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TECHNICAL MOTOBRICK WRENCHING In Remembrance of Inge K. => The Motobrick Workshop => Topic started by: JPaganel on April 19, 2019, 01:53:52 AM

Title: Driving lights power source
Post by: JPaganel on April 19, 2019, 01:53:52 AM

I've been searching for info on where to tap power for additional driving lights. I am considering getting a pair of small LED lights clamp mounted to the fork.

I got lots of hits on bikes for sale with lights installed, but not really digging up a lot of install info.

What's a good place to get power for something like that? OE headlight harness? Or somewhere else?

Title: Re: Driving lights power source
Post by: rbm on April 19, 2019, 06:24:17 AM

You can get power from the Connector for Special Equipment or Alarm connector inside of the relay box. It depends on how much current your LED lights are expected to draw from the electrical system as to whether these power sources are sufficient.  Both of these connectors have switched 12V supplies and both share those supplies with other circuits on the bike.  this means you are limited in power. If your lights are going to draw excessive current, then you are advised to install an auxillary fuse box (http://www.kbikeparts.com/classickbikes.com/ckb.tech/0.ckb.tech.files/auxfuse/auxfuse.htm) directly to the battery.  See also http://www.motobrick.com/index.php/topic,3421.0.html.

Title: Re: Driving lights power source
Post by: K1300S on April 19, 2019, 07:09:22 AM

get power for aux stuff direct from battery (fused).  use relay to turn it on and off.

Title: Re: Driving lights power source
Post by: Scott_ on April 20, 2019, 08:17:04 AM

Quote from: mlytle on April 19, 2019, 07:09:22 AM

get power for aux stuff direct from battery (fused).  use relay to turn it on and off.

+1

Done this for aux lighting on both my bikes. Got them from Eastern Beaver... good stuff.

Title: Re: Driving lights power source
Post by: The Mighty Gryphon on April 20, 2019, 09:27:19 AM

If I'm not mistaken, Eastern Beaver has a relay harness that includes wiring for driving lights.   I strongly recommend his harness to protect the handlebar switches from the headlight current, and the additional power the headlight will have.

Title: Re: Driving lights power source
Post by: JPaganel on May 02, 2019, 02:12:46 AM

I think the power source question is settled.

However, I looked at the bike today and realized I don't have a good idea of where to mount the actual lights. I was originally thinking of clamping onto fork legs, but they have gaiters, and I want to leave them alone.

I searched for some pictures and got a bunch of lights bolted to fairings I don't have.

So, where do people with extra lights mount them?

Title: Re: Driving lights power source
Post by: RobP on May 02, 2019, 08:32:58 AM

I removed the stock front fender cap screws and replaced with longer SS cap screws and SS spacer bushings from McMaster-Carr.  The bushings are about 1.5" long and provide the necessary offset for the LED lights.

Title: Re: Driving lights power source
Post by: natalena on May 02, 2019, 09:01:16 AM

+1 with RobP

Mine have a small spacer to off-set from the brake mount tab, the hex bolt is longer and grade8. Downside is it's mounted lower.