inexpensive driving lights

[Earthling789]

I added a set of the Wal-mart Optronics lights to my VT700... left in the 55W bulbs and wired them to run only with my low-beams... I drive daylight hours with my high-beam on and figured using the extra lighting with my low-beam would really help me see better in traffic situations.... no issues with charging system load, but all my other lights are LED and I have nothing else bogging my system.

I mounted them to the turn-signal stems, using standard pipe hangers (painted black)... wired the lights to a relay triggered by the low-beams. And, I changed out all the bolts and hardware for stainless (hangers are galvanized).

Pictures below (total cost to set-up on bike - <$30):

Obviously not adjusted for proper focus/angle



The lights ($18/set):


The hangers ($1 each):

[Wingnut74]

Sorry, I posted on the wrong post.... Nice job with the lights by the way.

[DCHAVOC]

Originally Posted by Bens06Sabre

wanted to add some extra lights to the bike, found a set at wally world for about $18, added wiring , switch, relay, nice fuse holder had about $40 into this, plus a couple of hours labor, I used insulated clamps to clamp aound turn signal stems, mounted the lights on them, then ran my wires, dicided to mount the switch where I can turn them off manualy into the side panels on the front of bike where it covers the neck, then found a switched soure for power, so light would only be on with ignition on, wired into a relay. on the lights I switched out the 55 watt bulb to 20 watts, for now, didn't want to ovverload the charging system, sense I also run heated grips, what you guys think?, if i don't like the way the lights hold up I still have the all the wiring ready to go if I ever switch lights

I joined just cause of this post!

I just got an '05 Shadow and wanted to add lights to it...but not for 350 bux like the linky a buddy sent me...I'm a bit broke having just got the bike, helmet, etc...so I'm going to try your idea out.

Now I just need to find a suitable spot for the switch on my bike.

[ed_s]

Hi O'Larry - did you use a double pole double throw switch? Don't mean to get too technical, but wouldn't it be a single pole double throw switch, just to turn the lights on or off? My understanding is a double pole double throw switch would send the electricity in one of two directions, instead of just turning it on or off.... Thanks!

[invalidsession]

Originally Posted by Earthling789

I added a set of the Wal-mart Optronics lights to my VT700... left in the 55W bulbs and wired them to run only with my low-beams... I drive daylight hours with my high-beam on and figured using the extra lighting with my low-beam would really help me see better in traffic situations.... no issues with charging system load, but all my other lights are LED and I have nothing else bogging my system.

I mounted them to the turn-signal stems, using standard pipe hangers (painted black)... wired the lights to a relay triggered by the low-beams. And, I changed out all the bolts and hardware for stainless (hangers are galvanized).

Pictures below (total cost to set-up on bike - <$30):

Obviously not adjusted for proper focus/angle



The lights ($18/set):


The hangers ($1 each):

In my golf cart business I get constant requests to add driving lights for owners who cruise around the grounds and the golf course complex after dark and I use these all the time. They are discreet and offer many mounting options but imho they don't offer much forward penetration in the dark. Excellent for a cart that can only pull around 15 mph but I can't imagine they help much at speeds over 30mph or so. You guys really find that these help illuminate the road at higher speeds or do you use them just help pick out the sides of the lane you are in ?
I can see them helping in making the bike more visible and I'm all for that but do they actually offer more forward visibility ? My personal golf cart is highly modified but I'd be reluctant to hammer down the golf course road at it's 30mph top speed in darkness. Perhaps the mounting height plays a part ? Your thoughts would be most welcome.

Chris.

[DCHAVOC]

Originally Posted by ed_s

Hi O'Larry - did you use a double pole double throw switch? Don't mean to get too technical, but wouldn't it be a single pole double throw switch, just to turn the lights on or off? My understanding is a double pole double throw switch would send the electricity in one of two directions, instead of just turning it on or off.... Thanks!

Double pole, double throw just means that you can switch two things at the same time by throwing only 1 switch.

It's like ganging 2 Single pole, double throw switches together.

The poles are not connected to one another.

Hope that helps.

[utahmike]

Hey Guys, I just added a new set of those Optronics lights on my shadow spirit 1100c and they look great. I used the pipe hangers like Earthling789 used only I mounted mine on my forks. Has anyone used the wiring and switch that came with the lights? I hooked up everything up temporaily and they work just fine. I ran the power line to the switch and it turns the light on and off. My question is, some guys have mentioned using a relay, what will the relay do, and where should it be wired in. Thanks!!

[Bens06Sabre]

the relay is used to turn lights on when the ignition is on, and off when you shut the engine off, also keeps you from having to run a high amp rated off/switch, when I wired mine I ran from positive side of battery thru a fuse, to the relay,then from relay to lights, on the Sabre there is a blue/white wire under fuel tank in white junction box, I spliced into that wire, as the trigger, went thru a toggle switch from trigger wire to relay, that way can mauelly turn light off and on, hope this makes sense

[Bens06Sabre]

oh I would go with a switch that is more resistant to the elements, I used a toggle switch rated for outdoor use , and installed one of those boots over the bat to water proof it even more, see my install pics

[utahmike]

Thanks bens06sabre I wish I could make sense of the diagram you posted but alas it's all greek to me. I thinking i'll just go ahead and purchase the gonzo harness. Again thanks for your help!