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Author Topic: Driving lights on the Valk  (Read 4286 times)
lilzaphod
Member
*****
Posts: 53


Iowa City IA


« on: May 13, 2011, 08:25:27 AM »

I'd like to put some driving lights on my '99 standard Valk, and I'm not sold on a light bar.

Does anyone have experience with putting driving lights on the engine guards?  i was thinking on the bottom of them hanging down and angling out the sides to light up the roads and ditches.  I do a lot of early morning pre-dawn riding and I want to get a jump on the deer.

Thoughts?  Brands to look at?

Thx

Chad
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98valk
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Posts: 13566


South Jersey


« Reply #1 on: May 13, 2011, 08:35:29 AM »

I have mine in top of the crash bars. good triangle light pattern for the cages.  hanging below they might scrap leaning over in a turn or hit in a driveway.

look for lights that use the MR-16 style bulb google mr-16 many wattages and can be either flood or spot and different angles , this style won out a light comparision in motorcycle consumer news. walmart has a set for about $20 that use the MR-16, that was over yr ago, most likely they still carry them.
« Last Edit: May 18, 2011, 07:09:54 AM by CA ExhaustCoatings » Logged

1998 Std/Tourer, 2007 DR200SE, 1981 CB900C  10speed
1973 Duster 340 4-speed rare A/C, 2001 F250 4x4 7.3L, 6sp

"Our Constitution was made only for a Moral and Religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the goverment of any other."
John Adams 10/11/1798
lilzaphod
Member
*****
Posts: 53


Iowa City IA


« Reply #2 on: May 13, 2011, 08:43:48 AM »

I have mine in top of the crash bars. good triangle light pattern for the cages.  hanging below they might scrap leaning over in a turn or hit in a driveway.

look for lights that use the MR-16 style bulb google mr-16 many wattages and can be either flood or spot and different angles , this style one out a light comparision in motorcycle consumer news. walmart has a set for about $20 that use the MR-16, that was over yr ago, most likely they still carry them.

How did you wire them?

Thanks!
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Redline +
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Posts: 513


Northwest Washington


« Reply #3 on: May 13, 2011, 09:03:25 AM »

Does anyone have experience with putting driving lights on the engine guards? 

Yes, I could take a close-up picture if your interested. I used Par 36 size aircraft landing lights with Cobra housings mounted with Kury Magnum clamps. If you plan on turning any corners I don't think you want to mount any lights under the engine guards.

Redline  Cool
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98valk
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Posts: 13566


South Jersey


« Reply #4 on: May 13, 2011, 12:15:41 PM »

always with a relay.
see chet's site.

http://www.rattlebars.com/valkfaq/circuits.html
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1998 Std/Tourer, 2007 DR200SE, 1981 CB900C  10speed
1973 Duster 340 4-speed rare A/C, 2001 F250 4x4 7.3L, 6sp

"Our Constitution was made only for a Moral and Religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the goverment of any other."
John Adams 10/11/1798
Hoser
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child of the sixties VRCC 17899

Auburn, Kansas


« Reply #5 on: May 13, 2011, 12:21:19 PM »

These are chrome one wire 35w sealed beams, wired on a relay from the accessery outlet under the rt hand side cover with power for the lights from the battery.  They come on when the ignition switch is turned on  I also have a separate switch on them so I can turn them off if I want. The ground circuit is the housing when it attaches to the crash bar.  Hoser  
 
« Last Edit: May 15, 2011, 07:50:35 AM by Hoser » Logged

I don't want a pickle, just wanna ride my motor sickle

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lilzaphod
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Posts: 53


Iowa City IA


« Reply #6 on: May 13, 2011, 01:51:36 PM »

always with a relay.
see chet's site.

http://www.rattlebars.com/valkfaq/circuits.html


Heh. That was just rude.  It'd be like if I threw up a network diagram with IP addresses and ports and expect people to know what that is.

