Driving Lights for K75S?

[craigt]

Any suggestions/experience for driving lights on a K75S? I just got my first BMW dont know much about whats available/works.

[scoobs]

Hi!
I added a small pair of auxilliary driving lights on my K75RT last year and they make a big difference.( I think they are 35 watts each) Got them at Advanced Auto Parts for $19. When I was in last week they had a similar item using LED's instead of halogen bulbs- don't know how effective they are, but they'll draw a lot less current from your electrical system.
Worth the risk for the price, and if your careful unpackaging them they'll probably take them back if you change your mind.
Welcome to the fun world of BMW ownership.
Cheers,
Ian :drink :drink (2 pints of "Nigerian Lager" as I've just finished my diet)

[bikerfish1100]

much discussed topic- try a search.
PIAA, Hella, Motolights, some cheapo fromWalMart are the most frequent options.

[tommcgee]

Any suggestions/experience for driving lights on a K75S? I just got my first BMW dont know much about whats available/works.

Do you have a 50 amp or 35 amp alternator? (700 vs. 420 watts)

[craigt]

How do find out which alternator i have? oh another question i want to raise or bring closer the handlebars. I read that some have used a "c bar" what is this, where do you get one and how much more reach does it provide? also are there other good alternatives?
Craig

[nh7robmw]

Craig, remove the alternator cover (two allen bolts) on the lower right side. You should be able to read the rating on the alternator around there. Mine is a '94 so it has the 50-amp job.

I just installed two Hella Optilux fog lights ($20) and two Hella FF50 driving lights on my S:

http://i701.photobucket.com/albums/ww18/Zagando/GSPDpartsGUIDOCHIQUITAAUXLITESHa-5.jpg

http://i701.photobucket.com/albums/ww18/Zagando/GSPDpartsGUIDOCHIQUITAAUXLITESHa-3.jpg

I fabricated the mounts and light bar out of aluminum stock and the whole deal cost me less than $150. Be careful, though---I ran my battery down so much with all five lights on during a long "test" ride that my ABS light stays on all the time (low battery fault):nono

From now on I'll only use one set or the other in conjunction with the headlight. I also installed separate on/off switches in series with the switching relays---an absolute must as these all use plenty of current (except the LED types).

At any rate, have fun with your project and let me know if you have other questions. You'll enjoy your new ride, for sure.

[Paul_F]

In the November issue of Motorcycle Consumer News, they tested several makes of lights. Their recommended buy was Lazer Star Bullet Lights - 250' feet / $185.00. I have one set on order. Their second recommendation was PIAA Cross Country HID - range @ 250' / $549.00. I am looking to increase by nighttime vision with the Laser Star Bullet lights.

For the past four years I have been using $20 Princess Auto lights that do make me visible during the day and do give me a lot more night vision over my regular headlamp.

It has been my experience that any additional lights will assist you been seen and give you better night riding vision. I did add a 50 watt alternator to handle the lights and Gerbings jacket and gloves.

[tommcgee]

The point of finding out which alternator you have is to determine if you have to use low wattage driving lights or not. I'm not sure exactly how much spare juice the small alternator will give you, at least 100 watts and maybe as much as 140, and if you're running any other gear (especially heated gear) you really need to monitor the battery voltage to make sure it keeps charging while you're running those power hungry devices.