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Running lights

  • Thread starter Thread starter Anonymous
  • Start date Start date
A

Anonymous

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Hi guys,
I am looking for some opinions on running lights. I got some take-off turn signals ( from a Yamaha R1) that I am going to install on my '78 GS750. I know that this represents all sorts of unholy consortium, and blasphemous union to the purists, but these were cheap, good looking, functional, and the ones on my bike were in the case of the front gone, and in the case of the rear totally destroyed. One pair of lights has three electrical leads and a double-filament bulb leading me to believe that these are for running lights. The thrust of this post is whether you folks think I should wire these front running lights into the harness or not. I am torn. I don't have my headlight yet, but will tomorrow. It is a stock GS750 chrome light bucket. Well, that is all, let me know whether I whould wire the front signals to operate as running lights as well as signals or not. I am going to go figure out position and fabricate some brackets for now.

thanks, Bob
 
Considering the very limited electrical output of the GS's, I would not add any additional electric load to the system. If I wanted to increase my visability to other drivers, I would add a headlight modulator.

Earl
 
Earl's advice is sound, if you are going to use high-output lamps.

My Vetter Windjammer IV has running lights built-in, using 1137 bulbs that fire up the larger (brighter) filament for use as turn-signals.
 
If you want running lights go for it. I have a vetter equiped 79GS 850 So I have front running lights& turn signals. I also converted the two outer lights on a vetter trunk for turn signals and running lights. I also hooked the two center lights on the trunk to the Brake light circuit. I have not had any charging problems.
I also have a Honda reg/rec installed
 
running lights

running lights

I am looking at the wiring diagram in the Clymer manual for your bike and running lights would connect to a grey wire inside of the headlight bucket and a brown wire at the tail light. I have been running my 750 with running lights on the fairing and bags with no problem, but in light of the potential charging system problem that Earl refers to: MAKE SURE that ALL of your charging system connection are good and free of corrosion (that includes the ones under the gas tank) and that the grounds are good. I put petroleum jelly on all of my connection to prevent corrosion. If the connector contacts are not good it produces extra heat in the system and WILL fry your charging system. (bin there dun that) If you are new to this web site and you don't know what I am talking about check out "the stator papers" in "in the garage" on another part of this web site.

I am certainly no purist. I just like things to work.

Junkman Frankenbiker
 
Well, I installed the lights and currently have them hooked up to as running lights. Whether they will stay that way or not I don't know. Once I get a headlight installed, I'll look at it both ways and decide. I think that as far as visibility is concerned that they are so close to the headlight they don't add much, except perhaps from the side. I plan to buy some reflective, but subtle, stickers for the sides of my bike for nighttime visibility from the side.
 
I've used running lights on my GS's off and on over the years, with no problems caused by them. My GK is meant to be run with running lights. Prior to that, I had a 1979 GS850G with a Windjammer IV, with running lights. No problems there either.

Nick
 
My '85 700 has a higher output alternator than the older bikes, 310 watts. I'm able to run a 100 watt high beam with no trouble. Most of our bikes have a 10 amp accessory fuse that allows for some additional gear. If you have that extra fuse then you should have some extra capacity.
 
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