I'm kinda stupid.  What's a relay?  Is that another name for "fuse"?
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Bullgoose
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Posts: 270


Bastrop, Tx


« Reply #7 on: May 13, 2011, 01:54:41 PM »

If you mount them low, you can be guaranteed they'll get broken by road debris. Mine did within weeks.
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If it's worth doing, it's worth over-doing!
9Ball
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Posts: 2183


South Jersey


« Reply #8 on: May 13, 2011, 02:05:15 PM »

always with a relay.
see chet's site.

http://www.rattlebars.com/valkfaq/circuits.html


Heh. That was just rude.  It'd be like if I threw up a network diagram with IP addresses and ports and expect people to know what that is.

I'm kinda stupid.  What's a relay?  Is that another name for "fuse"?


you're kidding, right?  Seems all the learning you need was provided in the link...

good luck....
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VRCC #6897, Joined May, 2000

1999 Standard
2007 Rocket 3
2005 VTX 1300S
toetruck21
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Posts: 97


Wahoo, NE


« Reply #9 on: May 13, 2011, 02:11:53 PM »

Its hard to help those that can't help themselves!  Take some time and study the link that was given, you'll figure it out!  If not the first time then maybe the second! 
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VRCC# 32877
1999 Valkyrie Interstate Red/Black
lilzaphod
Member
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Posts: 53


Iowa City IA


« Reply #10 on: May 13, 2011, 02:12:19 PM »


you're kidding, right?  Seems all the learning you need was provided in the link...

good luck....

There is an assumed level of knowledge there that is not explained.  That's a bunch of flowcharts with no actual key.

Sorry for asking what appears to you to be a stupid question.



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bassman
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Posts: 2171


« Reply #11 on: May 13, 2011, 02:30:16 PM »

These links may provide some helpful basics on relays.....

http://www.offroaders.com/info/tech-corner/reading/automotive-wiring.htm

http://www.ehow.com/video_4874551_wire-relay.html

http://www.bcae1.com/relays.htm

Also, check out Motolights for additional upfront lights...they can be mounted on the downtubes or brake calipers....I know you were asking about mounting on crashbars but this provides another option although pricey.....
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bassman
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Posts: 2171


« Reply #12 on: May 13, 2011, 02:32:12 PM »

Oops....forget the link to Motolights.....

http://www.motolight.com/
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lilzaphod
Member
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Posts: 53


Iowa City IA


« Reply #13 on: May 13, 2011, 03:11:51 PM »

These links may provide some helpful basics on relays.....

http://www.offroaders.com/info/tech-corner/reading/automotive-wiring.htm

http://www.ehow.com/video_4874551_wire-relay.html

http://www.bcae1.com/relays.htm

Also, check out Motolights for additional upfront lights...they can be mounted on the downtubes or brake calipers....I know you were asking about mounting on crashbars but this provides another option although pricey.....


Thank you.
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9Ball
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Posts: 2183


South Jersey


« Reply #14 on: May 13, 2011, 03:16:30 PM »


you're kidding, right?  Seems all the learning you need was provided in the link...

good luck....

There is an assumed level of knowledge there that is not explained.  That's a bunch of flowcharts with no actual key.

Sorry for asking what appears to you to be a stupid question.


that's not the point at all.  calling someone posting a good link as being rude is what I see as a problem.  Asking for help is not.

But if you read the link and look at the relay and do some basic googling, then this should be a good start to your learning process for wiring in some lights.

Ask away, but be careful of biting the hands that feed you...that was my point.
« Last Edit: May 13, 2011, 03:18:32 PM by jrhorton » Logged

VRCC #6897, Joined May, 2000

1999 Standard
2007 Rocket 3
2005 VTX 1300S
lilzaphod
Member
*****
Posts: 53


Iowa City IA


« Reply #15 on: May 13, 2011, 03:27:30 PM »


you're kidding, right?  Seems all the learning you need was provided in the link...

good luck....

There is an assumed level of knowledge there that is not explained.  That's a bunch of flowcharts with no actual key.

Sorry for asking what appears to you to be a stupid question.


that's not the point at all.  calling someone posting a good link as being rude is what I see as a problem.  Asking for help is not.

But if you read the link and look at the relay and do some basic googling, then this should be a good start to your learning process for wiring in some lights.

Ask away, but be careful of biting the hands that feed you...that was my point.

