Lighting question for the pros

[BuckeyeClark]

Just a quick question about driving lights. I am getting ready to purchase driving lights for my 1994 R1100RS. I have been looking on the internet; however, I do not know what brand's claims to believe. As my Grandpa :gerg used to say "that paper (or in this case web page) will lay there and let lies be written on it all day". Anyway, been looking at the PIAA and Motolite lights. What I am looking for is early detection on the antlered rats in the dark and SEE ME! SEE ME! type conspicuity in the light. Any suggestions? Thanks

[1024JLC]

I recently purchased a set of PIAA X1100 driving lights for my R1150RS. I mounted them with a set-up from Martin Fabrications and I also installed an Autoswitch so I could energize them via the turn singal cancel switch. I took power for the trigger wire off the horn fues (Tap-a-circuit) so that I could not accidently leave them on when I turn off the bike and walk away.

I commute to work each day and I ride a lot of back roads with a high level of deer activity. The lights really help light the sides of the road giving me a greater chance to see them before they cross. By far, the best upgrade I have made to date as far as safety goes.

[Mr. Frank]

Motolites are generally seen as being more for being seen than for seeing.

[grossjohann]

I recently purchased a set of PIAA X1100 driving lights for my R1150RS. I mounted them with a set-up from Martin Fabrications and I also installed an Autoswitch so I could energize them via the turn singal cancel switch. I took power for the trigger wire off the horn fues (Tap-a-circuit) so that I could not accidently leave them on when I turn off the bike and walk away.

I commute to work each day and I ride a lot of back roads with a high level of deer activity. The lights really help light the sides of the road giving me a greater chance to see them before they cross. By far, the best upgrade I have made to date as far as safety goes.

+1

The only difference is that I installed a driving light controller (http://www.kriss.com/drivinglight.php)from Kriss on my R1150RS.

The driving light controller makes it legal to use the PIAA 1100X lights with the low-beam; otherwise, they are only legal for use with the high-beam.

I'm happy to help out if I can.

-Alex

[rdsmith3]

Anyway, been looking at the PIAA and Motolite lights. What I am looking for is early detection on the antlered rats in the dark and SEE ME! SEE ME! type conspicuity in the light. Any suggestions? Thanks

Maybe you need two different things for two different purposes? That is where I ended up. See here
http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=25103

For conspicuity, Motolights work great, especially with yellow bulbs. You could also buy some less expensive fog lights with yellow bulbs. I leave my motolights on all the time, day and night. I have been told that I am very conspicuous, and I have seen people about to turn left in front of me and then stop.
http://rdsmith3.smugmug.com/photos/119558883_kosPr-M.jpg


For seeing deer, there are a lot of good brands of driving lights, including PIAA, Hella, and Optilux. I have my driving lights wired to just come on with my high beam.

A lot of value-conscious people like the Hella FF50 lights. Just MHO, but the PIAA lights seem a bit over-priced and I have read that they use a proprietary bulb.

[deilenberger]

A lot of value-conscious people like the Hella FF50 lights. Just MHO, but the PIAA lights seem a bit over-priced and I have read that they use a proprietary bulb.It's a price/performance thing. The Hella FF50's put out a lot of well focused and directed light for a reasonable cost. And they come with a complete and excellent wiring harness (including fused/relay.) I've had them on two bikes so far and can't fault them.


http://www.eilenberger.net/R1200R_Roadster/Images/graveyardnoauxlights.jpeg
Highbeam only

http://www.eilenberger.net/R1200R_Roadster/Images/graveyardauxlightson.jpeg
Highbeam and FF50's

[BuckeyeClark]

I surely do appreciate the responses. I am going to return to my lair and contemplate the info.

[bikerfish1100]

have used Motolights and PIAA 1100Xs, so can only comment on those.
PIAAs give superior light, period. Motolights give free lifetime bulb replacement. You can order a bulb for 1/3 the cost of the PIAA bulb that is nearly identical to the original. (Stock bulbs seem to last about 4 years)

[fiddles]

Piaa 1100x. That's really all I have to say. Very bright. Very nice. You can't go wrong with the Piaa 1100x.

