PNW Riders

Cesario · 10-06-2009, 04:24 PM

I'm thinking to change to a low profile set of LED signals because I've already broken 2 signals and the OEM signals are four times

as expensive as LEDs. Seems like a simple project but thought I'd get some advice before taking the LED dive.

Concerns I have are:

1. the quality of aftermarket LED products (they all seem cheap, non durable)
2. special electrical requirements (flash control/resistors/connectors)
3. does this raise/lower the value of a bike?

Any advice is appreciated!

james1300 · 10-06-2009, 04:28 PM

Lowers bike value. Why? Because they are NOT LEGAL. They are 'For show Use Only'.
They dont meet D.O.T. standards.
Cop's look for reason's to pull you over.
If your in an accident, you have modified the safety equipment on the bike.
You could be held responsable for the accident.
Yes, most applications require an in-line resistor to slow the flash of the signal to a useable speed.
Stock works best.
Check ebay or a forum that specializes in your bike for some clean used signals.
You dont add value to a bike by adding mod's.

Ironhead · 10-06-2009, 04:30 PM

Do not anticipate any return on mods performed to the bike. If you like em thats what counts. As for LED's. Do your homework on the front ones. Many aftermarket replacements DO NOT allow for a running light. Your factory ones do. The few that I know of that support the running light function can be expensive. As for the butt end of the bike. Are going to look into an integrated Brake/signal or keep them seperate? There are many options. Most LED's will require a resistor. I prefer the LED's over factory. Much brighter! Have fun with it!
PS. Dont roll in Salem with them....as stated below.

Gotama · 10-06-2009, 04:52 PM

hello I've got a set of protons front led turn signals on my bike set to strobe

1. they are brighter
2. setting them to strobe gets peoples attention
3. been pulled over before for having improper lights but it was only because my rear turn signal led lights were too small , and i asked the officer if the fronts were ok he said they were fine , just for me to get bigger rear turn signal lights
the other thing about proton leds is that you dont have to get a new flasher relay they have a resistor built in

FireDave · 10-06-2009, 05:05 PM

If a cop EVER tells you the turn signals are too small, refer him to this RCW:

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=46.37.200

Correct me if I'm wrong, but there are NO size requirements for turn signals, only that they be visible at the specified distance, and they be spaced correctly.

Originally Posted by Gotama

hello I've got a set of protons front led turn signals on my bike set to strobe

1. they are brighter
2. setting them to strobe gets peoples attention
3. been pulled over before for having improper lights but it was only because my rear turn signal led lights were too small , and i asked the officer if the fronts were ok he said they were fine , just for me to get bigger rear turn signal lights
the other thing about proton leds is that you dont have to get a new flasher relay they have a resistor built in

Gotama · 10-06-2009, 05:13 PM

firedave
he pulls out this pamphlet that states the rcw code
the distance is something like 200 feet ok i was wrong its 500 feet
and that it needs to be the size of something like business card

Fast Eddie 919 · 10-06-2009, 05:15 PM

You should get a supermoto.

FireDave · 10-06-2009, 05:18 PM

I'm not disputing what the cop told you . . . but it appears that any RCW dictating the size of the turn-signal is no longer on the books.

It wouldn't surprise me at all if the cop is mis-informed or has out-of-date RCW literature.

Originally Posted by Gotama

firedave
he pulls out this pamphlet that states the rcw code
the distance is something like 200 feet ok i was wrong its 500 feet
and that it needs to be the size of something like business card

vville123 · 10-06-2009, 05:19 PM

Originally Posted by Ironhead

Do not anticipate any return on mods performed to the bike. .

PS I LOVE HYPER FLASH

Gotama · 10-06-2009, 05:20 PM

Originally Posted by FireDave

I'm not disputing what the cop told you . . . but it appears that any RCW dictating the size of the turn-signal is no longer on the books.

It wouldn't surprise me at all if the cop is mis-informed or has out-of-date RCW literature.

that could be true , havent been stopped for that for over a year or so

SMOKE · 10-06-2009, 05:23 PM

Hand and Smoke signals for me..... I've gone thru so many sets, not worth it but I don't like stock either:(

Aprilia · 10-06-2009, 05:56 PM

Cesar, just keep your bike off the pavement (or, gravel, in your case

) and call me tomorrow in the shop. I found one for you...

james1300 · 10-06-2009, 07:14 PM

Originally Posted by FireDave

If a cop EVER tells you the turn signals are too small, refer him to this RCW:

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=46.37.200

Correct me if I'm wrong, but there are NO size requirements for turn signals, only that they be visible at the specified distance, and they be spaced correctly.

Are they D.O.T. approved? No. Same deal. You Mod. the safety equipment, you take your chances.
"Honest officer, I didnt see him".

