Normal, rear lights are not running lights. Not sure why but I installed LED running lights inside the turn signal housing, did not have the effect I was looking for.

 

Are there any mods out there to convert the rears to running lights? I like the idea, assuming red lenses can be had.

 

Yep. Here is mine.

 

I used front turn signals since they are 3 wire and wired the running light wire into the tail light. They say you can buy the dual element bulb socket from an auto parts store and just switch the socket out, but I had an extra set of front lights so I just used those.

Just remember to get red lenses. Yellows are illegal at least in Indiana. I got the lenses from my local Honda Dealer.

 

I converted to 1157s in mine too...
Bought a set of fronts, swapped the sockets...
Works for me!
Lets RIDE

 

i bought a set of aftermarket lights which were double element bulbs,wired one side up to the tailight and the other to the turn signal..i dont understand why motorcyles doesnt have the turnsignals as running lights too. this was on my vlx600 but you can do this to any bike. im definitely going to add run/tail/brake lights to my vtx.

 

Does anyone know the part number for OEM rear red lenses? I'd like to do this mod to my new-to-me 2004 Aero but would prefer using factory red lenses instead of aftermarket or clear with red bulbs. Searching the web for an hour didn't turn up a part number.

 

I don't think you'll find oem red as that wasn't what came on the bike. You'll have to find an aftermarket supplier for new red lenses to fit the housings.

 

OEM will be Yellow/Amber color...
Clear alternatives is the option I used, they fit nicely...
I don`t know of any DOT approved Red Turn signal lens for our Shadows...
Amber is DOT recommended color for turn signals on our Bikes...

BUT...
I like my Red lens NON-approved running lights/turn signals...

Lets RIDE

 

A couple of threads mentioned they could be had from the dealer, I assume that another Honda model uses them. My local dealer's parts counter has crappy hours for my work schedule and I'm hoping to find them online.

 

No need to go to the dealer for all new lights. I changed out the 'sockets' inside my stock rear signals for 1157 types, and simply spliced in the 'running light' wire to the 'low' circuit, left the 'high' circuit for 'turn', and sprayed the lenses red. Worked like a champ for years that way! Think the 1157 sockets cost me like $5 at the local auto hardware store, so the whole 'mod' cost about $10 altogether, including the can of spray paint for the lenses.

 

When I switched to dual filament sockets/bulbs in the rear, I chose to make them turn/brake signals.
I preferred that the vehicle behind me know that I was braking.

I had to add 2 relays to the wiring.
I did this for each side:
I wired the turn to the dim filament and to the coil of the relay.
I spliced an additional brake wire to the NC (normally closed) of the relay then from the Common to the bright filament of the bulb.

With no brake applied, the turn bulb blinks dimly.

With brake applied but no turn signal, the power passes thru the relay, making the bright filament light up on both sides (total of 3 brake lights).

With brake and turn signal on, the turn signal flashes between bright and dim (with 2 brake lights staying on).

 

So does the rear turns lights up automatically? I just swapped out mine (ebay brand) and looks like its always on. I did not look before the swap (2 wires to 2 wires using the oem connectors). If thats the case I'll need to get some red lens.

 

Pretty sure it is a federal motor vehicle safety standard that no amber shows on the rear except for the turn signals. No cars have steady amber rear lights. Only red showing constantly.

 

Ya true, I'll order red lens or just cut the constant on wire.

 

They got their rear turn signals on as well. I'll just buy new red lenses, which is pretty cheap.

 

Well they are amber and off for reason, to give drivers behind a clear visual message that you are going to make a turn. I would opt for a different set of lights for running lights and/or a "Back Off" brakelight modulator if I need more rear lighting for attention purposes. I believe amber lens are illegal for constant lit applications on the rear so red lenses are needed. A all red rear lighting might mesmerize folk behind you thus the application of amber lenses for turn signaling.

 

I've never seen a two wire light that has both run and turn. Do your turn signals work?

Yes Amber running lights in the rear are illegal. I switched mine out to red when I did the running light mod. But they have three wires. One for turn, one for run, and one for ground.


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Yes it was wierd only 2 wires which matches the OEM connectors. Yes turn signals work perfect. I don't want to mess with the wires anymore so I just ordered red lens. They where like $5 shipped.

 

Installed new led tail/brake light (off ebay $9).... Fits perfectly using some custom brackets to hold the plates. Very happy how it came out. I also put some red transparent film on the turns (originally amber). She is ready to roll.

Also, don't mind the photoship skills on the license plate lol...

 

I've seen this mod a few Valks, not sure what other bikes it would work on.
LED Turn Signal Mod