Rear Lights ( Safety )

[karmann]

Hello
   I want to add some extra lights to the rear of my 98 std. for safety. Any suggestions?
 thanks

[shortleg]

 First change turn signals to be
running light and brake lights too.
         Shortleg[Dave]

[John U.]

Check out Custom Dynamics
They have LED clusters that will privide a lot more light. Get some front turn signal lights on E-Bay and install on the rear. The fronts take dual element bulbs. http://www.customdynamics.com/

There are also light control modules that might interest you http://signaldynamics.com/index.php?page=shop.browse&category_id=14&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=77&vmcchk=1&Itemid=77

[Chrome]

Hi Karmann I replaced the reflectors by the back licence plate with these LED lights from ShowChrome/Big Bike Parts. Available in red or amber.Wired them thru the licence plate light.Always on and much brighter.
http://www.bigbikeparts.com/Inventory/Navision/16-107A?catalogNo=1
Adrian

[Red Diamond]

I went with Signal Dynamics, painted the signal lenses red. Now I have the original tail/stop and the signal lights are run/stop/turn. I wish I had gone with the previous post and installed the front turn signals on the rear, but an after thought.

[BF]

I added a lighted tag frame from Custom Dynamics.  I also added the turn/run/brake light kit from Electrical connection.  Altogether, they're pretty bright...especially at night. 

Honda Valkyrie - LED turn and tag light modifications	powered by Aeva

[Divot]

I added the turn signal conversion kit as others have mentioned, a couple of license plate bolt LED bullet lights and a Knight Riderz LB07 brake strobe light attached to a plate on the back of the stock sissy bar pad. 

http://www.electricalconnection.com/other-lighting/tsk-std.htm

http://www.cosmicleds.com/knightriderz/

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

I've been running the Knightrider light for over 4 years now and still have people tell me how eye catching and bright it is. I run it as a running/ brake light when I run the I/S in  supervalk (no trunk) I also have running and brake lights wired to stock taillights using hoppy trailer convertor.

[Titan]

Check out Custom Dynamics
They have LED clusters that will privide a lot more light. Get some front turn signal lights on E-Bay and install on the rear. The fronts take dual element bulbs. http://www.customdynamics.com/

There are also light control modules that might interest you http://signaldynamics.com/index.php?page=shop.browse&category_id=14&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=77&vmcchk=1&Itemid=77

John,
I've had a set of front signal lights laying around here for years because I installed a light bar on front and replaced the stocks. I never gave any thought to them being wired different than the rear set. Thanks for that info! Can you tell me what all would be involved in replacing the rear ones with the set from the front and using them as running, signals, and brake lights?

I see the wiring harness on the front set has different colored wires for each side. Is this a simple plug and play?

[X Ring]

Titan, I converted front signals to use on the rear.  To make it as simply plug and play as I could, I took the socket and wiring out of the shells and put them in the opposite so the wire colors matched up.  The wires for the running lights I ran into the license plate light and connected them to the brown wire.  As I have a led tail/stoplight with a brake modulator attached, I didn't bother hooking the new turn signals up to the brake light.  I tried but it didn't work out the way i wante.

Marty

[vanagon40]

Titan,

Mechanically, I removed the bulb holders from the chrome housings of the front turn signals and mounted the bulb holders in the rear chrome housing.  There is now an extra wire (tail light) to thread through to the center of the rear housing.  This is not a difficult change.

You will also need to alter the amber tail light lens from amber to red.  As a general rule, rear running lights must be red, not amber.

Electrically, it is not a plug and play, but as complicated as you want to make it.

Tail Lights.  The quick and easy solution is to simply tap into the license plate light as the feed for the taillights.  No additional wires to run.
HOWEVER, I liked the concept of the front turn signals.  If you check out the front turn signal, you will discover that the running light turns off when the turn signal begins to flash.  (Note, only the running light on the side with the signal flashing.)  This provides added contrast for the turn signal.  I really liked this concept, so I ran wires from the front turn signals (I tapped into these in the headlight bucket (Standard, not Interstate)) to under the right side cover and then along the existing wire harness to my new taillights.  I added two relays to operate the running lights, but this was probably overkill.  (I did not want to add additional bulbs–i.e., wattage–to the light circuit going through the starter switch.)