[ArthurKnowles]

I had the PIAA lights on my R1100RT, but I took them off and sold them and bought a pair ot TrailTech SCR16 HID lights and mounted them on an Ezy-Mount under the oil cooler. The TrailTech do not cost much (if any) more than PIAA and are 30 watt HID bulbs with an internal ballast.

Just something else to consier. :)

[bikerfish1100]

hmmm, hadn't heard of HIDs as a driving light kit. Running Polarion HIDs as the primary lights in my R11S. Ree-dick-you-lus light, lemme tell ya!!

[lseidman]

+1

The only difference is that I installed a driving light controller (http://www.kriss.com/drivinglight.php)from Kriss on my R1150RS.

The driving light controller makes it legal to use the PIAA 1100X lights with the low-beam; otherwise, they are only legal for use with the high-beam.

I'm happy to help out if I can.

-Alex

Alex,
There are no installation instructions on the kriss.com website and I'm curious to know what was involved to install the driving light controller. I'd like to add it to my already installed PIAA 1100X lights and Autoswitch installation.

Lenny

[grossjohann]

Alex,
There are no installation instructions on the kriss.com website and I'm curious to know what was involved to install the driving light controller. I'd like to add it to my already installed PIAA 1100X lights and Autoswitch installation.

Lenny

It's really not that involved. Basically just tap one of the lines from the high-beam into the Kriss unit , and then run the lights from the Kriss unit. The main power is still supplied from the PIAA relay, which is controlled by the Autoswitch.

I may have the instructions kicking around. I'll post them if it can dig them up tomorrow.

-Alex

[MLS2GO]

Someone posted in an earlier post that Motolights are more about being seen than seeing. I really don't feel that way if they are aimed properly. They are great for being seen. I have the 50 watt version and have an extra 100 watts shining down the road into the left and right road ditches mostly to look for forest rats. I have had them on a Buell Ulysses and now my R1200RT. YMMV

Bob Rippy

[BuckeyeClark]

Okay I went for it and ordered the PIAA 1100X. Is there anything special I need to know about installation? :lurk

[grossjohann]

How are you planning to mount them?

How good are you with a soldering iron?

They should come with everything you need to do the installation, minus the mounts for your RS. I chose Martin Fabrication, but there are some others out there for the RS. If you go with the Martin Fabrication, know that you may hit the front fender with the mount. I have done it once when I hit a pot-hole running 2-up with tons of gear.

I also decided to move the connectors away from the lights for a more OEM look. Just required a little clipping, soldering and shrink wrapping...

You should consider the Autoswitch and the Kriss Driving Light Controller. This way you won't need to mount a big switch to your inner fairing, and the lights will dim automatically when you switch from high-beam to low-beam.

It's a fun project for a slow weekend. Enjoy!

[BuckeyeClark]

Okay I have the PIAA 1100x lights installed. I hooked the power for the switch into the high beam wire so they only come on when the brights are on. Now what I would like to know if the switch that came with the lights is waterproof. I am sure it is not...it does not look like it is; however, I do not remember hearing anyone mention if they were or not. Anyone?

[bikerfish1100]

can't guarantee that the PIAA switch is waterproof- but i've been running mine for 5 years, and it works as good now as it did when new. and i ride in the rain, yes indeedy.

[BuckeyeClark]

can't guarantee that the PIAA switch is waterproof- but i've been running mine for 5 years, and it works as good now as it did when new. and i ride in the rain, yes indeedy.

I had thought, since they only come on when the brights are on, that I might simply run it into my tank bag since I won't need to turn it off and on all the time. You have made me think about going ahead and mounting the switch out in the open. Thanks

[grossjohann]

Alex,
There are no installation instructions on the kriss.com website and I'm curious to know what was involved to install the driving light controller. I'd like to add it to my already installed PIAA 1100X lights and Autoswitch installation.

