Attaching extra headlights, is it easy?

[TOTO]

Hey Falks, Ive been looking to attach spotlights on my hornet to help with night riding.

Found these ones on trademe, (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Car-parts-accessories/Performance/Bulbs/auction-161188247.htm) or these (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-CUSTOM-CHROME-BULLET-MOTORCYCLE-DRIVING-LIGHT-KIT_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ35557QQihZ020QQitem Z300232492444QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW#ebayphotohost ing) and I think they will be perfect.

My question is , how easy is it to attach an extra pair of headlights to the bike ? Can a non electrical person like me do it or is it better to get it to a bike shop to get it fitted ?

Anyone here done it , and did you have any issues related to the extra headlights ?


All advice apprechiated.

[xwhatsit]

Hell, if I can rewire lights and stuff then anybody can.

I think your biggest problem is going to be mounting them. What are you going to attach them to? Might need to make up a bracket.

[TOTO]

the lights come with a bracket on them and the hornet has some holes for a screen on the headlight mount, but since I haven't got a screen the holes are unused at the moment.

[scumdog]

I think you should really really check them out before buying- most of that style of light just make an annoying glare and not a long narrow beam such as think you desire. My 2-cents worth.

[TOTO]

I think you should really really check them out before buying- most of that style of light just make an annoying glare and not a long narrow beam such as think you desire. My 2-cents worth.

Do you reacon those are better ? (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-CUSTOM-CHROME-BULLET-MOTORCYCLE-DRIVING-LIGHT-KIT_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ35557QQihZ020QQitem Z300232492444QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW#ebayphotohost ing)

[scumdog]

Do you reacon those are better ? (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-CUSTOM-CHROME-BULLET-MOTORCYCLE-DRIVING-LIGHT-KIT_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ35557QQihZ020QQitem Z300232492444QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW#ebayphotohost ing)

NO!
I use them myself (so does C.B.) as daytime running lights - make you VERY visible to cars not directly on front of you (does them as well mind) as they cast a wide beam.

No good for at night - too 'glarey' and no length to the beam.
They use the same bulbs as used in shop displays, bars etc.

EDIT: In NZ they go for between $70 to $120 a set depending on style.

[TOTO]

NO!
I use them myself (so does C.B.) as daytime running lights - make you VERY visible to cars not directly on front of you (does them as well mind) as they cast a wide beam.

No good for at night - too 'glarey' and no length to the beam.
They use the same bulbs as used in shop displays, bars etc.

EDIT: In NZ they go for between $70 to $120 a set depending on style.

So you are thinking that something with an H1 or an H4 bulb inside will do the trick then ?

[scumdog]

So you are thinking that something with an H1 or an H4 bulb inside will do the trick then ?

You're onto it - the trouble is getting something compact to house them, ya don't want to end up looking like an ex-cop Harley......

[xwhatsit]

So you are thinking that something with an H1 or an H4 bulb inside will do the trick then ?
Definitely. Something along these lines would work very nicely:
<img src="http://myvespa.files.wordpress.com/2006/11/mod-oa.jpg"></img>

[TOTO]

You're onto it - the trouble is getting something compact to house them, ya don't want to end up looking like an ex-cop Harley......

Soooo somethink like this (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Parts-accessories/Other/auction-160102640.htm) you reacon will do the trick ay ? its got an H4 bulb.

[scumdog]

Soooo somethink like this (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Parts-accessories/Other/auction-160102640.htm) you reacon will do the trick ay ? its got an H4 bulb.

Yup, mount them each side of the headlight and you'll be sweet!!

[TOTO]

Yup, mount them each side of the headlight and you'll be sweet!!

Thank you :2thumbsup

[CookMySock]

I think you should really really check them out before buying- most of that style of light just make an annoying glare and not a long narrow beam such as think you desire. Scumdog is right. Those are pissy little things that wont illuminate jack shit. I tried something similar and it was like a friggin candle.

Basically, you need something with a large reflector on it, or you should upgrade or uprate what you already have.

edit: like he says later on in the thread.. /me rolls eyes at self

DB

[FROSTY]

Just be careful or ya might end up pushiing ya bike home.Yer charging system only has so much output.
You need to run a relay to stop the lectrics from frying--too much draw. and ya need to be sure your alternator output is sufficient to run the lights.

[BOGAR]

Just be careful or ya might end up pushing ya bike home.Yer charging system only has so much output.
You need to run a relay.

