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TECHNICAL MOTOBRICK WRENCHING In Remembrance of Inge K. => The Motobrick Workshop => Topic started by: frankenduck on May 15, 2011, 12:50:32 PM

Title: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: frankenduck on May 15, 2011, 12:50:32 PM
The lights in question are CATZ XLO "Acid Orange" lights: You can find them on Fleabay but if you email Jeff (jbendit@aol.com), buy them off-eBay and pay with a USPS money order then he'll bring the price down a bit as that saves him eBay and PayPal fees.

Johnny originally found these awesome lights and came up with the idea of mounting them on the reflector bolts.  I perfected it it by finding some stainless spacers and bolts that make for an easy and clean installation.

(http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk91/electro_handyman/Bike%20Tech/xlo1.jpg)


They really are amazing lights and have to be seen in person to be appreciated.  The different color of the orange and the fact that they're 70W really make them stand out without blinding other road users.  Not only that but the triangle they form with the headlight makes it easier for other road users to judge your speed and distance.

In addition to greatly reducing the chances of you not being seen, they also make lanesplitting in California easier and on two lane interstates members of the LLOC (Left Lane Owners Club) tend to get out of your way more readily.


Power

Since a pair of these lights adds an additional 140 watts of power draw, with the exception of the 1993 K1100RS, any 1993 or earlier K bike will require that you upgrade from the early 32 amp alternator to the later 50 amp alternator.  1994 and later K bikes all came with the 50 amp alternator so the additional power draw should not be an issue.


Mounting

One of the nice things about these fog lights is how easy they are to mount.  Using a longer bolt for the front fork reflector and a couple of spacers, installation is simple and straightforward.  You'll need two spacers on each side, one to stand off the light housing past the front fender and another to go between the two mounting tangs on the fog light housing.

(http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk91/electro_handyman/Bike%20Tech/xlo2.jpg)


Stainless steel spacers can be purchased from McMaster-Carr. The smaller spacers (product number 92320A878) are 7/16" inches wide and the larger spacers (product number 92320A670) are 1-1/4" wide.  You'll also need some longer bolts that are M6x90.  McMaster-Carr only sells these in lots of ten (product number 91292A204) so you might be able to save a few bucks by finding a local source where you can buy just the two you need.

UPDATE(5/11/12):  Since the mounting bolts need to hold the fork reflectors as well on an K1100RS or K100RS4V, it can be a tight fit so it's probably a good idea to get two stainless M6x100 bolts.  That's the next size up and they're probably a little long so you'll want to mount the lights, reflectors and front half of the fender and then cut off any excess (hacksaw or Dremel cutting wheel) bolt sticking out past the nut  so the bolt doesn't hit the front tire.  The McMaster-Carr part number for M6x100 stainless bolts (pack of 5) is 91292A205.

Note that since their dimensions are SAE, not metric, the smaller 7/16" spacers are just a tad wide for fitting in between the fog light housing mounting tangs so you'll have to file them down a bit in order for them to fit.

These lights are meant to hang from a bumper so you'll want to remove the screws from the sides and flip the bulb and front of the lens housing over so that the drain hole is on the bottom.

If your bike is a K100RS4V or K1100RS, due to the minimal clearance between the fork leg and tire sidewall, the direction of the reflector bolts is reversed so you'll need to remove the front wheel in order to remove the old bolt.  Consult your owner's manual or see this thread (http://www.motobrick.com/index.php?topic=1132.0) for instructions on how to remove/install the front wheel.


Wiring


Wiring them up is pretty straightforward and similar to adding any auxiliary lighting.  Since the draw of a pair of these lights is 140 watts, one important thing to make sure of is that the lights are turned off by the load shedding relay when the start button is pressed.  The simplest way to make sure of this is by tapping the XLO relay into the headlight wiring for the left combination switch.  Depending upon how you want them powered, tap into either the white/yellow wire (headlight power), yellow wire (low beam) or white wire (high beam) at the connector for the left combination switch.
Below are three possible options for wiring them:

Always On

The following wiring diagram shows how to wire the lights up so that they're always on when the bike is turned on except when the start button is pressed:

(http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk91/electro_handyman/Bike%20Tech/xlo_on.jpg)


On/Off

The following wiring diagram shows how to wire them if you'd like to have on/off control of them.  A BMW hazard flasher switch can be used for this purpose.

(http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk91/electro_handyman/Bike%20Tech/xlo_onoff.jpg)


Tapped Into Low Beam and High Beam

Using a BMW heated grip switch, the following wiring shows how to wire them up so they're either on with only the low headlight beam or the high headlight beam.  This is how I usually wire them up. During the day I run them with the low beam.  If I flash the high beam to get noticed then that turns of the fog lights at the same time and makes the flash more noticeable. It's also handy in the fog at night when you don't want to run the high beam.  At night when it's clear and aux lighting isn't as necessary, I run them with the high beam only to fill in below the headlight.