Turn Signals.  If you just want turn signals, simply hook up the wires.  BUT, if you want the turn signals to function as brake lights as well, a modification is required.  Also, the lenses are probably again required to be red rather than amber.
I believe the simplest modification is to add a trailer light adapter.  This is an adapter to convert the electrical signal from towing vehicles with separate brake lights and turn signals to trailers with combination brake lights and turn signals.  Under the right hand side cover, locate the left turn signal, right turn signal, and brake light wiring and install the adapter according to the instructions.  Essentially, splice in the adapter.  If you purchase bullet connectors, you can install (and remove, if necessary) the adapter without modifying the existing wiring.  (NOTE: The Honda bullet connectors are not the same size as the bullet connectors sold by AutoZone, Lowes, etc.  The AutoZone/Lowes/etc. connectors will work, but the female connectors must be expanded or contracted as necessary (and can be resized to remove the modification).  I believe correct sized bullet connectors are available on the Internet.)
If you are real ambitious (or a tightwad or electronics geek), you can make your own adapter with a couple of relays and diodes.  I triggered the relays with the signal from the front running lights and used the diodes to prevent the brake light signal from “bleeding” into the front turn signals.  With the two relays I used for the running lights, my system consisted of four relays and two diodes.

If you want more detailed instructions, regarding any of the above, just ask (or PM me or email me).  I actually purchased red lenses, but lots of folks have simply pained the amber (or clear) lenses with Testors Model paint, Candy Apple Red.

[karmann]

HELLO
  I ADDED A MUSTANG JOURNEY BAG to my sissy bar. I ordered the kight rider lic frame and the turn signal conversion kit. I think I'll order an extra light bar from knight rider and install it on the top of the mustang bag as a high mount stop light, All i'll need is a 3 prong plug for a quick disconect when I remove the bag.  Is the sequential model a good way to go, or could it be too distracting?
  thanks for all the info.
  Karmann

[R J]

Ya want to be seen and not have to add lights?
Put this taillight conversion in your taillight if it is a Std/Tourer, or ya could just add this taillight with conversion to an I-S.    128 LED's in this plate.  For the Valkyrie you need to trim a small bit off of the bottom right I think it was.

http://www.radiantz.com/cart/index1.html?c16.html&1

then click on Honda and the 1st one up is the baby.   Valkyrie, Aero and etc.

Follows is a picture of mine with the brake light on in a well lite garage, notice the reflection on the tractor seat.   If you look real close to the license plate reflectors, there is some flashing LEDs that are no longer really visible, yes, they were lite when the picture was taken.

[BF]

HELLO
  I ADDED A MUSTANG JOURNEY BAG to my sissy bar. I ordered the kight rider lic frame and the turn signal conversion kit. I think I'll order an extra light bar from knight rider and install it on the top of the mustang bag as a high mount stop light, All i'll need is a 3 prong plug for a quick disconect when I remove the bag.  Is the sequential model a good way to go, or could it be too distracting?
  thanks for all the info.
  Karmann

Karmann........

See my video above.  I haven't had anyone tell me it's destracting, but I've had plenty tell me they saw me....and from far away too. 

There is one thing to consider with the sequential+brake modulator light like I have though.....it might be illegal. 

I've had two deputies and one city officer here tell me that it's illegal...just like a modulating headlight is also illegal here.  However....and that's a BIG however, everyone of them told me that there isn't an officer in this state that would pull me over for my lights alone.  They all understand that you're trying to be seen and it's a safety issue.  That said, if they saw you doing something stupid, or pulled you over for speeding or some other offense, that they might (depending on your attitude...everyone of them said that attitude is everything) give a ticket for the light.  However, it's a non-moving violation and all you'd have to do is show them that it's been disconnected and the ticket would be voided. 

You might wanna ask before you commit to buying one. 

 

[PAVALKER]

Ya want to be seen and not have to add lights?
Put this taillight conversion in your taillight if it is a Std/Tourer, or ya could just add this taillight with conversion to an I-S.    128 LED's in this plate.  For the Valkyrie you need to trim a small bit off of the bottom right I think it was.

http://www.radiantz.com/cart/index1.html?c16.html&1

then click on Honda and the 1st one up is the baby.   Valkyrie, Aero and etc.

Follows is a picture of mine with the brake light on in a well lite garage, notice the reflection on the tractor seat.   If you look real close to the license plate reflectors, there is some flashing LEDs that are no longer really visible, yes, they were lite when the picture was taken.

I have one of those installed on my Interstate.... it came with the tail light assembly when I got it (I was very lucky).  It can attest that it is VERY bright.  I have it on my Interstate with only the brake light wired up to give it more effect when braking..... the trunk tail lights suffice otherwise.  I'm not sure if mine is that brand or maybe custom dynamics.... but it works great.   

[Titan]

Thanks to everyone for all these tips and links to various gadgets!

