The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2

Technical Discussion => BMW Technical Q&A, Primarily R65 => Topic started by: Bob_Roller on May 27, 2008, 09:09:46 PM

Title: Replacing Reflectors With LED's
Post by: Bob_Roller on May 27, 2008, 09:09:46 PM
I was in a local chain type auto parts store ( Checker Auto), I was looking at replacement lamps for the PIAA H4 and H3 lights that I have on both bikes.

I came across LED 'marker' lights in amber and red.

So my question is, at least in the US, I was under the assumption, that any light that was visible from the side, was to be amber in color, and lights visible from the rear were to be red.

At least on my bike, there are two round red reflectors on the rear fender, that are visible only from the side.

I'm thinking that if I replace the red reflectors with LED 'marker' lights, it should be amber, not red.

Any thoughts on this ?
Title: Re: Replacing Reflectors With LED's
Post by: MrRiden on May 27, 2008, 10:48:03 PM
Typically autos have red reflectors / lights visible at the rear side portion. Observe the wrap around tail lights on most cars on your commute. On the sides Amber front, and on the rear / side red. Currently workin'n on a '72 Triumph Daytona. It has Amber on the side / front. Red side / rear. Just my observation. I'd make 'em red just like the reflectors
rich
Title: Re: Replacing Reflectors With LED's
Post by: nhmaf on May 27, 2008, 11:13:35 PM
I agree with MRRiden - use Red to match the original red rear side reflectors.   IF you were going to put some on the edges of your fairing though, like
side markers and/or front turn signals, they should be amber.

Title: Re: Replacing Reflectors With LED's
Post by: montmil on May 28, 2008, 05:37:13 AM
Texas DOT motorcycle codes say RED rear side reflectors. Red marker lights would likely be OK but amber might draw interest from the federales.

BTW, note the illuminated side marker lamps on trucks, buses, large vehicles... single red at the rear and amber forward of the red. They also carry reflectors. That is the law.

Of course, here in Texas, I'm open for a ticket with my wife's Deville... I've removed the front license plate and reinstalled the factory "filler" trim I found in the trunk. Been doing this on all her Caddys for years. Haven't been "profiled" yet. Lucky.
Title: Re: Replacing Reflectors With LED's
Post by: Bob_Roller on May 28, 2008, 07:49:32 PM
I'll stay with the original color set-up.

It's just one of those things that I never really noticed before, and I've owned the bike for over 27 years !
Title: Re: Replacing Reflectors With LED's
Post by: Semper Gumby on June 01, 2008, 03:25:24 PM
Since my turn signals are now running lights (thanks to Kisan) I have wondered if there is a part number for a red lense for the turn signals?

Anyone?
Title: Re: Replacing Reflectors With LED's
Post by: MrRiden on June 01, 2008, 05:35:51 PM
Bill,
The only place I've seen the red lenses were at Tech days [on someone elses bike] or on eBay. I've been wanting a set, to do the running light thing, for a while but always seem to miss 'em. If I see 'em I'll PM ya.
rich

...just had a look and BINGO! http://tinyurl.com/6aw983
Title: Re: Replacing Reflectors With LED's
Post by: suecanada on June 01, 2008, 08:48:17 PM
This might be of interest in your choice of red vs amber on the turn signals rear.

http://www.dodgeforum.com/m_1203287/tm.htm

It suggests that here in NA maybe amber turnsignals as our bikes have now may be the better choice. May that is! Saves $15.00 anyway.
Title: Re: Replacing Reflectors With LED's
Post by: Ed Miller on June 02, 2008, 12:56:58 PM
If the rear turn signals are converted to running lights, they must shine red to the rear, so those lenses from Ebay would be perfect.  A guy got a ticket up in Portland on his way to a tech day for having yellow running lights, his stock turn signal lenses.  He was fuming when he showed up at the tech day!