running lights/turn signals on my Vaquero...

[Skip13]

I just finished installing LED's in place of the LED's the previous owner installed. He did a good job, but not what I wanted. He chose not to make the front LED's running lights and turn signals, just turn signals. I bought some LED strips, resistors, diodes and an additional load. Made my circuit and all is right in the world. I will next work on the rear. I'll be adding the same amber LED strips but they will only be turn signals. I'll also install some red LED strips to work as both running lights and brake lights.

[bunky]

very neat idea to make the front cowling house the blinkrs. Would love to see it in the daylight. Are these from Custom Dynamics?

[Skip13]

I'll get some daytime pics tomorrow. Got the diodes and resistors from Radio Shack and the loads and LED's from Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/YITAMOTOR-Motorcycle-15SMD-Waterproof-Flexible/dp/B01E0SKF3O/ref=sr_1_fkmr2_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1486688253&sr=8-1-fkmr2&keywords=YITAMOTOR%2B10x%2B12V%2BCar%2BMotor cycle%2B30CM%2B15SMD%2BLED%2Bamber%2BWaterproof%2B Flexible%2BLight%2BStrip&th=1).

[p2heike]

I used general dynamics lights behind the louvers. They function as driving lights but blink yellow for signal lights. I was then able to remove the stock front turn signals. Here is a picture of the fairing on my workbench after I installed them.
These are the lights I used, http://www.customdynamics.com/kawasa...signal_led.htm
IMG_0352.jpg

[bunky]

Hi P2...
That set up is what I have looked at but wondered about being able to fit behind the louvres without having to trim them.
Did you place a clear cap over the light? The site states it has to have them on.
Any chance of a video to see in action? Daytime preferred.
How hard was the install. Am thinking to let my dealership do it instead since I have warranty on the bike.

[p2heike]

I had the fairing removed for the winter when I installed the lights. I removed the louvers and their back plate and fabricated an aluminum back plate that matched the existing one. I then cut a hole in the stock back plate which is plastic to fit the lights through, 3" I think it was. With the lights mounted on the aluminum plate I fit it through the hole and used a dremel tool to trim down the back of the louvers until the aluminum plate fit flush. Once that fit I secured the lights and clear cover to the stock plate and secured it and the louvers back into the fairing. After I removed the stock turn signals I rerouted the signal light plug up to an area behind the louvers where I can access it by removing the storage pockets. Plugged the lights in and it worked. I also had to install some resisters so the lights would blink properly. Sounds like a lot of work but it didn't take that long. As for taking video, that will have to wait until the spring. My bike is in my trailer buried under snow.

At the same time I installers plasma rods on the rear between the bags and the fender pieces. They also act as run, turn and brake lights. I'm happy with both installations

Hope this helps on your decision.

[bunky]

Hi P2,
Thanks for the write up. Where did you get the clear cover? I hear they are few and far between for our bike.
Did you paint the aluminum plate to prevent any rusting?
As for the plasma rods.....I am more apt for the tru flex from CD. Same set up as yours though with run, brake and signals.
Hope to see your vids when the snow melts. Hopefully in 4 more weeks.

I forgot to ask.....did this mod affect the automatic signal cancellation?
And what resistor did you use and how did you attach it? Posi lock?

[notmighty]

Originally Posted by p2heike

I used general dynamics lights behind the louvers. They function as driving lights but blink yellow for signal lights. I was then able to remove the stock front turn signals. Here is a picture of the fairing on my workbench after I installed them.
These are the lights I used, http://www.customdynamics.com/kawasa...signal_led.htm
Attachment 12270

that looks great nice work!

[p2heike]

These are the lenses I used for the lights.
http://www.customdynamics.com/Kawasa...light_lens.htm
These are the resistors I used front custom dynamics, Universal 7.5 Ohm* Metric Turn Signal* Load Equalizer w/ connectors.
http://www.customdynamics.com/loadequalizer.htm
This installation did not in any way affect the signal cancellation function.
I did not paint the aluminum as yo cannot see it from the front and it shouldn't rust.

I will post videos when I can but with the forecast 4 weeks is very optimistic.

[The Black Knight]

Great work!

[bunky]

Thanks P2.
Look forward to the video.
cheers

[p2heike]

Finally got the videos of the light I installed but I can't figure out how to upload them, any suggestions?. I have included a picture taken during a ride so you can see how they look.

HHR Ride June 2017.gif

IMG_0460.jpg

[JD Hog]

You will need to upload it to YouTube and then post the share link here.