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Old October 5th, 2009, 08:57 PM   #1
LazinCajun
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Daylight Running Lamps

I've decided I'd like to add DRL's, but I couldn't find any threads (sorry if my search-fu is weak!) I have a few concerns before I chop up my bikes's wiring, and I was hoping you guys could help me clear up a few of them.

1) I'm undecided on how best to implement DRL's. I found a few guides on converting the stock turn signals to DRL's on pre-gens on other sites. Some simply added relays, and another modified dual filament bulbs to work. A third possibility is to add strip LEDs, but I'm not sure they'll be bright enough. This is complicated a bit by #2 and 3 below -- I want the install to be as simple as possible, but I have to keep battery life in mind. Any suggestions?

2) I basically have no electrical experience outside of making temporary circuits on breadboards (ie, no soldering). Can anybody recommend a good resource for learning to do basic soldering, crimping, splicing etc. properly?

3) Battery life -- A significant fraction of my riding is a fairly short city commute (~6 miles, although I certainly don't ride the bike every day). I'm worried that converting the stock halogens to DRL's will drain the battery far too fast with my riding pattern, especially if I put DRL's on the front and the back using halogen bulbs. I think adding LEDs or converting the stock turn signals to LEDs would help here, but that's adding more expense and effort to the project. I'd prefer to avoid both of those if the battery drain isn't too bad with halogens.

4) Bulb life -- If I do convert the stock turn signals to DRL's, how long can I expect the bulbs to last? Would this be any better with the dual-filament style bulbs? Obviously this isn't much of an issue with LEDs.

Finally, 5) Wiring -- Like I mentioned, I found a few guides to converting turn signals into DRL's... for pregens. Is the turn signal circuitry similar enough that these guides are still relevant? I think it should be, but I don't want to make any stupid assumptions since I'm a newbie with electrical work.

Edit: After a lot more searching, I found that Vex has some info on DRL's here: http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=10094 -- that answers some of this. However, it only covers using LEDs for DRL's, so I'm going to leave my original post intact.
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Old October 5th, 2009, 10:20 PM   #2
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A little $$$ but here is an option running lights
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Old October 5th, 2009, 10:41 PM   #3
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Hm, that little gadget certainly has some interesting features, but if I'm reading the description right I'd still have to modify some wiring to convert to running lamps. I'll have to consider if I want to spend $ on hazard lights etc.
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Old October 6th, 2009, 05:13 AM   #4
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^ Sounds like you just tap into the L & R turn sig wires, also brake light if you wanted.
Add them springs to the turn sig switch too.

https://www.kisantech.com/brochures/SM-inst-manual.pdf

Kinda cool product
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Old October 6th, 2009, 08:18 AM   #5
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Or try to find a Canadian wire harness, up here it is mandatory to have daytime running lights on all vehicles
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Old October 6th, 2009, 08:25 AM   #6
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The SignalMinder is a great way to go. It also gives you - in most cases, as I recall - four-way hazard lights.
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Old October 6th, 2009, 09:04 AM   #7
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Did you guys have to replace the turn signal indicator in the dash with an led?
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Old October 6th, 2009, 09:08 AM   #8
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Quote:
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Did you guys have to replace the turn signal indicator in the dash with an led?
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Nah. Why would you do that?
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Old October 6th, 2009, 09:22 AM   #9
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It says in their installation manual that for bikes with a singer indicator bulb, typically you have to replace the stock bulb with a 12V LED, otherwise the stock bulb acts as a bridge.

However, if you ahve it installed with no problems, then screw the manual

Edit: it's on page 26
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Old October 6th, 2009, 09:40 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LazinCajun View Post
It says in their installation manual that for bikes with a singer indicator bulb, typically you have to replace the stock bulb with a 12V LED, otherwise the stock bulb acts as a bridge.

