No control lights on my 2002, need some alternative lighting for the dash area

[two_wheeled]

My 2002 GL1800 doesn't have illumination on the handlebar controls or dash buttons. Apparently that was only a thing on later year models.
I just rode 1000 miles over the weekend to see family and found it difficult to find some of the buttons on a remote highway at night with no moonlight and no outside lighting. Found myself wishing for some solution.
I looked at some of the DIY ideas to take apart the controls and add LEDs, but I don't have time for that.

I'm curious if anyone has had luck with any other ideas.
Glow in the dark paint?
Or red lights like the navy does on ships at night?

[GoldWingrGreg]

RIVCO used to make a "stick-on" panels for each handlebar switch. Each panel had a new set of lable for each switch that lit up. I'm not sure if the kit is still available. Honda added handlebar lights in 2004.

[blupupher]

RIVCO used to make a "stick-on" panels for each handlebar switch. Each panel had a new set of lable for each switch that lit up. I'm not sure if the kit is still available. Honda added handlebar lights in 2004.

I don't understand why Honda dropped the ball on that. The 1500 had them, why didn't the 1800?

[two_wheeled]

RIVCO used to make a "stick-on" panels for each handlebar switch. Each panel had a new set of lable for each switch that lit up. I'm not sure if the kit is still available. Honda added handlebar lights in 2004.

I searched for RIVCO products but couldn't find anything like that. Would appreciate any more information.

[Rambozo]

RIVCO had both a glow-in-the-dark as well as electroluminescent decals for the early gl1800s.
However, they are long out of production, so your best bet is to put a wanted ad on every GoldWing forum and watch ebay for NOS.
Or just swap to newer controls or go the DIY path if you don't feel like waiting and waiting.

Here is a nice DIY job from gl1800riders

The alternative is just to memorize the control positions.

[blupupher]

are 2004-2005 controls with lights "bolt on" for 2001-2003 models?

[GoldWingrGreg]

I searched for RIVCO products but couldn't find anything like that. Would appreciate any more information.

It looks like Rambozo answered your question.

Wings from 2001-03 have lighting in the left knee panel and in the radio panel. From 2004-17, lighting was added in both handle bar switch assemblies. The switch assemblies have different part numbers and so does the main wire harness that supports the add'l lights.

[The Original Eggman]

There are 5 different ones of these. Three on the left and two on the right. I bought the two right side ones for my '02 from Honda Feb 21 because the left side had them and I wanted the bike to be symmetrical. I just checked and only the lower right side one is available from Honda. It's for the Cruise Control Set/Decl button.

7 PLATE, ORNAMENT (B)
35135-MCA-003

https://www.partsfish.com/oemparts/a/ho ... e-switch-1

They are luminescent after you shine a bright light directly on them and it fades rather quickly. I had an '04 with the lights and I don't think I ever looked at them to find any of the controls. I have several other bikes and none of them have illuminated controls and except for the location of the ignition switch, all the standard control switches and buttons are all in the same locations.

The '02 handle bars part numbers have been changed and now are the same as the '04 parts. Why? I don't know and I no longer own my '04 to see what/if there are any differences but I bet you could get the '04 controls and pull power off the accy circuit. That way they would turn on and off with the key.