Turn Signals Not Working (sort of)

[CB4ME_imp]

I swapped out the factory rear turn signals for the smaller version that Honda uses on their Japanese bikes. However the running lights don't work, only the blinkers. When I plugged the original rear signals back in I get the same symptom - no lights except blinking lights when the turn signal switch is activated.

Any ideas?

[GUNFTR_imp]

I believe there are no "running lights" on the rears, only the fronts. Most any street bike I have owned (and many have been Hondas) are this way. The lights only come on and blink when being used to signal a turn.

[thumper_imp]

I've seen that many of the European countries do not run front turn signal running lights like we have here in the US.

Did you open the front lenses of the signals to see if those bulbs are even dual filament?

[Deanohh_imp]

I've seen that many of the European countries do not run front turn signal running lights like we have here in the US.

Did you open the front lenses of the signals to see if those bulbs are even dual filament?

the front running lights /blinkers are not dual filament. Rears are blinker only....same bulbs.

[flynrider]

CB4ME, it sounds like your rear signals are working correctly. U.S. DOT standards only allow amber running lights on the front of a vehicle. The rear lights should be dark unless signalling a turn.

[CB4ME_imp]

Thanks everyone!!

A big doh moment!!

I'd never paid attention to the rear signal operation.

BTW, the install was a breeze and they really look good. The best part is the wiring involved......NONE. (as long as you remember the lights only come on it blinking mode)

[The Spaceman_imp]

There's a kit for Harleys that lets the rear turn signals act as running lights the way the fronts do. One of the vendors ought to produce one for our bikes.

[flynrider]

There's a kit for Harleys that lets the rear turn signals act as running lights the way the fronts do. One of the vendors ought to produce one for our bikes.

Unless the rear turn signals are red, that could get you a ticket in some states. In AZ, ARS 28-931 says in part :

C. All lighting devices and reflectors mounted on the rear of any vehicle shall display or reflect a red color, except that:

1. The stoplight or other signal device may be red, amber or yellow, except on a commercial vehicle, as defined in section 28-2231, the stoplight shall be red and the other signal devices shall be red or amber.

Since this follows the U.S. DOT standards (which applies to manufacturers), most states have similar laws to keep vehicle owners from straying too far from the standard.

While following a friend on his Harley last week, I noticed that he had an interesting mod. Whenever he applied the brakes, both the brake light and the two rear amber turn signals came on. If he happened to be signalling for a turn when applying the brakes, then the non-blinking amber light would come on solid with the brake light. It was pretty effective and quite noticeable.

Technically, since his rear ambers come on as a "signal device", that would seem to be legal in our state.

[The Spaceman_imp]

There's a kit for Harleys that lets the rear turn signals act as running lights the way the fronts do. One of the vendors ought to produce one for our bikes.

Unless the rear turn signals are red, that could get you a ticket in some states. In AZ, ARS 28-931 says in part :

C. All lighting devices and reflectors mounted on the rear of any vehicle shall display or reflect a red color, except that:

1. The stoplight or other signal device may be red, amber or yellow, except on a commercial vehicle, as defined in section 28-2231, the stoplight shall be red and the other signal devices shall be red or amber.

Since this follows the U.S. DOT standards (which applies to manufacturers), most states have similar laws to keep vehicle owners from straying too far from the standard.

While following a friend on his Harley last week, I noticed that he had an interesting mod. Whenever he applied the brakes, both the brake light and the two rear amber turn signals came on. If he happened to be signalling for a turn when applying the brakes, then the non-blinking amber light would come on solid with the brake light. It was pretty effective and quite noticeable.

Technically, since his rear ambers come on as a "signal device", that would seem to be legal in our state.

Unless the rear turn signals are red, that could get you a ticket in some states. In AZ, ARS 28-931 says in part :

C. All lighting devices and reflectors mounted on the rear of any vehicle shall display or reflect a red color, except that:

1. The stoplight or other signal device may be red, amber or yellow, except on a commercial vehicle, as defined in section 28-2231, the stoplight shall be red and the other signal devices shall be red or amber.

Since this follows the U.S. DOT standards (which applies to manufacturers), most states have similar laws to keep vehicle owners from straying too far from the standard.

While following a friend on his Harley last week, I noticed that he had an interesting mod. Whenever he applied the brakes, both the brake light and the two rear amber turn signals came on. If he happened to be signalling for a turn when applying the brakes, then the non-blinking amber light would come on solid with the brake light. It was pretty effective and quite noticeable.

Technically, since his rear ambers come on as a "signal device", that would seem to be legal in our state.

This is one of many kits:

http://www.highgearhobbies.com/estore-v3...l-kit.html