Auxiliary Lighting

[trdriver71]

I was just looking at this website about these l.e.d. lights that you can use instead of halogen driving lights a little costly but use even less power the H.I.D. Has any one used or know anyone that has used these and how did they work.

Here is the link...

http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/5224//

[Ken Talbot]

They certainly look interesting. Having HID lights on my cage has really made me a believer in HID technology, so using this LED technology would probably be more suitable if I was wanting to customize rather than actually increase the light output. I wonder if you could fab some sort of mount to install two of them inside a rectangular halogen mount?

[trdriver71]

I am sure I could do it but not looking to replace the original headlight but looking for maybe driving lights as these bikes have limited amps to spare needing only 1.5 amps for a pair of light that put out the same amount of light as 2 55 watt halogen bulbs.

[skids]

Good grief! $300?

[MaximPhil]

I am sure I could do it but not looking to replace the original headlight but looking for maybe driving lights as these bikes have limited amps to spare needing only 1.5 amps for a pair of light that put out the same amount of light as 2 55 watt halogen bulbs.

Hi trdriver,
While Auxilary lights have the advantage of making you look bigger to traffic for seeing the road a simple and cheap upgrade is to get a 100/65 watt bulb from the snomobile store. Smile and nod when he asks if it is for off road use.
Works great for $12
Phil

[CatatonicBug]

Aren't there heat issues with using a bulb with that high wattage in the stock housings?

[MaximPhil]

Aren't there heat issues with using a bulb with that high wattage in the stock housings?

Hi Bug,
Others have done this conversion for many years with no problem.
Phil

[crazy steve]

Aren't there heat issues with using a bulb with that high wattage in the stock housings?

There can be; on my 'other' MC list, there's been numerous reports of toasted headlight lamp sockets (and sometimes other stuff )from doing just this, but these aren't as well ventilated as the XS buckets. Might be a bit iffy in the smaller Special bucket, but I would think you should be OK in the larger square standard shell.

[natemoen]

There can be; on my 'other' MC list, there's been numerous reports of toasted headlight lamp sockets (and sometimes other stuff )from doing just this, but these aren't as well ventilated as the XS buckets. Might be a bit iffy in the smaller Special bucket, but I would think you should be OK in the larger square standard shell.

Even on the special bucket there is plenty of space for the wind to blow on the front and out the back to keep it cool. Just don't sit still for a long time, just like with the engine.

[Eveready1100]

I ran a 160/100 halogen light in my first E model. It fried the stock fuse holder on the second night, but it all held up well once I fitted a pair of relays and a spade fuse box.
Had no effect on the headlight shell / reflector at all.
Had awesome light output, but the time delay when changing from hi to low beam was about 1/2 second which was about 1/2 second too long for me

[79XS11F]

That looks pretty good and only seems costly due to the valve of our bikes. If being installed on a new machine that would cost over 10K, it's not a bad price. Given the electrical issues our 11s are subject to, it looks like a good choice.
Rob

[skids]

I ran a 160/100 halogen light in my first E model. It fried the stock fuse holder on the second night, but it all held up well once I fitted a pair of relays and a spade fuse box.
Had no effect on the headlight shell / reflector at all.
Had awesome light output, but the time delay when changing from hi to low beam was about 1/2 second which was about 1/2 second too long for me

Ditto. I think mine were 80/110. It was like the coils of a toaster the way it got brighter with switching on.

[justme1100]

Hi trdriver,
While Auxilary lights have the advantage of making you look bigger to traffic for seeing the road a simple and cheap upgrade is to get a 100/65 watt bulb from the snomobile store. Smile and nod when he asks if it is for off road use.
Works great for $12
Phil

I use a 55/100 in my bucket with no problems, but I am told that any bigger (watt wise) that they recommend not using in a plastic housing.

[ManagerMike]

Just tossing this carrot into the salad; the stock high beam is 85 watts is it not? I don't see why running a 65 watt low beam should have any deleterious effects on the bucket or wiring, and at 100 watts... how long does one actually run with the high beam on at a time during normal riding conditions?

[skids]

how long does one actually run with the high beam on at a time during normal riding conditions?

Well, as much as possible. Especially on road trips.