Modifying FJR Signal Lights

[Gitbox]

Has anyone thought about modifying their front signal lights to be more like a car? That is, when engaging the signal light, rather than the bulb just getting brighter by using the second element, the whole bulb would turn off then on and repeat. Most cars of late have a running light that turns off when the signal light is activated making the blinkers much more noticeable. Something similar to that on the FJR would be a great visibility enhancement in my opinion. As stock, the front blinkers can be hard to distinguish sometimes.

I've already done some investigating how it would be done on the FJR and although it's doable, it may not be as simple as adding a relay.

Thoughts?

 

[BkerChuck]

FWIW, in some states like PA with an annual state inspection requirement modifying lighting like that may put you in violation of state motor vehicle code. While I can see your point about making it more obvious to opposing traffic you're getting into a grey area that might actually get you into trouble.

Just my .02

 

[lele]

In Europe turn signals are off/on

 

[Ignacio]

Has anyone thought about modifying their front signal lights to be more like a car?

Warchild led a turn signal farkle years ago that's linked in our forum . Check FJRTech, Farkles, LED Signal Lamp Farkle.

 

[Gitbox]

Ignacio, that is a cool idea and I might try it. I was looking for a simpler solution, though. If I get do my idea working, I'll report back.

 

[SweetPotato]

You could probably accomplish this by modifying the bulb, leaving the bike wiring intact. It's a dual filament bulb with 2 contacts on the bottom and the side shell acting as ground. Identify which contact is for the dim filament and modify it to open that circuit. If it's a raised nipple style contact, maybe shave the nipple. Place a dab of liquid rubber on the contact to insulate that piece. There are a few ways to do it.

If you'd like to cut the wire to the dim light, it's dark blue with red dots. Wire is common to both sides. (This info is from my 2008 factory service manual.) Check state and local regulations before you modify, but simply removing the daytime running lights from the turn signals should (in my unofficial opinion) be ok.

 

[Nanahanman]

You could probably accomplish this by modifying the bulb, leaving the bike wiring intact. It's a dual filament bulb with 2 contacts on the bottom and the side shell acting as ground. Identify which contact is for the dim filament and modify it to open that circuit. If it's a raised nipple style contact, maybe shave the nipple. Place a dab of liquid rubber on the contact to insulate that piece. There are a few ways to do it.
If you'd like to cut the wire to the dim light, it's dark blue with red dots. Wire is common to both sides. (This info is from my 2008 factory service manual.) Check state and local regulations before you modify, but simply removing the daytime running lights from the turn signals should (in my unofficial opinion) be ok.

This is the solution I was going to suggest.

The dim light is a "running" light and while useful on cars, really doesn't do all that much on bikes.

Unlike cars, motorcycle headlights are full on at all times and I don't see how a couple of dim bulbs can add much more to that for visibility.

 

[RossKean]

...Unlike cars, motorcycle headlights are full on at all times and I don't see how a couple of dim bulbs can add much more to that for visibility.

They are not particularly useful for on-coming traffic but needed as a marker light visible from the side. ESPECIALLY for those who remove the fore and aft reflectors because they "don't look good". Never figured that one out!

 

[eflyguy]

Phah!! Who needs marker lights???

 

[Gitbox]

I plan on wiring in a simple relay that allows the bulb to stay on as a marker light and then blink completely off when the signals are activated, just like blinkers on a car. I could use both elements but that will add to the normal current draw. I'll probably use the element that is normally on so the lighting system won't draw any more current than usual.

Unless the police are intimately familiar with the FJR lighting system, I don't think they'll notice anything abnormal. My opinion is that it should have been designed this way from the start.

 

[Nanahanman]

...Unlike cars, motorcycle headlights are full on at all times and I don't see how a couple of dim bulbs can add much more to that for visibility.

They are not particularly useful for on-coming traffic but needed as a marker light visible from the side. ESPECIALLY for those who remove the fore and aft reflectors because they "don't look good". Never figured that one out!

I will have a look at the FJR but on all the other bikes I have owned with "running" lights in the signal light , they were not visible from the side.