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LED accent lighting

L

Larry Killebrew OK

Big Wheel
Saw a goldwing last night on Oklahoma I-40 that had very tasteful accent lighting, the lights appeared to be some sort of fiber optic or LED. The thing that stood out to me is how visible he was at dusk. I have seen bikes with ground effect, This guy did a great job. Got me to thinking have any of you done that with your C-10's???
 
I have wanted some led lights pointing to the ground to make it look like I am floating on a cloud but never done it. From what I have seen this group is not to heavy into the bling. I bet you can find someone to install them for you at your local hog rally though. :) ---------------------------------- South Central Area Director Email scad@cog-online.org
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<p align="left"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/20211686@N05/">My Photos<br
 
Lots of talk about reflective decals and such, but very little about accent lighting. I'm a big fan of LEDs though, low power consumption, imperceptible heat and 20 year life span. I think it's a great idea to start up some threads on it if we have any guys with experience (there always seems to be one, regardless of what it is, who has been doing it for years. :)) ::EDIT:: I should also mention that there are a LOT of prebuilt lighting kits for Goldwings, so what you saw may have been just soemthing he ordered off the Internet and plugged in.
 
WOW!!! I just logged on to start a discussion about LED's. I just ordered a kit from Florida-Joe and I am looking to install them real soon. I'm looking forward to the end result but not the installation. I am worried about properly placing the LED's and having them able to be disconnected when the sections of plastic are removed. On a side note Joe was the most reasonable priced kits around that I saw and when I had one fail during check out he replaced it and also added a couple more for free. If anyone has any thoughts or has done this please post with hints and or pictures that would help. I will post soon if I'm the Guinna pig.
 
Be werry of blue and red. I have heard of peaple getting tickets in there tuner cars with blue lights. check your local laws. I thought a red glow from the connies gills would be cool.
 
Take a look at the law, but understand the intent. They're trying to keep people from impersonating emergency services. Blue and Red lights in many circumstances could cause that confusion, but in others would not. LED's are available in a LOT of colors these days so there are choices.
 
Definately look at the laws, not only in your state but any state you plan on riding into. I remember that in SC there used to be a law that restricted red lights to rear view only and amber on the front and sides. So localities even have restrictions on having LED/NEON running while a vehicle is motion. Robert Elliott Cornelia, GA 2006 C10 COG # 7598 CDA#0293
 
Well I just got my LED's installed and they look great. Just reading these post and I never thought that the BLUE that I bought would be a problem with the law. I will definitely have to check the local laws before I hit the switch.
 
I contacted the MA state police and they said blue=police=ticket even if it's not flashing or oscillating. At best it will give them a chance to stop you. I guess I will just have to admire it while its parked, so much for riding on my cloud.
 
Swap'em out for purple or something that's legal. Also, did you ask them if the lights weren't visible but just reflecting off of your wheels or engine for example?
 
Did I tell you how much fun it was installing them(30 pairs of wires) the first time...LOL. I did email the suppler stating that he may want to state that the buyer should check there local ans state laws before purchasing. I also am considering replacing them with green. Did I tell you how much fun it was installing them(30 pairs of wires) the first time...LOL. Yes I explained to them that is glows from underneath (I will try to post a picture when I can)and it doesn't flash or strobe or oscillate. I am also reading that it may not matter the color that you may not be able to have any color due to distracting other motorist. Anyone notice those digital billboards? I am now wondering why I don't see many Connie's with LED's. I guess I'll be the '06 C10 parked at Ameriacade glowing blue :-( feeling blue.
 
LEOs tend to look at thing like this in very black and white (blue and red? :confuse:)perspectives. Also, "NO" is the easiest answer to give in this circumstance.
 
Yes the old 'let's ban them because they distract other motorists' scheme. Yet another in an endless line of legislative initiatives based purely on urban legend. No studies done, no facts presented no evidence anybody's ever even been distracted by them or that any ill effect resulted because they were. Shouldn't we also ban sports bras and bikini bottoms by this same logic? . The best example of this in recent history was the push to ban cell phones being used at gas pumps because of the risk that they'll ignite a fire. Problem with it is that there's no evidence that this has ever happened anywhere in the world, don't you think with 8 billion people in the world somebody somewhere would have started one of these fires if it was actually possible? Our legislators need to realize a couple of things. First off, we have plenty of real problems, there's no need to make up problems to fix. Second, just because they have the power to write laws doesn't mean we NEED new ones. Me personally, with'em already installed, I'd ride and see if I got pulled over for it. I'm betting you won't. I think motorcycles are looked at in a different light when it comes to safety, I certainly see Goldwings looking like Christmas Day riding around town all the time.
 
