| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
djw
Flying Brick Rider
Joined: 23 Feb 2004
Posts: 268
Location: Allegan, Michigan
|
 Posted: Thu Aug 03, 2006 8:38 am Post subject: |
 |
|
| Off the grid wrote: | | Whats involved with the electrical wiring of these added lights? I am a decent fabricator, but electrical stuff is a bit....daunting to say the least. |
Dave,
Buy a cheap digital multimeter, less than $20 at Radio Shack or the hardware store.
Electricity Kindergarten: You'll need a hot lead and a ground wire.
As a baseline, you'll be running a new hot lead from the battery positive terminal (or from a new fuse block, but you might not want to get that involved). The ground wire CAN go to the battery negative terminal, but any good ground point on the frame will work. How do you know if it's a good ground? Use your multimeter.
Basically, electricity only works if you have a complete circuit, from hot to ground. We add things like switches because we don't want it on all the time. We use relays (think of these as remotely controlled, heavy duty switches) because the little switch you push (which controls the relay) usually can't handle the power needed to light up the night. If that's too much info, or too basic, just ignore it.
If you buy a kit, like the FF50's or FF75's, they come with all the wiring you need, and a diagram for how to hook it up. The basic components of the kit are: lights, relay, switch, and color-coded wiring for connecting these to each other and to the vehicle. Not all kits are so user friendly, so YMMV.
If you get stuck, ask for help here.
Don
_________________
'93 K1100LT - Pine Green, '73 CB350Four |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
Flying Duck
PsyKotic Waterfowl
Joined: 27 Jan 2005
Posts: 10102
Location: Bumf***, WA
|
| Posted: Thu Aug 03, 2006 4:35 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Get a waterproof in-line fuse holder. Most people power such things from where the big red wires go into the starter relay.
It's also advisable to have the relay switched by your high beams if you're putting driving lights on. That way you don't have to dim two sets of lights (your headlight and the driving lights) when there are oncoming cars - the driving lights will go off when you switch from high beam ot low beam.
Relay connections:
30 - Fused power (from the starter realy in the right rear corner of the relay box under your tank.)
87 - Positive wire to driving lights
85 - Ground - the main ground is under the tank along the center rail of the frame - You probably want to run the ground through the switch for the lights.
86 - Tap it into your high beam wire
_________________
93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Flyrod
Joined: 02 Aug 2006
Posts: 11
Location: London, Ontario, Canada
|
| Posted: Mon Aug 21, 2006 4:58 pm Post subject: FF50's Fog or Driving? |
|
|
Hi all,
I would like to add the above lights to my '93 RS and have 2 questions:
1) What is the consensus on Fog vs. Driving. I'm guessing fog would be best for me where I live as there isn't a lot of really open country that allows high speed long distance riding - I spend most of time on low beam due to traffic even in the countryside. I am looking at making me more visible rather than seeing miles down a country highway.
2) Where to mount? under the nose? Under the mirrors? On the forks?
Recommendations appreciated!
Thanks
Rod |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Flying Duck
PsyKotic Waterfowl
Joined: 27 Jan 2005
Posts: 10102
Location: Bumf***, WA
|
| Posted: Mon Aug 21, 2006 6:39 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Unless you want to spend hundreds on getting name brand lights, I'd recommend just going to Walmart. They have some nice small driving/fog lights for around $15US that should mount nicely under the nose.
You should be able to just mount them on the screws that hold the blakc underpanel of the RS fairing on.
I found some discontinued PIAA Solitaire fog lights on ebay for $20 last year but those dont seem to be around anymore.
Here's what mine look like on my K100RS:
Nobody ever made mirror mounts that I know of for the RS fairing.
RBR makes a $200 mouting bracket which, besides being expensive, is ugly if you ask me.
In the mext few days. I'll be adding some caliper mounted FF50's on my K100RS and will post some pictures after I do that. However, if I were you, I'd just do the underfairing mount.
_________________
93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Gomedic
Flying Brick Rider
Joined: 21 Apr 2004
Posts: 215
Location: Detroit, Mich
|
| Posted: Mon Aug 21, 2006 8:48 pm Post subject: lights |
|
|
here is what my Motolights look like...