However, if you ahve it installed with no problems, then screw the manual

Edit: it's on page 26
Ah. I've never run into that issue before, but I can see why it could be problematic. I guess plug it in and see what happens is the order of the day
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Old October 6th, 2009, 10:53 AM   #11
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If it didn't cost $110 before shipping I would probably do just that. To my thinking, if I have to do a bunch of work to install the signalminder, I might as well just splice in relays etc. myself and save something like $70.

Does anybody have a signalminder installed on their bike?
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Old October 6th, 2009, 11:01 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LazinCajun View Post
If it didn't cost $110 before shipping I would probably do just that. To my thinking, if I have to do a bunch of work to install the signalminder, I might as well just splice in relays etc. myself and save something like $70.

Does anybody have a signalminder installed on their bike?
Couple of 'em, just not the Little Ninja that Could.

If you want to splice in a coupla flip-flop relays, some switches, a timer and generally hack up your wiring harness, go right ahead. Or you can pick up the unit for $110, plug it in in place of your turn signal flasher and MAYBE need to make a trip to Radio Shack for a $2 LED bulb for your dash. Your call
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Old October 6th, 2009, 11:42 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HKr1 View Post
Add them springs to the turn sig switch too.
Whom ever thought of the springs, is one smart person! The price is worth the spring technique alone.
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Old October 6th, 2009, 12:12 PM   #14
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One upside of the Signal Minder looks like it can be programmed to cancel the turn signals too. I often forget. Looks like an interesting product. Has anyone on this forum installed it?
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Old October 6th, 2009, 12:15 PM   #15
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Quote:
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One upside of the Signal Minder looks like it can be programmed to cancel the turn signals too. I often forget. Looks like an interesting product. Has anyone on this forum installed it?
Yep. It does a lot of great things.
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Old October 7th, 2009, 07:06 AM   #16
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Discounted SM-3 available here:

http://www.bikerhiway.com/kisan-sign...source=froogle
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Old October 7th, 2009, 07:39 AM   #17
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I assume you considered a headlight modulator?

IMO using turn signals as running lights in bright midday sun is not going to make you stand out much. Kisan thing looks pretty cool for the signal cancel feature.
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Old October 7th, 2009, 07:59 AM   #18
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Our little ninjette needs the SM2, but that's also discounted http://www.bikerhiway.com/kisan-sign...ugin-p-83.html

Secondly, the idea behind DRLs is to give the bike some shape or width in dusk/dark conditions. Ever notice how difficult it is to gauge the distance and speed of a motorcycle approaching you at night when all you see is one point of light? This should help somewhat. This doesn't serve the same purpose as a headlight modulator.
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Old October 7th, 2009, 08:22 AM   #19
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I see. Sounds like a good idea. I was confused because you all are using the terms "Daytime Running Lamps" and "Running Lights" interchangeably.

I think to most people:

DRL = Regular headlight on during the day to increase visibility.

Running Light = Signals Lit / PIAA Accesory lights mounted on the bike.

Anyway...I think I may just pickup an SM2.
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Old October 7th, 2009, 08:47 AM   #20
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Zack - Since I have HIDs, can't use a modulator!

Trey - When I ran the configurator, it came up with SM-3, but I was going to check my flasher before ordering. I did find one on an auction site for $75.
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Old October 7th, 2009, 08:55 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cifex View Post
I see. Sounds like a good idea. I was confused because you all are using the terms "Daytime Running Lamps" and "Running Lights" interchangeably.

I think to most people:

DRL = Regular headlight on during the day to increase visibility.

Running Light = Signals Lit / PIAA Accesory lights mounted on the bike.

Anyway...I think I may just pickup an SM2.
You're probably right; I tend to not be the most precise speaker

I had to replace the flasher about a month ago, and it's the two prong L or V variety ( replaced it with a trindon el-12). It is easy to access -- it's hanging under the left-side tail cowling.
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Old October 7th, 2009, 09:07 AM   #22
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Unfortunately, this picture (from the '88-94 CDI DIY) doesn't show the connector very well:

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