October 5th, 2009, 08:57 PM | #1 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Anon
Location: Atlanta, GA
Join Date: Aug 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250 (Blue!) Posts: 488
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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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October 5th, 2009, 10:20 PM | #2 |
FORMER MOTORCYCLE RIDER
Name: Steve
Location: On a Trek SU200 or in my CRX
Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): Rode an 08 250r then rode an 08 ZX-6R until i totaled it on 7/10/10 Posts: 758
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A little $$$ but here is an option running lights
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October 5th, 2009, 10:41 PM | #3 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Anon
Location: Atlanta, GA
Join Date: Aug 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250 (Blue!) Posts: 488
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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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October 6th, 2009, 05:13 AM | #4 |
IC2(SW)
Name: Kerry
Location: Pensacola
Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: A lot.
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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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October 6th, 2009, 08:18 AM | #5 |
Pedal Power
Name: Rob
Location: Winterpeg (Winnipeg)
Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja EX250R Posts: 401
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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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Using Pedal Power |
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October 6th, 2009, 08:25 AM | #6 |
SooperChikkin.
Name: Scott
Location: Northern CA
Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): BMW R1200GS Adventure, '07 250 Ninja Posts: 107
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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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October 6th, 2009, 09:04 AM | #7 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Anon
Location: Atlanta, GA
Join Date: Aug 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250 (Blue!) Posts: 488
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Did you guys have to replace the turn signal indicator in the dash with an led?
Posted via Mobile Device |
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October 6th, 2009, 09:08 AM | #8 |
SooperChikkin.
Name: Scott
Location: Northern CA
Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): BMW R1200GS Adventure, '07 250 Ninja Posts: 107
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October 6th, 2009, 09:22 AM | #9 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Anon
Location: Atlanta, GA
Join Date: Aug 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250 (Blue!) Posts: 488
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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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October 6th, 2009, 09:40 AM | #10 | |
SooperChikkin.
Name: Scott
Location: Northern CA
Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): BMW R1200GS Adventure, '07 250 Ninja Posts: 107
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Quote:
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October 6th, 2009, 10:53 AM | #11 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Anon
Location: Atlanta, GA
Join Date: Aug 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250 (Blue!) Posts: 488
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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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October 6th, 2009, 11:01 AM | #12 | |
SooperChikkin.
Name: Scott
Location: Northern CA
Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): BMW R1200GS Adventure, '07 250 Ninja Posts: 107
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Quote:
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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October 6th, 2009, 11:42 AM | #13 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Sam
Location: Northern Virginia
Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250R 2009 and ZX-12R 2000 Posts: A lot.
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October 6th, 2009, 12:12 PM | #14 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Ash
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 114
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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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October 6th, 2009, 12:15 PM | #15 |
SooperChikkin.
Name: Scott
Location: Northern CA
Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): BMW R1200GS Adventure, '07 250 Ninja Posts: 107
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October 7th, 2009, 07:06 AM | #16 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Sam
Location: Northern Virginia
Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250R 2009 and ZX-12R 2000 Posts: A lot.
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October 7th, 2009, 07:39 AM | #17 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Z
Location: Long Island, NY
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R (sold) Posts: 356
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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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October 7th, 2009, 07:59 AM | #18 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Anon
Location: Atlanta, GA
Join Date: Aug 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250 (Blue!) Posts: 488
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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. Posted via Mobile Device |
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October 7th, 2009, 08:22 AM | #19 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Z
Location: Long Island, NY
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R (sold) Posts: 356
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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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October 7th, 2009, 08:47 AM | #20 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Sam
Location: Northern Virginia
Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250R 2009 and ZX-12R 2000 Posts: A lot.
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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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October 7th, 2009, 08:55 AM | #21 | |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Anon
Location: Atlanta, GA
Join Date: Aug 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250 (Blue!) Posts: 488
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Quote:
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. Posted via Mobile Device |
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October 7th, 2009, 09:07 AM | #22 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Sam
Location: Northern Virginia
Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250R 2009 and ZX-12R 2000 Posts: A lot.
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Unfortunately, this picture (from the '88-94 CDI DIY) doesn't show the connector very well:
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