Run Stop Turn Active Running Lights

[Haze]

Run Stop Turn Active Running Lights
This is a VTX mod I adapted to my Shadow Spirit

Special thanks to http://www.bareasschoppers.com/, for inspiration and instructions and illustrations. Custom Dynamics http://www.customdynamics.com/vtx_turn_signal_mod.htm
for parts and Electrical Connections http://www.electricalconnection.com/
for definition and performance cost comparison.

Parts List
24 - Red 5mm LEDs
1 - 220 Ohm 1/4 Watt resistor
6 - 270 Ohm 1/4 Watt resistors
2 - 3 amp diodes
2 - 10 foot lengths of 22 gauge 2 conductor wire
1 tube clear RTV (caulking) adhesive.
Total cost ~$20.00

The standard tail lights on a Spirit or VTX are dead during riding. The only time the tail light is used is as a turn signal flasher. With this mod the turn signal bulb is augmented with a ring of Superbright Red LEDs. The LEDs are wired to function as ½ power running lights and full power brake lights. The LEDs are wired thru the turn signals (electrical ground) so the LEDs shut off during turn signal operation. I now have active bright red running lights augmenting my brake and tail light. This gives me 3X the red-light to the rear of the bike.


Spirit taillight lens. Similar to the VTX but with a different screw mount. Note the black tail/brake light wires coiled in the reflector. I did the wiring a while back when I relocated the rear turn signals. The black wire is routed thru the reflector and the turnsignal stem. It travels under the fender and makes connections to the tail and brake light wires under the seat by the air cleaner.


Rigged up a 2 blade hole saw to cut the rings for the LEDs. I used old DVD disks as my plastic ring material.


Holes are drilled and the LEDs staged for gluing with the RTV. RTV works as both adhesive and insulator.


Testing the fit of the ring in the tail light lens.


Final assembly. Diode leads, wires, and resistor soldered on back of plastic ring. RTV on back of assembly. Diodes protruding thru to the front of the ring. Shrink tube ready for assembly soldering to the leads on the turn signals.


Ring staged for assembly. Ring is a press fit in the lens fitting tightly about the screw mount towers.


Original setup

Running Lights

Brake Lights

Wiring diagram

[LRojas]

I have a '07 750 Aero. I just bought the turn signal conversion kit from Electrical Connections. Can't wait to get it on the bike!
I have a question though: Do you know if I need to take the fender off to run the wires?
Can you or anyone help out with some info
THANKS!

[DoobieBrother]

I had that kit. It does require wires from the signals to run forward. Mine were running up the inside of the fender with other wires. I'd say it had to be taken off to route them. The new kit I run with deep dish bezels from Kuryakyn does not require those extra wires. Seems like a cleaner setup and I like the looks better. Though I will say this setup was quite functional and did the job.

[hbark]

Originally Posted by LRojas

I have a '07 750 Aero. I just bought the turn signal conversion kit from Electrical Connections. Can't wait to get it on the bike!
I have a question though: Do you know if I need to take the fender off to run the wires?
Can you or anyone help out with some info
THANKS!

I have an 06 Aero and installed the Electrical Connections kit. I didn't need to take the fender off -- but you do need to unbolt the chrome trim piece where the existing turn signal lights run through now, that is attached to the fender (I'm away on business trip now, can't look at my bike to verify this...). Just run the wiring in that same place (on both sides).

[dwmitchell61]

I have the ElectricalConnections kit also. I relocated the signals to the tag area to accomodate my saddle bags. I took the fender off to take factory harness apart, then ran everything together, wrapping all with some caterpillar tubing.