Back end lighting question
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 741
Likes: 1
From: New England
Back end lighting question
OK so I'm still researching my winter Bones project. I've already installed the HD run/turn/brake gizmo to my back end. When I install (swing arm mounted) my $40 ebay fender there will be no place for a tail light. Will the run/turn/brake HD turn signals be enough to be legal? All the aftermarket LED lights say they are not DOT approved. What does that mean?
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 494
Likes: 0
From: Reno/Tahoe
The rocker uses turn signals as a stoplight so I don't think it will be a problem. Using non-DOT led's could lead to a fix it ticket depending on the personality and the type of day the citing officer has.
May our Moderator Rest in Peace
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 11,386
Likes: 35
From: Rochester, NY
If your going to use the run/turn/brake module with the stock turn signals (w/red lens). DO NOT USE LED's. red or otherwise.
Nearly all of the LED"s made for the rear turn signals (3156 or 1156) being single element pieces show very little difference between being on (run) and either the brake or turn function.
If you want to use the turn signals for all three functions your much better off using high grade filament bulbs because they will show a greater difference between being on in the run mode and the brake/turn functions.
Remember the name of the game is to be seen and understood.
If you hit the brakes and the tail lights are not different enough in brightness to tell the jerk behind you, talking on his or her cell phone, your stopping, your screwed.
Nearly all of the LED"s made for the rear turn signals (3156 or 1156) being single element pieces show very little difference between being on (run) and either the brake or turn function.
If you want to use the turn signals for all three functions your much better off using high grade filament bulbs because they will show a greater difference between being on in the run mode and the brake/turn functions.
Remember the name of the game is to be seen and understood.
If you hit the brakes and the tail lights are not different enough in brightness to tell the jerk behind you, talking on his or her cell phone, your stopping, your screwed.
Last edited by In Memoriam Citoriplus; Oct 9, 2010 at 05:08 PM.
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 741
Likes: 1
From: New England
If your going to use the run/turn/brake module with the stock turn signals (w/red lens). DO NOT USE LED's. red or otherwise.
Nearly all of the LED"s made for the rear turn signals (3156 or 1156) being single element pieces show very little difference between being on (run) and either the brake or turn function.
If you want to use the turn signals for all three functions your much better off using high grade filament bulbs because they will show a greater difference between being on in the run mode and the brake/turn functions.
Remember the name of the game is to be seen and understood.
If you hit the brakes and the tail lights are not different enough in brightness to tell the jerk behind you, talking on his or her cell phone, your stopping, your screwed.
Nearly all of the LED"s made for the rear turn signals (3156 or 1156) being single element pieces show very little difference between being on (run) and either the brake or turn function.
If you want to use the turn signals for all three functions your much better off using high grade filament bulbs because they will show a greater difference between being on in the run mode and the brake/turn functions.
Remember the name of the game is to be seen and understood.
If you hit the brakes and the tail lights are not different enough in brightness to tell the jerk behind you, talking on his or her cell phone, your stopping, your screwed.
I'll stick with what I have. Besides, it CHEAPER that way!!!!!
May our Moderator Rest in Peace
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 11,386
Likes: 35
From: Rochester, NY
I found out about the lack of dual brightness in LED's because I tried that trick with my bike. Got a pair of Kury LED's off e-bay and after I put them in they looked nearly the same if they were in the run mode or brake mode in daylight. After dark there was a difference but they didn't really "grab" your attention the way I wanted them to.
The turn function worked OK (except they blinked too fast) because they turned on and off.
So I 'modified' the modules wiring to eliminate the run function and I'm much happier with them. Now when I hit the brake I get the Tri-Bar and both turn signals turn very bright red and anyone behind me has NO doubt I'm stopping.
One happy result of the rewiring is that the turn function now operates/flashes at the normal rate without the need for a load equalizer.
Trending Topics
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,624
Likes: 189
From: Newcastle, Ca.
Ah KumaRide, if only it was true! Pasted from their website:
Dynamic Clusters™ are NOT Dot approved, for off road or show use only.
Dynamic Clusters™ are NOT Dot approved, for off road or show use only.
" Genesis LED Turns Signals Receive DOT Approval
Street Magic Bullet Style & Flat LED Turns Signals in Both Amber and Red are now DOT Approved"
http://www.customdynamics.com/harley...gnal_retro.htm
http://www.customdynamics.com/boss_h...rn_signals.htm
http://www.customdynamics.com/genesi...t_approved.htm
I respectfully disagree. Get comments all the time on my run and brake lights which consist of two cluster led's only - no brake tail light. Try Custom Dynamics, I here Radiantz are great also. A Badlanders r/t/b makes it work even better.
Last edited by KumaRide; Oct 11, 2010 at 10:25 AM.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025
Verdad Gallardo
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,624
Likes: 189
From: Newcastle, Ca.
Forgot to mention, I had a Kury LED rear brake tail light. The Kury led's were dull compared to the CD's. Sold the Kury after installing the Custom Dynamics led's...
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
LeeP
Touring Models
7
Jul 13, 2011 08:05 PM
1156, aftermarket, custom, dynamic, dynamics, flat, installing, led, led tail light, lights, red, replacement, tail
