Opions on LEDS use as running or turn signals or both

[JaysGone]

Just asking you folks opion here.
I bought a set of 8 inch long yellow LEDs for the front of the trike.
I think we all know night time the GW is rather invisible from the side.
I plan on putting them inside the front upper louver of the pods.
They will light up both vents and actually the top of the engine while not be seen as a black stripe on a yellow bike during the daytime
Hopefully the engine heat wont kill the 3m red tape.

My question is this.
Should I set them up as pure running lights??
Or as additional turn signals??
Either way they would be on constantly 99.99% of the time.
Im just wondering which way you all think I should go.
Im leaning towards as turn/running lights.

[hbrogan57]

If you are placing them in where the radiator vents are I would hook them up as running lights only. That way they are on all the time giving you the safety "edge" you are talking about.<br />
<br />
Here's the ones that I USED to have. These were recalled by Chromeworld because the LED strips in them were blowing consistently. I am getting a different set soon and will add my own LED's to them.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i1049.photobucket.com/albums/s382/hogeater/1500/DSC_0003_zpsc44842d9.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></div><br />
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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>JaysGone</strong>
<a href="showthread.php?p=179337#post179337" rel="nofollow"><img class="inlineimg" src="images/buttons/viewpost-right.png" alt="View Post" /></a>
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<div class="message">Just asking you folks opion here.<br />
I bought a set of 8 inch long yellow LEDs for the front of the trike.<br />
I think we all know night time the GW is rather invisible from the side.<br />
I plan on putting them inside the front upper louver of the pods.<br />
They will light up both vents and actually the top of the engine while not be seen as a black stripe on a yellow bike during the daytime<br />
Hopefully the engine heat wont kill the 3m red tape.<br />
<br />
My question is this.<br />
Should I set them up as pure running lights??<br />
Or as additional turn signals??<br />
Either way they would be on constantly 99.99% of the time.<br />
Im just wondering which way you all think I should go.<br />
Im leaning towards as turn/running lights.<img src="images/smilies/thumbup.gif" border="0" alt="" title="" class="inlineimg" /></div>

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[JaysGone]

Your set up is nice and clean looking.
Mine I just want to be seen.
So for me the front and trunk mounted will be enough.
Ive already mocked them up.
They light up the pod sides like day light.
They are very bright.
Full time running lights isn't hard obviously.
Plenty of places to tap into up front.
I just wish it wasn't 28 gauge wire Im working with here.
Such thin stuff on the strips..

Running lights they will be.
Ill post a picture when Im done.

I bought mine from AutoZone.
Mine are just 3/8th strips.
Nowhere as large as yours.
Relatively inexpensive but seem as though they will hold up.
They come in 24, 18 or 8 inch strips, seem to be well made.
Im not as sure that the red 3M tape will hold up to the engine heat though.

Its been in the 90s so Im in no hurry to do this yet.
But might try it tonight if it cools down.
Here cooling down at night lately has been mid 80s!!!!!

Thanks for your thoughts on it.

[hbrogan57]

JUST received the email that my account with Chromeworld has been credited with the items I sent back. So I'll be ordering these on Monday.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.chromeworld.com/ProductDetails/ProductDetails.aspx?pid={529165e7-9f06-421c-8a9d-ce32c7611f4f}&amp;pname=Kuryakyn+Premier+Shark+Gil ls+With+Fairing+Radiator+Vent+Trim&amp;Referer=QUI CK_SEARCH&amp;Alias=k7319&amp;ptct=BS-SR&amp;CTitle=&amp;" target="_blank">Kuryakyn Premier Shark Gills With Fairing Radiator Vent Trim | Chrome World</a><br />
<br />
I'll likely be getting whatever is left over refunded back to my credit card and I'll get my led's from Pep Boys or some other auto parts store.<br />
<br />
Most of the LED's that you see on mine come from the same place as yours. Perhaps its my placement of them that give it that "clean" look as you said......<br />
<br />
Just have to get this done as there is a show at the Harley dealership on August 24th that I'll be going to.<br />
<br />
I'll be posting photos when I get it close to being done.<br />
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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>JaysGone</strong>
<a href="showthread.php?p=179504#post179504" rel="nofollow"><img class="inlineimg" src="images/buttons/viewpost-right.png" alt="View Post" /></a>
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<div class="message">Your set up is nice and clean looking.<br />
Mine I just want to be seen.<br />
So for me the front and trunk mounted will be enough.<br />
Ive already mocked them up.<br />
They light up the pod sides like day light.<br />
They are very bright.<br />
Full time running lights isn't hard obviously.<br />
Plenty of places to tap into up front.<br />
I just wish it wasn't 28 gauge wire Im working with here. <br />
Such thin stuff on the strips..<br />
<br />
Running lights they will be.<br />
Ill post a picture when Im done.<br />
<br />
I bought mine from AutoZone.<br />
Mine are just 3/8th strips.<br />
Nowhere as large as yours.<br />
Relatively inexpensive but seem as though they will hold up.<br />
They come in 24, 18 or 8 inch strips, seem to be well made.<br />
Im not as sure that the red 3M tape will hold up to the engine heat though.<br />
<br />
Its been in the 90s so Im in no hurry to do this yet.<br />
But might try it tonight if it cools down.<br />
Here cooling down at night lately has been mid 80s!!!!!<br />
<br />
Thanks for your thoughts on it.</div>

