Can the turn signals be wired backwards?...no not switching LH to RH....

[Guest]

Hi folks...I'm reaching out to the electronic wizards here to help solve a problem I have. I tried to find 1157 sockets to fit in my turn signals for dual filament to have both running and turn signal functions, but I still haven't found a usable bulb socket that mounts the same as what's in there....so, new plan of attack.
I want to take the oem system and reverse it - simply put, I want all four single filament turn signals on all the time and have them blink "off" for actual turning functions, giving me full time running lights and turn signals.
To me, it seems the oem system is set up to be a normally open circuit with dead lights, until the selected side flashes when commanded - I want that changed to a normally closed full circuit, and to have something open it on the selected side to mimic turn signal flashing..........can it be done?

[Datsa Noydb]

Yes, it can be done, but it will take a LOT of engineering and parts to do it. It's not simply a matter of changing a few wires, you will have to either add some relays to go to an "active-low" state or a microprocessor and some software.

One more thing to consider before you try this, consider the legality of having yellow lights on at the rear. Virtually all states allow them for (flashing) turn signals, but none of them allow them for tail or brake functions. Yeah, as a motorcycle, you might get away with it (But officer, I want them to SEE me!), but the bright yellow lights might mask the brake light coming on, too.

Have you considered simply replacing the whole light at the front? Parts-n-More has new lights for $23 each. You might be able to get units for the rear, too, but you would need to find red lenses. I think Yamaha had several bikes with red signals on the rear, you might look through some of the other pages at Parts-n-More to do some exploring.

OR ... you could simply add some LED lights to be more visible from the front or rear. Your bike, your money, your choice.

[chuck hahn]

I did it on my Goldwing.and it dint take relays and anything other than the dual element sockets for the back. Wire the running light wire from the socket.( dimmer light side of the bulb ) to the running light wire going to the tail light. Flasher side goes to the regular flasher wire in the harness. Doesnt reguire any different flasher cube or anything else. Your just adding a running light to the sockets..It isnt rocket science.

And some bikes come from the factory with rear running lights so I wouldnt worry about any cops....i mean think about it a second...have you ever had a buddy or heard of anyone getting a rear running lights ticket??? I 35 years of riding I never have.

[jabcb]

CustomLED has a Blinker Genie that probably does what you want.

http://www.customled.com/products/blinker-genie

[tkent02]

Sure it can be done, I wouldn't think any cop would bother you about yellow running lights unless he was looking for an excuse to pull you over, but it should be very easy to get red lenses to be 100% legal.

[80GS850GBob]

I did it on my Goldwing.and it dint take relays and anything other than the dual element sockets for the back. Wire the running light wire from the socket.( dimmer light side of the bulb ) to the running light wire going to the tail light. Flasher side goes to the regular flasher wire in the harness. Doesnt reguire any different flasher cube or anything else. Your just adding a running light to the sockets..It isnt rocket science.

And some bikes come from the factory with rear running lights so I wouldnt worry about any cops....i mean think about it a second...have you ever had a buddy or heard of anyone getting a rear running lights ticket??? I 35 years of riding I never have.

Well, if I can find an 1157 socket that mounts close or the same in the turn signals, then yeah, I'm all over that easier route. At the moment I have both the oem '80 suzi round/chrome turn signals and a full set of '84 yami FJ 1100 turn signals {I like the latter black/rectangles a tad better, looks wise}.

[80GS850GBob]

CustomLED has a Blinker Genie that probably does what you want.
http://www.customled.com/products/blinker-genie

Now that looks neat...says it'll work with regulars or LEDs...nice. Thanks!

[Who Dat?]

Well, if I can find an 1157 socket that mounts close or the same in the turn signals, then yeah, I'm all over that easier route. At the moment I have both the oem '80 suzi round/chrome turn signals and a full set of '84 yami FJ 1100 turn signals {I like the latter black/rectangles a tad better, looks wise}.

Datsa Noydb gave you a link to Parts-n-More, where there are some rectangular black units with dual filaments. Yeah, they cost a bit more than the Custom LED blinker thingy, but it's worth considering.

Click on the link, scroll down, it's the 9th item.