headlight electrical question

[Nightengale]

My headlight on my project only has low beam since i did away with the hand cotrols. I want to add a switch to the top of the headlight bucket that will switch from low to hiigh beam. I live in the city and dont use high beam, but i want to have it if i need it. Im just not sure what amp switch i need, or exactly how i should wire it. I think all i need is to hook up the. Low to one side and high to the other. All the other wiring that i have done on the bikke hhas turned out great, withthe help of everyon here. Just need some advice.

[crazy steve]

You need a single-pole, double throw switch; that's what to ask for or look for on the package. It should be rated for at least 10 amps. It will have three connections; the 'common' which is where you hook your incoming power, and the other two will be your high/low connections.

[Nightengale]

thanks

You need a single-pole, double throw switch; that's what to ask for or look for on the package. It should be rated for at least 10 amps. It will have three connections; the 'common' which is where you hook your incoming power, and the other two will be your high/low connections.

thats what i thought and i though that the 10 amp might work, but i does help to ask those who know more than me, but i am learning alot on here

[fredintoon]

My headlight on my project only has low beam since i did away with the hand controls. - - - Just need some advice.

Hi John,
my curmudgeon reflex advises Put those controls back where they belong, eh?
But seriously, what Steve said about the switch but why did you take the controls off the bars, which ones did you keep and where are they located now?
Also, if you are moving all that wiring have you considered running heavy-duty wires to the headlight and switching the power with relays? It's claimed that this gets more of the 12 Volts to the light so it shines brighter.

[GLoweVA]

Fred, John has done some serious mods to his bike. He's stripped most everything off and it's pretty bare bones.
No turn signals, no horn, so no need for the left hand controls.
He moved his kill switch and start button, so no right hand controls either.
Basically electrically, it's headlight, brake light and that's about it besides engine electronics. A few weeks ago I went over to help him figure out why his headlight wasn't working. He did the mod to remove the reserve lighting unit, but he had forgotten that he took out his hi/low beam switch, so we fixed/jumpered that, but now he's only got the low beam.
High beam might be nice to have if for some reason his low beam filament decides to die in the middle of a ride, he can switch over and have a light still.
Here's a pic that shows a little of what he doesn't have. (the pic is a little old. He's taken the key switch out too and mounted up a speedo since this pic.)

[fredintoon]

He's stripped most everything off and it's pretty bare bones.
No turn signals, no horn, so no need for the left hand controls.
He moved his kill switch and start button, so no right hand controls either.
Basically electrically, it's headlight, brake light and that's about it besides engine electronics. - - -

Hi George,
thing is, that bike has been modified enough to attract all manner of attention, not all of which will be welcome.
By removing the signals and horn and all the other stuff there's laws about having, he's written a big sign on his back saying "write me a ticket".

[GLoweVA]

You're right about the "attracting attention", Fred.
However, here in VA you can get an 'Antique' tag that exempts you from state inspection. And here you're only required to have a headlight and brake lights. Turn signals are optional, but if the bike has them then they have to work for the inspection.
He's getting (have gotten already I think) the antique plate.
I know he's done his research on this and asked around to alot of his chopper/bobber buddies too.

[Nightengale]

this is what i got

here is a picture of how my set up is on the bike.

and i have to give a big thanks to george for all his help with solving my electrical problems.
and george is right i am going to get antique tags this saturday and with the antique tags here in va. you dont need an inspection either.