As Frosty said. i know someone who did do it and the bike just stopped one day. battery had gone flat and killed the bike. bike OK once the light turned off though.

[CookMySock]

suggestion: if your current draw is too high, consider using H.I.D lamps. They draw quite a bit on starting, but then settle down to about 35 watts. You might even find you can upgrade your existing lights to H.I.D - works good on my bike.

A warning though - H.I.D inverters can put out a lot of radio frequency interference and they can and will freak out various electronic devices nearby. Digital dash, electronic hotgrips controller etc.


DB

[vifferman]

Scumdog is right. Those are pissy little things that wont illuminate jack shit. I tried something similar and it was like a friggin candle.
That's not necessarily true - I was talking to a guy with a BMW who had some auxiliary lights fitted that were very compact (about 50mm or so) and almost unnoticeable. He said they gave brilliant lighting. It's not so much the size of the reflector (although it does help) but how well shaped it is in relation to the bulb filament position. For that reason, something cheap from TardMe is unlikely to be well-designed enough to give good lighting, but the larger cheap lights can get away with poor design as the larger reflection compensates in part for it.

[TOTO]

suggestion: if your current draw is too high, consider using H.I.D lamps. They draw quite a bit on starting, but then settle down to about 35 watts. You might even find you can upgrade your existing lights to H.I.D - works good on my bike.

A warning though - H.I.D inverters can put out a lot of radio frequency interference and they can and will freak out various electronic devices nearby. Digital dash, electronic hotgrips controller etc.


DB

Interesting Idea. What es HID light tho? forgive my ignorance.

[CookMySock]

Interesting Idea. What es HID light tho? forgive my ignorance.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xenon_arc_lamp


DB

[The Pastor]

Just replace ur current headlights with HID lamps, they are amazing.

[Nordy]

That's not necessarily true - I was talking to a guy with a BMW who had some auxiliary lights fitted that were very compact (about 50mm or so) and almost unnoticeable. He said they gave brilliant lighting. It's not so much the size of the reflector (although it does help) but how well shaped it is in relation to the bulb filament position. For that reason, something cheap from TardMe is unlikely to be well-designed enough to give good lighting, but the larger cheap lights can get away with poor design as the larger reflection compensates in part for it.


If its the guy I know he got some cheaps spotties from supercheap and installed them on his bike. It worked well.

[CookMySock]

Just replace ur current headlights with HID lamps, they are amazing.yep. Be careful changing your dip beam - thats the one that has to pass a WOF. High-beam only has to work where it is fitted.

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?p=1545923#post1545923
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=72945&highlight=hid


DB

[The Stranger]

Have you tried replacing your headlight bulb for say a philips +50% bulb.

I have used these on both the GSXR and Fazer with good results in both.
Though nothing will compensate for the shit beam shape on the GSXR it did improve vision and safety.

Keeps the shape true, no need for mounts or wiring changes and no problems with WOF and only a few bucks from Repco etc.

[vifferman]

What is the problem with the standard light? Not enough spread, or not enough power? On my VF500 it was the latter, and I fixed it by replacing the standard bulb with an H4 80/130W, and a relay with a really fat wire to the battery. It worked brilliantly, because the reflector was a good shape, and the lens was glass.
Did the same to the FahrtSturm (used the bulb from the VF, in fact!) and it wasn't as god, as the reflector wasn't as well-shaped. Also, I didn't bother to clean up the connectors on the back of the bulb, and there must've been a bit of corrosion. The extra resistance overheated the wires and they got a wee bit melted.
The VFR's fine - it has adaptor rings to allow the standard weird Honda bulbs (40/55, or somesuch, with different locator tabs) with garden variety 55/60W H4s. No need to fit realys - they're standard on the VFR. (But I did fit one for the horns).

[TOTO]

Have you tried replacing your headlight bulb for say a philips +50% bulb.

I have used these on both the GSXR and Fazer with good results in both.
Though nothing will compensate for the shit beam shape on the GSXR it did improve vision and safety.

Keeps the shape true, no need for mounts or wiring changes and no problems with WOF and only a few bucks from Repco etc.

Where do I get the extra power Philips bulbs from ? Repco you suggest ? What yould be better , the 50% more power from phillips or an HID bulb ?


