Marker Lights Not Working

[Guest]

Last spring when I was getting my 1982 GS850L ready for the road, I noticed the turn signal lights do not stay on when it is running. They work fine as turn signal lights, but otherwise they are off. I checked all the fuses, and they are fine. The wiring on this bike has never been molested. I have a schematic of the wiring system, but I can't seem to figure out what leaves them on. What am I missing?

[jsandidge]

Last spring when I was getting my 1982 GS850L ready for the road, I noticed the turn signal lights do not stay on when it is running. They work fine as turn signal lights, but otherwise they are off. I checked all the fuses, and they are fine. The wiring on this bike has never been molested. I have a schematic of the wiring system, but I can't seem to figure out what leaves them on. What am I missing?

You're not missing anything. They are only turn signal lights. I have the same bike, that's how they were designed.

[Phred]

If you have a Vetter fairing the front signal lights are always on when the bike is running. There is a plug in harness and the turn signals are a double filament bulb, the other filament is the blinker. This may not be the case with all fairings but with mine it is. I like this, as when riding at night, oncoming drivers will be able to distinguish between a motorcycle and a car with a burnt out headlight.

[Houndawg76]

I don't have a fairing on my bike, just a windshield. I also checked the turn signal lights, and they're single filament bulbs.

[tom203]

Daytime running lights are a good idea, so consider upgrading to a two filament turn signal/marker or just add something like I did a few years back. It seems to help make you more noticeable , but don't count on it. Camera flash exaggerates my led lights.