Here's the law on blue lights in North Carolina; (c) It is unlawful for any person to possess a blue light or to install, activate, or operate a blue light in or on any vehicle in this State, except for a publicly owned vehicle used for law enforcement purposes or any other vehicle when used by law enforcement officers in the performance of their official duties. As used in this subsection, unless the context requires otherwise, "blue light" means any forward facing blue light installed on a vehicle after initial manufacture of the vehicle; or an operable blue light which: (1) Is not (i) being installed on, held in inventory for the purpose of being installed on, or held in inventory for the purpose of sale for installation on a vehicle on which it may be lawfully operated or (ii) installed on a vehicle which is used solely for the purpose of demonstrating the blue light for sale to law enforcement personnel; (1a) Is designed for use by an emergency vehicle, or is similar in appearance to a blue light designed for use by an emergency vehicle; and (2) Can be operated by use of the vehicle's battery, the vehicle's electrical system, or a dry cell battery. Section 1a there pretty much makes it legal. I don't think there's any way that blue LED accent lights could be construed as being
designed for use by an emergency vehicle, or is similar in appearance to a blue light designed for use by an emergency vehicle
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Now that they are installed I'm going to try to go with them and if I get stopped I will see what happens and make a discussion after seeing how much of a hassle it may or may not be. Thanks for everyone's input
 
My friend tried that with his vehicle a couple years back, he had the led windshield washer lights (in blue). The cop didn't mind giving him an h.t.a. ticket.
 
Sure, the police are supposed to issue citations it's their job to enforce the law. It's not their job though to interpret the law, that's left to a judge. Having the windshield washer lights would be risky, forward facing blue light seems awful police-y to me. I'd look at it very differently if it were illuminating and reflecting off of the engine or the wheels for example. Hey, that brings in the big question. Where are pics? We want to see them!
 
Saw a goldwing last night on Oklahoma I-40 that had very tasteful accent lighting, the lights appeared to be some sort of fiber optic or LED.
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It is NOT POSSIBLE to have "tasteful accent lighting" on any motorcycle. It is just plain ghay. Go all out; Do purple. :)
 
es the old 'let's ban them because they distract other motorists' scheme. Yet another in an endless line of legislative initiatives based purely on urban legend. No studies done, no facts presented no evidence anybody's ever even been distracted by them or that any ill effect resulted because they were. Shouldn't we also ban sports bras and bikini bottoms by this same logic? . The best example of this in recent history was the push to ban cell phones being used at gas pumps because of the risk that they'll ignite a fire. Problem with it is that there's no evidence that this has ever happened anywhere in the world, don't you think with 8 billion people in the world somebody somewhere would have started one of these fires if it was actually possible? Our legislators need to realize a couple of things. First off, we have plenty of real problems, there's no need to make up problems to fix. Second, just because they have the power to write laws doesn't mean we NEED new ones. Me personally, with'em already installed, I'd ride and see if I got pulled over for it. I'm betting you won't. I think motorcycles are looked at in a different light when it comes to safety, I certainly see Goldwings looking like Christmas Day riding around town all the time. '06 C10 Brett Hatfield AMA# 1019197 COG# 8229 (CDA# 0267)
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Brett, years ago, in Los Angeles, there was a guy maned Caryl Chessman who used red lights to fool motorists into thinking he was a cop. He robbed, raped and killed several people there. I think he may be responsible for those prohibitions on using red and/or blue lights by the general public. Frankly, I prefer such a law. God knows there are enough crazies out there who would try the same thing. Here's a Wiki entry on Chessman
 
As used in this subsection, unless the context requires otherwise, "blue light" means any forward facing blue light installed on a vehicle after initial manufacture of the vehicle; or an operable blue light which: (1) Is not (i) being installed on, held in inventory for the purpose of being installed on, or held in inventory for the purpose of sale for installation on a vehicle on which it may be lawfully operated or (ii) installed on a vehicle which is used solely for the purpose of demonstrating the blue light for sale to law enforcement personnel; (2) Can be operated by use of the vehicle's battery, the vehicle's electrical system, or a dry cell battery. I think this one will cover everything else. How can you make it light up without power?
 