_________________
1997 K1100LT Mine...ALL MINE! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Jim
Site Admin
Joined: 17 May 2003
Posts: 3841
Location: WHERETHEFUNNEVERENDS
|
| Posted: Mon Aug 21, 2006 10:43 pm Post subject: driving lights |
|
|
The fork mounts like Glenn shows a picture of are certainly good - and I used them until Motolight came out with caliper mounts - which are even better. I really don't like anything on my forks - screws up the clear coat....
These lights and mounts are a few bucks, but I think they're worth it. The only drawback (unless they've changed something) is the wiring harness they send with the lights is crap. Hoping Jim at Eastern Beaver will come up with a plug in replacement harness.
_________________
Jim
1997 K1100LTSE 94,000 - still has gremlins!
1995 R100RT Classic 16,650 crashed - repaired!
1992 K75RTP 46,000
"We shall not all die, but we shall all be changed."
Last edited by Jim on Tue Aug 22, 2006 1:03 am; edited 1 time in total |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
bluechip
Brick Rider
Joined: 23 Jul 2006
Posts: 26
|
| Posted: Mon Aug 21, 2006 10:47 pm Post subject: Hella 550 |
|
|
Does anyone make a fork or crshbar mount that I can use with my new 550's which are sitting in the box?
_________________
96 K1100LT
82 528e 265k
82 FT500 Ascot
ex-K75RT, 83 R100 RS, RT, 74 R60, 85 K100RT |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Flying Duck
PsyKotic Waterfowl
Joined: 27 Jan 2005
Posts: 10102
Location: Bumf***, WA
|
| Posted: Mon Aug 21, 2006 10:57 pm Post subject: Re: Hella 550 |
|
|
| bluechip wrote: | | Does anyone make a fork or crshbar mount that I can use with my new 550's which are sitting in the box? |
I'm personally not a fan of this system because I just don't like the appearance. But aside from that it's a quality setup. And it's a little steep IMO at $200.
http://www.cyclegadgets.com/Products/lightkits/detail.asp?bike=K-BIKE&kit=RBR-K100
_________________
93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
bluechip
Brick Rider
Joined: 23 Jul 2006
Posts: 26
|
| Posted: Mon Aug 21, 2006 11:13 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Drake:
Will the little Hellas mount under the LT fairing front?
_________________
96 K1100LT
82 528e 265k
82 FT500 Ascot
ex-K75RT, 83 R100 RS, RT, 74 R60, 85 K100RT |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Gomedic
Flying Brick Rider
Joined: 21 Apr 2004
Posts: 215
Location: Detroit, Mich
|
| Posted: Tue Aug 22, 2006 12:08 am Post subject: Hey Jim! |
|
|
Caliper mounts??? I want to know more!
Glenn
_________________
1997 K1100LT Mine...ALL MINE! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Jim
Site Admin
Joined: 17 May 2003
Posts: 3841
Location: WHERETHEFUNNEVERENDS
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
djw
Flying Brick Rider
Joined: 23 Feb 2004
Posts: 268
Location: Allegan, Michigan
|
| Posted: Tue Aug 22, 2006 7:50 am Post subject: Re: Hey Jim! |
|
|
| Gomedic wrote: | Caliper mounts??? I want to know more!
Glenn |
Glenn,
I posted pictures of my caliper-mounted Motolights on page 1 of this thread, but they really don't show the mount very well.
Since you already have the lights, Motolights will sell you the caliper mounts for $80. The kit comprises two connected pieces of machined aluminum and a longer caliper mounting bolt, for each side.
I like the mounting, but it is not inexpensive.
I'll look for (or take) a better picture if you want more info.
Don
edit: Here's a little better shot of the mount:
_________________
'93 K1100LT - Pine Green, '73 CB350Four |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Gomedic
Flying Brick Rider
Joined: 21 Apr 2004
Posts: 215
Location: Detroit, Mich
|
| Posted: Tue Aug 22, 2006 8:24 am Post subject: |
|
|
Yeah Baby! That's what I'm talkin about! Gotta get me some of them! Have you Motolite People had problems withthe seals? I am on my second set now...rain/moisture gets in them. I have them properly sealed and everything.
Glenn
_________________
1997 K1100LT Mine...ALL MINE! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
djw
Flying Brick Rider
Joined: 23 Feb 2004
Posts: 268
Location: Allegan, Michigan
|
| Posted: Tue Aug 22, 2006 9:11 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Gomedic wrote: | Yeah Baby! That's what I'm talkin about! Gotta get me some of them! Have you Motolite People had problems withthe seals? I am on my second set now...rain/moisture gets in them. I have them properly sealed and everything.