(http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk91/electro_handyman/Bike%20Tech/xlo_bug_lt.jpg)
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: johnny on February 27, 2012, 02:46:35 PM
catz acid orange (amber) xlo fog lights vs the clearwater led...

(http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd470/Motobrick/2012_day_rides/120226_JO_Turkus/DSC02600.jpg)

what do you trust you conspicuity to...

j o
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: Jumpin Jimmy B on February 27, 2012, 09:22:25 PM
+1 to that.
 Fellow coworkers comment on how they see me coming from over a mile way in their rear view mirrors!
There is nothing like that way cool orange glow. It is NOT yellow it is ORANGE! It stands out big time!
 I can honestly say it's greatly reduced the number of " pull outs " I encounter from cagers. For this alone they are well worth it.

 Mount em' up like the Drake sez or if ya got a light bar use that.

Like this...
(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm6/jpberens1993K1100RS/IMG00066.jpg)

 Then, use em.

 CATZ off at night, a dark park lane road.

(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm6/jpberens1993K1100RS/Picture014.jpg)

CATZ on, same spot. Note how great the sides of the road are lit up. BTW. If you need to ride in the urban jungle at night, these things positively light up the interior of a vehicle from the side as you come up on it.

(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm6/jpberens1993K1100RS/Picture013.jpg)

  What you see comin at ya.

(http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm6/jpberens1993K1100RS/Picture005.jpg)

 I've had them a while now. No issues from LEO's or from other drivers.
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: frankenduck on February 27, 2012, 09:33:22 PM
Wow, you've got those pointed pretty high. :yow

Take 'em out on a dark road some night and aim them at or just below your low beam.  They make excellent fog lights when properly aimed.

Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: Jumpin Jimmy B on February 28, 2012, 06:18:38 AM
 That last picture is misleading I think.
They are aimed just a hair under the main beam when measured at 25 feet.

 I took that front view picture while sitting on the ground. Was trying to get the full effect of the color.

 These lights are a life saver.
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: frankenduck on March 12, 2012, 10:33:45 PM
Here they are mounted on my 93 K1100LT:

(http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/smithduck/k11lt_mods/johnnycatz.jpg)


(http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/smithduck/k11lt_mods/johnnycatz-1.jpg)
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: orthomini on May 07, 2012, 08:44:12 PM
i installed mine with the supplied wiring. it worked for a short time and while the switch lights up the lights do not. any ideas? id just as soon not have a switch so that theyre always on
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: johnny on May 07, 2012, 08:53:20 PM
greetings orthomini...

do you hear the catz relay click when rocking the switch...

j o
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: frankenduck on May 07, 2012, 09:07:23 PM
How do you have them wired?  (There's many options.)
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: orthomini on May 08, 2012, 07:02:48 AM
dont know if i hear a click will have to check. ill explain my wiring later im off to work. thanks
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: motodude on May 08, 2012, 09:34:05 AM
(http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/smithduck/k11lt_mods/johnnycatz-1.jpg)

Hi Frankenduck,

What did you use to mount the driving lights on your LT?  The ones under the mirrors.

Thanks,
Tom
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: frankenduck on May 08, 2012, 10:21:50 AM
Quote
What did you use to mount the driving lights on your LT?  The ones under the mirrors.

Some brackets that mount under studs for the mirror clips.  Somebody aftermarket used to manufacture them I think.  I forget whom but they're long out of production.  Had them for years.  I think I found them on Fleabay or something.

(http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/smithduck/hella2.jpg)
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: johnny on May 10, 2012, 07:34:56 AM
(http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/2010/Duck%20Rainier/CIMG0106.jpg)
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: johnny on May 11, 2012, 10:54:00 AM
(http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/2010/Duck%20Rainier/066.jpg)
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: sh00ter on May 11, 2012, 02:15:22 PM
You'll also need some longer bolts that are M6x90.  McMaster-Carr only sells these in lots of ten (product number 91292A204) so you might be able to save a few bucks by finding a local source where you can buy just the two you need

I bought the 10 pack, so I got 8 extra, for the price of shipping if anyone wants 2, I'd happily send them to you.
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: motodude on May 11, 2012, 09:49:01 PM
Some brackets that mount under studs for the mirror clips.  Somebody aftermarket used to manufacture them I think.  I forget whom but they're long out of production.  Had them for years.  I think I found them on Fleabay or something.