StormRider · 10-06-2009, 07:25 PM

Another advantage of LED's... they're not like christmas tree lights. A couple of the bulbs can burn-out and they're still good. Can't say that about stock blinkers.

LED

Devil_Doc · 10-06-2009, 07:27 PM

Originally Posted by FireDave

If a cop EVER tells you the turn signals are too small, refer him to this RCW:

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=46.37.200

Correct me if I'm wrong, but there are NO size requirements for turn signals, only that they be visible at the specified distance, and they be spaced correctly.

I was pulled over by a stater a few months back and she hassled me about the surface area of the lens not being 3.5 sq in. I can't remember the RCW, but it's out there. One thing to bear in mind as far as the "safety" issue is concerned. A hand signal is perfectly legal, so why do we get bothered about LED blinkers? Still, i'd try reasonably hard to find a stock replacement, just because of the headache, and because a stock bike is easier to sell.

FireDave · 10-06-2009, 07:50 PM

Again, not to disagree with what the WSP told you . . . . but a current search of the current RCWs reveals NO such dimensional requirements for motor vehicle turns signals.

BTW, does a current stock Gixxer, Ducati, Honda have 3.5 square inch turn signals? 3.5 square inches equals 2 x 1.75 or 2.33 x 1.5

The stock signals on the newest BMWs are about 2.5 inches long, about 1.5 inches high, and mostly triangular in shape, therefore , by my estimation of the photos, not 3.5 square inches.

Originally Posted by Devil_Doc

I was pulled over by a stater a few months back and she hassled me about the surface area of the lens not being 3.5 sq in. I can't remember the RCW, but it's out there. One thing to bear in mind as far as the "safety" issue is concerned. A hand signal is perfectly legal, so why do we get bothered about LED blinkers? Still, i'd try reasonably hard to find a stock replacement, just because of the headache, and because a stock bike is easier to sell.

StormRider · 10-06-2009, 07:55 PM

Originally Posted by Devil_Doc

A hand signal is perfectly legal, so why do we get bothered about LED blinkers? Still, i'd try reasonably hard to find a stock replacement, just because of the headache, and because a stock bike is easier to sell.

I agree and I use hand signals at questionable intersections ( ie: flashing red one direction/flashing yellow opposite) just because you never know...

Sometimes cagers are numero uno.

A good designed LED does not have to be smaller than said 3.5 sq ". We're not Rossi can't tell if that K6pdq Der6SM is doing 181 or 182 because of stock windbreakers ...eh blinkers.

I always keep in mind I am riding a smaller, often less visible vehicle. Therefore, I overcompensate with bright flashing lights and a loud muffla-horn

Devil_Doc · 10-06-2009, 08:32 PM

Originally Posted by FireDave

Again, not to disagree with what the WSP told you . . . . but a current search of the current RCWs reveals NO such dimensional requirements for motor vehicle turns signals.

BTW, does a current stock Gixxer, Ducati, Honda have 3.5 square inch turn signals? 3.5 square inches equals 2 x 1.75 or 2.33 x 1.5

The stock signals on the newest BMWs are about 2.5 inches long, about 1.5 inches high, and mostly triangular in shape, therefore , by my estimation of the photos, not 3.5 square inches.

Bike RCW's are different than auto. Wouldn't that 2.5 in and 1.5 in equal 3.75 square inches?

james1300 · 10-06-2009, 08:35 PM

Originally Posted by StormRider

Another advantage of LED's... they're not like christmas tree lights. A couple of the bulbs can burn-out and they're still good. Can't say that about stock blinkers.

LED

naaa, I just change that $1.35 cent bulb and it looks good. Not like ya got shit burnt out and missing.

FireDave · 10-06-2009, 08:40 PM

Bikes and cars have different sets of laws? Really?

And yes, your math is correct, if the signals were rectangular. They're not, they're triangular.

Originally Posted by Devil_Doc

Bike RCW's are different than auto. Wouldn't that 2.5 in and 1.5 in equal 3.75 square inches?

Devil_Doc · 10-06-2009, 08:49 PM

Originally Posted by FireDave

Bikes and cars have different sets of laws? Really?

And yes, your math is correct, if the signals were rectangular. They're not, they're triangular.

Page 2, post 57.
You're about to be pulled over...

Area of a triangle is ....

Area= Base x Height/2

Rectangle...

