new indicators arrived today from the UK

[Iahawk]

So I've been trying to figure out a way to light up my (inoperative, for US market) front indicators. I'd posted earlier about trying to find a bulb and socket to fit the opening to make them work and wasn't having any luck.

Then over Christmas it occurred to me to try to source some used ones from the UK (Ebay UK) that were already wired with bulb! I found 2 indicators from an S125 and ordered them. They were about $20 each, reasonable, and $37 shipping for a total of $77, US.

They arrived today and are a little different than I was expecting. I thought they would have a bulb (either amber or clear) that I could replace if I wanted the other color. Surprise (to me), they are equipped with permanent amber leds! 18 tiny little led bulbs that shine very bright when activated.

So the dilemma...or question...

Do I wire them up as permanent amber running lights and leave my existing pod turn signals? Would that look odd?

Do I remove my existing turn signals and wire these up as my turn signals? (for the International look?)

Do I wire them up as 'always on' running lights that also double as turn signals? (no clue how to do this one..is it possible?)

[Kansas kymco]

I think it boils down to  personal preference.  The scooter would look a lot cleaner with them used as turn indicators without the pods. What do have on the back of the scooter for indicators?

[Kansas kymco]

What I find odd is my GV has those same type built in lights front and back and they are DOT approved.  The pods definitely look add on.

[Iahawk]

KK, the rear signals are integrated into the large, one piece tail/brake light..

[Kansas kymco]

It would look better to lose the front pods but like I said it boils down to preference. 

Another option if you go with the new lights for indicators is to remove the pods and replace with small led driving lights. My Kawasaki Versys has those.

[Stig / Major Tom]

My thoughts:
Blinking front turn pods are very, very noticeable to drivers....as are front LED DRL's.
The combination of turn pods signaling your intention while motoring along with those very bright LED's as full time running lights is a good combination.
This is exactly how my Liberty was delivered, and I prefer the look.

Many think these pods look 'wrong'.
I don't.

Stig

 

[Iahawk]

you guys are giving me something to think about.

I like the idea of losing the turn signal pods....but I like even better the idea of having more light up front (visibility)...and I may be leaning toward Stig's idea of lighting them up as running lights while keeping the turn signal pods.

KKs suggestion of making them the new turn signals while adding some type of small driving light where the pods are/were is also appealing. I hadn't considered that.

Whatever I end up doing I want to add more light to the front.  Thanks for the input, guys.

[Kansas kymco]

Stigs idea would be the most economical and require the least modification. 

[Kansas kymco]

The other good thing about Stigs idea is your stator may not put out enough amperage to power the driving lights and the headlights.  My Super 8 even reduces the power to the headlight when idling to keep the battery from being depleated. I know my GV has a 30 watt halogen bulb that I thought of replacing with a 30 watt led. Decided to just leave the stock headlight until it burns out. I just don't ride in the dark to justify replacement.