In the interest of increased safety and visibility, especially at dusk and at night, I’ve been interested in converting my 2008 Triumph Bonneville standard wiring and lighting setup to allow for “running lights.” By this I mean the feature where not only is the headlight and taillight on at all times while riding, but the turn signals are also “on” at a lower brightness, and flash to a brighter setting when used for signaling. To do this requires a double filament bulb with three wires, similar to the taillight bulb.
I prefer the retro look, so I ordered 2 pairs of bullet style marker lights from New Bonneville. These marker lights are manufactured by Lockhart Phillips USA. This particular set are brushed aluminum and come with clear lenses, and amber doble filament bulbs.
Lockhart Phillips retro style bullet marker lights from New Bonneville – photo by Lee Hoffner.
Following the wiring instructions on the package, some helpful discussion threads on TriumphRat.net, and with the extra hands of my fellow Bonneville-enthusiast Lee (thanks for the photos!), we were able to achieve my goal!
Front marker lights used as running lights and turn signals.
Rear bullet market lights custom installed on newly repainted rear fender! – Photo by Lee Hoffner
Other electrical and lighting changes I made in this process were the “Easy Start Headlight Control Module” from New Bonneville, as well as their front and rear wiring harnesses for easier installation. I also upgraded my Lucas rear brake light lens with a replacement unit from Dime City Cycles.
Dime City Cycles replacement taillight for Lucas style light being wired up and tested. That’s a double filament taillight bulb. – Photo by Lee Hoffner
Fully tested Lucas style taillight mounted on a freshly repainted rear fender, ready for the new lens. – Photo by Lee Hoffner
The final taillight assembly mounted and working! – Photo by Lee Hoffner
I’m really digging the new look and the running lights capability! – photo by Lee Hoffner
Hi Randy. Did you have any issues with getting the running lights to glow? I’ve installed a Lucas taillight and L-P indicators using a NB harness. Everything is wired properly, I believe. The brake light works and the turn signals work but none of the running lights do. I thought it might be the circuit so I tested all fuses with a continuity tester and they are all good. Any ideas as to what might be the issue? Rudy
Hey Now..I’m having the same issue. All my lights work when activated but don’t otherwise…. Have u figured out what’s up with that….christowns
Rudy,
So, there are three wires in the new L-P bullet lights. One is a ground, one is the turn signal (flasher), and these 2 will be hooked into the Triumph harness just as the stock turn signals were. The third wire will be for the running light and it needs to be hooked to a wire that is hot only when the ignition switch is in the “on” position. I believe I had to find that third wire to make the running lights work.
The wiring diagram in the Haynes manual should be helpful to find that wire.
Randy
Actually, I’m using the NewBonneville harness which has the running light wiring. The whole circuit seems kaput. I need to trace it tonight with a multimeter and see if I find a break somewhere.
Rudy
http://bonniecafe.com/
Randy,
I just upgraded my 2010 Scrambler with the NB “plug/play” running lights package and am also experiencing issues. Mine seems limited to rear lights? Running lights on rear work sporadically. When they’re not working, all lights on rear fender are off until I apply foot or hand brake – then brake light on rear illuminates, same with turns signals – off until I signal a turn. What did you discover if you’ve had a chance to look into it?
thanks,
Erin
Erin,
It sounds like you’ve got more than one issue at work here. Sporadic operation seems to indicate some loose connections. Lights only working when brakes are applied seems to indicate a grounding problem. I would recheck all the connections, and make sure everything is grounded properly. If that doesn’t uncover the problem, you may need to enlist an experienced electrical system troubleshooter to identify the source of the problem. You might also try looking at TriumphRAT.net for discussion on this topic.
Good luck!
Randy
Rudy,
OK, good luck. Hey… I like what you’ve been doing to your blog site!
Randy
Thanks, Randy. I like your site also. Lots of good information.
Hey Now…I’m having the same issue as Erin. My lights work when applying the break or thumb switching the turn signals but don’t work other wise …what could the problem be..2015 T100
My issue ended up being a broken wire in bike harness, no fault of the New Bonneville lights package or installation. Thankfully it was covered by my Triumph warranty.
I discovered my issue was a broken wire in bike harness that had nothing to do with New Bonneville’s lighting package. They work great. Thankfully the fix was covered under my Triumph warranty.