The word was used in jest - hence the 'heh' in front of it.  Sorry to offend.  No bite was intended.
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Hoser
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Posts: 5844


child of the sixties VRCC 17899

Auburn, Kansas


« Reply #16 on: May 13, 2011, 03:37:37 PM »

always with a relay.
see chet's site.

http://www.rattlebars.com/valkfaq/circuits.html


Heh. That was just rude.  It'd be like if I threw up a network diagram with IP addresses and ports and expect people to know what that is.

I'm kinda stupid.  What's a relay?  Is that another name for "fuse"?
A relay is a small electrical device that uses a low amperage power source to control a high amperage power source, such as a battery, for an independent circuit requiring high amperage flow, such as two 35 watt driving lights.  Using a relay allows use of the lites so power will be cut when the key is off.  An inline fuse should be used on the high amperage battery circuit as a safety device to prevent an overload to the wiring, which could cause a fire.  That is my attempt to explain what we were discussing.  Hope it helps  Hoser
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I don't want a pickle, just wanna ride my motor sickle

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Steve K (IA)
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Posts: 1662

Cedar Rapids, Iowa


« Reply #17 on: May 13, 2011, 04:18:34 PM »

Chad, these are on my I/S.  Been there for 9+ years.  No problems at all.   cooldude



I don't have a picture, but have had them on my Std also...different brand.  Both sets elliptical.  You should be able to mount them on the underside of the crashbars using 2 "P" clamps (Kuryakyn) each side.  The ones on my I/S are Chris bought at J&P's.  Can't find them anymore.  The ones on the Std are Pilot brand.  Should be easy to find.  They are bright and inexpensive.
Just seen these at JCW  Walmart my have something similar 
http://www.jcwhitney.com/optronics-halogen-driving-lights-with-special-spectra-lenses-oval/p2025259.jcwx#

"P" clamps  http://www.kuryakyn.com/Products/688/P-Clamps

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/PILOT-PL-1066C-SMALL-OVAL-SHAPE-CLEAR-DRIVING-LIGHTS-/190532827464?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2c5ca43948
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States I Have Ridden In
X Ring
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Posts: 3626


VRCC #27389, VRCCDS #204

The Landmass Between Mobile And New Orleans


« Reply #18 on: May 13, 2011, 04:34:57 PM »

always with a relay.
see chet's site.

http://www.rattlebars.com/valkfaq/circuits.html


Heh. That was just rude.  It'd be like if I threw up a network diagram with IP addresses and ports and expect people to know what that is.

I'm kinda stupid.  What's a relay?  Is that another name for "fuse"?
A relay is a small electrical device that uses a low amperage power source to control a high amperage power source, such as a battery, for an independent circuit requiring high amperage flow, such as two 35 watt driving lights.  Using a relay allows use of the lites so power will be cut when the key is off.  An inline fuse should be used on the high amperage battery circuit as a safety device to prevent an overload to the wiring, which could cause a fire.  That is my attempt to explain what we were discussing.  Hope it helps  Hoser


Let me try to explain what Hoser said a different way.  A relay is basically a switch.  It uses a low power source to turn the switch on or off depending on the type of relay.  When the relay is activated it allows a higher power to flow from a source (your battery for example) to what you want to send power to (your lights).  As Hoser also said, you should have a fuse between the power source and the relay to protect the relay and your lights.  I also like a small fuse on the low power wire to also protect the relay.  That may be overkill but as they say an ounce of prevention beats a pound of cure.

On my Valk, I used the wire taking power from the start switch to the hi/lo beam switch as the power to turn my relay on and off.  The reason I used this wire is my spots are always on with either headlight beam and when I push the start button, the spots go off with the headlight.

Marty

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People are more passionately opposed to wearing fur than leather because it's safer to harass rich women than bikers.           
Hoser
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Posts: 5844


child of the sixties VRCC 17899

Auburn, Kansas


« Reply #19 on: May 13, 2011, 05:01:58 PM »

Good point, Marty.  I have a seperate switch on mine so I can turn them off at night when I am on high beam, when they are on they seem to distract my attention to the reach of the high beam.  My voltage light  starts to flicker sometimes, and turning them off brings the green light back to solid on.  I have a new alternator to install on order BTW.  I still have the original at 84000 miles. I plan to rebuild it as a spare.  cooldude  Hoser
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I don't want a pickle, just wanna ride my motor sickle

[img width=300 height=233]http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/
9Ball
Member
*****
Posts: 2183


South Jersey


« Reply #20 on: May 14, 2011, 03:05:30 AM »


you're kidding, right?  Seems all the learning you need was provided in the link...

good luck....