This is with 60 LED's doesn't seem like much but it's a lot of wiring.
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I'm guessing that you used 10 strips of 6 LEDs. Where did you place the strip to light your front wheel? Mike Aldea, COG-528 Charter Life AMA Hawthorne, NJ
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As used in this subsection, unless the context requires otherwise, "blue light" means any forward facing blue light installed on a vehicle after initial manufacture of the vehicle; or an operable blue light which: (1) Is not (i) being installed on, held in inventory for the purpose of being installed on, or held in inventory for the purpose of sale for installation on a vehicle on which it may be lawfully operated or (ii) installed on a vehicle which is used solely for the purpose of demonstrating the blue light for sale to law enforcement personnel; (1a) Is designed for use by an emergency vehicle, or is similar in appearance to a blue light designed for use by an emergency vehicle; and (2) Can be operated by use of the vehicle's battery, the vehicle's electrical system, or a dry cell battery. I think this one will cover everything else. How can you make it light up without power? Later, Charlie COG# 8048
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I'm no lawyer, nor do I play one on TV.... but my interpretation of the statute is both (1A) and (2) have to apply for the light to be illegal. I thought about doing something like this when I first got my C-10 back before 12 volts LEDs were available. In those days you needed expensive neon lights or large incandescent light fixtures which convinced me it wasn't worth the effort. But I'm reconsidering now that colored LED light clusters can be easily installed. Mike Aldea, COG-528 Charter Life AMA Hawthorne, NJ
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Did anyone get pictures of the ROK dudes 14 at the Nationals his was lit up pretty good. Still thought the Kawi green paint job was too bright. Respectfully Yours! Wess Heavner 2009 Hard Luck Award Winner! COG #8010 CDA #0239
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I don't have a picture but I know one is out there on some members web photos. If I find some time I will go look. ---------------------------------- South Central Area Director Email scad@cog-online.org
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<p align="left"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/20211686@N05/">My Photos<br
 
Most if not all states have statutes on the books that prohibit the installation or use of lighting in a vehicle that might lead someone to believe the vehicle is emergency services (police, fire, EMS). They are all worded a bit different, but the intent is the same. Typically, these equipment code violations warrant a citation, while the charge of impersonating emergency services may lead to arrest and/or impounding of the vehicle. You roll the dice and take the chance.... and sometimes you come up with snake eyes. BTW - Here is a photo of the ROK bike lit up.
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-- Steve Smith, COG #3184 COG Northeast Area Director (somewhere in south central CT)
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If you're not living on the edge, you're taking up too much space.
 
Well, I've had this installed for a couple of years and as of yet, no one has said a word. Course the photo is in complete darkness, my headlight might flood out ever seeing it from in front. <a href="http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/2474693790053698080FVQYcb"><img src="http://inlinethumb48.webshots.com/21231/2474693790053698080S425x425Q85.jpg" alt="IMG_0329"></a> That is one of those string like lights and yes, it is RED, and on the front. As for adding LED's to the connie, I recently bought some and they are RED also. Like someone said, should look good coming from the gills. Will try to install the next off season, like Jan 2010. tcars John
 
I added blue LED lighting to the "gills" on my 06 connie. Looks real nice at night. On another note, I also have a headlight modulator installed, only works during daylight hours...and have had people pull over, guess they were feeling guilty for something...and they are legal in ALL 50 states. I could understand red and blue flashing lights would be considered illegal if used with the headlight module, and that's a line I won't cross. I run with the blue lights on at night and so far no problems, but it's also a rural area, so not a true big city test.
 
I've installed BLUE LED's on my 2001, they are indirect, creating a glow more then lots of light.    I hear Blue lights will get you stopped, but ti depends on if the officer is feeling like a bad ass or not....... cops have seen me and no problem so far.
 
My 60 leds consist of 10 pods of 4 and 20 single leds. The front wheel is a pod aiming down under the headlight. I have run with them on a lot even passed a couple of police and nothing happened. I don't drive like an idiot but I'm sure if I did it would give them an excuse to talk to me.
 
I am sure if I read through all the post (looks like this has been a quiet topic for awhile) I am sure there is a mention or two about "what the cops look for." I have been told by a few police friends that anything out of the ordinary are called "LOOK AT MEs" We all break the rules, most of the time we get away with it...why...no one is looking. When you give someone reason to stare that's all the more reason for them to catch you doing something wrong! When adding the accent lighting to my old and now new concours, I have tried to give it the "SEE ME" not the stare at me look.  Done right LEGAL lights can give just as cool looks as "LOOK AT MEs" BUT LEGAL ALL THE WAY.
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I will admit the bright flashing Brake light is a "LOOK AT ME" but I would like everyone to see my a$$ end. Usually stopping does not involve breaking the law!

 
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