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Re:Rear tail/run/turn signals
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TOPIC: Re:Rear tail/run/turn signals
#234178
Cappdawg (User)
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Gender: Male Location: Greensburg, Indiana Birthdate: 1981-00-00
Rear tail/run/turn signals 8 Years, 4 Months ago  
Hey all, I just chopped about 18 inches off the rear fender and obviously had to change the rear brake light, turn signals, and license plate bracket. The turn signals I used are amber double filament bulbs and wired them to be tail/ turn signal lights. Kinda figured the more lights in the rear the better I will be seen. I have a catseye tail/brake light on there as well. My question is: is it legal for me to have amber running lights on the rear or do all running lights on the rear need to be red? I live in Indiana and am going to Bike Week in March and really dont want to run into any problems down there. Up here I would say they would be cool with it but not sure bout Florida. Anybody know by chance? Thanks, Eric.
 
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#234203
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Re:Rear tail/run/turn signals 8 Years, 4 Months ago  
I don't know of any state law that requires the rear blinkers to be red, I just like them, that's why I'm changing mine to red.
 
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#234205
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Re:Rear tail/run/turn signals 8 Years, 4 Months ago  
Typically the rear turn signals on bikes and cars are amber, it's okay to make them red. Red lights are illegal on the front though. You're good to go.
 
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#234207
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Re:Rear tail/run/turn signals 8 Years, 4 Months ago  
Amber is OK for turn signals, but if you are also using them as running lights in the rear they need to be red. Amber is not ok as a rear running light only turn signals.
 
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#234229
DrBONESLINGer (User)
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Re:Rear tail/run/turn signals 8 Years, 4 Months ago  
davej is right!

I asked an inspection station about the blue dot on red lens, which turns to a purple light, they said that was OK.
 
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#234294
The Gardener (User)
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Re:Rear tail/run/turn signals 8 Years, 4 Months ago  
amber on front red on rear is the view from the side.
yes you can have amber rear blinkers but not as running lights, only red taillights, that is the same in every state.

IF your bike is inspected and 'legal' (technically), in your home state, you can ride it in any state irregardless of that state's laws.

what constitutes 'legal', well if you have a current inspection sticker and the police officer is not a licensed Motorcycle inspector...

and do remember if you wear a skid lid like i do, that has an orange patch stating it is for theatrical display use only, you NEVER have to take your helmet off if you are stopped, if you do then you provide the officer with the proof he needs to write you up in a state with a helmet law. I ride in MA and there is nothing that says a helmet must be DOT certified, just that you are required to wear one.
 
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#234301
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Re:Rear tail/run/turn signals 8 Years, 4 Months ago  
I can be certain, you cannot legally have Amber running lamps to the rear. It was the introduction of foreign cars that allowed amber to the rear at all. It's DOT lighting law that amber is reserved for lighting and reflection forward of the halfway mark of the vehicle and Red to the rear of the halfway mark. Amber is permitted as a turn signal only (And flasher) at the rear. http://fmvss108.tripod.com/ (more info on lighting)

This link is for everyone but the people who live in USA. STATE LAW links.
http://www.wykedilluzionz.com/laws/

The law concerning this i believe would be.
see S5.8.1 of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108).

Another informative site on lighting including aux lighting.
http://www.autoanything.com/lights/51A22.aspx#q241

You want to see how anal they CAN get?
http://fmvss108.tripod.com/fmvss108text.htm

The laws are very specific is you look at the links, material, color, brightness, location, height, width apart, it gets very complicated. And quite a many Motorcycles alter lights and make them illegal, No one will ever have a problem unless they have an accident that seems to be someone else's fault until some hot shot lawyer points out the lighting deficiency, then.......... there goes your settlement and now YOUR at fault.

BUT! To add a Twist to the subject, it's fact that like 10% of male population can't see red, and some states are considering to allow amber to the rear as running lights, (When next to red running lights) go figure. I have no idea if it is true but it's rumor that a 99 to o1 COBRA had amber running lights.

All in all, It's a good chance Amber running lights can get you stopped and a ticket, and your fellow motorist by habit are expecting to see Amber to the front, red to the rear, white and headlight, and from the side Amber and red in proper location show direction of travel. So Keep em how people are used to seeing them and your better off.

In my few million miles of travel, I have to say to me Flashing Amber in Fog is the MOST visible.
 
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If you aren\'t running on the edge...You\'re taking up too much room!
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#235170
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Re:Rear tail/run/turn signals 8 Years, 3 Months ago  
Can you post a pic of your new set up. Im looking to go with a ganster fender and need to see some options for lights. Im thinking the dueal filament large lights on both sides of the fenders like the harleys.
 
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#235171
jamie99roadstar (User)
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Re:Rear tail/run/turn signals 8 Years, 3 Months ago  
Silver bullets mounted in the rear most holes on the fender subframe.
 
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#235896
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Re:Rear tail/run/turn signals 8 Years, 3 Months ago  
Hey I love the look of the lights in the rear. I have be banding my head on trying to decide on what look to go with. Would you mind sharing the exact model of your lights and if you feel that provide enough light at night time. I already have a plug and play system so I'd keep them set up as brake, run and turn signals. Also, very important, dodes the screw that bolts them on rub the back tires? Nice job on the rear fender too...Cleaned it up and still kept the roadie look
 
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