PIAA 1100X installation question

[110164]

I purchased a set of PIAA 1100X (part #74224) lights this weekend. I'm doing a 36k on my single spark 03 R1150R (self taught wrenching from the 'net and Mr. Clymer) and thought I'd add lights while I had the tank off.

I would like to use the lights via the supplied switch, meaning any time I have the ignition on, I can turn the lights off or on. To do this the instructions say I should "Connect to ignition switch positive wire". Can anyone help me with locating the correct wire. The Clymer manual has wiring diagrams but no information about how the relays are set up. I've hooked up the lights to the battery and know, only in principle, how the switch-wire should be connected, but don't know how to do it. Can anyone help?

PS: The supplied instructions for the lights and especially the mounting brackets are pretty weak.

[PGlaves]

I purchased a set of PIAA 1100X (part #74224) lights this weekend. I'm doing a 36k on my single spark 03 R1150R (self taught wrenching from the 'net and Mr. Clymer) and thought I'd add lights while I had the tank off.

I would like to use the lights via the supplied switch, meaning any time I have the ignition on, I can turn the lights off or on. To do this the instructions say I should "Connect to ignition switch positive wire". Can anyone help me with locating the correct wire. The Clymer manual has wiring diagrams but no information about how the relays are set up. I've hooked up the lights to the battery and know, only in principle, how the switch-wire should be connected, but don't know how to do it. Can anyone help?

PS: The supplied instructions for the lights and especially the mounting brackets are pretty weak.

Connect the wire to the switch to the parking light wire or the tail light wire. This will provide switched (key) power - through the PIAA switch - to the relay coil.

[110164]

Thanks for the quick answer, I'll give it a go.

[redrider1100]

I just wanted to add my solution since I did it a little bit differently:

I took the wire from the relay switch and inserted it into the fusebox slot for Fuse#1 then inserted the fuse back into the slot to hold it in. Fuse#1 is the one closest to you on the left side of the bike and is hot when the ignition is turned on. This fuse controls the brake lights and other things.

I'm not sure if what I did is technically correct or not, but it's been working fine this way for over 4 years and allows me the ability to turn the aux. lights on and off using the supplied PIAA switch.

[110164]

I just wanted to add my solution since I did it a little bit differently:

I took the wire from the relay switch and inserted it into the fusebox slot for Fuse#1 then inserted the fuse back into the slot to hold it in. Fuse#1 is the one closest to you on the left side of the bike and is hot when the ignition is turned on. This fuse controls the brake lights and other things.

I'm not sure if what I did is technically correct or not, but it's been working fine this way for over 4 years and allows me the ability to turn the aux. lights on and off using the supplied PIAA switch.

That's pretty ingenious, and funny, too. I'm sure there are people rolling their eyes right now.

[kenk]

I use PIAA 1100X driving lights on two of my bikes. On my RT, I have the lead wire connected to the high beam wire, since they are too bright to use in traffic. I also have an on/off switch for the PIAAs when I only want to use the high beam. The disadvantage is they can't be used on low beam. The big advantage for me is when I need high beam lights, I get the high beam and PIAA at the same time with only one switch. For oncoming traffic, one switch cancels both. On my GS, I have the lead wire connected to the parking light wire in the rear. For off road use, I have a need for PIAA use when using only low beam.

The PIAAs are so bright that you run a risk of blinding oncoming traffic. The 55w is equivalent to 85w for each light. When I first mounted my PIAAs, I thought they were fog lights. They're not...they are driving lights.

From PIAAs website. What is the difference between a fog light & a driving light? Fog lights provide illumination forward of the vehicle that enhances visibility in fog, rain, snow, or dust. Fog lights are intended to be used in conjunction with standard headlamp low beams. Driving lights are mounted to provide illumination forward of the vehicle and intended to supplement the high beam of a standard headlamp system. It is not intended for use alone or with the low beam of a standard headlamp system.

[redrider1100]

That's pretty ingenious, and funny, too. I'm sure there are people rolling their eyes right now.

Thanks. :)
I didn't want to be cutting into any wires and potentially pick the wrong one.

[kgadley01]

That's pretty ingenious, and funny, too. I'm sure there are people rolling their eyes right now.

no eye rolling here, I pulled fuse #3 and inserted a wire the same way. its to power my cigarette lighter. works great...:stick