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Author Topic: LED Headlight, Relay required, Yes or No?  (Read 1208 times)
BudMan
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Posts: 625


"Two's in."

Tecumseh OK


« on: July 18, 2017, 01:49:48 PM »

I just got my new headlight adapter ring from Josh the other day. Now for the question; Should I install a relay set up to power the new "bulbs" (60 Watt) or just plug and play?
If BonS was still selling Smart Switches I'd go that route, but I missed that train.
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Buddy
Tecumseh OK
MOOT# 263
VRCC # 30158
1948 EL Harley
2013 F6B Delux
"I rarely end up where I was intending to go, but often I end up somewhere that I needed to be,"
Dirk Gently; Holistic Detective
Daniel Meyer
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Author. Adventurer. Electrician.

The State of confusion.


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« Reply #1 on: July 18, 2017, 02:15:38 PM »

For 60 watts I'd go with a relay....
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CUAgain,
Daniel Meyer
Gryphon Rider
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2000 Tourer

Calgary, Alberta


« Reply #2 on: July 18, 2017, 02:38:07 PM »

Do your LEDs actually use 60W, or are they equivalent in brightness to a 60W halogen, actually using far less power, say 25W or less?

If they actually use 60W, a relay isn't a bad idea to make your headlight power switch that is part of your engine start button more relieable, but it isn't really required for the sake of the headlight wiring.
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Icelander
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Snohomish, WA


« Reply #3 on: July 18, 2017, 03:27:44 PM »

I managed to buy a SmartSwitch before BonS shut down. I believe that there is a schematic to make your own in the ShopTalk section so it shouldn't be too difficult.

I just installed my LED yesterday (Thanks Josh!) and recommend that you add the relay just so you're pulling as little power as possible through that starter switch. The lower current draw of the LED (if it is a lower draw) will mean that your switch will last longer but I'd rather be pulling minimal current through that switch.

Icelander

P.S.
here's the first URL I found: http://www.valkyrieriders.com/shoptalk/headlightmod.htm
« Last Edit: July 18, 2017, 03:29:54 PM by Icelander » Logged

1998 Valkyrie Tourer.

VRCC Member #36337
Leathel
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Posts: 877


New Zealand


« Reply #4 on: July 18, 2017, 03:48:58 PM »

Most LED sellers over state the Watt's to make it sound bright, when tested most are well under which will be less than a std headlight @ 55/60W.... but even if it is 60w its still draws no more power than the std high beam, I wouldn't bother with a relay unless putting 100/90W bulbs in there.
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98valk
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South Jersey


« Reply #5 on: July 18, 2017, 04:01:37 PM »

relay should be done. Go down to "Start Switch Safeguard"

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

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Leathel
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New Zealand


« Reply #6 on: July 18, 2017, 06:21:16 PM »

I guess the US models don't have an On/Off/Park light switch above the start switch?

I usually don't have the lights on when starting so no load on the start switch Smiley
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98valk
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South Jersey


« Reply #7 on: July 18, 2017, 06:26:30 PM »

I guess the US models don't have an On/Off/Park light switch above the start switch?

I usually don't have the lights on when starting so no load on the start switch Smiley

not a DOT requirement in USA.
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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
Bagger John - #3785
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Posts: 1952



« Reply #8 on: July 19, 2017, 06:12:54 AM »

I guess the US models don't have an On/Off/Park light switch above the start switch?

I usually don't have the lights on when starting so no load on the start switch Smiley

not a DOT requirement in USA.
Be nice to get an EU-spec switch housing and retrofit it...
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BudMan
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"Two's in."

Tecumseh OK


« Reply #9 on: July 19, 2017, 07:04:01 AM »

Thanks everybody!
Looks like I MIGHT be OK with no relay, but taking the "better safe than sorry" approach, I'm going with the relay solution.
I used Chet's design for my spotlights on the Interstate and will likely follow his schematic for the new LED on the Tourer.
Here we go...  cooldude
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Buddy
Tecumseh OK
MOOT# 263
VRCC # 30158
1948 EL Harley
2013 F6B Delux
"I rarely end up where I was intending to go, but often I end up somewhere that I needed to be,"
Dirk Gently; Holistic Detective
rhinor61
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Posts: 188


Northern California


« Reply #10 on: July 20, 2017, 10:32:37 AM »

Question?
Headlight adapter ring, if that for use on a Valkyrie interstate?

If so the head lights already are on a relay system for the low/high bead lamps.

It's just the standard and tourer that run the headlight power thru the starter button.

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John

Northern California
1998 Valkyrie Tourer Black/jade
VRCC #28001
Willow
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Olathe, KS


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« Reply #11 on: July 21, 2017, 07:58:26 AM »

Question?
Headlight adapter ring, if that for use on a Valkyrie interstate?

No.
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