Thanks to vanagon40 for the great instructions on how to wire up the lights!

I've printed the instructions and bookmarked this thread. All I need now is to find time to do it.

[X Ring]

There is one thing to consider with the sequential+brake modulator light like I have though.....it might be illegal. 

I've had two deputies and one city officer here tell me that it's illegal...just like a modulating headlight is also illegal here.  However....and that's a BIG however, everyone of them told me that there isn't an officer in this state that would pull me over for my lights alone.  They all understand that you're trying to be seen and it's a safety issue.  That said, if they saw you doing something stupid, or pulled you over for speeding or some other offense, that they might (depending on your attitude...everyone of them said that attitude is everything) give a ticket for the light.  However, it's a non-moving violation and all you'd have to do is show them that it's been disconnected and the ticket would be voided. 

You might wanna ask before you commit to buying one. 

 

Why go through all that.  The manufacturers who sell the modulators include a copy of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard that authorized the modulators.  Carry a copy of it and show it to the officers.  If they still give you a ticket, take the copy to the court clerk and asked for it to be dismissed. 

Headlight Modulators:

  TITLE 49--TRANSPORTATION
 
CHAPTER V--NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF
                             TRANSPORTATION
 
PART 571_FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS--Table of Contents
 
            Subpart B_Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
 
Sec. 571.108  Standard No. 108; Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.

S7.9.4 Motorcycle headlamp modulation system.
    S7.9.4.1 A headlamp on a motorcycle may be wired to modulate either
the upper beam or the lower beam from its maximum intensity to a lesser
intensity, provided that:
    (a) The rate of modulation shall be 240 <plus-minus<ls-thn-eq>40
cycles per minute.
    (b) The headlamp shall be operated at maximum power for 50 to 70
percent of each cycle.
    (c) The lowest intensity at any test point shall be not less than 17
percent of the maximum intensity measured at the same point.
    (d) The modulator switch shall be wired in the power lead of the
beam filament being modulated and not in the ground side of the circuit.
    (e) Means shall be provided so that both the lower beam and upper
beam remain operable in the event of a modulator failure.
    (f) The system shall include a sensor mounted with the axis of its
sensing element perpendicular to a horizontal plane. Headlamp modulation
shall cease whenever the level of light emitted by a tungsten filament
light operating at 3000[deg] Kelvin is either less than 270 lux (25
foot-candles) of direct light for upward pointing sensors or less than
60 lux (5.6 foot-candles) of reflected light for downward pointing
sensors. The light is measured by a silicon cell type light meter that
is located at the sensor and pointing in the same direction as the
sensor. A Kodak Gray Card (Kodak R-27) is placed at ground level to
simulate the road surface in testing downward pointing sensors.
    (g) When tested in accordance with the test profile shown in Figure
9, the voltage drop across the modulator when the lamp is on at all test
conditions for 12 volt systems and 6 volt systems shall not be greater
than .45 volt. The modulator shall meet all the provisions of the
standard after completion of the test profile shown in Figure 9.
    (h) Means shall be provided so that both the lower and upper beam
function at design voltage when the headlamp control switch is in either
the lower or upper beam position when the modulator is off.

Here's the Federal Law that prohibits States, Counties and Municipalities from declaring equipment illegal that has been authorized by the US Department of Transportation

Title 49, United States Code

Chapter 301, Motor Vehicle Safety

Sec. 30103. Relationship to other laws

       1. UNIFORMITY OF REGULATIONS The Secretary of Transportation may not prescribe a safety regulation related to a motor vehicle subject to subchapter II of chapter 105 of this title that differs from a motor vehicle safety standard prescribed under this chapter. However, the Secretary may prescribe, for a motor vehicle operated by a carrier subject to subchapter II of chapter 105, a safety regulation that imposes a higher standard of performance after manufacture than that required by an applicable standard in effect at the time of manufacture.

       2. PREEMPTION

             1. When a motor vehicle safety standard is in effect under this chapter, a State or a political subdivision of a State may prescribe or continue in effect a standard applicable to the same aspect of performance of a motor vehicle or motor vehicle equipment only if the standard is identical to the standard prescribed under this chapter. However, the United States Government, a State, or a political subdivision of a State may prescribe a standard for a motor vehicle or motor vehicle equipment obtained for its own use that imposes a higher performance requirement than that required by the otherwise applicable standard under this chapter.

Wasn't able to find anything on brake light modulators but you should be able to find something on your state's motor vehicle code online.  From what I can find out California authorizes it and most states don't have any restriction against it.

