Driving lights

[lorazepam]

I plan on installing fairing mounted driving lights to my bike. I was wondering if anyone has used the high beam to trigger a relay for long range driving lights.
I would power them off the battery and power the relay off the high beam power. I saw the setup Fish has, and was curious as to how he has that set up.

[DarkCloud]

The driving lights you plan to put on, how strong are they? If you hook them up to your high beam switch and they are so strong that every time you meet another vehicle you have to dim, you will have to reduce your ground speed to match the low beam on the GS.

I have PIAA 510's on a separate switch, and I have to shut them off when meeting traffic. JON

[BMWDEAN]

Here are some of the approaches I have used:

http://jeff.dean.home.att.net/drivelights.htm

I have them wired variously to the high beam or low beam, or switchable between them.

[lorazepam]

I really didn't want to add another switch, so I was going to wire the relay to allow the driving lights to come on just with the Highbeam. I have motolights also, so having the driving lights go off when a car approaches, is not an issue. I figure 275 watts of light whith the high beam on should singe the hair on bambi's ass if it gets too close at night.

[lorazepam]

So Jeff, on one side of the switch you had direct power to the lights, and on the other, power to a high beam operated relay? I guess that would make a lot more sense, and make them much more versatile.

[knary]

Originally posted by lorazepam
So Jeff, on one side of the switch you had direct power to the lights, and on the other, power to a high beam operated relay? I guess that would make a lot more sense, and make them much more versatile.

Adding a switch can be very clean and unobtrusive. Get one of the switch mounting plates used on the LEO bikes for, IIRC, some of the communication switches (push to talk, etc). This places the switches just below and past the left turn signal switch. I'm using this setup on my GS and it is *very* easy to reach and is a nice clean and simple install.

[lorazepam]

Thanks Knary, I will check into one. I saw some small push button switches today, and I may have to see if they would work on what you describe.

[knary]

Originally posted by lorazepam
Thanks Knary, I will check into one. I saw some small push button switches today, and I may have to see if they would work on what you describe.

I posted some stuff about this a while back. The mount is a simple piece of bent metal with the appropriate holes in it and is a ridiculous $15+/-. BUT it was simple to install and works. I got the switch from a friend.

http://www.conary.org/bike/post/lights/IMG_1912.JPG

[JimVonBaden1]

Originally posted by lorazepam
Thanks Knary, I will check into one. I saw some small push button switches today, and I may have to see if they would work on what you describe.

There are some very small, self contained and waterproof switches at Pep Boys for under $10 that work well for this application.

Jim:brow

[lorazepam]

Since I couldn't go to the rally in PA, :cry I decided to install driving lights on the RRS. I mounted them with a relay and a SPDT switch. I have the option to have the lights on all the time, or with the High beams only, and finally completely off. I have 55watt Sylvania silverstar bulbs in a driving light. The lights get their power directly from a keyed power supply, so I don't have to worry about them staying on when I shut off the bike. I am looking for a sturdier switch, that has maybe a lower profile.

[lorazepam]

The switch on the right is for the Motolights, they work great filling in close, and giving a good view of the sides. The driving lights are to augment the high beam, that is the black switch on the left. I will be adding a green led, that will let me know when the switch is placed in the constant on position. The lights themselves are Pilot. I paid 29.00 including the harness. I paid another 38 for the Silverstar H3 bulbs.

[lorazepam]

The housings are plastic, and appear to be very durable, time will tell. They are very lightweight, and focus the beam very well.

I would have preferred to make a set of mounts that used the fairing braces, but I have lost my machine shop privilages, and I just mounted them to the fairing.

I backed up the bolts with a couple of pieces of stainless cut to the size of the base. There were adhesive pads included with the lights, I took the backing off of the light side, but left the backing on against the fairing. This was done in hopes of damping any vibrations.

[lorazepam]

I am going to place a sleeve on the wires from the light to the grommet. I had considered painting them, but I don't mind the black for now.

[lorazepam]

Here is a picture of the sheepskin covers I recently installed. It looks like my seat has sprouted hair. Fish needs one of these.

[lorazepam]

I am pleased with both improvements overall. The lights seem sturdy enough, and very lightweight. I put blue loctite on the adjusting screws, and I used stainless screws and nyloc nuts to mount them. They do not shake when on rough pavement, and they fill the far end of my range of vision like the motolights do up close.

[lorazepam]

I will add pictures of the wiring under the fairing when I install the led, and show how I routed the wires.

It is an easy project. The hardest part is drilling holes in a new bike.

[Cliffy777]

miss seeing you at night. Any deer get in the way and you can turn the whole light show on and enjoy cooked venison in just minutes. Better than the George Foreman Grill ladies and gentlemen.....Your lights look really good, my man.
I was going to make an off-color remark about a "hairy seat", but then I remembered this forum is family friendly.....

[username]

is that the wookie seat?

[lorazepam]

It is actually a fitted cover made of sheepskin. It doesn't move at all and fits loke a glove.

[JimVonBaden1]

Very nice job! Similar to the way I mounted mine! The drilling into a perfectly good fairing was definitely the hardest part!

Jim:brow

[lkchris]

Originally posted by lorazepam
I plan on installing fairing mounted driving lights to my bike. I was wondering if anyone has used the high beam to trigger a relay for long range driving lights.

Sure, this is exactly how BMW did it the couple times they've offered auxiliary light kits.

I makes most sense, i.e. when would you ever not need your aux lights and still need headlight high beam?

The argument regarding meeting oncoming traffic is senseless.

[lorazepam]

I use the driving lights during the day, and not my high beam. I feel it is overkill in the day to use the high beam.

[PhilScrivano]

During the day I like the option of flashing my high beam at traffic. Seems to get drivers attention.

