red blinker lenses?

[2 Valks]

I'm wanting to do away with the amber colored lenses on the rear and go to red lenses.  Are these available and if so, where would I buy a set?

[PhredValk]

Certain model paints would let you change the ones that you have.

The deeper question is are red signal lights legal in your state?
Fred.

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

I'm running these and they look good but the chrome is starting to flake on mine after 2 yrs.http://www.kuryakyn.com/Products/733/Deep-Dish-Bezels-With-Lenses

[2 Valks]

Certain model paints would let you change the ones that you have.

The deeper question is are red signal lights legal in your state?
Fred.

Amber & red are legal here in North Carolina.  The DMV wil not pass a bike  that has clear lenses with a colored bulb. However, they will pass a car or truck that has the aforementioned setup!

[Valkpilot]

Certain model paints would let you change the ones that you have.

The deeper question is are red signal lights legal in your state?
Fred.

Amber & red are legal here in North Carolina.  The DMV wil not pass a bike  that has clear lenses with a colored bulb. However, they will pass a car or truck that has the aforementioned setup!

Red lenses can be purchased here: http://stores.motolume.com/-strse-246/Honda-Shadow-Spirit-1100/Detail.bok

You can paint the inside of your amber lenses with Testor's Candy Apple Red.  Three to four light coats works OK.  There's a fine line between enough coats to look red and too many coats so the light can't shine through.  Painting clear lenses has almost the same results as painting amber lenses.

My experience is that either solution to red lenses results in turn signals that are hard to see in daylight.  I suggest that you increase the bulb brightness somehow.  Disco is running 3496 or 3497s (depending on socket requirements) and they are noticibly brighter.  Alternatively, you can install these http://www.customdynamics.com/honda_turn_signal_led.htm

Red lenses in the rear are legal in all states.  Just take a look at the rear tail lights of many cars and in particular the tail lights of any 1997 - 2003 Ford pickup.  What is not legal in most, if not all, states is amber running lights on the rear.

[2 Valks]

Certain model paints would let you change the ones that you have.

The deeper question is are red signal lights legal in your state?
Fred.

Amber & red are legal here in North Carolina.  The DMV wil not pass a bike  that has clear lenses with a colored bulb. However, they will pass a car or truck that has the aforementioned setup!

Red lenses can be purchased here: http://stores.motolume.com/-strse-246/Honda-Shadow-Spirit-1100/Detail.bok

You can paint the inside of your amber lenses with Testor's Candy Apple Red.  Three to four light coats works OK.  There's a fine line between enough coats to look red and too many coats so the light can't shine through.  Painting clear lenses has almost the same results as painting amber lenses.

My experience is that either solution to red lenses results in turn signals that are hard to see in daylight.  I suggest that you increase the bulb brightness somehow.  Disco is running 3496 or 3497s (depending on socket requirements) and they are noticibly brighter.  Alternatively, you can install these http://www.customdynamics.com/honda_turn_signal_led.htm

Red lenses in the rear are legal in all states.  Just take a look at the rear tail lights of many cars and in particular the tail lights of any 1997 - 2003 Ford pickup.  What is not legal in most, if not all, states is amber running lights on the rear.

Thanks for the info. I just ordered a pair from motolume.

[Lyn-Del]

I'm wanting to do away with the amber colored lenses on the rear and go to red lenses.

Before you commit to the change, have you followed bikes with red turn signal lenses?  I've been consciously paying attention, and I'm finding that I can SEE the yellow lights but the red turn signals tend to blend into the glow of the taillights during the day.  The red are more visible at night than during the day, but the yellow really stand out and get my attention at night.

Sometimes we have to consider safety and appearance, and make decisions.  I've come to the conclusion that the red aren't as visible, therefore not as safe.  But they are safer than using handsignals in the dark!

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

I ran the amber as running lights here in Texas for several years and was never pulled over for them. Even when I did get stopped for a minor speed problem the LEO never said a word about my amber lights. I also passed inspection each year.

[Bobbo]

Another thing to consider is getting red LED replacements for the incandescent bulbs.  The red light will pass through the amber lens, and you will have red turn signals.

[Valkpilot]

I ran the amber as running lights here in Texas for several years and was never pulled over for them. Even when I did get stopped for a minor speed problem the LEO never said a word about my amber lights. I also passed inspection each year.

Yeah, I don't think most LEOs bother with it, but it is against statute.

[Bobbo]

I ran the amber as running lights here in Texas for several years and was never pulled over for them. Even when I did get stopped for a minor speed problem the LEO never said a word about my amber lights. I also passed inspection each year.

Yeah, I don't think most LEOs bother with it, but it is against statute.

From a previous thread:

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,22851.msg200593.html#msg200593

[Disco]

Before you commit to the change, have you followed bikes with red turn signal lenses?  I've been consciously paying attention, and I'm finding that I can SEE the yellow lights but the red turn signals tend to blend into the glow of the taillights during the day.  The red are more visible at night than during the day, but the yellow really stand out and get my attention at night.

Sometimes we have to consider safety and appearance, and make decisions.  I've come to the conclusion that the red aren't as visible, therefore not as safe.  But they are safer than using handsignals in the dark!

+1

I like my setup of amber lens (they're so bright, they're yellow) turn signal / running lights (3497 bulbs) + Radiantz LED taillight + Electrical Connection Auxiliary LED Running / Brake Light + Recreational Products Priority Plus.  It may not be absolutely by-the-book, but if it helps me not to be rear-ended a second time, I don't care if I get a ticket or a scolding or anything else.  I know lots of people don't associate "nervous" or flashing yellow running lights with brake lights, but I've ridden behind plenty of bikes with red running lights and red turn signals to know that they can be subtle.  My setup is not subtle.   

[Valkpilot]

I've got my rear signals set up as run/turn/brake.  When I first switched to red lenses using the stock 1157 bulbs, it was very difficult to see the turn signals during the day.

Since then, I've switched to the Custom Dynamics LED cluster from the link above.  The cluster is mounted (glued) in the lens, close to the lens surface.  I don't ride behind myself much anymore, so I can't truly say, but I've been told it made a big difference in the daytime visibility.

As others have mentioneed, no problem at all at night.

I also installed the Radiantz LED tail light which makes a BIG difference in brake light visibilty.

And yes, Disco and I have a friendly running argument about the amber lenses when your signals are set up as run/turn/brake lights.  They just don't say "I'm STOPPING!" to me.

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

I run the 3496 bulbs in all my stop and blinker light seems very much brighter than the 1157 bulbs that came out of them.

[2 Valks]

I've ordered the radiantz LED brake light and a 6 inch LED brake/ running light to mount under the license plate.  If the red lenses I ordered to go on the blinkers aren't as bright as the amber lenses, I'll go back to stock lenses and only be out $28 bucks.  Working 2nd shift and running 17 miles of highway at midnight, I want to be obnoxiously bright!!

[Tinman]

Don't forget http://www.superbrightleds.com/cgi-bin/store/index.cgi?action=DispPage&Page2Disp=%2Ftail-brake-turn.html
They are great! I put some one mine and have gotten a lot of good comments about how bright they are.