Motolights

[jimfastcar]

I would like to install the amber Motolights on my RT, but am suffering from sticker shock. $ 350 for lights and 3 hrs labour to install. Am reasonable with wrenching, but not final electrical connections in CanBus system. Have a Centec installed for other farkles, so am thinking I will install lights, position switch, etc - all but final hookup which I will have pro do. Any thoughts on process and advice on good source to buy lights welcome.
Thanks

[markgoodrich]

I would like to install the amber Motolights on my RT, but am suffering from sticker shock. $ 350 for lights and 3 hrs labour to install. Am reasonable with wrenching, but not final electrical connections in CanBus system. Have a Centec installed for other farkles, so am thinking I will install lights, position switch, etc - all but final hookup which I will have pro do. Any thoughts on process and advice on good source to buy lights welcome.
Thanks

Jim, if you've got free slots on the Centech, can't you just plug the lights into it? That should allow you to even skip the Motolight relay (if it comes with one)?

[Greenwald]

If you're dodging CanBus and using a fuse block (Centech) to power your MotoLites, you should be able to finish the entire install with little or no difficulty.

Be sure to fuse the lights with enough amps and position the switch to be out of foul weather as much as possible.

I use PIAA's, but respect MotoLites as well, and have recommended them to my son for his ST1300.

Good Luck, and we'll definitely SEE you on the road this summer!

[ADIFW]

[QUOTE=Greenwald;328889]If you're dodging CanBus and using a fuse block (Centech) to power your MotoLites, you should be able to finish the entire install with little or no difficulty.

What he said...
I have amber caliper mounted motolights... love them.
Fear not, installation was a breeze.
FYI... I just purchased some yellow bulbs MR16 50W from Bulbamerica.com... much much less expensive than those sold by motolights... So far i can't tell the difference.

[snoone]

[QUOTE=Greenwald;328889]If you're dodging CanBus and using a fuse block (Centech) to power your MotoLites, you should be able to finish the entire install with little or no difficulty.

What he said...
I have amber caliper mounted motolights... love them.
Fear not, installation was a breeze.
FYI... I just purchased some yellow bulbs MR16 50W from Bulbamerica.com... much much less expensive than those sold by motolights... So far i can't tell the difference.\

Any chance you can share item#/stock # from bulb america for the yellow bulbs? Thanks in advance

[jimfastcar]

Thanks all, I will buy the lights and go from there

[ADIFW]

[QUOTE=ADIFW;328978]\

Any chance you can share item#/stock # from bulb america for the yellow bulbs? Thanks in advance


http://www.bulbamerica.com/PLATINUM-EXT-Y-MR16-50w-Colored-in-Yellow-light-bulb-1019-prod.htm

[bikerfish1100]

it sounded like you need full units, and bulbs. if so, check them out here:
http://www.cyclegadgets.com/Products/?cat=LIGHT
fwiw- i've used both Motolights and PIAA 1100Xs. the PIAAs are far brighter, and in my mind, better build quality. replacement bulbs are available from bulbs.com for less than PIAA charges (i generally get about 4 years per bulb).

[MPATROVSKY]

The FF50 lights from Hella of Germany. Around $85.00 for the pair, with relay, switch, wire and connectors. More light, less dough. You just need to be a bit creative with mounting them.

[JimVonBaden1]

Thanks all, I will buy the lights and go from there

Jim,

Installing the motolights really isn't hard at all. I did it on my DVD, and if you were here, I would help you do them at my house!

Jim :brow

[bobelliot]

Just had Motolights installed Saturday prior to a 1500 mile BunBurner Gold on Sunday. 50 watt bulbs really light up the night. The folks at Motolight were great to work with, great service.

[danalbertson]

Here are some pics I took of the Moto_lites install on my R1200R.
http://gallery.mac.com/dan.albertson#100210

[knary]

The FF50 lights from Hella of Germany. Around $85.00 for the pair, with relay, switch, wire and connectors. More light, less dough. You just need to be a bit creative with mounting them.

And you can often find them for under $50. :nod
And instead of just being a "please see me" light, you can light up the road for long and far.

[snoone]

[QUOTE=snoone;328986]


http://www.bulbamerica.com/PLATINUM-EXT-Y-MR16-50w-Colored-in-Yellow-light-bulb-1019-prod.htm

Thanks, Just ordered the yellow bulbs at $2.75 each....

[jimfastcar]

Thanks for all the input.
if I was to source an alternative like Hella, any suggestions fork mounted brackets ?

[MPATROVSKY]

My ff50s are mounted on my Touratech crash bars, but if you have ESA you can tuck them in under the fairing on each side of the oil cooler. As I understand, non ESA bikes have more front end travel and can bash the lights.

[jimfastcar]

What I am really after is conspicuity, found these, opinions ?

http://www.cyclegadgets.com/Products/product.asp?Item=HL-HW

[tommcgee]

What I am really after is conspicuity, found these, opinions ?

http://www.cyclegadgets.com/Products/product.asp?Item=HL-HW

I've got Motolights down by the axle on the K75 I just picked up and people are pulling out of the left lane just like they do when I turn on the headlight modulator on my vstrom. Impressive visibility, I'd say! These things are BRIGHT!

[bikerfish1100]

What I am really after is conspicuity, found these, opinions ?

http://www.cyclegadgets.com/Products/product.asp?Item=HL-HW

well, they seem primarily designed for a bike with minimal alternator output. that would be some bike other than your RT! and if you're willing to drop the $120 for those, and only get conspicuity out of them, why not spring for the additional coin adn get Motollights or PIAA 1100Xs (my choice, after having used both) and get a real vision increase as well?
oh hell, just pop in a set of HIDs, and be done with it!! not only do i not get pulled out on, cars in front of me usually pull over so they can see again.

[danalbertson]

.... not only do i not get pulled out on, cars in front of me usually pull over so they can see again.

Many fewer cars have pulled in front of me with the Moto Lites, and they do help quite a bit at night.

Motolites; expensive? Yes. Worth it? Definitely. :thumb

I have the Hyper-Lites blinking red brake lights on the back, and they help with keeping cars off my tail. Perhaps the Hyper Whites would be good on the front, as a bargain alternative.

Anything that keeps you alive is a good thing.

[The_Veg]

+1 For Motolights! I have used them on three different bikes and they are as good as others here have stated. I get lots of comments on them out there in the real world.

As for connection on CANbus bikes, it's gawdawfully easy. Just wire them like you would any accessory- power from battery via a fuse and a relay. This puts them outside the CANbus which then doesn't know or care. Tap the blue and green wire from the diagnostic plug under the seat to activate the relay.