Front turn signals GS850

[Jonesz]

I recently bought a 79 GS850 with a fairing (OK 2 days ago). My intention is to remove the fairing and of course have to install front turn signals. When I shop for replacement lights I find that the front and rear turn signals have the same part # ? How can this be when the front according to code must have a running light as part of the circuit? When I check part fiches I find that the turn signal front and rear are the same #. Am I missing something or are the turn signals indeed the same front and rear? Appreciate the input of those who have "stock" GS850's or those who know how the circuits work on these bikes.

[Nessism]

The US model front turn signals do not have a running light feature.

[Jonesz]

That's what I was wondering. Although the bike I have is a Canadian model, speedo/odometer in Kms. But I am guessing that the bike does not have running lights on the front. Will check the lights in the fairing before I remove it to make sure. Thanks for the input Nessism.

[Steve]

Actually, the US models did get the running lights in later years (depending on the model).

I thought the 850 got them in '82, but did not see them in any of the wiring diagrams.

The '81 1000G and '81 1100E did have them.

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[Big T]

Running lights not likely on a 79

[bwringer]

Running lights not likely on a 79

Yup.

Not sure when the 850 got running lights, but they were on the '83.

I'll take any excuse to post a pic...

[Jonesz]

Thanks all for the info. Will likely go ahead and buy from ebay.

[Gorminrider]

How can this be when the front according to code must have a running light as part of the circuit?

Your headlight is the running light according to code, however more modern bikes can have turn-signal running lights PLUS headlight....

Your fairing...commonly have turnsignal/run-light combo ...simplistically it's just a matter of the correct sockets and tapping the headlight circuit BUT IDEALLY the run light circuit should go OFF on the blinks to make a more noticeable signal.

[Jonesz]

Your headlight is the running light according to code, however more modern bikes can have turn-signal running lights PLUS headlight....

Your fairing...commonly have turnsignal/run-light combo ...simplistically it's just a matter of the correct sockets and tapping the headlight circuit BUT IDEALLY the run light circuit should go OFF on the blinks to make a more noticeable signal.

Yep I agree. I see lots of modern vehicles turn off the headlight when the turn signal comes on to make the signal more visable

[chris]

Hi, lots of choices out there for led turn signals that work as running lights front and rear and also brake lights. Some of the better quality ones are very bright and look better than oem.

[maisf]

Hi there! Welcome to the club... I have the exact same bike as you.

My 1979 GS850 has the same part in front and back. And they don't have running lights either.

We'll need a picture of your bike ASAP!!!

Frank

[Burque73]

Yup.

Not sure when the 850 got running lights, but they were on the '83.

I'll take any excuse to post a pic...

That's interesting. Mine does not have running lights, front or rear. It does have a fairing with turn signals in it so maybe the connections were lost up front. The rear however should still have them I'd think. Unless the CO (current owner) goofed moving the blinkers to the saddle bag mounts

[Steve]

The REAR lights were never "running lights", as they are amber. Rear running lights or tail lights MUST be red.

As I mentioned in post #4, some of the 'newer', larger bikes got them, but none of the smaller bikes. I has been a popular upgrade, though, which is made easier because of the brown wire that is available in the headlight bucket.

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[Grimly]

I has been a popular upgrade, though, which is made easier because of the brown wire that is available in the headlight bucket.

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A few years ago I connected the running light circuit in a Vetter fairing and shortly afterwards had a woman nearly pull out in front of me from a side street, because she saw the amber, which isn't a normal occurence here, amber running lights being almost totally absent. In fact, the only places you see them are on US imports.
Over there, with them being so common, I expect the incidence of that is far lower.

[Steve]

... had a woman nearly pull out in front of me from a side street, because she saw the amber, which isn't a normal occurence here, amber running lights being almost totally absent. ...

You're telling me that she SAW the light, RECOGNIZED it as 'unusual', then pulled out anyway?

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