Author Topic: Tail lights in frame ends (Read 6919 times)

RickB · « **on:** February 10, 2014, 05:10:35 AM »

Hi all,

I have been doing some work on the bike and have cut the frame ends under the 'hump' like on the CR750 bikes.

Anywho, I want to mount some tail lights in the frame tubes, like DamnitDan wanted to do here:

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=27536.5

I have write-up somewhere on the net of someone doing this to a Yamaha or something which was very helpful, but I haven't been able to find it again now that the time for me to do this has come.

I was hoping someone here could give me some recommendations on dual-filament bulbs and/or sockets that work with the stock CB400F 12v wiring that would fit in the internals of my frame, which is about 17.8mm/0.7 inch. I'm assuming LED would be the way to go giving the vibration and small size.

I tried our local auto parts store (JayCar) here in Melbourne, Australia but the kids in the store where useless.

Any thoughts?

Rick.

RickB · « **Reply #1 on:** February 12, 2014, 05:16:28 AM »

No one has any ideas on small diameter dual filament LED's I could use to do this? DamnitDan's post had a few recommendations, but nothing perfect.

scunny · « **Reply #2 on:** February 12, 2014, 11:34:45 AM »

try here for the lights
http://www.superbrightleds.com/cat/tail-brake-turn/page/4/filter/Oversize,No,29,5755:

greddm · « **Reply #3 on:** February 12, 2014, 03:28:26 PM »

I did my turn signals this way, not sure about brake lights. Pics below.

1. rounded off a nut to the inside diameter of the tube

2. Used a bolt to drive it in strait (should be snug fit) and epoxied it in place.

3. Center drilled a stainless bolt that would house the LED assembly

4. Pull wires and thread it in.

Hope this helps with ideas.

RickB · « **Reply #4 on:** February 12, 2014, 05:29:50 PM »

greddm,

That's fantastic, never thought of doing the bolt thing. Great idea.

What LED is that? Where'd you get it? I've had trouble finding anything small, especially in dual filament.

Thanks,

Rick.

greddm · « **Reply #5 on:** February 12, 2014, 08:36:22 PM »

I got them from microlazers.com. They are very bright, but i'm wishing I got the model with the domed lens instead of the inset ones I've got. Since they are only for the turn signals, they are not dual filament. Between these and the bar-end winkers up front, I don't thing anyone will have a problem seeing them.

RickB · « **Reply #6 on:** February 12, 2014, 10:43:05 PM »

greddm,

You legend!! I just ordered:

http://www.microlazers.com/servlet/the-83/BLACK-DOME-OPTO--dsh-/Detail

Exactly what I was looking for. Can't thank you enough, I have been searching for days.

Rick.

greddm · « **Reply #7 on:** February 15, 2014, 04:50:00 PM »

Hey, glad I was finally able to help someone out! I'm usually the one needed help. Good luck, post some pics when done.

1977 CB750

RickB · « **Reply #8 on:** January 22, 2015, 05:25:24 AM »

I posted about this in my project thread but I figured I'd report back here as this post was a tremendous help.

Thanks to greddm, I was able to buy those small dual intensity LED's that are apparently super bright (although I haven't tested them too well yet, they're essentially hidden under my seat...).

I found some 19mm chair leg stoppers at the hardware store, drilled out a hole, drilled a hole in the frame under the seat frame (out of the way/weather there I figure) and wired it up with my vintage connectors.

I'm going to try polishing up the underside of my seat to make these even brighter at night. If that doesn't work, I may have to try mounting these closer to the end of my seat.

greddm · « **Reply #9 on:** January 22, 2015, 06:45:59 AM »

Nice solution!

1977 CB750

Lostboy Steve · « **Reply #10 on:** January 22, 2015, 11:17:52 AM »

Just make sure you can see them from an angle...

evanphi · « **Reply #11 on:** January 23, 2015, 06:00:00 AM »

Very cool solution!

theslayedsaint · « **Reply #12 on:** January 23, 2015, 09:30:19 AM »

Amazing!
and just a few months to late..... I never thought of the bolt idea was trying for weeks to come up with away for this to work.

RickB · « **Reply #13 on:** January 27, 2015, 04:19:34 AM »

Yeah so a friend riding behind me said they're not super visible from a high angle. So I might have to try moving them around or something. More photos to come.

greddm · « **Reply #14 on:** January 27, 2015, 06:36:40 AM »

I'm noticing the same problem with mine, I'm not sure someone in a truck would see them. I have bar-end signals as well but I might add another set to the sides of the rear cowl.

1977 CB750

FunJimmy · « **Reply #15 on:** January 27, 2015, 07:03:14 AM »

You can find hundreds of Eagle Eye LED lights on eBay for next to nothing. I'm using them as signals on the Cafe Interceptor and love them. Haven't seen dual intensity yet, but keep looking.

flybox1 · « **Reply #16 on:** January 27, 2015, 07:14:29 AM »

Quote from: FunJimmy on January 27, 2015, 07:03:14 AM

You can find hundreds of Eagle Eye LED lights on eBay for next to nothing. I'm using them as signals on the Cafe Interceptor and love them. Haven't seen dual intensity yet, but keep looking.

+1
I bought a set of these just to check out. (18mm or 23mm) Still haven't decided if i will use them or not.
I saw these first on ttr400's bike. He had them rigged as driving lights. Front (white) and rear(red).
Super bright. NOT dual intensity...but that would be a nice option.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NWB21TC/ref=ox_sc_act_title_4?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3HIK6JK816SCG

lrutt · « **Reply #17 on:** January 27, 2015, 07:35:52 AM »

While very trick, I wonder how much the popo will hassle you for not have lights that are DOT approved. There are a lot of lights out there than aren't DOT approved but at least you can see some semblence of a tail light. These might be pushing it a bit far.

I did see a nice license plate frame that had brake, tail, and turn sigs integrated in an LED bar across the top. Very very low key, very bright, and looked like an option I'd try.

I do like the looks of these frame end units though. Very clean. I guess the worse than can happen is they give you a ticket to fix it.

KeithB · « **Reply #18 on:** January 27, 2015, 11:14:17 AM »

Quote from: lrutt on January 27, 2015, 07:35:52 AM

While very trick, I wonder how much the popo will hassle you for not have lights that are DOT approved. There are a lot of lights out there than aren't DOT approved but at least you can see some semblence of a tail light. These might be pushing it a bit far.

This, and the fact that LEDs are very directional, made me reconsider doing something similar.
No point having cool lights if some drivers can't see them.
Buddy of mine has the coolest vintage tail light but you can't see the POS in the sunlight!

News:

Author Topic: Tail lights in frame ends (Read 6919 times)