There is an assumed level of knowledge there that is not explained.  That's a bunch of flowcharts with no actual key.

Sorry for asking what appears to you to be a stupid question.


that's not the point at all.  calling someone posting a good link as being rude is what I see as a problem.  Asking for help is not.

But if you read the link and look at the relay and do some basic googling, then this should be a good start to your learning process for wiring in some lights.

Ask away, but be careful of biting the hands that feed you...that was my point.

The word was used in jest - hence the 'heh' in front of it.  Sorry to offend.  No bite was intended.

it's a bit hard to read sarcasm in print...the smileys are a big help.

as I said, good luck.  It's not too hard once you figure out the basics.
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VRCC #6897, Joined May, 2000

1999 Standard
2007 Rocket 3
2005 VTX 1300S
Lil D
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Posts: 534


Albion, NY


« Reply #21 on: May 15, 2011, 04:21:42 AM »

Love the motolights and they are durable.....
 cooldude
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1997 Valkyrie - "Emanuel"
2001 valkyrie trike

I've never tried to block out the memories of the past, even though some are painful. I don't understand people who hide from their past. Everything you live through helps to make you the person you are now. ....Sophia Loren
Piper
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Posts: 246


San Antonio


WWW
« Reply #22 on: May 17, 2011, 07:02:43 PM »

I placed mine on the crashbar just past where it starts to curve downward.
Used some foil tape to cover the wires.
Used a relay and ran it to a switch box on the handlebars.
Also have a lightbar on it's own relay and switch.

And yes I understand PPS: Ports, Protcols, and Services.

How many Valk Geeks are going to DefCon?
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Walküre
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Posts: 1270


Nothing beats a 6-pack!

Oxford, Indiana


« Reply #23 on: May 18, 2011, 02:09:40 AM »

Chad, these are on my I/S.  Been there for 9+ years.  No problems at all.   cooldude




Man, I'm sorry, Steve!!! I looked, and I looked, and I looked!! Kinda like "Where's Waldo?" - I can't see any lights!!

Blinded by the chrome, yeah...lights? No...

Very nice! (and I'm not a chrome kinda guy!)

R
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2000 Valkyrie Standard
1999 Valkyrie Interstate
2000 HD Dyna Wide Glide FXDWG

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Oxford, IN
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Yeah, what she said...
bassman
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Posts: 2171


« Reply #24 on: May 18, 2011, 05:36:31 AM »

Not Steve but m'be the small gray piece (probably the only non chrome piece on the bike!) just in front of the forward foot peg and at the bottom of the roll bar?
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Jess from VA
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Posts: 30625


No VA


« Reply #25 on: May 18, 2011, 06:55:42 AM »

These.  http://www.jpcycles.com/product/ZZ33255
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bigguy
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VRCC# 30728

Texarkana, TX


WWW
« Reply #26 on: May 18, 2011, 09:38:53 AM »

Chad, these are on my I/S.  Been there for 9+ years.  No problems at all.   cooldude




Man, I'm sorry, Steve!!! I looked, and I looked, and I looked!! Kinda like "Where's Waldo?" - I can't see any lights!!

Blinded by the chrome, yeah...lights? No...

Very nice! (and I'm not a chrome kinda guy!)

R


Hey walkfire. Glad you asked because I was having the same problem. Glad I'm not the only one. That is some good looking chrome by the way. I also noted the temp gauage in the dipstick. Looks good.  cooldude
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Here there be Dragons.
John U.
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*****
Posts: 1085


Southern Delaware


« Reply #27 on: May 18, 2011, 04:49:21 PM »

Check these out. They're not cheap but won't strain your alternator.
http://www.customdynamics.com/billet_led_light.htm#Cool_Magic"_Driving_Lights_
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