I assumed (I know...) the two tail light bulbs in my '03 SH were parallel, i.e., both brake lights, and both running lights. However...

Doing some investigation ahead of installing an LED tail light, it appears on my bike the right (facing bike from rear) bulb is dedicated BRAKE, and the left is dedicated TAIL light.

Is this the stock approach, one bulb is brake, one is tail?

Thanks,
Alan

 

No that's not right. Somebody modified it if that's how it's working. Your first assumption was correct.

 

Actually, upon further experimentation, it looks like the Left is tail/brake, and the right is Brake only. And that could be because the right side Tail filament is burned out... Thanks, CrankenFine, for the quick reply.

Alan

 

Does it look like home made wiring or are the wires the stock colors?

You don't want to leave it that way if you can avoid it.

 

I initially had a similar problem with mine and assumed burned out filament in the left lamp. Turned out to be a problem with the lamp not staying fully seated in the socket. Pressing it in repeatedly solved the issue.

 

smokenJoe, crankenfine, thanks for the words. I will work on it this weekend.

As for the wiring, it appears on cursory inspection as if the tail light wires are stock. A prior owner (I'm the third, reportedly) moved the license plate and I think it's those wire (light) that are bundled together and sitting loose.

It could well be the bulb's not seated, too. I didn't see any issues...until I started futzing with it. LOL.

I'll come back with my results after I'm done with it, for future reference.

Thanks,
Alan

 

Ok, got the tail lights figured out. The one in the right socket, after I messed with it, decided it preferred to be in the left socket. The one in the left socket was cool with being in either. LOL. They both work now, as advertised: both provide tail light function, and brake light. Case closed.

BTW,the LED tail light is awesomely bright. Can any of you guys see it from your place?

Thanks for the help...

Alan

 

Let me look out the window, BRB.

 

If you can see it in Gettysburg, Wolverine, that'll do. LOL.

 

You're good then. Great job!