(http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/smithduck/hella2.jpg)

Thanks.  Where did you route the wires?  I can't really tell from the picture. 

They look like something that could be easily built.

Tom
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: frankenduck on May 11, 2012, 10:37:48 PM
I put the wiring in some heat shrink tubing and then just routed the wires up over the edge of the fairing and then under the inner panels.  If/when you get around to doing it I can get you some better pics.  Have a similar setup for the driving lights on my K1100RS - the brackets on that are the same concept but mount a bit differently due to the differences in the different styles of mirrors.
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: johnny on May 19, 2012, 12:49:13 AM
(http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/2010/Duck%20Rainier/072.jpg)

j o
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: johnny on May 19, 2012, 01:55:27 PM
(http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/2010/Duck%20Rainier/087.jpg)

j o
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: motodude on May 21, 2012, 08:48:29 PM
I put the wiring in some heat shrink tubing and then just routed the wires up over the edge of the fairing and then under the inner panels.  If/when you get around to doing it I can get you some better pics.  Have a similar setup for the driving lights on my K1100RS - the brackets on that are the same concept but mount a bit differently due to the differences in the different styles of mirrors.

Thanks, I missed your reply earlier.

Tom
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: johnny on May 22, 2012, 06:41:43 AM
(http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/2010/1%2025/061.jpg)
Title: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: Turkus on May 23, 2012, 11:29:17 AM
catz acid orange (amber) xlo fog lights vs the clearwater led...

(http://i1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd470/Motobrick/2012_day_rides/120226_JO_Turkus/DSC02600.jpg)

what do you trust you conspicuity to...

touche`......

actually, after riding with you, I was contemplating a set to be mounted under my mirror housings......just to pizz off everyone in front of me  :yes

where do you get them lights these days ??  :dunno2:
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: johnny on May 25, 2012, 07:46:20 AM
(http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/Ride%20Tales%20CA%20SoCal/duck%2009-11-08/bmwm3_3081.jpg)
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: mystic red on May 26, 2012, 08:40:17 AM
Quote
touche`......

actually, after riding with you, I was contemplating a set to be mounted under my mirror housings......just to pizz off everyone in front of me  :yes

where do you get them lights these days ??  :dunno2:

CATZ FET XLO BMW K1100 FOG LIGHTS ORANGE K11OG (http://www.ebay.com/itm/CATZ-FET-XLO-BMW-K1100-FOG-LIGHTS-ORANGE-K11OG-PIAA-/150498016039?hash=item230a617b27&item=150498016039&pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr)
Title: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: Turkus on May 26, 2012, 10:11:08 AM
Quote
touche`......

actually, after riding with you, I was contemplating a set to be mounted under my mirror housings......just to pizz off everyone in front of me  :yes

where do you get them lights these days ??  :dunno2:

CATZ FET XLO BMW K1100 FOG LIGHTS ORANGE geezer site (http://www.ebay.com/itm/CATZ-FET-XLO-BMW-K1100-FOG-LIGHTS-ORANGE-geezer site-PIAA-/150498016039?hash=item230a617b27&item=150498016039&pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr)

hhhhmmmmm.....one of the vehicles in the demo pics looks strangely familiar  :hmm:

(http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr147/jbendit/CATZ%20XLO/garage240.jpg)

didn't realize J O was a pimp for these lights  :hehehe
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: mystic red on May 26, 2012, 10:21:22 AM
Quote
didn't realize J O was a pimp for these lights 

Ch!t, he's put that guy's kids thru college. :yes
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: sh00ter on May 26, 2012, 07:27:40 PM
Has anyone ever mounted the switch that comes with these?  Where'd you put it?  doesn't look super weather proof ...
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: johnny on May 28, 2012, 01:01:19 AM
mr... dudes kid commutes to school in a bentley... with xlo ambers...

greetings sh00ter...

i will take pic of mine tomorrow and post it here... have not had any problems with the oem switch...

all catz all the time...

catz azzure white 4700k headlight... catz 55w bluewhite drivers... catz 55w amber fogs... yeeeeeehaaaaaaa...

(http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/2012/12-05-25%20Memorial/192.jpg)

(http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/2012/12-05-25%20Memorial/193.jpg)

(http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/2012/12-05-25%20Memorial/194.jpg)

(http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/2012/12-05-25%20Memorial/195.jpg)

j o




Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: mystic red on May 28, 2012, 10:11:18 AM
You used to be able to buy the XLO's for less than a hun but you've personally run the world supply down so low that they're going for $187 now. :yow
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: johnny on May 28, 2012, 07:50:45 PM
just sits in there kinda wedged in with no additional mounting apparatus...

