Fr. turn signal running lights

[Luca]

Has anybody made their front turn signals also function as running lights?  Seeing as how most of the danger on the road is between 11 and 1 o'clock, I thought I'd try to get some extra conspicuity up front.

I'm mildly electrically stupid.  Any thoughts or proven techniques on how to accomplish this would be appreciated.

I'd like to use LED bulbs if possible, both for their longevity and brightness.  Extra points if the modification can be reverted to stock configuration should the desire arise.

Thanks,
Luca

[Bob_Roller]

If you decide on LED replacement bulbs, you needs to add a resistor to each bulb, or go to  an electronic flasher, the LED's don't draw enough power to make a stock flasher work .

[Luca]

Thanks Bob.  I did know that LED bulbs required either a resistor or new flasher.  What I'm not so sure about is how to modify the bulb housing, if need be.  I know that running light/turn signals use three wires instead of two (two hots and a ground, I presume)... That's about where my knowledge ends.

[nhmaf]

Depends on your state, but not always is it allowed to have front turn signal running lights.   It might  be easier to  get some smaller LED driving lights, certainly more noticeable.  something like these, perhaps -
http://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/daytime-running-lights/2-round-10-watt-led-mini-auxiliary-work-light/1386/#customerreview

[Luca]

Good suggestion on running auxiliary lights.  I'd still rather contain it all to one housing.

As far as I know, RI allows front running lights.  Plenty of bikes came with the front turn signals as running lights stock, some of which I have had inspected.  Honestly, I think having an orange light on each side of the headlight helps identify me as a motorcycle to other motorists.

I think it's the back that is questionable--no constant orange lights on the rear of the bike.  As far as I know red lenses are fine, and plenty of cars have brake light/turn signal combos.

RI inspection is a joke.  I won't even get the sticker anymore.  They just peek at the tires, check that the lights work, and look for fuel and fork leaks.  No steering head or swingarm checks, no wheel bearing checks, no emissions, visual brake inspection...  I had a mildly audible horn pass...  it's a waste of my money and time.

[montmil]

I haven't sorted all this out entirly -sounds familiar, eh?- but might it be possible to fit a bulb socket that would accept a twin element tail & brake light bulb?

Maintain the turn signal function as OEM and run some power to the new running light element. I believe these bulbs are available with different wattages so the lower power bulb could serve as the running lamp.

Other thoughts... ?

[disco51]

I did this recently.

  Bought an aftermarket "dual filament" turn signal.  I used the parking light from the headlight shell to power the running lights portion on the turn signals.  Works just fine.  So, I turn the key to "on" and get the 3 light look.  

I'm not super happy with the aftermarket lights I picked out.  They are the bullet style and have a ground and 2 hots.  Were billed as having the orange lenses, but when I got them, they have an orange bulb for the turn signal and a clear lens.  I should have returned them but decided to give them a go.  Here's the place I bought them...
http://www.speedmotoco.com/category-s/62.htm

Didn't go with LEDs so didn't have to worry about the resistor.  

[Luca]

Thanks disco.

I'm being picky.  I want the upgraded function with the stock look.  Perhaps I'll try to fenagel some lights onto my bar end mirrors... or maybe I'll get some spare BMW housings and experiment and report.

I just don't see many of the aftermarket signals blending in with the LS's squarish/triangular fairing... and if I change the fronts it would bug me if the backs were different.  Yep, I'm a beggar and a chooser.

[Bob_Roller]

As far a being more visible with running lights in the turn direction housings, I've got two 55 watt driving lights on my oilhead (PIAA 510) and on the '81 R65 (PIAA 40), people still pull out in front of me like I am invisible .

They only seem to help a bit when it gets dark, but during daylight, it's like they don't even exist .

[Luca]

They only seem to help a bit when it gets dark,

yep, my main comfort would be that at night when approaching a vehicle I'd be more easily identified as a motorcycle instead of a car with a headlight out.  Just a little extra to go with my high-vis yellow power ranger getup

[Ed Miller]

I put these in my rear tail lights, and they look good:

http://www.run-n-lites.com/prod-LiteBuddys.asp

I bought a pair of the amber ones for the front turn signals, for when I get around to making my R65 able to switch between Windjammer and stock type front lights.  The Windjammer already has wiring and bulb provisions for front running lights but I don't have it hooked up.  It will be part of the harness I make.