Front running lights?

So was wondering if anyone had set their front turn signals to stay on as running lights?

If so what did you do?

Ben

 

The signals I use had an extra wire for running lights so I spliced that wire into the headlight positive.

 

You should probably go to a two filament bulb like sn 1157 or similar. You will also need to change the bulb socket to accomodate the two filaments. This might be a little tricky but should be doable. Also make sure that whatever bulb you use has a turn signal (heavy or bright) filament with the same wattage as the original turn signal lampor you will wind up with flash rate and/or flasher cancelling issues. I personally think this is a great idea as it should improve safety by increasing visibility.

 

Is there a way to wire the flasher relay backwards or something so that they are on all the time, and flash off when the turn signals are engaged?

I'm not worried about auto cancelling or anything.

 

I bought some after market signals for $20 w/bulbs and all the wiring ready to go.
That reversal trick sound interesting though...

 

I have done it on all my bikes. Looked through a catalogue at the local auto parts store and found a new bulb socket for the 1157 bulb. They were Direct fit into the light housing , just splice into wiring to run the lights when the bike is running.

 

Alaska - our bikes (80 & 81's for sure) didn't come with the front running lights, but ARE wired for them.

You'll need a pair of dual-filament front turn signals -- either get a pair from a later model that had them, or make your own by modding the stock ones with an 1157 pigtail (that's what I did).

Then poke around in the headlight bucket -- using a probe or meter, you'll find two female connectors that aren't being used, and are switched (on/off with the key). Those are the running light wires.

Now just get yourself a proper length of wire with a male bullet connector on one end for the bucket side, and the proper connector for the signal side, make the connection, and you're good to go.

Note - the above assumes you're comfortable doing wiring.

 

Excellent info Altus. Now take it one step further and plug in a single male to duplex female and run the wires to the back fixtures also. Now you have GREATLY increased visibility and safety. I read last week that in some parts of the country it is illegal to show amber lamps to the rear. Not so here in WA or they overlook it. I regularly see this configuration.


Wamaxim

 

Don't know about the states, but you're sure to get ticketed for having amber running lights in the rear here in Canada.
A buddy was out test riding his bike with rear running lights and had accidentally left the amber lenses on instead of the red ones he was changing to. Didn't make it a mile before he got pulled over and ticketed.

 

That's awesome. That'll be my project for tomorrow. Sweet, thanks a lot.

Oh, and my day job is avionics on C-130's and Pavehawks. So dare I say, I actually LIKE wiring nightmares.

Ben