Parking/Side Lights?

[cazzo]

Just got thinking about Parking/side Lights on bikes and wondered how many people actually use them?.

I mean they're no use as 'running' lights and who would leave them on when parked and why?

I imagine that they are probably a legal requirement, but surely after an hour or so of parking your bike's battery would be knacked.

My bike's parking lights involve 2 rear bulbs, 2 front bulbs and full instrument lights - probably about 25 - 30w and considering it always sounds as if struggling to turn over on start anyway, I wouldn't like to try it with reduced battery power.

Any comments?

[DennisTheMenace]

Ive got a mate who lives on a busy road , and if i have to leave the bike parked outside for a few hours i use the parking lights , ive replaced the front side light bulb and the tail lights for LED's the only other thing that lights up is the EL dials but the currant drain on the whole lot is so small i can leave the parking lights on all night and it will still start (as i found out)

[cazzo]

Mmmm LED bulbs, good idea. Although I have never needed to leave any bike 'lit up' I would think after all night the Ducati (with its 4 x 'AA' batteries! ) wouldn't start and I don't fancy pushing it.

[DennisTheMenace]

I will admit apart from the above i never use the parking lights and always park the bike away from the road somewhere safe

the led bulbs may sound a bit max power but they do look pretty good at night and the EL dials are easier to read !