Fitting "always on" indicators

[FazerSimon]

Hi All,

I'm noticing more and more new bikes that seems to be running the front amber turn signal lights as "always on" running lights.

So I am in the process of fitting new bulbs and holders to my FZS1000. I considered doing something clever with relays etc, but in the end am planning just to fit 21W/5W bulbs, and have the 5W light permanently on, being powered from a feed off the nearby existing side-lights which are part of the main headlight unit. The 21W light will continue to function as regular indicator. Both will share the same earth lead for the negative return.

Does anyone know if this is road legal?  On testing there is still a distinct flash coming from the 21W element which can be seen clearly over the always on 5W element.  It is the same solution as the Fazers's rear lights that run 5W tail-lights and 21W brake lights in the same bulb.

Any thoughts?

Fazer Simon.

[midden]

Have you seen those bikes which have a light that shines a green image of bike on the road ahead?  You could fit one of those. 

[fazersharp]

Why would you want to add any ambiguity at all to which way you intend to turn - or not turn to car drivers that are already trying their best to kill you.Much better to fit some white spot lights.   

[BBROWN1664]

It is a standard thing on American vehicles. We use our headlights instead. May even be an MOT failure - it is definitely a construction and use issue as that states only white lights to be visible from the front except for directional indicators - by definition, if they are always on they are not your directional indicators at that point in time.

[robbo]

I had a Honda CRM250AR imported from Japan that had “always on” indicators. These caused numerous negative comments, and were soon converted to the recognised set up. They also, at the time would have been an MOT failure.
There’s enough SMDSY cagers out there as it is, without giving them a helping hand. As already suggested, a decent set of spots would make you far more visible.

[b1k3rdude]

May even be an MOT failure -

Yep, afaik all forward facing lights(that arent indicators) have to be white.

[FazerSimon]

Why would you want to add any ambiguity at all to which way you intend to turn - or not turn to car drivers that are already trying their best to kill you.Much better to fit some white spot lights.

https://youtu.be/wqYLYTqcJLE?t=126

In the BMW world they are called "Cruising Lights" and are no doubt an extra cost £££ option for your GS, but this reviewer says what @fazersharp mentioned, that with just a quick glance a cager could think you are signalling to turn.  Mmmm. May have to rethink this option :-(

[mtread]

In the BMW world they are called "Cruising Lights" and are no doubt an extra cost £££ option for your GS, but this reviewer says what @fazersharp mentioned, that with just a quick glance a cager could think you are signalling to turn.  Mmmm. May have to rethink this option :-(

Noticed lots of cars have amber side lights as standard these days, and yes they are confusing when turning. Are these a mot fail? Presumably not

[Kenyun]

The 2022-on Honda CB500X has them, stupid idea IMHO, and we'll see if they are legal at MOT time!

[darrsi]

I nearly pulled out on a car the other day thinking it was turning left, then i suddenly remembered this post so held back as i had only quickly glanced at it, then when i looked again sure enough both amber lights were on as well as their headlights too.
Really is a daft idea, and quite deceiving.

[agricola]

I wa sat in the motor car at the traffic lights waiting for green, the driver in front must have had his foot on the brake pedal the whole time waiting. When he pulled away, I was blind

[fazersharp]

I nearly pulled out on a car the other day thinking it was turning left, then i suddenly remembered this post so held back as i had only quickly glanced at it, then when i looked again sure enough both amber lights were on as well as their headlights too.
Really is a daft idea, and quite deceiving.

Agreed but would put it a little stronger than daft

[fazersharp]

I wa sat in the motor car at the traffic lights waiting for green, the driver in front must have had his foot on the brake pedal the whole time waiting. When he pulled away, I was blind

Yes that is very annoying and inconsiderate and I have noticed that the LED ones are supper bright - even the normal LED rear lights are almost as bright as fog lights.
Whilst on the subject of stupid light designs, there seems to be trend appearing of rear lights spanning the whole of the back of the car in a long strip. I just think that if it ends up with most cars like that when on a motorway the whole road in front will just appear as a solid red block with no means or aids for your eyes to separate the cars you are looking at. Which is not good for judging the road ahead.

[midden]

I wa sat in the motor car at the traffic lights waiting for green, the driver in front must have had his foot on the brake pedal the whole time waiting. When he pulled away, I was blind

Yes that is very annoying and inconsiderate and I have noticed that the LED ones are supper bright - even the normal LED rear lights are almost as bright as fog lights.
Whilst on the subject of stupid light designs, there seems to be trend appearing of rear lights spanning the whole of the back of the car in a long strip. I just think that if it ends up with most cars like that when on a motorway the whole road in front will just appear as a solid red block with no means or aids for your eyes to separate the cars you are looking at. Which is not good for judging the road ahead.

Oh they're awful and highlight a benefit to having those who don't switch on their lights believing/insisting they are already on.
Any thoughts on the led strip indicators which roll on like KIT 

[fazersharp]

I wa sat in the motor car at the traffic lights waiting for green, the driver in front must have had his foot on the brake pedal the whole time waiting. When he pulled away, I was blind

Yes that is very annoying and inconsiderate and I have noticed that the LED ones are supper bright - even the normal LED rear lights are almost as bright as fog lights.
Whilst on the subject of stupid light designs, there seems to be trend appearing of rear lights spanning the whole of the back of the car in a long strip. I just think that if it ends up with most cars like that when on a motorway the whole road in front will just appear as a solid red block with no means or aids for your eyes to separate the cars you are looking at. Which is not good for judging the road ahead.

Oh they're awful and highlight a benefit to having those who don't switch on their lights believing/insisting they are already on.
Any thoughts on the led strip indicators which roll on like KIT 

yes stupid gimmicks for children.