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Author Topic: Run / Turn / Brake Light Mod  (Read 9307 times)
Dorkman
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Posts: 186


San Carlos, CA


« on: December 01, 2012, 05:26:07 PM »

Here is another running light, turn signal, and brake light modification.  This turns your turn signals into additional red running lights and brake lights, while preserving the turn signals.  There have been many variations posted earlier.  I was looking for something that was simple, rock solid, and easily reversible.  There are two versions.  Sound Off Recreational Safety Priority Plus MLPLPO-P provides five red brake light bursts in 1.5 seconds, then goes solid red.  Their Priority Lites MLPLOO-P operates without the pulse.  Both are available on Amazon at $53 and $43 respectivly, and at other vendors.  They work with stock lights, but are not recommended for additional accessory lighting.

You will also need red lenses to replace the yellow turn signal lenses.  Valkyries 1997-2000 with two mounting screws on the front of the lense take a CTS-0021-RRd replacement.  2001-2003 with a single mounting screw on the bottom of the lense take a CTS-0020-RRd or CTS-0020-RR lense.  They are available at Chrome Glow, Phat Performance Parts and likely other places.  Prices are $15 to $20 per pair.  Someone on eBay has something similar, but I'm not sure it has the screw tab at the bottom.  I have no connection to any of these vendors...just a customer.

To install, you need to first identify the Valk tail/brake/turn signal wires to connect:
Right Rear Turn Hot - Light  Blue
Left Rear Turn Hot - Orange
Center Tail Hot - Brown
Center Brake Hot - Green/Yellow
Ground Wires - Green

The directions for this product and others provide crimp connectors, spade connectors, and other "quick and easy"  ways to connect the Valk wiring to their product.  Don't do it.  Use soldered connections.  The Valk wiring is stranded wire, very small (looks like AWG20 or 22), and does not hold very well, as other members attest.  Stranded wire, verses solid wire, may crush or sever with vibration.  If you still prefer to use crimp connnectors, at least "tin" the stranded wire by twisting and soldering the ends to form a more solid base.  Don't forget to apply flux to the wires.  A 25 watt solder pencil will do the job.

The Priority module fits in either of the pockets under the seat to the rear of the battery.

Locate the wire bundle under the seat leading from the right cover to the tail light.  You need not disconnect, but just split the cover to expose the wires.  Stagger your wire cuts for a neater installation.  Soldering and then covering with heat shrink electrical tubing provides the neatest job.  You will need a heat gun or hair dryer to heat the tubing.  A different method:  I soldered then used small purple standard wire connectors (minimum 3 AWG20 wires).  Its bulkier, but provides both a solder and melchanical connection.

To finish the job, wrap the wiring with a good quality vinyl electrical tape.  I used Scotch Super 33+.  The trick is to strech the tape and overlap as you work your way along the wires.  Use several layers.  The tape  shrinks a bit and you end with a tidy job.

Oh, and how is this reversible?  The right rear harness is Honda part 32102-MZ0-000 and goes for around $8.

From what I can determine, red turn signals are legal in most states, but you may want to verify for your location.




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Thunderbolt
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Posts: 3724


Worthington Springs FL.


« Reply #1 on: December 02, 2012, 02:42:30 PM »

Options, always good to have options.  Thanks for posting.
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Disco
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Armed Man=Citizen; Unarmed Man=Subject

Republic of Texas


« Reply #2 on: December 02, 2012, 04:23:04 PM »

Thanks for the thread, Dorkman.  

Here's a variation on the theme...

I've been running the Priority Plus for over 4 years and love it.  However, I didn't convert my turn signal lenses to red.  Although I believe amber running lights is not legal, IMO they do a much better job of lighting up as turn signals than red lenses do.  Furthermore, they are unusual as running lights in a "made ya look" kinda way.  To me, that's where the "Plus" comes into play.  With my combination of Priority Plus, Radiantz LED tail light replacement, and Electrical Connection LED 3rd Brake/Running light, I'm much more visible to those behind me than many.

http://www.soundoffrec.com/products/lights.aspx

http://radiantz.com/index1.html?search.html&1

http://www.electricalconnection.com/other-lighting/license-ec.htm

BTW, I've never been pulled over for the amber running lights.   cooldude   Did I say that out loud?   Lips Sealed  

I guess I should say, "yet"...   Wink

« Last Edit: December 02, 2012, 05:47:12 PM by Disco » Logged

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garyheskett All 49 x 3 st.louis
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Posts: 137

St. Louis, Missouri


« Reply #3 on: December 02, 2012, 06:20:43 PM »

Although I can't comment on other states,  in the state of Missouri you can display red or amber to the rear, and white and amber to the front.  So, as long as it is red or amber to the rear, you are good to go in Missouri.  Any other colors displayed in either direction are illegal.
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Valkpilot
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Posts: 2151


What does the data say?