What is the problem with the standard light? Not enough spread, or not enough power? On my VF500 it was the latter, and I fixed it by replacing the standard bulb with an H4 80/130W, and a relay with a really fat wire to the battery. It worked brilliantly, because the reflector was a good shape, and the lens was glass.
Did the same to the FahrtSturm (used the bulb from the VF, in fact!) and it wasn't as god, as the reflector wasn't as well-shaped. Also, I didn't bother to clean up the connectors on the back of the bulb, and there must've been a bit of corrosion. The extra resistance overheated the wires and they got a wee bit melted.
The VFR's fine - it has adaptor rings to allow the standard weird Honda bulbs (40/55, or somesuch, with different locator tabs) with garden variety 55/60W H4s. No need to fit realys - they're standard on the VFR. (But I did fit one for the horns).


Yes the bulb is H4 60/55w and provides and OK light at night but Not the best in the corners. I'm wanting something a bit brighter in the main headlight and putting two lights on the side slightly pointing outside the main beam so it illuminates the corners for me at night. The wors thing for me is taking a line when I can't see the corner, scared me shittles on the hyosung , but there wasn't anything I could do about it. Now with the hornet I have options to bolt stuff on itto increase night visibility.

[The Stranger]

Where do I get the extra power Philips bulbs from ? Repco you suggest ? What yould be better , the 50% more power from phillips or an HID bulb ?


From memory it was $35.00 for the pair for the Fazer from Repco.
It is about the cheapest and easiest fix and wastes little if you find it is still inadequate.

I am sure the HID would give more light output.

As you well know, getting it in the right place is the key. You have a Honda, my experience is that they aren't too bad at doing that, I would try the +50 first.

[CookMySock]

Where do I get the extra power Philips bulbs from ? Repco you suggest ? What yould be better , the 50% more power from phillips or an HID bulb ?Repco, yes. The +50% bulbs are good, but they dont last long. I use them in my commercial vehicle and we replace them quite regularly. I should change them to HIDs.

The HID is far more powerful, and quite fascinating to use - they change their colour as they warm up and really put a grin on my face whenever I turn them on. Also, the massive flare from them during the day makes your bike stick out like dogs balls - grrrreat for safety - they are frightenly bright. They are cool to flash at people too, coz they go off like a camera flash with a hellava nasty BLINK that makes people wonder wtf was that ? Sorta like a lightening strike.

$20 for the +50% from repco, install in 2 mins.

$100 for the HIDs minimum, and two hours doofing around with them.

HIDs are worth every cent.



Yes the bulb is H4 60/55w and provides and OK light at night but Not the best in the corners. I'm wanting something a bit brighter in the main headlight and putting two lights on the side slightly pointing outside the main beam so it illuminates the corners for me at night. The wors thing for me is taking a line when I can't see the corner, scared me shittles on the hyosung , but there wasn't anything I could do about it. Now with the hornet I have options to bolt stuff on itto increase night visibility.I have the HIDs on a GT250R and a GT650R and it has resolved this problem. No more dark hole in the middle of the corner.


DB

[What?]

... I was talking to a guy with a BMW who had some auxiliary lights fitted that were very compact (about 50mm or so) and almost unnoticeable. He said they gave brilliant lighting...

I'm picking that they would be the Touratech HID lights - awsome performance, all right, but the price tag is a little :shit:

[xgnr]

If its the guy I know he got some cheaps spotties from supercheap and installed them on his bike. It worked well.

Picked up some small black cheapies for 50.00 and mounted them on the forks for the Grand Challenge last year. These are a pretty good option of you want more light.

They use the standard two pin halogens (as per the ones you use at home) and are pretty damn good. You can buy wide a range of bulbs (around $5.00) each and I have never had a blown one yet even though the plastic lenses gets fuked up with stones etc often.

Key thing is to put in a relay and know what your alternator can put out.

Be aware that adding extra lamps may cause some probs due to stupid WOF rules.

Cheers

Stu

[chester]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Car-parts-accessories/Performance/Bulbs/auction-160981519.htm

[CookMySock]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Car-parts-accessories/Performance/Bulbs/auction-160981519.htm

these Lumenux kits kick arse, BUT they put out a lot of electrical interference. Quite ok on your fighter, but not on your modern EFI bike. Will also freak out your digital dash, and toast the firmware in your hotgrips controller. Nasty. Radar detector - unknown.

Remember, 6000k is near-white, 8000k is vivid blue, and over 8000k is getting quite purple.

DB