Ahoy!

So am I correct in saying our bikes do not come equipped with a hazard signal feature. In other words, in case of emergency on the road, what would the proper signaling method be?

I know when I first got the bike, I ran out of gas on the highway (ya I know stupid, first bike, no fuel gauge, etc...) anyways, I was sort of surprised that there was not any sort of emergency signal. I simply had to use my left indicator to hop into the emergency lane.

Does this constitute a safety issue to any of you?

-George

IF I'm on the side of the road I turn the key all the way to the left so that my headlight and taillight are still on. But, yeah hazard lights would be kinda nice.

Mary

I bet it wouldn't be difficult to wire a switch up.

Also, I was thinking of wiring a button that activates both high and low beams. I find that if I move the stock rocker switch right in the middle of the high and low beam they both activate already. Some roads I travel at night tend to be dark and without street lamps so an extra bright light would help out.

Is there anything adverse that anyone could see with doing something like this?

My preference would be to leave the indicator on that signals may intention to come back onto the road.

If I have an indicator signalling to the side, people assume I am there to stay and will more likely switch their brain back off. BUT, if it looks like I might come back onto the road, people will be more alert as they pass.

As for your headlight... if you have both high and low on at the same time, you are drawing double from the battery. 55w + 60w is 115w. I'm not a battery expert, but I don't think our small bike batteries can handle that for much too long.

Guy I ride with has just installed some LED lights. He says the draw is negligible.

Michael

Headlamp bulbs are not designed to operate with both filliments lit, it wont take long for the extra heat generated to kill them. And thats assuming the switch/cables/connectors/ can cope with about double the normal amount of curent flowing though them long term, and that the battery/charging system can keep up.

Quote from: pixlgeek on May 02, 2010, 12:06:15 AM
Also, I was thinking of wiring a button that activates both high and low beams.
Is there anything adverse that anyone could see with doing something like this?

I wouldn't do this with the stock headlamp due to the previously mentioned reason of over-heating the bulb/electrical circuit.  I don't know how much our little alternators can handle.. but it would put "double" the draw if not more (due to heat loss.)  You could do it with an LED bulb in there but they are supposed to be bright enough that you don't need to.  Also, the bulb that goes in the GS headlamp (at least in the E's) is a very common bulb and they have a whole set of "xx% brighter" bulbs at Autozone.  I think the ~50% brighter / wider range bulbs are like $30..? If i knew that I would have gone that route instead of getting the Emgo from the local bike shop for $11.  It seems a little dull to me.  The low beam at night is horrible.  The high beam is okay but you can't use it if there is any on coming traffic (at night anyway... high beam is always on during the day!)