Louder and Brighter?

**planedick** · 03-22-2007, 10:02 PM

Where in CA?

Scopey, where in CA are you. There's lots of us here who like to meet other XSives for rides and wrenchin'.

**prometheus578** · 03-22-2007, 11:14 PM

"Welcome Aboard, Scopey."

I'm of the mind that I like my bike relatively quiet so I can hear what's going on around me... but I'm known to be contrary.
Many threads about Mac 4 into 1 pipes and such. Try the search function, or wait till someone 'pipes" up with answers.
I'm not an exhaust Guru, so I'll shut up.

These bikes have very low-output charging systems, so you have to watch just how powerful a bulb you use. Try the search function again regarding "headlights".
Some of us have switched all our other bulbs to LEDs to free up some extra juice.
I'm not an electrical Guru, so I'll shut up.

I'm the Guru of insults and mockery... but I've had a long day, am tired, so I'll shut up.

**DiverRay** · 03-23-2007, 12:13 AM

As a 3rd generation California native, I'll tell you now that louder does NOT work!!!

A HID bulb will help, as it's a low amp bright light. Loud pipes just make it easy for the cops to trace you, but the soccer moms still won't know you are there.
You need to learn, you are invisible. NO ONE SEES YOU WHEN YOU RIDE!!! NOISE DOES NOT HELP!!
Please let us know what part of the state you live in, as we ARE putting together some fun rides.

**scopey** · 03-23-2007, 02:10 AM

Switching the other lights to LED before trying out a HID headlight would be a good route. I have been using the search function on the site for the exhaust. While I found good information on jetting to compinsate for different exhaust systems I had a hard time finding name brands to look into.

For some reason it slipped my mind to do a search of the forums on headlights; that was my mistake.

I am located in Lakewood near the 605 and the 405 for right now.

How often does everyone have group rides in their respective areas? I thought about riding out to the Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Association ride out by Fraizer Park but I have to work that weekend

**Pat Kelly** · 03-23-2007, 05:12 AM

April 13/14 in Mariposa (Yosemite). Bring tent and sleeping bag.
Lake Tahoe on Labor Day weekend has become popular.

**mro** · 03-23-2007, 09:24 AM

a bike that is louder

Welcome to CA CA land

and to the forum.....

Only difference I've found between my hot rod XS (very loud 4 into 1) and my stock 80G is that I've been followed by the sherif once and a CHP came outa hiding and tagged along for a half mile to see if I was into stupid things. (Just lucky I noticed both before they noticed me)

mro

but I've had a long day, am tired, so I'll shut up.

I'm not an exhaust Guru, so I'll shut up.

So P rom, your just an ex-hausted, quite, electrical challenged Guru today???

**webbcraft2150** · 03-23-2007, 02:02 PM

Not a real fan of loud pipes. You might find them a real drag on a long trip and the only attention they seems to attract is from cars with lightbars on the roof.

I have used Fiamm electric horns for years, VERY loud and easy to mount in the stock location. Some members use air horns, again very loud but mounting trumpets and compressor can be a hassle. HID lights can prove to have some mounting issues 'cause you you have to mount the ballast somewhere. Higher power H4 bulbs is a easy swap. You can find them in many wattage variations. XS11's have weak charging systems so you gotta watch how much you add. I run a 65/100w. H4 bulb. I rarely run the high beam portion in town. I do sometimes flash between the two when I come up on a busy intersection to attract some attention. You might want to consider a headlight modulator also. I know I notice them on bikes, but then again, I am lookin for em.

**scopey** · 03-23-2007, 03:27 PM

The more I hear about louder pipes the more it sounds like an unwise decision. It would make sense considering the only true proponents of it are a few Harley riders I know with a touch of "look at me" syndrome.

I think I will go with the H4 65/100 watt bulb that webbcraft described and LED rear lights and turn signals once I find some that fit.

The modulator is a great idea for being seen!!! I saw one on a crotch rocket just this past week and it definately grabs your attention. I never saw those where I was in Kansas so it definately grabbed my attention.

**TopCatGr58** · 03-23-2007, 06:06 PM

Re: "Welcome Aboard, Scopey."

Originally posted by prometheus578

I'm not an exhaust Guru, so I'll shut up.

I'm not an electrical Guru, so I'll shut up.

I'm the Guru of insults and mockery... but I've had a long day, am tired, so I'll shut up.

But, Prom, you do exude a lot of HOT AIR at times!

MRO, can't believe you missed that opening?

Hey Scopey,
Have you seen the tech tips from scrolling down from the MAIN FORUM PAGE, not just the links in the left yellow column? You will find some MOD tips regarding the LED conversion and where you can get them for decent prices. Webbcraft just posted about his tail light conversion he did, not sure if he's seen the tech tips either?

If yours still has the OEM headlight lens, you can make it brighter with a clear lens conversion available from MikesXS. I'm running standard 55/60 headlight bulb, but I also have a pair of 55watt halogen aux lights, and can flick them on to get more attention. I Recommend that setup, cause the extra lights are WIDER, so more visible to folks with less than 20/20 vision.....FYI, you only have to have 20/70 vision in only 1 eye, other can be blind, and only have to have total of 70 degrees of peripheral vision, 35 to each side left and right, to be legal to drive a car in the US in the Daytime!!

And I'm running 2 sets of LED tail lights for that high low effect, like the extra one in the back of most cars rear windshields! These are the LED turn signals as well as LED license plate lights.

Your machine has an aux fuse terminal. The OEM horn plugs are not very large, and can have trouble supplying the amps needed to drive loud horns. You can use those terminals though to trigger a relay wired from the AUX terminals, so you get direct power to the horns when you want/need them! J.A.T.

**planedick** · 03-23-2007, 08:06 PM

Area rides...

Scobey, there are a few XSives close to you and we do do rides most weekends when the weather is good. This weekend it's to Julian from Temecula on Sat. I'm thinking of going to Colorado around June 1st with Uncle Spot. There are lots of great rides here locally.

On another note, I have some LED turn signals for the back with a LED flasher if you're interested.

**mro** · 03-23-2007, 09:28 PM

Good photos TC

MRO, can't believe you missed that opening?

Guess I'm still a newbe in the pun catagory..... Little better in the SmartA$$ one tho

and haven't even mentioned anything about VESPA riders for a while

___________

Loud Hardley riders seem to be getting a pass from local cops around here, but on a sport bike they do seem to pay a little more attension. Think they like the chase?? Maybe not so much of a challenge going after a Hardley!?

Hayward is one of the more "financially challenged" cities around the bay, but they do have there own police helo....

mro

**mason79** · 03-23-2007, 10:30 PM

i can't seem to get rid of my brake squeal and i like that, even after drilling the discs, it is high frequency and i think it will penetrate and pollute ambient sound, they will know i'm comming to a stop.

my headlight modualtor flickers and it does get attention, without drawing more power, my guess, it turns down the draw.it s with not so much money 27 bucks and your time.

oh yeah slow down, if you are concerned about safety, if not, go for it, haul a$$!

**prometheus578** · 03-23-2007, 11:26 PM

Oh, pickin' on us Vespa riders again, huh?
Kick a man when he's down, huh?
(is there any other way?)

**prometheus578** · 03-24-2007, 12:04 AM

Emergency thread in the "Other bike discussion" forum! Big sale!
(No, not on Vespas'!)

Louder and Brighter?

Louder and Brighter?

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment

Comment