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[Chumbly]

For your info, you can get a gizmo, (looks like a forked wire) that you can install in the wiring before your LED strip that allows you to wire in your clearance as well as your signal lights into the LED...I know, I put them on my top box. A tip though- I wouldn't trust the 3M tape...after a bit, mine came loose. When I fix/replace mine, I'll use solvent to take off the 3M and then use silicone to fasten them. <img src="images/smilies/wink.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Wink" class="inlineimg" />

[hbrogan57]

Do you have a link available for this??<br />
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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>Chumbly</strong>
<a href="showthread.php?p=179555#post179555" rel="nofollow"><img class="inlineimg" src="images/buttons/viewpost-right.png" alt="View Post" /></a>
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<div class="message">For your info, you can get a gizmo, (looks like a forked wire) that you can install in the wiring before your LED strip that allows you to wire in your clearance as well as your signal lights into the LED...I know, I put them on my top box. A tip though- I wouldn't trust the 3M tape...after a bit, mine came loose. When I fix/replace mine, I'll use solvent to take off the 3M and then use silicone to fasten them. <img src="images/smilies/wink.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Wink" class="inlineimg" /></div>

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[JaysGone]

In my case I was going to use one of the my left over modules I have from
Signal Dynamics Corp

SignalDynamics.com

The XP Plus.
It allows you to change rears into turn/running lights.
They have some other LED accents that might interest you.

Anyway I have to admit Im basically stealing your ideas for the LEDs.
Except Im using them to be seen.
I have no interest in blinging up the bike.
You have a black bike so the strips blend in.
Mines yellow and the black strips look terrible.
That's why I was thinking of trying inside the louvers less visible that way.

Sillycon might be a good way if the heat affects the tape.
Which I expect it will.
3M makes plenty of those too. As Im sure you are more then aware of.

[John Luciano]

FYI LED lights are directional. They shine in one direction. Caution using as a turn sig. They are not highly bistable when viewed from an angle .

[JaysGone]

Do you have a link available for this??

2 companies Ive used in the past for LEDs


Custom Dynamics Motorcycle LED Lights Motorcycle LEDs Lighting Accessories

http://www.signaldynamics.com

Similar names but totally different companies 1st class products.

[JaysGone]

FYI LED lights are directional. They shine in one direction. Caution using as a turn sig. They are not highly bistable when viewed from an angle .

In my case they aren't meant to be seen from an angle.
But from the sides at night.
I cant speak for all trike kits or the GW itself as a bike.
But at night.
From the sides.
My bike is fairly invisible.
All you can see in the dark from the side view is the headlights.
There are no visible side markings at all.

[Chumbly]

Do you have a link available for this??

This is where I get mine,...likely won't help you, because of it being a Canadian company, but this is what they look like anyway.-
Dual Circuit Converter - LED 2 Wire to 3 Wire - Canadian Cruiser Customizing

[hbrogan57]

Here's my rear LED setup. Might give you a few ideas.....

In my case they aren't meant to be seen from an angle.
But from the sides at night.
I cant speak for all trike kits or the GW itself as a bike.
But at night.
From the sides.
My bike is fairly invisible.
All you can see in the dark from the side view is the headlights.
There are no visible side markings at all.

[JaysGone]

No way no one will see that rear end at night!!!!!
As your aware my concern is the side view.
Yours is done up very nice along the floor boards.
A bit more then Im willing to do for now.
If it ever cools off here I think the side pods lit up should be enough.
Literally,we will see when Im done.
If I feel I need more.
Im stealing your running board ideas....

[Chumbly]

Wow, it looks like the ass end of that trike is on fire....cool.

[hbrogan57]

I just added the running board light because I felt the same as you. Pretty empty along the side. I should be receiving the new chrome for the radiator vents tomorrow or Wednesday. Then I'll add some LED's to those as well.

Can't have too much light for night riding. At least I know I'll be standing out!!!!!.....................

Feel free to "steal" the running board idea. That whole setup along them only cost me about 30 bucks and about an hours worth of time.....

No way no one will see that rear end at night!!!!!
As your aware my concern is the side view.
Yours is done up very nice along the floor boards.
A bit more then Im willing to do for now.
If it ever cools off here I think the side pods lit up should be enough.
Literally,we will see when Im done.
If I feel I need more.
Im stealing your running board ideas....