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Buell Motorcycle Forum » XBoard » Buell XBoard Archives » Archive through December 12, 2008 » Wired both headlights on « Previous Next »

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Moosestang
Posted on Sunday, December 07, 2008 - 11:36 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

So has anyone had any problems running both high and low beams? I did a search and couldn't find anyone with issues, but those were all old posts.

Here's a good how to that I used. It was simple to pull the wires out using a jewelers flat blade screw driver.

http://www.teyeheimans.nl/buell/headlights_en.php

I wanted more light at night since I ride at 4:30-5am and the deer are plentiful here in Florida. Plus now no one will tell me my headlights out.

Will one light look brighter or is it just aimed differently?
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Iamarchangel
Posted on Sunday, December 07, 2008 - 11:40 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Aimed different: they're the same bulb (H7 for you, H3 for the R). There's also a "spoon", or something in one to focus it differently.
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Rpm4x4
Posted on Sunday, December 07, 2008 - 11:46 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

At night one will look brighter. Im sure its just the way it reflects. I have had no problems. I did mine about 6,000 miles ago. I ride with both on all day for a little more visibility from other drivers. I rarely ride at night but when I do its usually in the city and I cant really run both lights without pissing other people off.
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Sslowmo
Posted on Sunday, December 07, 2008 - 11:53 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Just flip your high beam switch to 'On'. I removed the little metal thing in front of the low beam. It really puts more light to the ground. Before I couldn't see what was on the ground at night. It helped but it's still not great...And who care's if people don't like it. They just get out of the way faster.
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Ez_rider
Posted on Sunday, December 07, 2008 - 12:50 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I modified both of my XBs to have both headlights on at all times. There's also a much easier way to do it than what's posted above - just open the left side handlebar switch control housing to get to the "flash to pass switch", and you'll see that the solder terminals on the back of the switch are really close together (about 1/8" apart). What I did is just take my soldering iron and a small bit of solder and create a solder "bridge" between the terminals. Now it's just like the flash to pass switch is always on (both lights on), and both lights stay on continuously. Takes about 5 minutes max, and you don't have to remove the flyscreen, extract connector pins, etc.
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Hogs
Posted on Sunday, December 07, 2008 - 01:05 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Well... Don`t know why you guys go through all this the wifes 05 xb12Scg she has been using this method for years...Just put the switch in between high and low and once you get use to it.. Piece of cake.. Gives ya the option to run either or when ya want to...!
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Krueger08xb12s
Posted on Sunday, December 07, 2008 - 01:10 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Simplest solution: Just balance the High/Low switch in the middle of both. It takes about 2 seconds... I've been doing this for about 6 months and no problems so far.
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Moosestang
Posted on Sunday, December 07, 2008 - 01:22 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

swapping the pins takes 5 minutes and balancing the switch is not a solution to me.

Also there is no need to release the headlights like the instructions say. I just unscrewed the fly screen and unplugged the connector.

(Message edited by moosestang on December 07, 2008)
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Sachmo
Posted on Sunday, December 07, 2008 - 01:51 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

In this mod do you have just the low beam on in low beam setting and then both on in Hi Beam setting? that is what I'm wanting to do.

What does the guy mean by "Be aware that you cannot use your high beam anymore after this mod! "
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Moosestang
Posted on Sunday, December 07, 2008 - 02:07 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Yes, that is what you are doing sachmo. I don't know what he means. The only difference is that both hi and lo beams are on when the switch is in high beam.
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Sachmo
Posted on Sunday, December 07, 2008 - 02:33 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Thanks, that is exactly what I want, normally you have to choose whether you want to see right in front of the bike or a bit down the road, it will be nice not to choose.
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Bo_sox
Posted on Sunday, December 07, 2008 - 02:52 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I've been running my high/low toggle in that sweet spot between the two since it was new. I've put 6,500 miles on the bike and have never had an issue - not even so much as a burnt bulb. Easy to do and doesn't cost a thing.
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Krueger08xb12s
Posted on Sunday, December 07, 2008 - 06:30 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Well stated Bo....sounds like a solution to me!
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Iamarchangel
Posted on Sunday, December 07, 2008 - 06:55 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Trying to figure out what the issue was, I just put mine on high and both are on.

But I guess I've got Canadian wiring and you don't. I think that's the European set up too.

So, basically, what Moose has done is use the Canadian set up. If you look at the manual, in the electronics section, you can see what he has done.

Both lights still don't give much brightness, I'm going to try SilverStar bulbs when the snow is gone.
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Moosestang
Posted on Sunday, December 07, 2008 - 07:48 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

There is one downside it seems. Pulling the light fuse doesn't kill the low beam any more. I was checking my AFV and loading a new map, when I discovered my light now stays on with the fuse pulled. So what fuse

You are correct that putting the switch in the middle is a solution. Frankly, you are just being lazy because this costs nothing and a child could do it. I doubt my switch would stay in the middle coming down my dirt road, but I honestly would have never thought to try such a solution. Sometimes there is a better solution, no?

Gastric bypass is a solution for some to lose weight. To me it's just pathetic.
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Wardamneagle
Posted on Sunday, December 07, 2008 - 09:56 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

So the previous owner did this to my bike. I am blowing fuses.

I put a brand new fuse in and a couple days later it goes out.

It seems to be going out when i turn the key because i'll have them both on when i turn off the bike but when i put the key back in and turn it....no highs

Any help on this?
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Iamarchangel
Posted on Sunday, December 07, 2008 - 10:01 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Let's see if I got this straight, you're publishing a project and reporting a downside to it. At the same time, you're trashing somebody who has a much simpler solution and no resulting problems.

