Rear Turn Signals as Running Lights

[Stanc770]

Searched the board and was unable to find anyone that has had experience altering the rear turn signals to function as running lights.
If anyone has this knowledge, please share or point me in the direction of someone that has.

I have to pause every time I see a post that compares the original Valkyrie to the new one, I have owned two of the original wonderful bikes and thoroughly enjoyed both. I now have a 2014 and find it to be a totally different beast, like comparing apples to oranges... can't really be meaningfully done.

That said, I would say that it is strictly personal taste, thankfully there are still quite a few of the originals around at fair prices. Most people that own either version take superb care of their machines.

Enjoy what you ride and be safe, hat's whats important.

[Mike in AR]

Have you checked out Electrical Connections? That is where I got my kit to convert the turn signals into running and brake lights on my '97 Bee. That was 7-8 years ago.

[Robert]

Rear lights by some state regs need to be red but with that said, the leds in the rear would have to be dual intensity or have a resistor placed in line that would accomplish the same thing. Just a suggestion the reflector over the liscense plate could be easily removed and replaced by a led light to act as an additional running/brake light.

I have something similar to this on my 1500 Valk for the side marker lights and they work great but will fit perfectly in place of the plate reflector

http://www.amazon.com/Rectangle-Reflectors-Running-Trailer-Motorcycle/dp/B00GQVX1CG

[spud]

Check EBay. I have no idea how to post a link.
Click on motorcycle parts and on the side bar look
for lighting& indicators. There are a couple of
items that might work.
  spud.

[Jess from VA]

My 1500 valk has a small back box under the sidecover that converts the signals to run-turn-brake, and as far as I know the rear signals are originals with single pole 1156 bulbs.  Not sure of the Mfr, but may be Electrical Connection (do a google search for turn signal conversion kits).  I have red lenses over the bulbs for full time running.  I do not know if the 1800 signals require something different from the 1500 signals. 

[jaws7647]

Searched the board and was unable to find anyone that has had experience altering the rear turn signals to function as running lights.
If anyone has this knowledge, please share or point me in the direction of someone that has.

I have to pause every time I see a post that compares the original Valkyrie to the new one, I have owned two of the original wonderful bikes and thoroughly enjoyed both. I now have a 2014 and find it to be a totally different beast, like comparing apples to oranges... can't really be meaningfully done.

That said, I would say that it is strictly personal taste, thankfully there are still quite a few of the originals around at fair prices. Most people that own either version take superb care of their machines.

Enjoy what you ride and be safe, hat's whats important.

If you are looking to add more running light to your rear end you might want to consider adding a dual LED license plate frame. This adds more running light and also make your brake lights much brighter.

I put a dual chrome one on my Valk with a back off, so my brake lights also flash.

Here are a few from signal dynamics, can find them cheaper elsewhere online. 
http://www.signaldynamics.com/dual-led-bar-frames/

[Dave Ritsema]

This applies to classic Valkyries. I have no idea how it would apply to the new ones.


http://www.valkyrieriders.com/shoptalk/ledturnsignalmod.htm

[mrtappan]

We were going over this on the other F6C forum.  Based on the wiring diagram I have for the new 2014+ Valkyrie each front and rear signal has only two wires that go to them (a signal/power wire and aground).  Each signal is control by what the wiring diagram calls a "turn signal relay." 

Well.... that "turn signal relay" has twelve different wires that connect to it.  Likely is more like a "turn signal ECU" or whatever you want to call it.  I have yet to get in there and see what each wire actually does when the signal is applied. 

I have a picture of the wiring diagram if you want it.  It's not particularly helpful in this scenario but you're welcome to it.

[Stanc770]

I appreciate all the responses. I had a setup on my 97 and was just wondering if the LEDs on this bike were able to be utilized without adding additional lights. I was able to add LEDs to my 97 in a ring inside the existing tail lights, very clean and worked great. The setup Dave Ritsema is showing looks like what I ended up with after following the directions.
 I believe I got the schematic from the VTX board.
Someone mentioned that it might not meet the legal requirements for most states. That being the case I'll just keep looking.
Until then I'll just keep riding and enjoying this bike.         Thanks

[mrtappan]

I got involved in this scenario after a question about adapting a Goldwing/F6B set of fog lights that have running light/turn rings built into them.  On the GW/F6B each front mirror has three wires.  A ground then a running light and a turn signal input connected to a single filament bulb.  They both have diodes to prevent feedback.  On those you simply splice into each of those wires and you're done......

The Valkyrie..... not so much. 

[rusty]

stanc770...... let me know if you find something out about getting back blinkers as running lights also. these bikes need more lights in the back for the blind.
thanks and safe riding

[Stanc770]

Rusty, may have found some answers, there is no shortage of 5v relays, even some in banks of four. Got a friend that is an expert in handling lower voltage systems that is willing to take this project on.

Easy to change rear lights to a set with standard bulb. I want mine to remain stock looking with more light. More light= chance of a safer ride.

[rusty]

wow this might have went right over my head, in earler post someone talked about relays..... and you confermed it. what the heck... my thinking was just tap into the wires, as in the old way you would do it. sounds like with leds its not that easy??

[Stanc770]

Hi Rusty, actually it really isn't that complicated. To put it in simple terms look at it as just another simple step, you hook into the same wire that you would if you were adding a light. Instead of turning the light on directly, you are turning on a coil rated for the 5v, it in turn trips a switch to control the higher voltage item, the switches mentioned can be mechanical or electronic. They both wire basically the same and perform the same function.
The thing you need to remember with LEDs is that you are dealing with very low draw (amperage, lower load on electrical system). In this case Honda has lowered the voltage at the factory turn signals to 5v, hence the need for a 5v relay that will handle the 12v going to the aftermarket fog lights. When you see it done it is so much simpler than it sounds. This type of lighting makes many more things possible and decreases the overall load on the electrical system.
Just a few years ago LEDs in my industry were so very expensive, it was a major capital expense to update our lighting (Thousands of Dollars), now I can purchase the same Kelvin rated lights by the 100' roll for just a fraction of the cost and they last forever. We leave them on 24-7 because they are so cheap to operate and replace if needed.

[GA VALK]

Sent you an e:mail- heads up!

[rusty]

well that makes it a bit easier to understand

[mrtappan]

I attempted to check into the voltage, etc of the turn signals this weekend but I was simply not motivated to pull enough junk off the bike to get to the wires.  Side affect of working on everyone else's stuff is you don't want to work on your own.  Guess that's why I own imports

[rusty]

dont know if this helps....


http://www.signaldynamics.com/turn-signal-conversions/