Area=Length x Width

CorollaGTSSRX · 10-06-2009, 10:00 PM

I like mine but you'll have to pick up some Non-inductive Resistors from RadioShack to make them flash the right speed again. Some people like them flashing faster but it wears your blinker-relay-deal out faster

rawjr · 10-07-2009, 12:07 AM

http://pnwriders.com/ask-officer-rules.php


10-06-2009, 04:24 PM	#1
Cesario Endorsed Joined: Mar 2009 From: Portland I Ride: Y2K Bandit 600 to escape the voices	To LED or Not To LED? I'm thinking to change to a low profile set of LED signals because I've already broken 2 signals and the OEM signals are four times as expensive as LEDs. Seems like a simple project but thought I'd get some advice before taking the LED dive. Concerns I have are: 1. the quality of aftermarket LED products (they all seem cheap, non durable) 2. special electrical requirements (flash control/resistors/connectors) 3. does this raise/lower the value of a bike? Any advice is appreciated! __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-06-2009, 04:28 PM	#2
james1300 Track School Dazed Joined: Oct 2005 From: CENTRAL I Ride: When I can	Lowers bike value. Why? Because they are NOT LEGAL. They are 'For show Use Only'. They dont meet D.O.T. standards. Cop's look for reason's to pull you over. If your in an accident, you have modified the safety equipment on the bike. You could be held responsable for the accident. Yes, most applications require an in-line resistor to slow the flash of the signal to a useable speed. Stock works best. Check ebay or a forum that specializes in your bike for some clean used signals. You dont add value to a bike by adding mod's. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter Last edited by james1300; 10-06-2009 at 04:33 PM..


10-06-2009, 04:30 PM	#3
Ironhead Pit Crew Joined: Jan 2008 From: Salem, OR I Ride: My pony. Saddle's waiting. Come & Jump on it....	Do not anticipate any return on mods performed to the bike. If you like em thats what counts. As for LED's. Do your homework on the front ones. Many aftermarket replacements DO NOT allow for a running light. Your factory ones do. The few that I know of that support the running light function can be expensive. As for the butt end of the bike. Are going to look into an integrated Brake/signal or keep them seperate? There are many options. Most LED's will require a resistor. I prefer the LED's over factory. Much brighter! Have fun with it! PS. Dont roll in Salem with them....as stated below. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-06-2009, 04:52 PM	#4
Gotama WMRRA Qualifier Joined: Oct 2008 From: Kent, WA I Ride: 08 cbr600rr graffiti	hello I've got a set of protons front led turn signals on my bike set to strobe 1. they are brighter 2. setting them to strobe gets peoples attention 3. been pulled over before for having improper lights but it was only because my rear turn signal led lights were too small , and i asked the officer if the fronts were ok he said they were fine , just for me to get bigger rear turn signal lights the other thing about proton leds is that you dont have to get a new flasher relay they have a resistor built in __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter Last edited by Gotama; 10-06-2009 at 05:03 PM..


10-06-2009, 05:13 PM	#6
Gotama WMRRA Qualifier Joined: Oct 2008 From: Kent, WA I Ride: 08 cbr600rr graffiti	firedave he pulls out this pamphlet that states the rcw code the distance is something like 200 feet ok i was wrong its 500 feet and that it needs to be the size of something like business card __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter Last edited by Gotama; 10-06-2009 at 05:15 PM..

PNW Riders

About PNW Riders

Advertising


10-06-2009, 05:15 PM	#7
Fast Eddie 919 Superbiker Joined: Jan 2009 From: Vancouver, WA I Ride: 04 Kawi ZZR 1200	You should get a supermoto. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-06-2009, 05:23 PM	#11
SMOKE WMRRA Qualifier Joined: Apr 2008 From: Beaverton, OR I Ride: Like an old Fart:)	Hand and Smoke signals for me..... I've gone thru so many sets, not worth it but I don't like stock either:( __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-06-2009, 05:56 PM	#12
Aprilia Sweep Crusader Joined: May 2009 From: Portland, OR I Ride: ... "sweep."	Cesar, just keep your bike off the pavement (or, gravel, in your case ) and call me tomorrow in the shop. I found one for you... __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-06-2009, 07:25 PM	#14
StormRider Training Wheels Joined: May 2009 From: Brem I Ride: 1 w/ givi balancers	Another advantage of LED's... they're not like christmas tree lights. A couple of the bulbs can burn-out and they're still good. Can't say that about stock blinkers. LED __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-06-2009, 10:00 PM	#22
CorollaGTSSRX Endorsed Joined: Jun 2009 From: Portland I Ride: 1997 Suzuki Katana 600 (GSX600F)	I like mine but you'll have to pick up some Non-inductive Resistors from RadioShack to make them flash the right speed again. Some people like them flashing faster but it wears your blinker-relay-deal out faster __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-07-2009, 12:07 AM	#23
rawjr Training Wheels Joined: Aug 2009 From: Vancouver, WA I Ride: 03 Triumph Sprint ST 955	http://pnwriders.com/ask-officer-rules.php __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode