[bcjoker04]

Hello Group,

I am new to this so please forgive my ignorance…

I noticed last night that my tail (indicator) lights do not come on when the bike is running. The front indicators stay on, the headlight and taillight stay on, but the tail indicators stay off UNLESS I am using my turn signals, then they blink. Is this normal? If not, do you know why this might be happening and how I could fix it?

Thank you for the help.

Adam
’85 VN700 :carryflag

P.S. I am also having a “fun” horn issue, I will post that as a separate thread though…

 

[Hizzo3]

that is normal..... so dont fret. if u dont like it you can change it with some work....

http://www.yankeecruisah.com/ynk_signal3.html
that is the link for an intruder....but it will give u the idea how...get a clymer and go at it if u want them on

 

[Dianna]

That's correct, the rear are not running lights.
There is also a conversion kit available
http://www.electricalconnection.com/other-lighting/tsk-star&sport.htm
Our signal kits simply, easily and legally:
- make those dead housings additional red running & brake lights the rest of the time.
-TRIPLE the size of your rear running and brake lights without adding any additional housings.
- do not alter the operation or components of the stock turn signals.
- shut off the red light in the signal housings when the amber signal comes on.

Other kits make your signal lights into running lights and signals, but in amber:
- ILLEGAL on any motor vehicle and much more expensive than our kit plus.
- NO brake lights!

No dying or replacement of the lens is required either with our kit. Federal regulations require a motorcycle to have amber turn signals and this kit keeps you in compliance and safer.

 

[bcjoker04]

Thanks Hizzo3 and Dianna, this reduces my stress level. I was not looking forward to having electrical issues with my lighting as I ride at night often. I feel kind of stupid for not realizing that the rear lights are not supposed to be on, but I could swear I remember them being on when I first purchased the bike and checked to see if all the lights worked….obviously I did not witness this. Anyways, thank you so much for your kind help.

I really like this “kit” idea. I think this will be near the top of my list of things to fix/mod. Somebody was killed just a couple months ago in front of my house; the driver of the car that rear ended him (on his motorcycle) claimed she never even saw a motorcycle in front of her. She basically just ran him down. I witnessed the aftermath; the bike was sitting upright, wedged into the front end of the car. I can only imaging how fast the driver of the car was going to do that kind of damage. Long story short, anything I can do to become “visible” from behind would be a good thing. As long as wrench time and funds permits…

Thanks again for the help. Now to post my horn issue, lol.

Adam

P.S. As of today, I have been a motorcyclist for 1 week, ridden everyday, almost 300 miles under my belt, lol, and I have fallen in love with it! :motorcycl

 

[Ccspinner]

Adam I have done this tail light mod and added a licensplate with Led brake lights in it. I now have 4 runnung lights and brake lights. Much safer.
The tail light mod was not to hard, the hardest part was running the wires through the lights. The instructions were verry helpful.
Hope this helps

 

[Hizzo3]

i plan to take an aux stop light and put it on the top of the back rest on my bike..... i figure that the higher i can get it... the better

 

[hgree]

Check out my photos in "Photo Gallery"...

I have added several LED lights on the rear of my bike trying to make sure car drivers see me. 6 running lights & 8 brake lights in all and couple of them flash for action notice.

 

[fergy]

Remember when "engine braking" your brake lights don't come on and it's easy to get into the habit of engine braking and not using the brakes when slowing in traffic.

Keep the shiny side up!

 

[hyperbuzzin]

Good point Fergy !!:smiley_th

Even before I plan on using my brakes to slow down, I'll give the front one a slight squeeze (until I feel the switch click) just to let anyone behind me know I'm going to be slowing down.
I also use that method, several times quickly in a row, to alert anyone I'm riding with, that's behind me, of any possible road hazards (and then point to it)

It seems alot of people (those in the cages also) aren't aware that the brake lights can be used as warning signals, and not just a signal that you're slowing. (if that makes any sense to anyone besides me ? )