Modern Vespa

We're talking GTS, converting the turn signal lights to running lights plus turn signals.

So, first I wanted to add LED bulbs to the existing turn signal bulb.

Then I was hoping to find a dual-filament solution, so I wouldn't have to drill a hole and risk a questionable result.

NOW, I'm discovering an all-new (to me) situation: the new GTS lights appear to have TWO turn signal bulbs in each housing, and my 2007 was an earlier model with only one bulb.

So, this changes everything. Now I can make one of the bulbs the running light and keep the other for the turn signal. I'd have to test if these bulbs alone are bright enough, and find a way to wire them so the blinking turn signal is visible (and voodooscooterparts may just have the wiring solution).

This is what I found:



Left is the "old" one-bulb version, right is the "new" version.

And, unfortunately, there's a catch with this new version: it sits so tight that it seems to damage the paint on every GTS that has it installed. I'll make a separate post about that.

Next steps: wait for my LEDs to compare those with the existing bulbs to find the brighter one, then probably buy two new housings for two bulbs and wire them appropriately.

Voodooscooterparts, are you listening? There's an adapter to be built

Awesome! I've never seen the dual-bulb housing yet. Definately let us know how it works. Bummer about it scraping the paint, though.

I would think if you chose a white/clear bulb for the running light, that it would be overpowered by the amber signal light, especially if the amber one was of greater wattage. Not sure, just a guess. Or maybe just use a lower wattage amber bulb for the running light, and have the brighter one act as the signal. That's how it seems to be for a lot of the larger cruiser bikes, although they usually just use one dual-filament bulb.

Edit: link is corrected

Witch,
thanks for your comment and I actually prefer an amber running light. Every time I see one on a car, it so stands out from the otherwise white lights.

I had no idea how never-ending this story is, though, as a new and potentially best solution has just emerged in my other thread here .

This would let me keep the "old" lamp housing, my paint around it, and a brighter (10W), amber running light.

Wow, I just got a GTS 300 Super produced in June, delivered to me in July. I just had a look and it has only one bulb in the front turn signal. I wonder when they started to put two bulbs in?

link is to this thread...

I hear ya! And thanks for the pictures. If you (or anyone else) could get a shot of the POD blinker connectors, that would be great.

Duh! See how confused I am. Thanks for pointing it out.

The correct thread link is this one

I have a 2010 Super and it only has 1 bulb. Whats the deal ???

Hey,

Does anyone know where I can find a clear break down of the spec of each factory bulb in the GTS 300?

I want to upgrade all to LED and get a HID for the headlight.

Cheers,

You can probably just line the light opening with a thick clear tape or electrical tape (even the colored tape) leaving just a hair on the outside lip of the opening to avoid this. I bet it will work, protecting the paint from chipping while you shoehorn the new lights in there. I would be happy to test it for you and take pics if you send me a set of the new lights for my 300. I guarantee I can get it in without damaging the paint.

What about grinding or filing down so of that extra plastic on the edges. It's amazing how much can be removed without damaging the product as a whole.

Windbreaker,
First, Thx for the excellent post. I always pay attention to your post as you always have something interesting to say. Thx.

My 2009GTV does not have the dual bulb fixture so I'd be interested in where you might find them.

If you use the seach funtion and search on "hoppy" you will find a post that shows how a relay from NAPA that will allow you to cycle one bulb on and the other off if that's important to you.

Lastly, I've been thinking about lighting for several months and I've a project that I'll post over the holiday break that will convert the turn indicators (both front and rear) to turn indicators, running lights, and flashers.
Best
Miguel

Thanks Miguel, and I look forward to your coming post on your 3-in-1 lighting project. If I can still integrate your emergency flasher setup, I'd be interested.

For the dual-bulb lights I'd go to my local Vespa dealer and order them. If you look in the parts manual (I keep forgetting where it is hosted), they actually show the dual-bulb version there (at least in my copy).

@ VEZPA,
Thanks for your offer to try out the lamp insertion, very generous of you. I thought about it long and hard and have to pass. I can't justify to burden you with such complicated tests
BTW, we touched up the paint damage, and when it was all dry, Salima inserted the lights--without a hitch. I assume they installed the lights at the factory when the paint was still wet.

Anyone able to assist me??? I need this info so I can begin looking for good upgrades online..

Hella makes some great LED strip lights for cars, i'm sure you can find a place for these (vertically).

http://www.automagazined.com/2009/03/luxury-car-accessories-hella-led-daytime-running-lights/

Seth

Oh! The part cost like $35 each..
Few weeks ago I put my stock with one bulb housing in the oven to loose up the glue to pull off the lens but glue was very stubborn so I put in like 3-5 min more and it got in bad shape, melt! So I had my dealer ordered me a new one, I came over to pick up but it has dual bulbs ! I almost have them order other side so I can use them but decided to use only one bulb housing so I use the led strip inside of it to match the rear signal housings.
Some pics in my ongoing mods on gts thread on project reports forum.