Why Pilot Lights?

Deets55 said:

Anyone replace their pilot bulb with an LED and if so what bulb did they use?
1975 MKIII w/ positive earth.

Pete

Click to expand...

I put this in my pilot light position. I use it as a DRL. It is weak, but so far so good. Cost about $13, worth a try.

From SuperbrightLeds: BA9s LED Bulb - 9 LED Tower
Product Code: BA9s-xHP9

Jaydee

Years ago, people thought you were mad if you put lights on when it wasn't dark.

There was a "lighting up time" which was published for various UK towns, in diaries. It was 30 minutes after sunset.

At lighting up time, you had to put sidelights/pilot lights on, or you got a wigging from the bobbies. Or you could be charged.

Once it got so dark you couldn't find your way, you put the headlights on.

I hope you don't think I'm joking.

"I hope you don't think I'm joking."

I know you're not!

Those where the days when light was a commodity that had to be dispensed wisely. Just ask Joe Lucas.

Deets55 said:

Anyone replace their pilot bulb with an LED and if so what bulb did they use?
1975 MKIII w/ positive earth.

Pete

Click to expand...

Here is what I did for a Honda 250 single



I have another regular size reflector I am presently modifuing to add a ring of LEDs, I will post it when done. Look at diy-led-lights-cheap-t21177.html for some ideas on LEDs for motorcycles.

Jean

You must be old like me Thrasher, I remember those days too!!

I'm old enough American to remember anyone running with head lights in day light were attending a funeral or forgot their kids had played with the lights. Past American habit in the deep south was run with parking lights on near dawn and dusk as more pleasant for others w/o headlight glare when light enough out they didn't help see the road. Studies have been done that showed dayltime traffic with lights on both caused more accidents and lowered gas mileage. Most American towns cities were build in automobile era not wagons and hand carts so provided space to park off the road and off sidewalks with just reflexors to shine back at traffic. Halogen, LED and now Laser lights and good battery construction have changed darkness game rules for us. I would love to see the parked Commandos at rallys parked for hours with their parking pilot lights on, at least those still able to.

Strange law anyway, in what way is a parked vehicle more dangerous if parked counter to the flow of traffic than with the flow of traffic? A stationary vehicle is a stationary vehicle... Irrespective of which way its facing![/quote]

The rear of vehicle have reflectors designed into them. In NZ, it is illegal to park on the wrong side o the road [ probably because of this.]

Dereck

Here i Canada it's illegal to park wrong side of road . You must face forward. I use a turtle light LED bicycle stuffage to indicate presence . It's packed handy in case of roadside problems. Weighs about a gram. :wink:

I got satisfied once the old world conditions and traffic laws explained pilots lights but enjoy side tripping much as anyone...

Vesco fairing sunken turn signals have these stuck in for Peel fun and effective use. Park on LED ring and also running lights eyes either side of decent nose beam. JCWhiney catalog browsing find. Pilot PL-1093W.

DRIVING LIGHTS WITH BLUE LED ACCENT RING AND WHITE STROBE

Slim design-only 3-1/2" diameter x 3" deep-for easy mounting anywhere!
Preassembled wiring harness speeds up installation-no splicing needed
Gray cast aluminum housing with 55-Watt H3 halogen bulb

Control switch with double-sided tape measures 1-1/4"W x 1-3/4"L x 3/4"D. Includes adjustable mounting bracket, relay and fuse, screws, grommets and instructions. Sold in pairs.

Three Lights in One! Change Lighting with the Flick of a Switch!

Driving light casts a narrow, far-reaching beam for improved visibility-indigo blue lens simulates the illumination of white HID driving lights
Blue LED accent ring adds a cool, blue glow to the front of your car
White strobe light gets your attention at car shows!

"These lights are great for motorcycles!! I have added these to two of my bikes and love them. Very bright and light up the road better that the bike lights. Only wish the blue ring lights were brighter. Great buy."

kerinorton said:

Strange law anyway, in what way is a parked vehicle more dangerous if parked counter to the flow of traffic than with the flow of traffic? A stationary vehicle is a stationary vehicle... Irrespective of which way its facing!

Click to expand...

The rear of vehicle have reflectors designed into them. In NZ, it is illegal to park on the wrong side o the road [ probably because of this.]

Dereck[/quote]

It can get really dark in the UK what with all the rain etc. It was a requirement to show a light to prevent people driving into your parked car/motor bike/rubbish collection skip at night. When skips started being used, in the 60s/70s?? it seemed that nearly every week some stupid skip user was taken to court because his unlit skip had been hit by a motorcyclist. A lot of people died, believe it or not.
cheers
wakeup

Pack a Turtle . Cheap Insurance. And a great flashlight for campings. 2 levels , high speed flash ,battery lasts for 2 days or full LED , less than a day. Under 10 bucks for way more than bicycle apps. :|