Corinth, Texas


« Reply #4 on: December 02, 2012, 06:55:53 PM »

Although I can't comment on other states,  in the state of Missouri you can display red or amber to the rear, and white and amber to the front.  So, as long as it is red or amber to the rear, you are good to go in Missouri.  Any other colors displayed in either direction are illegal.

From the Missouri statute:

Quote
Taillamps, reflectors--violations, penalty.
307.075. 1. Every motor vehicle and every motor-drawn vehicle shall be equipped with at least two rear lamps, not less than fifteen inches or more than seventy-two inches above the ground upon which the vehicle stands, which when lighted will exhibit a red light plainly visible from a distance of five hundred feet to the rear.


Rear turn signals and (in many states) brake lights may be red or amber.  I have yet to find a state that allows amber tail/rear running lights.

The reverse is true for front running lights.  They may be amber or white, but not red.

I believe that these requirements are based in the visual clues they provide as to whether a vehicle is moving toward or away from you.

That said, having amber rear running lights doesn't mean you'll get stopped by law enforcement, as Disco and others have noted.  It does, however, give them an extra box to check on the ticket they may be writing for another infraction, or an excuse to stop you in the first place.
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JaysGone
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Posts: 467


Delray Beach Florida


« Reply #5 on: December 03, 2012, 04:28:05 AM »

i did the same thing but used front turn signals on the rear.
Amber while technically illegal in Florida, they must be red.
Hasnt been an issue in my case.
On 2 bikes for over 5 years I have never been stopped for having amber lights.
I keep saying Id try painting them red with Testors model paint but just havent gotten around to it.
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PharmBoy
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Posts: 1058


Lawton, Ok


« Reply #6 on: December 03, 2012, 07:34:36 AM »

After you have put front turn signals on the rear and installed your favorite LEDs or 3496 bulbs, I would suggest this LED set for the rear brake light.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Radiantz-LED-Tail-Light-Honda-Shadow-Valkyrie-VTX-/230628642089

And if you really want to be seen while applying the brake, take a look at this Whelan TIR3 programable strobe with the chrome flange. Just wire it to your brake light.

http://www.strobesnmore.com/Whelen-TIR3-Super-LEDs.html

Everyone has a different idea as to what they would like to do to improve their visibility.  This is just what I came up with.  That Whelan TIR3 will really get attention.  I have it set on 3 quick pulses, a short pause, and repeat.  However, there are many different programs you can use.



« Last Edit: December 03, 2012, 07:40:04 AM by PharmBoy » Logged

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rmcnelly
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Posts: 65

Portsmouth, VA


« Reply #7 on: December 03, 2012, 02:16:46 PM »

After you have put front turn signals on the rear and installed your favorite LEDs or 3496 bulbs, I would suggest this LED set for the rear brake light.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Radiantz-LED-Tail-Light-Honda-Shadow-Valkyrie-VTX-/230628642089

And if you really want to be seen while applying the brake, take a look at this Whelan TIR3 programable strobe with the chrome flange. Just wire it to your brake light.

http://www.strobesnmore.com/Whelen-TIR3-Super-LEDs.html

Everyone has a different idea as to what they would like to do to improve their visibility.  This is just what I came up with.  That Whelan TIR3 will really get attention.  I have it set on 3 quick pulses, a short pause, and repeat.  However, there are many different programs you can use.






Is this using their license plate mount?
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--Rick
'98 Standard
PharmBoy
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Posts: 1058


Lawton, Ok


« Reply #8 on: December 04, 2012, 05:18:27 AM »

The TIR3 strobe is mounted by making a copy of the license plate out of alluminum sheet with a copy of the chrome strobe flange left hanging down in the middle.  The alluminum mount is attached behind the license plate with the license plate attachment bolts...Jim  Smiley (Should anyone order one, make sure to get the RED one.)
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jmann
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Posts: 253


Mesa,Az.


« Reply #9 on: December 04, 2012, 05:34:42 AM »

When the strobe is installed is it just triggered off the brake light? Can it be set to pulse and then stay solid red?
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PharmBoy
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Posts: 1058


Lawton, Ok


« Reply #10 on: December 04, 2012, 07:02:21 AM »

There are numerous settings for the pulses of the strobe light which is accomplished before installation.  You can try them all out by using the instructions inclosed with the strobe.  This light is "VERY BRIGHT" and I would think that a solid light would almost blind anyone closely behind it.  I do know that it would sure make me angry if I had to set directly behind it during a red light.  As a courtesy to the one directly behind me, if the brake is not needed at a red light, I will refrain from applying it.  This light is the same one that is atop of police cars & ambulances...Jim  Smiley
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