Turn signal eliminator

[500rider]

Has anybody else done this?

I used a trailer light converter to turn my tail/brake light into turn signals as well.  

The converter is used for a trailer that only has two lights on the rear and no independant turn signals.  It takes the four light system from the car(tail lights and amber turn signals) and converts it to a two light system.

A friend did this to his SV650 and I liked it so much I did it to the GS.

It completely eliminates the rear turn signals.  So far, cars behind me do not seem to be confused.  One effect of doing this was that the signals flash about twice as fast when signalling and braking at the same time.  Any electrical engineers out there to explain this?  I am planning on going to LED lights as well so I will see what effect that has on the flashing frequency.  If that does not fix it I may try an electronic flasher unit.

The cost for the converter was about $30CAN.  You have to replace the current connector for the taillight but the way I did it, it is fully convertible back to stock operation just by disconnecting the converter and re-installing the turn signals.  If anyone would like more details, let me know.  

Once I do the fender eliminator thing it should really clean up the looks.

[dmp221]

I don't mean to insult, or to diminish the effort you've put forth.  The mechanics of your turn-signal mod was well-thought out, and a successful job is always satisfying.  My sincere criticism is that I'm just not so sure about the safety of this one.  If I understand it, your amber, stick-type turn signals in the rear are gone...and now when you activate your signal, the left or right bulb in the relatively small tail/brake housing flashes??  

As amber is the universally recognized TURN signal, and red is the universally recognized STOP signal, I can see a driver (especially your typically half-awake, distracted cagers), becoming confused...with a possibly dangerous result.   What if a cager asumes a STOP, and begins to pull around you, as you begin to execute a turn RIGHT IN THE FOLLOWING DRIVER'S PATH?

Again, I really don't mean to stick a pin in your balloon, and maybe I'm being overly safety-conscious...any other opinions??

respectfully,
Don

[rjsjr]

I would tend to be less concerned about the color of the turn signal than the lack of seperation between left and right indications (but I think amber turn signals are a good idea as well).  With only a 3" or so center to center difference between the two bulbs it can be easy for a driver behind you to think you are changing lanes or turning in the opposite direction your intending and end up running into you as a result.  It may be obvious to you, but if the bike is moving around at 70 mph and some dumba$$ is speeding behind you while on the cell (all to frequent around here) it seems all to easy for them to misinterpret your signal and result in a nasty collision.

[500rider]

Thanks for your opinions guys!   I agree completely with what you say and I am also just as safety conscious as the next guy (I always ride with full gear including jacket and joe rocket pants).  

The first time I rode behind that SV650 with the same conversion, I had no problem reading the turn signals.  I didn't even know he had done the conversion until I saw it.  

You may be right though about someone who's not quite paying attention.  A lot of people drive around on "autopilot".

Food for thought.

Rob

[The Buddha]

Get a wagner 552 flasher unit from a autoparts store. That takes care of the fast flash...
Cool.
Srinath.

[yamahonkawazuki]

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Get a wagner 552 flasher unit from a autoparts store. That takes care of the fast flash...
Cool.
Srinath.

hmmm, i use those on my pizza hut sign. wired into a cig lighter plug. makes the sign flash :mrgreen: