Experimenting with: riding lights, fork mount lowers

[Haulin2]

I wanted to know how those cheap halogen lights sold at Walmart (Optronics Platinum Series for $18) would work.  I bought clamps that fit on the engine guards (about $30) and mounted them there.  I also added a fuse block and relay and powered the relay from the headlight circuit (off when cranking, on when running).  I also took the headlights out of the starter switch circuit and power them using the relay too.  This saves the starter switch.  Here is photo of the cheapo lights,  and how they look when running.  I was amazed at how bright these cheap little lights are, and they really light up the road at night.



This is a photo of the lights running.  The only thing I don't know yet is how these will hold up over time.  However at $350 for a set of piaa lights, I can replace these things 16 times!


I also wanted to find out if wind deflectors really help to reduce head buffeting before spending $150 for the Big Bike brand (from HDL).  I had a leftover set of fork clamps, and bought a sheet of polycarbonate stock from Home Depot.  I cut them with a jig saw using a metal cutting blade, and sanded the edges a little.  Since the front forks taper, I cut a 1/2 inch long piece of 2" diameter  pcv pipe.  I then cut this piece in half to get two half circle pieces to use as  spacers for the lower clamp.  2" diameter  "halfs" fit around the fork tubes pretty nicely. 

Here is a picture of the lower clamp with the pvc spacers. Lock nuts to prevent overtightning and won't vibrate loose..

Here is what the lowers look like. See how static electricity of the polycarbonate holds dust like a magnet. I may trim them down to improve the "look", but in person, they appear almost  invisible.

I had fun doing these two little projects, and think I will keep using both of them instead of buying something different, and thought I would share.

[Scott from FL, now in Maine]

I have the same lights on my windshield. They have been there about 6 months. On the plus side they are cheap and very bright!    on the down side they do tend to rust around the edges and the light lens fog over a bit from heat and mnoisture (still seem as bright) also be sure of the aiming, to high and they blind oncoming traffic. Even had other Valkers say I was blinding them when following them till I aimed them down a bit. Will they stay? Untill they die3 or I can afford better LOL Good Luck with them! 

[JimC]

Looks good, but you did not answer the question you (and I) have,
DO THEY STOP THE HEAD BUFFETING?
let us know when you find out.
Jim

[Haulin2]

I forgot to mention it, YES, head buffeting gone now!