Glenn |
Glenn,
If you clicked on the pic to see the large version, you might have noticed that the lenses are off. That is because I took this picture after returning from Deals Gap last March. Both lights leaked enough to fill with water, and one of the sockets actually disintegrated. I had purchased the lights used, so I have no idea what previous treatment they had. $40 or so later, I had them back from Motolights with new seals, new wiring, socket, etc. I've ridden in heavy rain since then, and had no problems.
Don
_________________
'93 K1100LT - Pine Green, '73 CB350Four |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Jim
Site Admin
Joined: 17 May 2003
Posts: 3841
Location: WHERETHEFUNNEVERENDS
|
| Posted: Tue Aug 22, 2006 10:56 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Gomedic wrote: | Yeah Baby! That's what I'm talkin about! Gotta get me some of them! Have you Motolite People had problems withthe seals? I am on my second set now...rain/moisture gets in them. I have them properly sealed and everything.
Glenn |
Yeah - I had one leak and fill with water. Tina at Motolight responded right away - they sent a new lens, two new sets of seals and new bulbs - no charge.
They offer a couple of different seals for the lights. You might want to talk to one of the people at Motolight and ask them which seal to use.
_________________
Jim
1997 K1100LTSE 94,000 - still has gremlins!
1995 R100RT Classic 16,650 crashed - repaired!
1992 K75RTP 46,000
"We shall not all die, but we shall all be changed." |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Gomedic
Flying Brick Rider
Joined: 21 Apr 2004
Posts: 215
Location: Detroit, Mich
|
| Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2006 9:29 am Post subject: |
|
|
I contacted them, told them my plight. I just received the seals and light bulbs in the mail 1 week later! Great customer service!!!
Glenn.
I also ordered the caliper mounts today!! Woohoo
_________________
1997 K1100LT Mine...ALL MINE! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
elcidio
Joined: 27 Jun 2006
Posts: 8
Location: Shropshire UK
|
| Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2006 3:04 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I love the idea of sneaking down those Welsh Valley roads at the crack of dawn with a few extra lums to guide me but I'm still confused. Whats the definitive ? Do I go for Hella FF50's or the other sort that leaks a bit with top notch customer service.
To hell with it I think I'll do a sneak out real early job tomorrow - just before light and see if the bakers are up and ready.
_________________
________________________
'97 K1100 RS |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Gomedic
Flying Brick Rider
Joined: 21 Apr 2004
Posts: 215
Location: Detroit, Mich
|
| Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2006 3:20 pm Post subject: |
|
|
As far as leaking goes...I'm sure that there must be an easy solution. I was thinking of silicone, and just redo it each time I replace the bulbs. All in all, I can't complain about the motolights. For night-time or early AM driving, I feel they are the best.
Glenn
_________________
1997 K1100LT Mine...ALL MINE! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
djw
Flying Brick Rider
Joined: 23 Feb 2004
Posts: 268
Location: Allegan, Michigan
|
| Posted: Tue Sep 26, 2006 9:34 am Post subject: |
|
|
Oh, one thing I forgot to mention in my previous post regarding the leaking. Apparently, it is also possible that the water enters the light by following the wiring into the back of the casing. To reduce this possibility, leave enough slack in your wires so you can leave a little drip loop. That way, any water running down the wire runs away from the light.
Don
_________________
'93 K1100LT - Pine Green, '73 CB350Four |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
lrome48
Flying Brick Rider
Joined: 30 Jan 2006
Posts: 364
Location: Northridge, SFV,Southern California
|
| Posted: Wed Oct 04, 2006 9:38 am Post subject: |
|
|
Here are the lights I have now, they are Piolt brand, 55w Halogen and cost $40. I plan to add more soon, I have also added LED markers on the fairing side panels, I'll post a photo tonight if I can.
Larry
The lights are on a separate Eastern Beaver harness, and fused int he right glove box.
_________________
Larry
K75
97 K1100 LT Specialk under construction
87 SpecialK75 Carols done!
2004 K12 Special the 'Beast' delivered
K1100 Standard Custom Gone but not forgotten |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
