2018 softails do not have daytime running lights!
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Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 536
Likes: 252
From: Western Australia
2018 softails do not have daytime running lights!
If you're reading this, then you're probably going through the same learning process.
On my 2018 FatBoy I noticed that during daytime hours there was no Daytime running light, simply the same low beam and the Halo ring around the outside which is labelled as a Front position light in all the manuals.
The whole idea of a DRL is that the main headlights do not illuminate in the daytime, only the very bright LED for better identification in the daytime than a regular headlight. They then switch off or dim when you turn on the headlights (automatically or via a switch). That is also the legal requirement for road use.
So after some research, and a dive through the manuals I have come to this understanding:
HD called it a daytime running light in their sales literature, but in fact there is no such thing. Only an additional switched wire to the headlight for a position lamp which is used as a power source for the "signature" led outer ring.
I'm happy to be proved wrong but I'm not seeing anything else...
Extra note: I decided to do some more research this week as I fitted a JW Speaker 8700v2 and holy crap it is way brighter, but there is a choice of wiring in to the bike with either DRL or the front position wire, and the DRL wire does bugger all.
Thoughts?
On my 2018 FatBoy I noticed that during daytime hours there was no Daytime running light, simply the same low beam and the Halo ring around the outside which is labelled as a Front position light in all the manuals.
The whole idea of a DRL is that the main headlights do not illuminate in the daytime, only the very bright LED for better identification in the daytime than a regular headlight. They then switch off or dim when you turn on the headlights (automatically or via a switch). That is also the legal requirement for road use.
So after some research, and a dive through the manuals I have come to this understanding:
HD called it a daytime running light in their sales literature, but in fact there is no such thing. Only an additional switched wire to the headlight for a position lamp which is used as a power source for the "signature" led outer ring.
I'm happy to be proved wrong but I'm not seeing anything else...
Extra note: I decided to do some more research this week as I fitted a JW Speaker 8700v2 and holy crap it is way brighter, but there is a choice of wiring in to the bike with either DRL or the front position wire, and the DRL wire does bugger all.
Thoughts?
HDF Community Team
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 4,347
Likes: 3,392
From: Seattle
Low Beam and the Halo Ring ARE the running lights. They are distinctly visable from the front.
If you want additional running lamps, I suggest Rogue Rider Industry's RRI Sigz V2. They are always on White lamps that alternate to Amber when you turn signal with them.(Front 1157). They're 75$+5 for and extra set of lenses(Clear and smoked)
If you want additional running lamps, I suggest Rogue Rider Industry's RRI Sigz V2. They are always on White lamps that alternate to Amber when you turn signal with them.(Front 1157). They're 75$+5 for and extra set of lenses(Clear and smoked)
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Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 536
Likes: 252
From: Western Australia
Bonus points, the JW Speaker headlight has a stupid bright DRL, if you can switch off the low beam. Seems like a lot of work even for me. Happy with what I have 👍🏻
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 382
Likes: 178
From: Florida
First, I don’t really mind. The headlight seems pretty bright on these bikes,
Second, a very easy fix is a nice LED signal swap for one that is a run/turn w/DRL during run. They’re great and there are lots out. And with the CANBUS on these bikes, a piece of cake to wire in.
Second, a very easy fix is a nice LED signal swap for one that is a run/turn w/DRL during run. They’re great and there are lots out. And with the CANBUS on these bikes, a piece of cake to wire in.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 997
Likes: 489
From: Louisville, KY
As jtodd said above, swap out the front turn signals. I have the Custom Dynamics and the white light on the front signals is REALLY bright, then they go to amber when you signal a turn. Pull up the Custom Dynamics website to see some videos. Also, a lot of times I will ride during the day with my headlight on HI-Beam.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 2,371
Likes: 2,339
From: Wisconsin
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 200
Likes: 83
From: Los Angeles
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