(http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/2012/DriveShaft/002.jpg)

(http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/2012/DriveShaft/003.jpg)

j o
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: sh00ter on May 29, 2012, 06:48:36 AM
just sits in there kinda wedged in with no additional mounting
j o

got it  thx as always.  i got compliments on mine while riding  around yesterday.
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: johnny on May 29, 2012, 10:07:00 PM
(http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/Ride%20Tales%20CA%20SoCal/tires033.jpg)
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: mystic red on May 30, 2012, 05:59:36 PM
Gave $60 for my XLOs. Contacted Ebayer for price of bulbs nowadays.

Quote
Hi,
They are $56.00 per pair + $12.00 shipping. Or I can do 2 pairs for $107.00 shipped.
I do not have them on Ebay but if you have a confirmed pay pal address, I can invoice you no problem.
Let me know,
Thanks,

I read $68 a pair or 2 pair = $53.50 a pair.
Johnny, want to go in on 2 pair?
Better yet, you buy 2 pair and ship me the extra one. Or you could bring em by when you come, I'm not particular. cool shades
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: johnny on May 30, 2012, 06:15:28 PM
i scored 3 pairs of catz xlos in my lifetime... 2 ambers and 1 white blue... when i scored them i got an extra pair of bulbs just in case... still gotts all the spare bulbs... aints used 1 up yet...

this is one of frankenducks best motobrickoaction picture ever...

(http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/7578fccc.jpg)

j o
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: mystic red on May 30, 2012, 06:21:17 PM
I needs the amber. So now you just have to buy one pair. Or I'll wait till my whites burn out.

I'm feelin' the need for amber. :drool:
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: frankenduck on May 30, 2012, 06:36:05 PM
I needs the amber.

Email sent to your yahoo email.  :mbird
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: johnny on June 02, 2012, 10:38:19 AM
(http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/Ride%20Tales%20OR%20Hillsboro/JohnDay09/179.jpg)
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: johnny on June 03, 2012, 09:37:18 AM
(http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/Misc%20Ch1t/fd.jpg)
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: sh00ter on June 04, 2012, 03:00:44 PM
UPDATE(5/11/12):  Since the mounting bolts need to hold the fork reflectors as well on an K1100RS or K100RS4V, it can be a tight fit so it's probably a good idea to get two stainless M6x100 bolts.  That's the next size up and they're probably a little long so you'll want to mount the lights, reflectors and front half of the fender and then cut off any excess (hacksaw or Dremel cutting wheel) bolt sticking out past the nut  so the bolt doesn't hit the front tire.  The McMaster-Carr part number for M6x100 stainless bolts (pack of 5) is 91292A205.

FYI  I did this today with the newer bolt part # from McM-C and it works perfect with no cutting.  Put the original washers on (minus the one that doesn't come off the factory bolt) the 2 bushings + bushing inside the reflector, the curved tension washer and put the nut on the outside (bolt head facing the tire).   Works perfectly!
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: johnny on June 05, 2012, 11:14:33 AM
(http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/Ride%20Tales%20CA%20SoCal/tires037.jpg)
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: johnny on June 10, 2012, 10:37:48 AM

(http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/Ride%20Tales%20CA%20SoCal/tires043.jpg)
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: johnny on June 14, 2012, 10:18:46 AM
(http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/Ride%20Tales%20CA%20SoCal/Palomar%201%20up/cztz.jpg)
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: johnny on June 26, 2012, 03:47:24 PM
(http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/2012/12-07-04%20Cheddar/005-3.jpg)
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: johnny on June 27, 2012, 11:11:44 AM
mister rods red firetruck...

(http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/DROID/IMAG0531.jpg)

(http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/DROID/IMAG0532.jpg)

j o
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: johnny on June 28, 2012, 09:13:01 AM
(http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/2012/12-07-04%20Cheddar/009-2.jpg)
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: TimTyler on July 01, 2012, 06:03:24 PM
Does the K75RT's 460w alternator have enough poop to run these lights?
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: frankenduck on July 01, 2012, 06:24:42 PM
Does the K75RT's 460w alternator have enough poop to run these lights?

Borderline so it's hard to say for sure.
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: johnny on July 01, 2012, 06:42:51 PM
on tuesday july 17th i will stopping at black dogg in sandpoint iderhoe to take a look at the ri amber leds like on the ktm here (http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=683570)... if the ri ambers are as good as they look it maybe an option as a pair only draws approx 30w total... 

j o
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: TimTyler on July 01, 2012, 08:01:45 PM
The Rigid lights look cool.

