Running lights???

[MOs850L]

I'm confused. Can someone please tell me if the 83 GS850L front turn signals also have running lights? I have an extra set of leads in the head light bucket and assumed they were for the running lights. I can't seem to find a 3 lead set of front turn signals. Also, my 2 manuals only show 2 leads on the schematic.

MO

[phaedrus]

'83 GS850L Running Lights

I'm confused. Can someone please tell me if the 83 GS850L front turn signals also have running lights? I have an extra set of leads in the head light bucket and assumed they were for the running lights. I can't seem to find a 3 lead set of front turn signals. Also, my 2 manuals only show 2 leads on the schematic.

MO

It definitely sounds like your bike is wired for running lights. We replaced the turn signals on my son's '85 GS550EF recently. The front lights are running lights as well as turn signals. I really like having the running lights ... I had them on a '79 KZ400 and a '82 CB900F, but not on my 2002 Bandit ... I wonder when the industry moved away from them?

Check with the Flanders Company, http://www.flanderscompany.com, for after-market, DOT approved, practically OEM turn signals. They are high quality and appear identical to OEM. You may need to call them ... I tried to find your bike but 850 is not available as a pull-down for engine size. I found '83 GS550L lights ... the fronts are 2 filament / 3 lead; I wonder if they are the same assemblies? The web site has photos.

On my son's bike: GRAY is for the running lights, BLK/WHT is chassis ground, BLK is the left turn signal, and GRN is the right turn signal.

Hope this helps,
phaedrus

[Billy Ricks]

Gnerally Suzuki used running lights up front. Just check the bulbs and see if they have two filaments. There is also generally an extra set of leads in the bucket meant to be used as accessory power.

[Steve]

Check the stems coming from the turn signals. There might be two or three wires. One will definitely have a large ring terminal on it and will be grounded to the turn signal stem mount. One will have a bullet connector that goes in the headlight bucket for the turn signal. If there is a third wire, it's for the marker lights.

It is also quick enough to remove the turn signal lens and bulb. Examine the socket to see if it is a single- or double-contact base. It is possible that you might have a double-contact base and a broken wire, so you can only see two coming out the stem. 8-[


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[MOs850L]

Thanks, that's the a very good site. I've never owned a bike that didn't have running lights as standard equipment. The GS850L is a great bike, but it's sometimes hard to find parts for it. I'd like to order a set, but I couldn't find a matching 3 lead set. I wonder if a 2 lead set w/dual filaments would work? I did see some that looked like mine.

MO

[phaedrus]

Thanks, that's the a very good site. I've never owned a bike that didn't have running lights as standard equipment. The GS850L is a great bike, but it's sometimes hard to find parts for it. I'd like to order a set, but I couldn't find a matching 3 lead set. I wonder if a 2 lead set w/dual filaments would work? I did see some that looked like mine.

MO

I think I'd try to give them a call. A 2 lead set w/dual filaments would imply the return side is through the chassis; if this is true it would probably work, but I would consider adding large ring lugs and connecting them to the chassis ground connections. Maybe 2 lead dual filament lights come with the lugs already. There was another post that mentioned ring lugs.

For other parts ... have you tried http://www.flatoutmotorcycles.com ? I've had very good luck finding all sorts of OEM parts.

good talking to you,
phaedrus

[bwringer]

My '83 GS850G uses front running lights:



In comparing bikes at rallies, we're pretty sure that most, if not all, GS models went to front running lights in '83.

[MOs850L]

Thanks to everyone that replied. I'm going to try the 2 lead/dual filament. I'll be sure to check for the correct ground 1st.

MO