Tail light, turn signal options, what are your thoughts?

[xwarp]

I hope you guys don't mind that I am starting so many topics, but I am VERY excited about getting my bike up and running.

In light of the electrical for the lights being somewhat screwed from what I have seen, I am going to rewire for l.e.d.'s. I think I may have mentioned that I have electronics experience, (as I am an electronics tech by trade), and thinking of how I would like to do this.

First will be building the flash circuit for the turn signals. No issue there as that circuit is pretty simple but deciding on the flash frequency will be the hardest. I will also build a separate circuit for the brake light that will flash the brake light for a short duration at a selected frequency and then go solid on. No biggie there either.

Here is what I would like to do since the rear turn signals are generally off unless the turn signal is on, is to just simply replace all the turn signal housings, with new l.e.d. clear lens type signals. Maybe some billet round bullet types that have a retro styling to them. Since the lenses will be clear, and since I have the knowledge to do this, I am thinking of replacing half of the orange l.e.d.s with red and the leave the other half orange, as they would be anyway. The red l.e.d.'s would only come on when the brake light comes on. The turns would work as they normally would, BUT, would have a relay in the circuit that disables the brake in the turn signal being used as a turn.

For me, it's about visibility while not being gawdy, like those 18 wheelers that look like the vegas strip on wheels.

Another thought, being that I need a right side cover, is borrowing a cover to make a plaster mold of, then forming one out of a sheet of fiberglass. Then, drilling holes to fit l.e.d.'s into it, the holes would hold the l.e.d's in the pattern of that cool looking vintage Honda wing.

What say you guys?

[roboto65]

Hey if not for people like you we would have nothing to talk about and it keeps things going !!!    CARRY ON


I say go for it and do a write up of your adventures we love pictures and how to's so feel free to show us how !!!

[lragan]

Hey, as the guy on this forum that probably holds the record for purchased side covers (no, I am not going to talk about it!!) I am really interested in a method to manufacture same.  Your concept seems really cool, and I am looking forward to your posts on "how to do it".  

The stock ones have no fiberglass in them, but are made of plastic, (I presume they are ABS, but am not certain).  They shatter easily, so even if you tether them to the bike or to each other, you have to keep a short tether to avoid breaking them when (not if) they come loose from their rather fragile grommet moorings.  

Thanks for joining and posting.  I am also interested in your LED control designs, if you will share them with us.

[L J VFR]

Git r done!!

[xwarp]

Hey, as the guy on this forum that probably holds the record for purchased side covers (no, I am not going to talk about it!!) I am really interested in a method to manufacture same.  Your concept seems really cool, and I am looking forward to your posts on "how to do it".  

The other option I had thought about, and would be a faster way to make them would be using Kydex, but am not sure if paint would stick to that.

[Magnum Magna]

50 % of my riding is at night so I like to be lit up.  I have stock turn signals they are larger then most custom ones and have a light module that flashes the tail light and tail blinkers when using the brakes.

I also have LEDs on the front, back, sides and under the bike. Got them from http://www.cli-maxridinggear.com Terry's site.

[MagnaDaddy]

OK, So Lightning's probably close to that Veags strip kinda lighting you mention. 
Front:
High output headlight with modulator
low mounted driving lights for an unusual pattern from the front.  I see the heads turn all the time at intersections
Rear:
Two Red Radianz strips on the turn signal stems as extra running lights, plus two larger LED strips above and below the stock tail light which are tied into the brake flasher so it lights up like a Christmas tree when I hit the brakes.

[TLRam1]

There you are popping your head in, may be swirl time again!

[xwarp]

Good news. A friend of mine at work is bringing me some nice chrome aftermarket lights that he pulled off his harley and a set of chrome mirrors with the l.e.d. turn lights built in tomorrow!

Will see what we can do with these.