Need Help..Confused

[pieceofficer]

Alright...quick question...I am sure an easy answer...

In my headlight I have a small bulb..much like a flashlight bulb.. I ordered the wings of gold, running light conversion about a year ago and also a replacement LED bulb for this flashlight bulb...I just now installed the LED bulb...and it works fine...but only with the key to the far counter clockwise position...but the headlight and taillight come on as well... I thought that this was to be the ONLY light to come on with the key in that position....the idea being you could park your bike with this LED light on...and without a quick discharge of the battery...for locating the bike..etc. OR can you tell me if this is the correct sequence of operation...and what is the light for if I am mistaken...

:confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused:

[messenger13]

When the key is in the far left position, two lamps are supposed to be lit. The parking light up front, and the middle tail light. That's it. If your headlight's coming on, something is wrong.

[pieceofficer]

Joe,
You are absolutely correct...I am tired...it is just the parking lights(turn signals) up front...my headlight is in a box in the other part of the garage...haha

And also the rear center parking light comes on...

Can you tell me the purpose of this little light? I was under the impression in the far left key position the little light would be all that was lit....

SO now I am trying to figure out what it is for...and why I felt the need to buy a replacement LED bulb... :rolleyes:

[Morley]

When the key is in the far left position, two lamps are supposed to be lit. The parking light up front, and the middle tail light. That's it. If your headlight's coming on, something is wrong.
I guess mine is goofy too. The pilot light (park lamp) on mine only comes on when the key is turned to the "on" position. I thought I'd read that it was supposed to come on when fully left and handlebars not locked. Guess I read right and mine is kaput.

[Zotter]

It's a "German" thing - well, that's where I saw it a lot.

All vehicles in Germany (maybe other European countries too?) have these low light/night time marker lights. Some of the roads there are beyond what we'd call narrow - down right skinny. If you park your vehicle on the side of some of these roads, you're supposed to leave these 'parking lights' on for safety. Idea was to prevent accidents, but not run the battery flat. Minimal current draw while doing the job.

Such scenarios would be visiting at a friends house, parking at the local gasthaus, make'n a quick run to the 'news stand' after dusk. Basically going someplace that didn't have a parking lot. Most folks would rather just walk though.

And no, they weren't intended to be left on all night. Few hours at most.

[pozo_izquierdo]

I guess mine is goofy too. The pilot light (park lamp) on mine only comes on when the key is turned to the "on" position. I thought I'd read that it was supposed to come on when fully left and handlebars not locked. Guess I read right and mine is kaput.

Is there a misunderstanding somewhere? :confused:
The parking lights come on when you at first have your handlebars locked (left or right, doesn't matter) and then turn the key further counterclokwise one notch. Then you can also remove the key from the ignition lock.

That's how mine works at least...

Regards

[Morley]

Is there a misunderstanding somewhere? :confused:
The parking lights come on when you at first have your handlebars locked (left or right, doesn't matter) and then turn the key further counterclokwise one notch. Then you can also remove the key from the ignition lock.

That's how mine works at least...

Regards
Nope, not misunderstanding. I tried mine again lastnight after re-reading this thread. Handlebars locked or unlocked, key all the way to the left (CCW) until key can be removed...no lights front or back.

[dshealey]

Yes, this is a German thing. In many circumstances it is a requirement to have parking lights lit when parked at night, front and rear. This is from a website for Heidelberg:

"Parking lights must be used unless the vehicle is illuminated by an all-night streetlight. Streetlights that are not illuminated throughout the night bear a red and white stripe."

The LT has the small bulb in the headlight, and the center tail light wired to come on in this position. It is a good thing to use if you ever get stranded and have to leave the bike by the road for a little while. If the battery is good, it should last for quite a few hours only running those two bulbs.

My 740iL has the feature that if you hold the turn signal lever either down or up (depending on which side is to the road) when you turn off the ignition that side will remain on constantly. That way you only run two bulbs, not 4.

[kriach]

My 07 LT is like Ari's The park lights can only be turned on when the forks are full left or right as the key will not go turn CCW past the accessory setting unles the sterring is full left or right.



Ken

[ibbones]

My 07 LT is like Ari's The park lights can only be turned on when the forks are full left or right as the key will not go turn CCW past the accessory setting unles the sterring is full left or right.Ken

Same on my 2002. Do not really use it too often.

[cfell]

Yeah.. those are your "parking" lights... when on the side of the road you turn them on to give the "impaired" drivers something to aim at... the red taillight.

[pieceofficer]

Thanks for all the info...

Now I have confirmed it... I wasted the money replacing that bulb.. :rotf: stupid light...and as I said, I was under the impression that it was supposed to stay lit when parked with steering wheel locked and key to the furthest CCW. Well...since I added the running lights...they are tied into the front bulb...so they come on as well. So now running 4 bulbs. I will change out the rear center and the two turns for LEDs in the near future...so the option will still be available at a lower current draw.

I also am replacing the back lights of the Speedo cluster with Blue or Red, I ordered each color so I can determine what I like and what is most visible. Kinda wanted Blue since the SmarTire is Blue backlight.

Bill