I just mounted my Champion Legend on my bike and the wiring is different from the Velorex. With the Vel, I could wire up a brake, running and turn signal using the Vels original light and one added light that looked stupid on top the fender. With the Legend wiring, there is no provision for a turn signal. It is just a running and brake light capability. I live in Oregon and I am told that this may not be legal. Is anyone else running with just their original bike turn signals doing double duty or does the law now state that we have to modify the stock car lights to add a turn signal?
I dont think there is an actual law against it,[some states do] but, for safety reasons, and making your turn signalling less confusing to other traffic, It is reccommended to disconnect the wire from right front bike signal, and just add 2 long wires from it to your sidecar front signal light, and extend the right rear wires from bike signal to the SC right rear signal.
Originally written by ignatious on 12/20/2006 2:52 PM
I just mounted my Champion Legend on my bike and the wiring is different from the Velorex. With the Vel, I could wire up a brake, running and turn signal using the Vels original light and one added light that looked stupid on top the fender. With the Legend wiring, there is no provision for a turn signal. It is just a running and brake light capability. I live in Oregon and I am told that this may not be legal. Is anyone else running with just their original bike turn signals doing double duty or does the law now state that we have to modify the stock car lights to add a turn signal?
You may have to check with the statutes for regular vehicles. Over here in Wisconsin at least one front and rear turn signal,rear brake light, and tail light must be within ten inches of each outer edge of the vehicle unless it is an unmodified antique that never had those lights.
Doesn't matter if it's a motorcycle, Street Rod, or dump truck, if it's on the road it needs those lights.
I just looked into Indiana statutes about turn signals. it says that turn signal lights should be as far apart laterally as is practical. ??????
Sort of a copout but it sounds like I'm ok using the motorcycles turn signals for the front as the Spyder didn't come with a front turn signal, only a driving light.
Evidently, every state could be different.
Originally written by solo1 on 12/21/2006 8:37 AM
I just looked into Indiana statutes about turn signals. it says that turn signal lights should be as far apart laterally as is practical. ??????
Sort of a copout but it sounds like I'm ok using the motorcycles turn signals for the front as the Spyder didn't come with a front turn signal, only a driving light.
Evidently, every state could be different.
Solo, it isnt the idea of state law requirements...it is being seen with less confusion by other motorists.A bike from the front has the signals approx 2' apart..this on a rig sometimes up tp 6' wide!
the signal will be flashing in the center of the rig. It needs to be out there on the right front part of the SC nose to make sense to other vehicles on the road. same as autos.
It is easy to do, and makes it much less confusing to see. I purchased a amber tear drop shaped clearance light at the local auto aupply store, and substituted a 21 V bulb, to match the bike signal bulb.just remove the right signal wire and add enough wire to it to reach to the front of the SC nose. place the new light on top of the nose..not on the side. this will make it visible to oncoming trafic from the left.
no mods needed to the switch, or flasher.
Originally written by solo1 on 12/21/2006 8:37 AM
I just looked into Indiana statutes about turn signals. it says that turn signal lights should be as far apart laterally as is practical. ??????
Sort of a copout but it sounds like I'm ok using the motorcycles turn signals for the front as the Spyder didn't come with a front turn signal, only a driving light.
Evidently, every state could be different.
here's a pic of the light I put on my /5 rig.
After posting, I started to think about that. You're right. Installing a turn signal light on the car would be a good idea.
I have a set of driving lights on the Valk and those three lights help in visibility. The wide space between turn signal lights would be good for the same reason.
I'm going to do it. Thanks for the suggestion.
Wayne
OK, Wayne,
glad to help. I was looking at your pic, and it might be possible to put the front signal light on the side of the SC. but far enough forward as to be seen from the front. but, better on the top right corner of the nose. on the side it wont be seen from oncoming, or cross traffic to the left of the bike.
good luck! and ride safe!
Bob, so far I haven't been able to find a light just like I want in Auto Zone and a few others. I'll keep looking.
I'm also going to have to find someone with long arms, LOL.
Your Formula II has a tilt front. The Spyder doesn't and it narrows quite a bit toward the front. I'll have to check and make sure that I can reach the mounting hardware inside before I drill any holes, not a big problem. It might determine where I mount the turn signal.
The rig is down, waiting for a repaired Steerite triple tree to be returned. A long story but Steerite are good people.
Originally written by solo1 on 12/22/2006 7:22 AM
Bob, so far I haven't been able to find a light just like I want in Auto Zone and a few others. I'll keep looking.
I'm also going to have to find someone with long arms, LOL.
Your Formula II has a tilt front. The Spyder doesn't and it narrows quite a bit toward the front. I'll have to check and make sure that I can reach the mounting hardware inside before I drill any holes, not a big problem. It might determine where I mount the turn signal.
The rig is down, waiting for a repaired Steerite triple tree to be returned. A long story but Steerite are good people.
most [all?] running/clearance lights have small 2 watt bulbs in them. the 23 W bulb will have to be purchased separate.
I remember checking out about 7 or 8 different auto stores, Fleee Farm, truck stops, ETC before finding one that would be nice on my FII.it is teardrop shaped with a plastic base.there was not enough room for a standard 21 W bulb[hit the amber lense], so I found some on the internet with a short glass globe..fit perfect.[dennis kirk] part # 22-341.
this is the light I found at a local store...the 23 W bulb fits in it great.
http://www.pmlights.com/products.cfm?cId=2&fId=1&pId=1396
Hi all, I have a Motorvation Spyder with a springer fender, tomestone tail light with two filiment bulb for brake & running lights, question, do I need another bulb in there to make it also be a right turn signal? I was told I didn't need another bulb, but have no idea how to do it, thanks for any help, Doc.
Originally written by David on 12/22/2006 9:41 AM
Hi all, I have a Motorvation Spyder with a springer fender, tomestone tail light with two filiment bulb for brake & running lights, question, do I need another bulb in there to make it also be a right turn signal? I was told I didn't need another bulb, but have no idea how to do it, thanks for any help, Doc.
It would probably be cheaper to add a bulb. What they are telling you is that you could get a taillight splitter like people sometimes use to pull trailers. Something like this http://www.ironbraid.com/taillightcontrollers.html
My experience with them has been less that satisfactory. They tend to generate a lot of heat and burn out when you most need them to function. I've used $20 ones from J. C. Whitney and I've used $200 ones and none last. I always wire separate lights. Then I know if there's a problem it will only affect one light or circuit.
Wayne, you might want to make a visit to your local truck stop. Flying J and Pilot usually have a much better assortment of lights that may serve your purpose.
Originally written by SidecarMike on 12/22/2006 12:31 PM
Originally written by David on 12/22/2006 9:41 AM
Hi all, I have a Motorvation Spyder with a springer fender, tomestone tail light with two filiment bulb for brake & running lights, question, do I need another bulb in there to make it also be a right turn signal? I was told I didn't need another bulb, but have no idea how to do it, thanks for any help, Doc.
It would probably be cheaper to add a bulb. What they are telling you is that you could get a taillight splitter like people sometimes use to pull trailers. Something like this http://www.ironbraid.com/taillightcontrollers.html
My experience with them has been less that satisfactory. They tend to generate a lot of heat and burn out when you most need them to function. I've used $20 ones from J. C. Whitney and I've used $200 ones and none last. I always wire separate lights. Then I know if there's a problem it will only affect one light or circuit.
I installed a ' tail light splitter' 25 years ago,when I started hauling my cargo trailer...I still have the same one installed after over 100,000 miles hauling the trailer and now with a SC. never failed on me.
I will buy another one for the newer '85 K100 bike I am setting up for my motorvation SC.
