Topic: Can I run turn signals as brake lights too? (Wiring question)

[RFogelsong]

I've got some dual filiment dual lead turn signals and I was wondering if itd be possible to hook them up to also function as the brake light on the bike without major surgery.

As I've got it now, the black wire (running light filament) is junctioned to the brake light running light line so that could use the same circuit... But on the bright light filament (red wire) I'd need to have some kind of switch so that when the brake and turn signal are both on, one is bright lit solid and one is flashing bright.

How would I go about this or is it even possible? I think it'd just back-feed and ground out when both are on (turn and brake) if I just tried to put a splitter on the red wire and run it to both the brake and turn signal lead.

[RFogelsong]

I'll check the laws and make sure, but if it's legal, can it be done?

[Cqyqte]

I do this all the time on all of my bikes I build.  I use a simple trailer module that I get for about $15 from a local auto store.  The trailer module will actually allow you to use single filament bulbs to work as signal and brake lights.

You need to run the left and right signal wires that connected to those signal lights to the input side of the trailer module.  You need to run a wire from your brake light to the input side of the module as well.  Then the output left and right wires from the module go to the signals.  Once you have this completed when you hit your brakes your brake light and both signals will come on.  Release your brake and the signal lights will go out, now turn your left signal on.  The left signal will flash, now hit the brake and the left signal will still flash and the brake light and right signal will come on.  You can repeat this turn the right signal on and so on.

I wouldn't suggest using two filament signals in the rear, as I have found that having running lights on the rear signals reduces the visual difference in brightness when the signals are turn on and cagers don't see enough of a difference during the day to recognize that you have put a signal on..... . Not a good thing at all.

[KC_Northstar]

Check out Wolstentech Inovations.   Here is how to wire one of their auto timer relays to do exactly what you want:

http://www.wolstentech.com/products/timedelayrelay/app7.php

They also have a bunch of other wiring diagrams for motorcycles, like flashing stop lights.  The relays are about 30 bucks.

KC

[RFogelsong]

Thanks guys, exactly what I was after.  Also, I see nothing in the code in my state that says it's illegal to do so, I'd just make extra sure the lights you (I) do have are visible. 

[Johnie]

You can do that in WI, but the blinker lights must be red to accomodate brake light color. So just switch out the amber blinker lenses with red and you will be fine.

[bollingball]

You have every thing you need all ready. You only need the duel sockets that is all. Why would you need any relay or timer you are only changing the load for the circuit. The trick would be the lens amber and red. I have only seen this done once before but it had two bulbs amber and red with a clear lens.
Ken

[RFogelsong]

Cool, I've got both colors of lens with the turn signal kit.  I'm currently running red on the back and tied them into the running lights.  The difference between running lights and turn lights seems to be good enough so I'm not concerned about people not noticing I'm turning.

[Cqyqte]

Cagers aren't that bright so you've been warned...

[lucky]

Not in California.

The brake light must be able to work WHILE the signal is on.

Think about this:  A motorcycle is slowing down and if you are following, how do you know what they are going to do next if they do not have the signal on. They could suddenly turn left or right!

Signals must be visible from 300 ft. in the daylight.

[RFogelsong]

Yup, here it's dot approved lighting and visible from 350 feet. I'm only gonna do this if I decide to take off my rear fender. Currently I've got a Lucas style taillight mounted on it.

[xnoahx]

Its legal in all 50 states.  There are several Harley models currently on sale that only have turn signals and no central tail light.  The turn signals function as run/brake/turn lights.