Rear running lights

[ant_mb]

I know it can be done, but how do I make my rear signals running lights. I know it is illegal but don't really care. Anyone out there done it, or know how?

 

[coursonap]

First of all it is illegal and your brake light is a running light on the back. First thing you would have to do is get wiring like the front turn signals and put them in your rear turn signals and then wire the extra wire you have into the running light on your brake light. Remember that this is illegal.

 

[yamaha rider87]

i know i have my slow moments but why's this illegal if it would increase your visibility?

 

[Jman]

I would be interested in knowing why as well.

 

[wrightme43]

Amber lights face forward as run lights, red lights face rear as run or turn lights.

Its just DOT code.

It prevents confusion and to which direction a vehicle is moving.

It would be cheaper and easier to just wire in RED led lights above the lic plate as additional running lights.

 

[08fz6]

could do some red led's in the turnsignal housing.. that would work, as far as running lights in your rear turnsignals, easiest way is to get a set of front turn signals and wire them in , how about a red bulb. that would be legal in the turn signals, hence corvette, etc.....

 

[mglowe]

It prevents confusion and to which direction a vehicle is moving.

Very well said. More confusion with the confused is what we do not need.

...I know it is illegal but don't really care.

I wish we could change your mindset about not caring of the legalities of such a mod. While it may not seem so, it's dangerous both to you and others you share the road with.

 

[ant_mb]

Very well said. More confusion with the confused is what we do not need.



I wish we could change your mindset about not caring of the legalities of such a mod. While it may not seem so, it's dangerous both to you and others you share the road with.

First off, I said I didn't care that it would be illegal simply because I knew these would be the answers I would get if i didn't state so. I got them anyway so I guess it doesn't matter! Second I am converting to red led in the rear. Thanks for the help.

 

[brad81987]

could do some red led's in the turnsignal housing.. that would work, as far as running lights in your rear turnsignals, easiest way is to get a set of front turn signals and wire them in , how about a red bulb. that would be legal in the turn signals, hence corvette, etc.....

A red LED in an amber housing will not be very visable. LEDs emit light only in the wavelength specific to their color. The amber lense on the turn signal takes the multitude of colors from the incandescant bulb and only lets the amber wavelengths through. A red LED has minimal, if any, wavelengths in the amber range so you will not get as much light out of it. Id go with a seperate red LED. That's what I plan on doing eventually. Check out SUPER BRIGHT LEDS home They have a multitude of waterproof 12v LED options

 

[VEGASRIDER]

Why don't you get some Hyper Lites, they act as running lights as well as brakelights. They are super super bright. I'm sure the guys who were behind me on our group rides through the twisties can verify that they are bright. So bright that I can't believe they are legal. At night, they are so blindingly bright, you can't read my license plate. Pictures here do no justice.

 

[bd43]

If you gotta do it, I see two options. Either run the 3 wires from the front lights to the back, one set for each site, or use the existing signal wires at the back and tap into the tail light for the running lights.

So if the running lights are red then it's not illegal? I see Gold Wings decked out with a ton of red lights in the rear. I guess that would explain it.

 

[nlheikki]

If you gotta do it, I see two options. Either run the 3 wires from the front lights to the back, one set for each site, or use the existing signal wires at the back and tap into the tail light for the running lights.

So if the running lights are red then it's not illegal? I see Gold Wings decked out with a ton of red lights in the rear. I guess that would explain it.

+1 on running the wires from the front. That will be the best way to do it.

-Nick-

 

[ant_mb]

If you gotta do it, I see two options. Either run the 3 wires from the front lights to the back, one set for each site, or use the existing signal wires at the back and tap into the tail light for the running lights.

So if the running lights are red then it's not illegal? I see Gold Wings decked out with a ton of red lights in the rear. I guess that would explain it.

Exactly what I was looking for! Why didn't I think of running it from the tail light?

 

[rsw81]

Why don't you get some Hyper Lites, they act as running lights as well as brakelights. They are super super bright. I'm sure the guys who were behind me on our group rides through the twisties can verify that they are bright. So bright that I can't believe they are legal. At night, they are so blindingly bright, you can't read my license plate. Pictures here do no justice.

I can vouch for these, they are freakin' bright even in noon-time sun!

 

[Hellgate]

Is it possible to simply install a brighter tail light bulb? Is so not wire fuss.

 

[mglowe]

Perhaps this site has something your interested in? You would have to consider some extra hardware but it looks promising.

INCREASING REAR VISIBILITY

 

[ant_mb]

Perhaps this site has something your interested in? You would have to consider some extra hardware but it looks promising.

INCREASING REAR VISIBILITY

That guy is right on with what he did. I see a lot of people installing the non DOT flush mount lights that you need to be right on to see, and wonder why on earth they would do that. I on the other hand want to light my bike up like a freaking Christmas tree. You're going to see me coming, and going!

 

[ant_mb]

I'm going to be doing this pretty soon. If anyone would like I can post pic and a video of how it works. I'm still trying to figure out how to make the lights work as running, brake and flashers.

 

[OneTrack]

I like those.:thumbup:
When it comes to bright lights, you Vegas folks certainly are the experts.
Since installing my Clear Alternatives combination tail light, I have always been a bit concerned about the visibility of the light on very bright, sunny days, although my son (after following me for many km's) says that both the tail light and brake light are very visible. More lights wouldn't hurt, however....do you have a source for those brake light LED's?

 

[Jim Karam]

Yes, it is illegal but I've been running that way for several years. I did it mainly because I felt the Givi topcase buried the tail light more than I wished. So I bought a device that has the turn signals act as running lights, that then flashes several times when a brake is applied, and then acts as a brake light as well... all the while still acting as a turn signal. The little magic electronics can be seen at Sound Off Recreational, Inc. - Safety Lighting Products. The so-called Priority Plus works fine and is easy to install. I've been told by several forum folks on group rides that they like the effect.