Marty

[Cattman]

LED bar mounted under the trunk for Brake/clearance

Yellow and Red LED's above and beside the plate. Both are clearance lights

Custom Dynamics has all these and newer brighter ones.

[Fritz]

Can the 2 inner running lights on the I/S be converted to running and brake lights?

[Garland]

Ya want to be seen and not have to add lights?
Put this taillight conversion in your taillight if it is a Std/Tourer, or ya could just add this taillight with conversion to an I-S.    128 LED's in this plate.  For the Valkyrie you need to trim a small bit off of the bottom right I think it was.

http://www.radiantz.com/cart/index1.html?c16.html&1

then click on Honda and the 1st one up is the baby.   Valkyrie, Aero and etc.

Follows is a picture of mine with the brake light on in a well lite garage, notice the reflection on the tractor seat.   If you look real close to the license plate reflectors, there is some flashing LEDs that are no longer really visible, yes, they were lite when the picture was taken.

I have this also. Really, really bright, easy to install.

[BF]

Ya want to be seen and not have to add lights?
Put this taillight conversion in your taillight if it is a Std/Tourer, or ya could just add this taillight with conversion to an I-S.    128 LED's in this plate.  For the Valkyrie you need to trim a small bit off of the bottom right I think it was.

http://www.radiantz.com/cart/index1.html?c16.html&1

then click on Honda and the 1st one up is the baby.   Valkyrie, Aero and etc.

Follows is a picture of mine with the brake light on in a well lite garage, notice the reflection on the tractor seat.   If you look real close to the license plate reflectors, there is some flashing LEDs that are no longer really visible, yes, they were lite when the picture was taken.

Is that led light a plug and play or is there some wire splicing involved?

[Garland]

Plugs right in. I think there was a small metal tab on the tail light reflector that has to be folded back for the assembly to fit. I have tried five or six other lights, this is by far the best I have seen.

[SCain]

I use the Kuryakyn 4710 Run/Turn/Brake Controller behind the right side cover, I put bullet connectors on it so it plugs into my existing harness, this also makes it easy to remove. The controller also has the ability to flash if you want.

For the Turn Signal lenses, I use the Kuryakyn 2269 Deep Dish Bezel w/red lense and instead of the 1156 bulbs I use the 3496's (I think thats the #). These lenses are made for the Turn Signals with the bottom screw, they won't work with the old style 2 screw turn signals.

[Ken Tarver]

you can get some LED marker lights from Auto Zone that work well on the tag frame. SCain is correct, the Kury conversion kit works very well, is easy to install. You can put 2 light coats of Testors candy apple red model paint on the inside of the amber lens....works good!

Ken

[X Ring]

Ya want to be seen and not have to add lights?
Put this taillight conversion in your taillight if it is a Std/Tourer, or ya could just add this taillight with conversion to an I-S.    128 LED's in this plate.  For the Valkyrie you need to trim a small bit off of the bottom right I think it was.

http://www.radiantz.com/cart/index1.html?c16.html&1

then click on Honda and the 1st one up is the baby.   Valkyrie, Aero and etc.

Follows is a picture of mine with the brake light on in a well lite garage, notice the reflection on the tractor seat.   If you look real close to the license plate reflectors, there is some flashing LEDs that are no longer really visible, yes, they were lite when the picture was taken.

Is that led light a plug and play or is there some wire splicing involved?

It's plug and play.  It has an 1157 base that plugs into the stock tail/brake light socket.  I've got one also.

Marty

[PhredValk]

Will the 1800 or 1500 Goldwing trunk mounted spoiler/light bar work on an I/S trunk? I know a rider with an 1800 with this thing mounted with modulator and you can see his brakes come on on a sunny day from 1/2 mile or so. High up and very eye-catching.
When riding at dusk or after dark I would like to be visible from orbit...
Fred.

[doubletee]

Ya want to be seen and not have to add lights?
Put this taillight conversion in your taillight if it is a Std/Tourer, or ya could just add this taillight with conversion to an I-S.    128 LED's in this plate.  For the Valkyrie you need to trim a small bit off of the bottom right I think it was.

http://www.radiantz.com/cart/index1.html?c16.html&1

then click on Honda and the 1st one up is the baby.   Valkyrie, Aero and etc.

Follows is a picture of mine with the brake light on in a well lite garage, notice the reflection on the tractor seat.   If you look real close to the license plate reflectors, there is some flashing LEDs that are no longer really visible, yes, they were lite when the picture was taken.

+1

I have one of these on my '99 Std. Very bright, even in daylight.