Lenny

Lenny,

I found the instructions for installing the Kriss Driving Light Unit:

Step 1
Using a test light identify the (pos) motorcycle high beam wire.
Step 2
Connect the unit's ground (green) wire to frame (neg) ground. Assure it's a reliable connection.
IF THE GROUND WIRE BECOMES DISCONNECTED THE UNIT WILL BURN UP.
Step 3
Connect the 12 volt power (yellow) to the battery and to the center terminal on the switch.
Step 4
Connect the (pos) input wire (yellow) wire for the unit to one of the remaining switch terminals.
Step 5
Connect the high power activation wire (blue) to the motorcycle high beam circuit. This wire can also be connected to a separate switch that applies 12 volts to the blue wire.
Step 6
Connect the output wires to the bulbs. Only the power wire is supplied because most lights are grounded through the case mounting bolt to ground.
Operation: The lights will normally be on low power when turned on. Selecting high beam, providing +12 volts to the Blue wire, turns the lights to high power.
Do not connect both lights to only one of the output wires.
WARNING
Never connect power without the ground wire connected. This will destroy the unit beyond repair.
Note:
Please observe standard good installation procedures by not placing or attaching electrical devices next to plastic decorative outer panels or fairings to prevent damage due to heat. Electricity can produce high temperatures in the event of short circuits.

The picture is really helpful. Sorry that I don't have a scanned image.

-Alex

[jnerges]

Hi all

Thanks for the advice on this project. I need a bit more though.

I have an 05 GS. It is a great motorcycle but we almost got a divorce. Here is what happened. I have a Kanetsu Jacket, thing is great, plugs right in under the seat, nice and toasty. I also use a Garmin GPS 2620 at time, that wire is hooked up directly to the battery. I don't think they draw very much.

I brought the bike in for a tune up and "factory recall". I get the thing back and it is the summer so I don't bother turning on the jacket. Come fall, it just lights up for a moment then goes out. I was on the phone to Aerosticth trying to figure it out because clearly the jacket has stopped working, right?

I bring the bike back into the dealer for new tires and mention the problem. Oh yea, after the computer upgrade...wait a minute, this motorcycle has a computer that needs an upgrade?...No, it has three...anyway, the jacket draws too much amperage so the motorcycle turns it off.

How do I fix it. Install a bypass, about 70 bucks.:cry

OK, I bring they bike in, you adjust it, my original components dont work and i have to pay more money???? Seriously, I was almost done with BMW, called them a Harley Like Dealer. Had to go back and apoligize for that one.:fart

Which brings me to my question.

I just purchased the PIAA light bar and 510 series lights for the GS. I plan on installing it into the CAN BUS system. I am still skiddish about adding a current draw.

Do any of you have experience with this? Any suggestions?

The bike runs great and the jacket keeps me warm with out a hitch. I chose the 510's because they had less draw.


Suggestions? Thoughts?

One more thing, these little icons are getting nuts.


John

[jerngina]

Big difference, from a PIAA rep at the Vermont Rally, is that PIAA makes, and has always made, automotive lights. They, PIAA, love the motolight mounts, but the lights are made for being seen. I am no longer worried about riding at night, or day, when I have the xx1100 on. And you should see the world light up when I put on the 910's with them... I mounted the xx1100 on the crashbar of my 1150GS, using the bolt on each side that holds the cross bar (that runs from side to side, in front of the alt belt cover). The PIAA rep was impressed with the location and took pix hoping to make a more plug and play mount for it. No issues to date with the location. I'll look for a pic (the bike is in Germany and we pick it up Monday for 6 weeks!).

Okay, back with a picture - not a great one but you get the idea.

http://homepage.mac.com/usbygs/.Pictures/DSC03018.JPG

[grossjohann]

Hi all

Thanks for the advice on this project. I need a bit more though.