[motofranz]

Hey Loraz,Your installation looks nice !
speaking of lights....I have some HyperLites (LED warning lights) on my bike and they have stopped working.
(Taillight works) I took the tail light lens off and checked for loose wires ....Is there any relay,(or such) that can go bad?
any suggestions ??

Thanks ,
John

PS .. You going to the Hoosier Rally in Vernon ?? :)

[lorazepam]

I wonder if the flasher for the strobe has stopped working? I havent really looked at the hyperlights, but I imagine that if all connections are good, that my be the problem. I would guess they have a solid state strobe mechanism, and that would be difficult to replace without replacing everything. I am in the process of buying a house, and relocating. I dont know if I will have time to attend the hoosier rally or not. It is definately a great time, a rally that everyone should attend.

[JimVonBaden1]

Originally posted by motofranz
Hey Loraz,Your installation looks nice !
speaking of lights....I have some HyperLites (LED warning lights) on my bike and they have stopped working.
(Taillight works) I took the tail light lens off and checked for loose wires ....Is there any relay,(or such) that can go bad?
any suggestions ??

Thanks ,
John

PS .. You going to the Hoosier Rally in Vernon ?? :)

It is not uncomon for the Led bundle to quit. I have a friend who has had to replace his twice, on on each side, in 36K miles.

Jim:brow

[dzimbric]

I checked them out at the Dells rally and the installation looked good. have you considered using the euroswitch that operates off the turn signal cancel button?

When is the Vernon, IN rally. I'm in the Keys right now and don't have access to my my magazine.

[lorazepam]

I have them set up as Jeff Dean suggested, and I already have a hole in the plastic for the switch. I am in economy mode til the house is taken care of, and I really dont need to change anything. I am happy as is.

[JimVonBaden1]

Hi everyone. I just thought I would show you some pictures of my current lighting set-up on my R1100RS. Might be overkill, but I can see at night now! :D

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v386/JimVonBaden/Jims%20R1100RS/New-lights-001-main.jpg

Stock Main light only!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v386/JimVonBaden/Jims%20R1100RS/New-lights-002-main-upper.jpg

Main and Upper Driving Lights!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v386/JimVonBaden/Jims%20R1100RS/New-lights-003-main-lower.jpg

Main and Lower Lights!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v386/JimVonBaden/Jims%20R1100RS/New-lights-004all-main.jpg

All with Low Beam!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v386/JimVonBaden/Jims%20R1100RS/New-lights-005all-main-high.jpg

All with High Beam!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v386/JimVonBaden/Jims%20R1100RS/New-lights-011a.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v386/JimVonBaden/Jims%20R1100RS/New-lights-013a.jpg

New MotoLights!

I believe there is little more I can do to make myself conspicuous! :D

From the rear I have Hyper Lights and Reflective Tape on my Side Cases.

Jim :brow

[mcholt212]

Originally posted by lorazepam
Here is a picture of the sheepskin covers I recently installed. It looks like my seat has sprouted hair. Fish needs one of these.

Nice bike mang!!!!

[dzimbric]

Originally posted by JimVonBaden
New MotoLights!

I believe there is little more I can do to make myself conspicuous! :D


Jim :brow

Try some screamin eagles pipes and bright orange ears.:clap

[JimVonBaden1]

Originally posted by dzimbric
Try some screamin eagles pipes and bright orange ears.:clap

Actually I am about to install a Laser Race exhaust! :bliss Though it may be a bit too loud. BradfordBen apparently got the last set of Orange Ears.

Jim:brow :D

[dzimbric]

Nope
I saw someone sportin a pair at the Dells rally :rocker :drink :evil

[oldcarkook]

I don't want to miss out on any opportunities to show off my PIAA 1100X Lights (http://www.piaa.com/Lamps/Lamp-pages/1100x.html) which are like laser beams. I have been told that any auxillary light mounted above the headlight(s) is "illegal" but I get inspected every year no problem and it's not been an issue with law enforcement at all so far (4 years). I like this setup because the lights have a lot of separation and are very visible and they are functional beyond belief. They have all but eliminated left turn jammers.

These are mounted on EMP Designs Mirror Mount Brackets (http://www.empdesigns.com/images/pics/brackets-2.jpg) that use the existing mirror mount bolts and require NO DRILLING. They are awfully bright and you can't run them at night when in traffic, but highway use is ok as long as everyone has on sunglasses. I have them for conspicuity, not lighting, but find that they do both functions well!
http://www.oldgmctrucks.com/photos/bikes/PIAA_Lights.jpg

[lorazepam]

Hey thanks Foobeemer, I like it a lot and cant wait to hit 1 digits on the odometer. This bike is a keeper as far as I am concerned.

Jim, I like the motolights in conjunction with the driving lights. It is awesome how visible you are during the day, and how well it lights up the whole road from my tires out to the end of the high beam.
I do like having the round lights as driving lights. It allows me to turn the bulb assembly and get a flatter beam on the road.

I like your setup, it almost identical to mine, and I know you have to see so much better.

[JimVonBaden1]

Originally posted by lorazepam
Hey thanks Foobeemer, I like it a lot and cant wait to hit 1 digits on the odometer. This bike is a keeper as far as I am concerned.

Jim, I like the motolights in conjunction with the driving lights. It is awesome how visible you are during the day, and how well it lights up the whole road from my tires out to the end of the high beam.
I do like having the round lights as driving lights. It allows me to turn the bulb assembly and get a flatter beam on the road.

I like your setup, it almost identical to mine, and I know you have to see so much better.

It sure makes all the difference in night riding!

You gave me the idea to mount my lights on the fairing a while back! Thanks!:clap

Jim:brow