UK Lighting on VN900

[BikerEm]

Here are two lighting questions for UK brothers and sisters ...

1. When the motor is running are the front indicators normally on in a low power mode as forward facing low glow running lights and are the lenses colored yellow/orange?

2. Does the headlight dip straight up and down in a symmetrical manner or dip to the left?

Thanks

[Vulcanolic]

1. The indicators only lightup when used. The lenses are orange/amber.
2. Headlight symmetrically up and down.

[BikerEm]

Thanks very much Vulcanolic. Do you or anyone else know if:

1. Front indicators being permanently lit up in a low power daylight running mode is legal in the UK? I'm wondering if any bikes in the UK do that.
2. Front headlight not having an "E" mark on the glass is legal in the UK? Mine dips symmetrically up and down. It also has PIAA bulbs but that's an easy fix if not legal.
3. Any other gotchyas importing US (California) spec bikes to the UK?

After many fabulous years working in the US we're looking at a job transfer back to the UK.

[Vulcanolic]

I think the indicators have to be turned off, only to be displayed when turning.
Don't worry about the headlight, the "E" is a European trademark for safety standard. More important with helmets then, for instance, a headlight.

Don't quote me on this but I think that the rear indicators are ok in amber, but not in red or white.
There has to be a distinction between the rear light, brake light and indicators.

In all though mate, these are easy to fix and cheap.

[BikerEm]

Originally Posted by Vulcanolic

I think the indicators have to be turned off, only to be displayed when turning.
Don't worry about the headlight, the "E" is a European trademark for safety standard. More important with helmets then, for instance, a headlight.

Don't quote me on this but I think that the rear indicators are ok in amber, but not in red or white.
There has to be a distinction between the rear light, brake light and indicators.

In all though mate, these are easy to fix and cheap.

Thanks for the info Vulcanolic.

Fixing the indicators should not be rocket science. In the ideal world it would be as simple as a bulb change but that's probably too easy!

Is the lens for the the rear light and brake light a different color on your UK bike then? Mine is red all over.

My rear indicators are amber so no problem there.

[Hot Cruiser]

A few years ago when we moved to the UK I brought along my Calif/American spec. Yamaha 650. No problem getting it licenced in the UK - DVLC people were only interested in the date of manufacture and the serial number, and the MOT inspection "Pass" certificate. They also took my Calif. title pink slip.

[BikerEm]

Originally Posted by Hot Cruiser

A few years ago when we moved to the UK I brought along my Calif/American spec. Yamaha 650. No problem getting it licenced in the UK - DVLC people were only interested in the date of manufacture and the serial number, and the MOT inspection "Pass" certificate. They also took my Calif. title pink slip.

That's good to know. How did you get the bike to the MOT station and did you still have your CA US plates on it or were they removed at export?

I'm supposing that the bikes get through customs and then I'll need to get them MOT tested and DVLC approved for use on the UK roads. How to get them insured while riding them to the MOT and any DVLC inspection locations?

[Vulcanolic]

Originally Posted by BikerEm

Thanks for the info Vulcanolic.

Fixing the indicators should not be rocket science. In the ideal world it would be as simple as a bulb change but that's probably too easy!

Is the lens for the the rear light and brake light a different color on your UK bike then? Mine is red all over.

My rear indicators are amber so no problem there.

No mate, the brake light and normal rear light is also red all over.
So no problems there then .

[insolentminx]

Originally Posted by BikerEm

Is the lens for the the rear light and brake light a different color on your UK bike then? Mine is red all over.

my lenses are clear all round, but the bulbs are coloured.
originally the turn signals had an orange lense and the tail/brake light had a red lens, but i swapped them for clear lenses and orange/red bulbs as appropriate.

turn signals (indicators) must light amber/orange.
brake and tail light must light red.

i'm pretty sure that the turn signals being used as running lights is illegal.