only to the rear of the vehicle and is not visible to the driver under normal operating conditions, except for a visual indicator designed to allow monitoring of lamp operation, and the lamps do not project a glaring light

 

[Boneman]

It appears that such supplemental turn signal lights are illegal in CA since they project light to the front.

In a nut shell....who cares!!

Almost all flush mount signals are 'illegal' too. My blue LED Pod Lights are 'illegal' as well but I really could care less. MY visibility and MY safety far outweighs what some tard sitting at his desk deems "illegal".

Besides, in your case you are ADDING more signals, not replacing all your signals with just these mirror signals.

If I happen to get a ticket every once and a while, then so be it. I see it as the 'price' of being more visible/safer. Besides, I think the cop would have to be a real douche bag to give you a ticket for having LED signals in your mirrors....! (ya hear that Sgt. Loubeski....a real DOUCH BAG!!!!)

 

[Wavex]

If you cop gives you grief because you`re trying to be more conspicuous, it would be ridiculous imo.

Check this out: [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZKtncjImOA"]YouTube - Improved Headlight Modulation System (IHMS-NEW)[/ame]

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_tTx57c8Jk"]YouTube - Bike Improved Headlight Modulation System (IHMS)[/ame]


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Mod ^^ by nasaman

 

[Boneman]

Ahhh good ol Nasaman! Appreciate the 'dig' there Wavex! I'm safe, but not THAT safe!!