Why do "passing lights" or side lights go off when Hi beam is used?

Seems the more light the better if you ask me. Anyone know why they go off when you turn on your High Beam light????

DC

 

Not sure why they are set up to shut off, but all cars are that way too.
You can get a harness from your dealer that keeps them on.

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...t-harness.html

 

or if you are handy you can wire it that way yourself, I saw instructions somewhere on these boards

 

I was also wondering why Harley doesn't just make this a standard feature?

Is it just so they can sell another accessory in the harness required to make the light system work this way.

Not being electrically or mechanically inclined is there any chance having the High Beam and passing lights on at the same time would draw to much current or create and overload of some sort on the electrical system. Seem there must be some reason why the factory has it set up the way it does>

 

Many state laws prohibit the use of high beams and driving lights together.

 

Read the laws in your state and your question will be answered.

 

Indy wired mine on my Fatboy to stay on but yes it is a law. Not a big deal for me. I rarely run with my HI beam on since I did install a high output bulb in my head lamp.

 

I had my Softail wired that way and the guy inspecting it that year gave me a hard time. He passed it anyways.
When I have time I plan on doing the same thing to my SG.

 

It's to prevent too much fun from leaking out of the bike.

 

I had my lights installed by the dealer and the passing lights stay on bright and dim.