Indicators continuously lit?

[MsKABC]

Is it common for some makes of bike to have indicators that are continuously lit (when headlight is on) and then when indicating a turn the appropriate indicator flashes? (Whilst other indicator remains continuously lit.)

Urgent reply would be appreciated as this is a bike we're looking to buy.

Cheers

[Hitcher]

Some Suzuki models do this - both of Mrs H's Marauders were thusly afflicted. So too was my Kawasaki ZRX1200R. I think it's a US/Canadian market thing.

[MsKABC]

Some Suzuki models do this - both of Mrs H's Marauders were thusly afflicted. So too was my Kawasaki ZRX1200R. I think it's a US/Canadian market thing.

Cheers Hitcher, it's a Honda Bros, we didn't expect this on a jap bike. Can you change it, or do you just live with it? It has a current WOF so from that perspective it's not an issue. Safety concern perhaps?

[Hitcher]

It can be changed, if that is your desire.

[MsKABC]

It can be changed, if that is your desire.

I shall speak to my husband about such desires then.

Minds out of the gutters thank you boys, I was talking about his especially excellent mechanical/engineering skills being put to use on the aforementioned modification

[shingo]

Many of the naked Hondas have constantly lite front indicators. They run a twin filament bulb with a 21w(main indicator) and 5w(secondary light) filament.

I wouldn't consider it a safety issue, if anything it's just another way to help people see you.

[Ixion]

It is a safety feature, they are considered running lights. Unfortunately, they are illegal under NZ law (which is stupid). The most common arrangement is simply that the indicator has a twin filament bulb instead of the usual single filament. To disable the running light, just cut the wire!

[Badjelly]

It is a safety feature, they are considered running lights. Unfortunately, they are illegal under NZ law (which is stupid).

I'm not so sure it's stupid. It seems to me that using the indicator light for any purpose other than indicating runs the risk of reducing its indicativeness.

I do know that in the USA they use the rear brake lights as indicators. (When the brake lights are off, they flash on to indicate; when the brake lights are on, they flash off.) That is stupid. The NZ law is probably intended to prevent such abominations.

[MsKABC]

It is a safety feature, they are considered running lights. Unfortunately, they are illegal under NZ law (which is stupid). The most common arrangement is simply that the indicator has a twin filament bulb instead of the usual single filament. To disable the running light, just cut the wire!

So if it's illegal, presumably it has been missed in all WOFs since it was imported in '02? Odd...

[MsKABC]

I'm not so sure it's stupid. It seems to me that using the indicator light for any purpose other than indicating runs the risk of reducing its indicativeness.

Yeah, that's what I was getting at when I questioned it as a safety issue. Wonder how true this actually is...?

[Chisanga]

My 2006 Honda VTR 250 had these "running lights" seem to make the bike more visible at a distance.... although not for one clueless twat who pulled out in front of me one time

[Murray]

Is it common for some makes of bike to have indicators that are continuously lit (when headlight is on) and then when indicating a turn the appropriate indicator flashes? (Whilst other indicator remains continuously lit.)

Urgent reply would be appreciated as this is a bike we're looking to buy.

Cheers

It is a safety feature, they are considered running lights. Unfortunately, they are illegal under NZ law (which is stupid).

I have an old CB750 which the front indicators both light up when the lights are on and flash when you use them. I actually like it as it increases other peoples visability of the bike. I can't see how they are illegal as mine has had no trouble passing wof's at any stage and no cop's ever mentioned them???

[MsKABC]

I have an old CB750 which the front indicators both light up when the lights are on and flash when you use them. I actually like it as it increases other peoples visability of the bike. I can't see how they are illegal as mine has had no trouble passing wof's at any stage and no cop's ever mentioned them???

Sounds like it might be a common Honda-ism then?

[BevanPT]

Must be a Honda thing. I have the same thing on my CB400. It can't be illegal as I've passed every warrant over the past few years. It definitely helps when the headlight blows and you have no front light.

[vagrant]

See section 4-4 of the WOF regs for motorcycle lighting,
WOF rules for Motorcycle lighting

They are legal, but para 10 says that they must not operate when the headlight is on. (I don't think too many WOF shops know or care about it)
The Get Out is Note 2, which says that if the manufacturer made them like that, they can stay.


There used to a plugin blackbox that made your indicators do this. They were called "daylights" or something like that. (I know Motomail sold them in the old days)


There have been loads of studies and arguments about DRL's. One of the bigger points against compulsory DRL's on cars was that motorcycle's with headlights one would be less conspicuous against all the car lights.

Good luck and enjoy the Bros, They are good fun to ride.