My driving lights.. what do you think?

In my opinion, this is too complicated and finicky for the minimal benefits that would be derived from all the little, cheap horses*it lights that Wal-Fart sells. The same goes for all driving lights that do not come with the bike. Waste of money and a waste of time. If you need better illumination, get HIDs and return those BS lights (no offense). You will spend an inordinate amount of time trying to figure out where to mount, how to wire, pros and cons, and then realize that you are unhappy with them.

I have spent weeks when I was younger exploring cheaper alternatives to HID (when they were still expensive). After hours and hours of obsessing, tweaking, installations, re-installations, and trying alternatives, I still ended up buying HIDs.

If you want cages to see you better in the daytime, use your high beams. Better night vision, use HIDs and call it a night. Cages are less apt to do stupid things around me when I run my high beams. There'll be no more stupidity from them once I install a Stebel horn. Take those driving lights back and get a refund.

I did post a recommendation and installation info in another post: http://vfrworld.com/forums/mechanics-garage/19020-blowing-headlight-bulbs.html

Of course, if you're buying the lights to be different and stylish, then please carry on, and mount as many as possible :smile:.

 

I saw this switch for sale at autozone. It's made by pilot and it could be put anywhere! it might be worth a try. Pilot 4 Channel Gel Panel Switch

 

has anyone yet tried the Piaa Cross Country HID lights?

 

That would be useful to control any number of items and an outragious so cool factor! Thing is, would it hold up on a bike, or is one made for 'em?

 

I Dunno, but at $25 I may give it a try. I'd imagine that the sticky backing on the back of the switch would hold it onto the brake fluid reservoir. One downside might be that it isn't lit up at night... maybe one could wire an LED in behind it, or poke it through a hole in the middle...

 

Great minds think alike. I love mine and no the light doesn't bounce around at all. They work well during the day as well to improve visibility because the pattern isn't concentrated like the hi beam. I ran the power straight off the battery and mounted the switch inside the left fairing on the black plastic. They made it to Cali and back, the only problem is that bulbs don't last but for a couple months but they are easy to change or just buy a new kit and replace the whole thing.

The switch...

 

It's a camera mount that can also be obtained at Wal-Mart. It is flexible so you can hang it on anything. Attaching it to the bike didn't work great because it's impossible to get it tight.

Over the winter?? It only takes about an hour to put the lights on. I'm about to use mine this evening, everytime I turn them on I'm glad I got them. Probably the single best mod I've ever done for the money.

 

Yes, I know that putting the lights on won't take too long, but I've already got the bike ready for storing it this winter and I'll probably do it in the spring when I'm ready to ride again. Also, I'll probably come up with a few other ideas of mods to do during the winter months, and I can do them all together. I might put a bike security system on, or some LED lighting.

 

There's no yearly motorcycle inspection required in Washington state.

 

iM SORRY TO RAIN ON YOUR PARADE, BUT YOUR HANDLEBARS DONT MOVE MUCH BECAUSE YOUR SUSPENSION IS DOING WHAT ITS DESIGNED FOR. PHYSICS SAY IF YOU MOUNT THEM TO THE LOWER LEGS, THEY WILL BOUNCE ........GET IT?????

 

Experience says they don't bounce unless you're going over speed bumps. U turns and other sharp low speed turns are much safer as well because the beam of light shines exactly where the front wheel is going, illuminating sand and gravel.

This is probably the best safety mod I've done. The lights are bright both day and night. Sunrise/sunset is safer as well because the lights are mounted lower so they are less likely to get washed out when the sun is behind you.

Autozone has LED driving lights now. They look pretty slick so I picked up a pair. Got home and tried them right away. One light didn't work at all. The other provided the illumination of a tag light. Needless to say I will be returning these. Hopefully affordable LED technology will continue to improve, until then don't waste your time with these things unless you are adding them to your lawnmower.

I just added some side marker lights on my topcase bracket. They are LED and bright from the sides and rear. I'll post more details about this project in another thread.

 

Thanks for the post

Based on what I've heard from other guys who actually DID this mod (instead of just making uneducated guesses), it sounds like a good idea! I'm going to do it after our 60" of snow the last 2 weeks dissapears... Maybe after I get them on, I'll go for a ride in my parade...if it starts raining I'll just turn on my driving lights!