So, somebody is lazy because they resolve a non-problem without hassle and without more problems?

And you're better because you've gone through the hassle and found even more hassles?

I'm missing something in that logic but, hey, it's not my argument.

I'm hoping you know each other and are just kidding around.

Anyway, I believe your low beam is, or both are, now connected to the accessory fuse.

(Message edited by Iamarchangel on December 07, 2008)

(Message edited by Iamarchangel on December 07, 2008)
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Iamarchangel
Posted on Sunday, December 07, 2008 - 10:08 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

War

the connector has very small wires to it. It should be tucked away between the headlights. The previous owner did something to mine and never put it back. I had a ground problem that sounds similar to yours. Look at the common ground on the headlight side of the connector. See if there's any green on the black wires. Wiggle them and see if you can reproduce the problem.

I ended up jumping the ground and making its own connector. (It's not hard wired, that way I could take it apart later.) Problem solved.

Yes, I could have got new connectors and stuff but this works, it's clean and out of the way.
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Krueger08xb12s
Posted on Sunday, December 07, 2008 - 10:26 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Moose,

I'm looking past the fact that you called me lazy and no smarter than a child. I just installed two Crown Vic horns in the place of my stock moped horn on my 12S just because I felt like it. Likewise, you bought a Buell because you're fascinated with mechanics so tinker away. When you get sick of blowing fuses just put the switch in the middle, we have dirt roads in Maryland too; it'll work just fine.
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Semirgdj
Posted on Monday, December 08, 2008 - 02:12 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I notched my high/low switch in the middle. So where the "sweet spot" between high and low exists, I now have a notch. Now I have Low/ high and low/ High. I have 3 Buells and have run the with both lights on for years and I have never had any problems.
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Ftd
Posted on Monday, December 08, 2008 - 09:50 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Another write up of the wiring change:

http://www.rhinowerx.com/fotos/details.php?image_id=2501

(Message edited by ftd on December 08, 2008)
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Buford
Posted on Monday, December 08, 2008 - 10:42 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Wired mine together then converted over to HID's. Can see very well in the dark now.
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Moosestang
Posted on Monday, December 08, 2008 - 05:22 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Balancing the switch is a half-assed solution IN MY OPINION. You are just going to have to deal with it.

(Message edited by moosestang on December 08, 2008)
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Krueger08xb12s
Posted on Monday, December 08, 2008 - 05:48 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

A half-assed solution that works as intended in ANYBODY'S OPINION is better than a failed solution. You'll just have to keep changing fuses and "you are just going to have to deal with it." I'll stay off your thread Moose, we're beating a dead horse.
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Semirgdj
Posted on Monday, December 08, 2008 - 06:30 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

"Balancing the switch is a half-assed solution IN MY OPINION"

Its not "half-assed" if you notch ( at the "balance" point) the switch to have 3 positions as I stated above. It is the same as "balancing" the switch, but it now has its own position.
Balancing the switch does the same thing as rewiring the switch, but gives you a 3rd option instead of just 2 light options}
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Iamarchangel
Posted on Monday, December 08, 2008 - 06:49 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Well Moose, I had hoped you were a better person than that.

Light's out.

Bye.
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Andymnelson
Posted on Monday, December 08, 2008 - 08:44 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Did Moose say he was blowing fuses? Looks like Ward is the one with fuse problems, and since plenty of people have done the same mod with no issues, I highly doubt his problems are due to the little wire switcheroo.

I don't support the name calling and such, but I do agree that I don't see the half switch position as a solution either. I have not looked at the construction of the switch, but with many switch designs you would risk shorting out the switch with this method- failed switches, melting etc being the result.

Yeah yeah, I know...you've been doing this for millions of miles, etc etc. I still don't see it as a solution.

And for me, I use the accessory wire to power my polly grip heaters, so I will look for a different solution.
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Moosestang
Posted on Monday, December 08, 2008 - 08:56 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Did Moose say he was blowing fuses? Looks like Ward is the one with fuse problems, and since plenty of people have done the same mod with no issues, I highly doubt his problems are due to the little wire switcheroo.

No moose didn't. Moose doesn't have any problems. I was just trying to bring this easy mod to the attention of new buell owners. It seems some others think their way is better and felt the need to post it. We probably need a separate balancing the headlight switch post. I promise not to click on it.
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Moosestang
Posted on Monday, December 08, 2008 - 09:01 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I'll stay off your thread Moose, we're beating a dead horse.

Thanks! I'll hold you to that. It's not like you are adding anything constructive or otherwise.

For the record, no one blew a fuse in this post, not sure where you read or imagined that one.
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Etennuly
Posted on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 - 07:28 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I did the "middle position thing" for a year or so. Being the ham-fisted rider I am I would bump the switch doing other chores and got tired of having to re-set it to the mid position.

I couldn't get those mini F^&*#$ plugs out so I just cut the damn wires and switched them. I used butt connectors and heat shrink tubing. It works fine.

I have both on hi and low on low.
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Bombardier
Posted on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 - 07:47 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Australian 07 XB12R - Low beam left light

High beam right light

Both on from standard when on high beam.

Maybe the Australian wiring diagram and the relay/fuse specs will help you out.
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Petebueller
Posted on Thursday, December 11, 2008 - 06:36 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I think that the Firebolt is the only XB model in Aus that runs both bulbs on high. Mine is like yours Bomba. The S and X type models only run one on high.

Someone told me that the mod to get both on high with the S and the X was activating the wiring for the beam flash. Is that true? Both on when the passing light switch is pulled in?
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