Rear Turn Signals

[Smoked U]

I was wasting time this morning looking through my new Dennis Kirk catalog and it raised some questions about changing rear turn signals into smaller aftermarket ones.

Is it legal to decrease the diameter size of the signals in Texas?

I see "marker lights" which appear to be single filament units that can't work as turn signals.

What about L.E.D.s?

All the hollow bolts appear to be SAE and not metric.

Does someone make a smaller diameter amber unit that is plug and play, that is legal and will work on the third generation and older V65?

[TLRam1]

No problem in Texas that I am aware of.

For LED look at these websites, some are P&P some are easy to rig. I personally would stay large for safety reasons. You can fabricate your own also. With LEDs you will need an electronic flasher or load equalizer.

http://www.customdynamics.com/motorcycle_led_bulbs.htm

http://superbrightleds.com/tail-brake-turn.html

http://www.lightlens.com/coloredbulbs.htm?gclid=COmL9qWqkIsCFRglUAodQRf0Sg

[TLRam1]

I added Spark Plug Chart and LED's to the FAQ section. Nothing different than what has been posted just FYI.

[Magnum Magna]

The smaller tail lights look cool up close but during the day they do not get the attention I would want, a lot of people don't see us to start with.  For me I would not reduce my visibility.   

[dc112675]

If you are looking into getting LED's there are a couple of things you need to go for them to work correctly.  Both are inexpensive but they do take some time and some soldering.  I found a write up that I can pass on . . . it gives you step by step instructions on how to get them wired up.  I bought my LED's off of eBay (go figure) and they are very bright.  All four are dual filament so I have them wired to get the most out of them.  The front are amber running lights, and of course blink (more brightly) when the turn signal is on.  The rear (red) ones are set up a little unique.  I have the low lights come on when the brake is engaged, giving me 3 lights in the back to warn people I am slowing down.  The high filament works as the turn signal. 

Here is a mini-collage of my bike.  I have been meaning to write a post to all you guys, thanking you for all you have done.  You are the ones who inspired me to get a Magna about two years ago, and who have offered support, knowledge, and encouragement all along the way.  If it wasn't for MOOT I'd missed out on the Magna wagon. 

Also, you can see more pics and details of all my mods over the past 2 years but clicking over to my website. 

http://dougcrum.8m.com/catalog_1.html

Ignore the fact that it says catalog in the link to my website, that is just the name of the page style on the website.  Don't worry, I'm not selling anything!  And thanks again to all you guys who have been so kind and informative.  dc

[Magnum Magna]

You have definitely got your Magna looking good.  I really like the headlight and that awesome looking tank.

P.S.  I just noticed the spell check option today but it does not have "Magna" in the database.

[Smoked U]

All good information gentlemen.

Doug: nice website, beautiful bike work and lovely family. You have done well.

I must contemplate this lighting matter further.

[Charles S Otwell]

I ask McKinnon Honda if the smaller led turn signals that they sold would pass inspection , he said it would for sure if they were the ones that inspected it. You may want to check with whoever does your inspections.

[dgc67]

Do you even have to have turn signals in Texas?  I have a friend with a Harley who does not have them and see riders on the rode without them all the time.

[Smoked U]

Do you even have to have turn signals in Texas?  I have a friend with a Harley who does not have them and see riders on the rode without them all the time.

I don't know.

I guess I'll have to go to the cemetery and ask around!

[dgc67]

No doubt on that one.  Probably get a more intelligent response from the corpse anyhow. 

He let me ride the bike the other day and it freaked me out not to have blinkers, nor mirrors for that matter.  Needless to say I did not ride far or long.

[TLRam1]

Yes, I think blinkers and I know a mirror are required. For older bikes back in the earlier years blinkers may not have been required but I pretty sure they are now. If I were to register my dirt bike for the street i would have to install blinkers.

[dc112675]

C'mon you guys, we are Magna riders here.  Haven't we proven that bigger is not necessarily better?  That applies not only to engine displacement but also to turn signals.  I am telling you my LEDs are 1/3 the size but twice as bright as the OEMs.  You don't want to look directly at those things, they will leave you seeing spots for hours. 

[lragan]

C'mon you guys, we are Magna riders here.  Haven't we proven that bigger is not necessarily better?  That applies not only to engine displacement but also to turn signals.  I am telling you my LEDs are 1/3 the size but twice as bright as the OEMs.  You don't want to look directly at those things, they will leave you seeing spots for hours. 

LED's are much closer to point sources of light than filament bulbs.  The actual emitting area is very small.  Further, the light is a single color, instead of "white" which contains a broad spectrum of colors.  These factors combine to direct the light in a tight beam.  LED's are also more efficient.  So, if you deploy an array of LEDs that draws the same current as a filament bulb does, two things are likely:

1) You will get much more light output
2) The light will be directed in a tighter beam

So, if you are directly behind the bike, you will probably be more likely to see the brake or turn light.  (I say "probably" because the response of human eyes varies widely with color.)  If you are off at an angle, you may be less likely to see it.

One more interesting anecdote.  My son decided to replace the marker/turn signal lights on his Jeep with LED's so they would flash longer without draining the battery.  The lights worked great, but the flasher would not -- not enough current draw to activate it.  When I suggested he design a replacement flasher, he relented and but the filament bulbs back in place.

[Jerry G Turner]

05.07 Inspect Every Motorcycle and Motor-Driven Cycle For: (listed in suggested order of inspection)

* Check for evidence of Financial Responsibility

1. Horn
2. Mirror
3. Steering
4. Brakes (system)
5. Tires
6. Wheel Assembly
7. Exhaust System
8. Tail Lamp (1)
9. Stop Lamp (1)
10. License Plate Lamp
11. Rear Red Reflector (1)
12. Head Lamp (1)
13. Motor, Serial, or Vehicle Identification Number

Definitions:

Motorcycle: Every motor vehicle having a saddle for the use of the rider and designed to propel itself with not more than three wheels in contact with the ground but excluding a tractor.

Motor-Driven Cycle: Every motorcycle with a motor which has an engine piston displacement of not more than 125cc.
Here is what is inspected on a motorcycle so turn signals are not a requirement mirrors are.