Thinking about small turn signals for the '80

[Racer X]

You know, the custom aftermarket ones?
I saw some really nice carbon fiber jobbies when I was buying new grips today. $16.00 for the pair. Not gaudy either. They also make chrome. I can get clear for the front and amber for the back.

I think it would clean up the look really well. Streamline it and whatnot.

Any opinions?

[ratbyk]

Signals

I would suggest amber for the front and red for the rear unless you have very lax laws in your town. Would be safer than white on the front as well.
Ken/Sooke
78E Ratbyk

[Jeff]

Clear lenses are fine as long as you have the correct color bulb inside which lets the proper color show when lit. Amber and red single and dual filament bulbs can be found at nearly any auto parts store. Many cars use clear lenses with the 1156NA or 1157NA "natural amber" bulbs. I also believe Dennis Kirk stocks clear replacement lenses for the stock square XS signal lights if anyone else is interested in that type of look.

The real problem with many of the smaller lights is that most are not DOT approved for use as turn signals and are designed for use as running or aux running lights.

[pgg]

If the bulbs aren't over 25W they might not blink.

[Racer X]

I did not see any red ones.
My bike is amber at both ends. Came that way.

I'll check to see if they are DOT approved. They put out just as much light as the original ones do. I find it kind of stupid that the originals are not used as running lights.

[Jeff]

I don't think the amount of light emitted is the reason why some smaller lights lack DOT approval for use as turn signals. A lot of it stems from simply the size and overall visibility of the lens.

As noted before in this forum on previous threads.... it is quite easy to convert the rear signal lights into running lights. All that is usually required is changing the contacts in the socket to a dual filament set and running a dual filament bulb like the front (on bikes that at least have front running lights). Connect the high watt lead to the same lead currently used by the turn signals and the low watt lead to the running light circuit on the tail light. Just check your states laws concerning running lights as most I believe allow only red to be used as running lights in the rear.

[jayklink]

I think a smaller light would look better, but I would be concerned about safety. With the smaller lens other motorists who already have trouble with seeing bikers, may not notice the smaller turn signals. I was thinking about putting flush mount lights on my FZR until other FZR riders pointed out the visability issue. I still may do the modification, but I also want to be able to ride another day. Hmmmmm. Looks vs Safety.