I have an 05 GS. It is a great motorcycle but we almost got a divorce. Here is what happened. I have a Kanetsu Jacket, thing is great, plugs right in under the seat, nice and toasty. I also use a Garmin GPS 2620 at time, that wire is hooked up directly to the battery. I don't think they draw very much.

I brought the bike in for a tune up and "factory recall". I get the thing back and it is the summer so I don't bother turning on the jacket. Come fall, it just lights up for a moment then goes out. I was on the phone to Aerosticth trying to figure it out because clearly the jacket has stopped working, right?

I bring the bike back into the dealer for new tires and mention the problem. Oh yea, after the computer upgrade...wait a minute, this motorcycle has a computer that needs an upgrade?...No, it has three...anyway, the jacket draws too much amperage so the motorcycle turns it off.

How do I fix it. Install a bypass, about 70 bucks.:cry

OK, I bring they bike in, you adjust it, my original components dont work and i have to pay more money???? Seriously, I was almost done with BMW, called them a Harley Like Dealer. Had to go back and apoligize for that one.:fart

Which brings me to my question.

I just purchased the PIAA light bar and 510 series lights for the GS. I plan on installing it into the CAN BUS system. I am still skiddish about adding a current draw.

Do any of you have experience with this? Any suggestions?

The bike runs great and the jacket keeps me warm with out a hitch. I chose the 510's because they had less draw.


Suggestions? Thoughts?

One more thing, these little icons are getting nuts.


John



John,

If you install the PIAA lights (or any other additional lights for that matter) you should connect then directly to the battery and use a relay to activate them. With the relay, you can trigger the lights with a switch and/or even turn them on and off with your high-beams by tapping into the wire going to your high-beam(s) from the high/low switch on your handlebar switchgear.

By running they from the battery, you effectively bypass the CAN Bus in the same way as your dealer probably did for your heated gear.

PIAA lights come prewired with a relay, an on/off switch, and connections for the battery. Follow the instructions and the installation should be relatively painless. You should be basking in light in about an hour or so.

One tip: Get some extra black wire zip-ties from Radio Shack (or hardware store) before starting. These are great for securing any extra wire, and makes for a more OEM looking install. Just be sure to give enough room for all moving parts (and them some), don’t tighten them to the point where they cut into the wires, and trim off the excess zip-tie as closely as possible (excess tabs can actually rub on other wires causing issues down the road).

(Or have your dealer do the installation...)

Good luck,
Alex

[jnerges]

The lights and light bar look great. I hooked it all up and it works.

Here is the question.

How can I hook it to the ignition light wire? Which wire is it?

The on off switch glows with a little green light in the off positon. I dont knwo how much juice that uses. Does it go out after a while? Will it drain the battery?

The risk is, if I am away from the bike, someobdy could hit the switch, turn on the lights and drain the battery.

Can I set it up so it only goes on when the key is on? There is a thin white wire whcih connects to teh postive terminal. I think i would have to connect to the MC's switch light. I dont know how to ID it.




The look great though, I will post a pic after I adjust them.


Thanks much all.


John


John,

If you install the PIAA lights (or any other additional lights for that matter) you should connect then directly to the battery and use a relay to activate them. With the relay, you can trigger the lights with a switch and/or even turn them on and off with your high-beams by tapping into the wire going to your high-beam(s) from the high/low switch on your handlebar switchgear.

By running they from the battery, you effectively bypass the CAN Bus in the same way as your dealer probably did for your heated gear.

PIAA lights come prewired with a relay, an on/off switch, and connections for the battery. Follow the instructions and the installation should be relatively painless. You should be basking in light in about an hour or so.

One tip: Get some extra black wire zip-ties from Radio Shack (or hardware store) before starting. These are great for securing any extra wire, and makes for a more OEM looking install. Just be sure to give enough room for all moving parts (and them some), don’t tighten them to the point where they cut into the wires, and trim off the excess zip-tie as closely as possible (excess tabs can actually rub on other wires causing issues down the road).

(Or have your dealer do the installation...)

Good luck,
Alex