G oog le Buell 1125R Forum | Login/out | Topics | Search | Custodians | Register | Edit Profile


Buell Forum » 1125R Superbike Board » Archive through January 10, 2017 » LED Running Lights « Previous Next »

Author Message
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Pwillikers
Posted on Sunday, October 16, 2016 - 08:16 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I've been disappointed with the stock headlights on my '09 CR since forever. In an attempt to improve them I've replaced the halogens with HIDs but, not surprisingly, the light output was very uneven. So I replaced the HIDs with 65W Osram Halogens which are slightly better but still not satisfactory.

With shorter days upon us, I find myself riding in the dark more often and the weak lighting needed some more attention.

I'd successfully installed small 10W LED driving lights on two BMW bikes and have been very pleased with the installation but on the 'CR, I couldn't find a mounting location I liked. So after staring at it for a while I decided I should just bite the bullet and build something.

Here's the Finished installation:

a.jpg


I fabricated some brackets and I cut four pieces of M6 stainless threaded rod to use in place of the fender mounting bolts. I used a bunch of lock washers, washers and nuts to secure the fender and the bracket. I even used stainless acorn nuts for style points. It is totally solid:

b.jpg


I mounted a small on/off toggle switch on the dash and since I was in there, I installed a panel mount SAE connector as a power source for my cell phone charger. I wired them both to the hand grip heater's power source so they won't switch on until the alternator is producing power. I may wire in an instrument light that will illuminate when the driving lights are on. I have some on the shelf but they're too bright and distracting. They'll need a resistor in series:

c.jpg


With SAE plug plugged in:

d.jpg


Lights in action:

e.jpg


f.jpg



If you guys harass me, I'll take some night time pictures to show how they light up the road.


(Message edited by pwillikers on October 16, 2016)
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Mhpalin
Posted on Sunday, October 16, 2016 - 09:22 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Very nice let us know how they work in the dark
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Dannybuell
Posted on Monday, October 17, 2016 - 09:19 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

how is the electrical system engineered to accommodate ?
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Ratbuell
Posted on Monday, October 17, 2016 - 10:48 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

20 watts? Not much compensating to be done there...but as the OP noted, the "accessory" circuit is ECM switched based on system voltage.

Anxious to hear how they do at that low angle...been pondering a similar update to my CR, although I plan to have mine toggled with the high beam.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Jeepinbueller
Posted on Monday, October 17, 2016 - 11:42 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Looks fantastic, great job on the brackets--super clean.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Court
Posted on Monday, October 17, 2016 - 12:10 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Love the workmanship . . . they look crafted not just slapped on.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Torquehd
Posted on Monday, October 24, 2016 - 12:03 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I'll take some night time pictures to show how they light up the road.

Sounds great, please do! I've upgraded some of my other vehicles with LED's; it's an area of interest and I love to see real world results from others.

how is the electrical system engineered to accommodate ?

These things draw less than a pair of heated grips or incandescent fog lights. No way the charging system even notices them.

I agree with Court - great workmanship. Wish I had that kind of skill (and tools).

(Message edited by torquehd on October 24, 2016)
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Dannybuell
Posted on Monday, October 24, 2016 - 01:25 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

how long did it take to make the brackets?
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message

Greenman44
Posted on Tuesday, August 14, 2018 - 08:47 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Any updated to how these work? Looks good I occasionally drive for an hour and a half in the dark and get nervous of a deer jumping out and wacking me.


I like your hard bag, do you still have it on there? Do you have a build thread or any more picture you could send me so I might have a starting point to mount one myself.

(Message edited by greenman44 on August 14, 2018)
« Previous Next »

Add Your Message Here
Post:
Bold text Italics Underline Create a hyperlink Insert a clipart image

Username: Posting Information:
This is a public posting area. Enter your username and password if you have an account. Otherwise, enter your full name as your username and leave the password blank. Your e-mail address is optional.
Password:
E-mail:
Options: Post as "Anonymous" (Valid reason required. Abusers will be exposed. If unsure, ask.)
Enable HTML code in message
Automatically activate URLs in message
Action:

Topics | Last Day | Tree View | Search | User List | Help/Instructions | Rules | Program Credits Administration