I'd be tempted to try one of the 6" bar units (2370 lumens) mounted to the fairing under the headlight. Lacks triangulation but it's damned bright.

(http://blackdogcw.com/components/com_virtuemart/shop_image/product/Rigid_6__E_Serie_4eaaf6a1de258.jpg)
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: johnny on July 04, 2012, 07:46:02 PM
(http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/2012/2012%20River%20Run/117.jpg)
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: johnny on July 08, 2012, 03:17:47 PM
my three suns...

(http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/2011/12-07-08%20Horeb/009.jpg)

j o
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: johnny on July 11, 2012, 09:37:34 PM
it donts getts no brighter sunn than this...

(http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/2012/12-07-11%20Door/048.jpg)

(http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/2012/12-07-11%20Door/047.jpg)

j o
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: johnny on July 14, 2012, 03:43:39 PM
(http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/2012/12-07-11%20Door/039.jpg)
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: johnny on July 17, 2012, 06:41:37 PM
(http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/2012/12-07-11%20Door/045.jpg)

j o
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: TimTyler on July 17, 2012, 09:29:12 PM
on tuesday july 17th i will stopping at black dogg in sandpoint iderhoe to take a look at the ri amber leds like on the ktm here (http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=683570)...

And...
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: johnny on July 17, 2012, 09:43:14 PM
dude left on a mototrip... i was properly notified... so im gonna have to check them out next year... mistick red lives close and should go take a look when the dood returns in a couple weeks... what say you mistick red...

j o
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: mystic red on July 17, 2012, 09:49:14 PM
dude left on a mototrip... i was properly notified... so im gonna have to check them out next year... mistick red lives close and should go take a look when the dood returns in a couple weeks... what say you mistick red...

j o

Pizz off.
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: sh00ter on August 12, 2012, 10:53:15 PM
UPDATE - GONE BABY GONE.

Spoke to Jeff, the original seller of the CATZ lights to get some replacement bulbs and he informed me they're discontinuing these lights.  He did make me a nice deal on 2 pairs of replacement bulbs, however.

Title: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: Turkus on August 15, 2012, 05:10:39 PM
UPDATE - GONE BABY GONE.

Spoke to Jeff, the original seller of the CATZ lights to get some replacement bulbs and he informed me they're discontinuing these lights....

So the search begins again...... :hmm:
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: sh00ter on August 15, 2012, 06:23:02 PM
UPDATE - GONE BABY GONE.

Spoke to Jeff, the original seller of the CATZ lights to get some replacement bulbs and he informed me they're discontinuing these lights....

So the search begins again...... :hmm:

Really liking the look of the Rigids mentioned earlier.....
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: TimTyler on August 15, 2012, 09:28:17 PM
I just ordered the Dually's off Amazon. (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006H33ZU6/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B006H33ZU6&linkCode=as2&tag=cinematographyco)

Will report back when they're installed.

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41UhCkBGcFL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: TimTyler on August 20, 2012, 07:44:08 PM
Rigid Industries Dually LED report. (http://www.motobrick.com/index.php/topic,3006.msg17777.html)
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: chrish8846 on August 26, 2012, 04:32:11 AM
Still have any of those mounting brackets?. Getting the K75 put together after a 10 month layoff(we moved from SC to MI)
I really like the Catz light idea. My zip is 48323 and I can pay by PayPal.
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: johnny on April 05, 2013, 11:39:13 PM
(http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r605/MBofE/2012/12-09-01%20coast/13951552.jpg)

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Title: Johnny
Post by: Michael in AZ on April 06, 2013, 03:43:08 AM
Those the ri amber leds from last year? Inquiring minds want to know...
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: johnny on April 06, 2013, 12:50:49 PM
these acid orange fog lights are the world famous japanese tuner car aficionado catz xlo... (http://www.ebay.com/itm/CATZ-FET-XLO-BMW-K1100-FOG-LIGHTS-ORANGE-K11OG-PIAA-/150498016039?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item230a617b27)

(http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r605/MBofE/2012/12-09-01%20coast/15c3e692.jpg)

(http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r605/MBofE/2012/12-09-01%20coast/0eeb3ae1.jpg)

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Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: johnny on April 21, 2013, 12:16:48 PM
bight midday sun bouncing off snow... the catz acid orange xlo fog lamps... yawl...

(http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/2013/13-04-20%20Rolling%20Hills/135_zpsb0423a20.jpg)

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Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: johnny on April 22, 2013, 01:11:12 AM
(http://i1174.photobucket.com/albums/r605/MBofE/2012/12-09-01%20coast/a18d432f.jpg)

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Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: Wigwam on April 24, 2013, 03:57:21 PM
Here they are mounted on my 93 K1100LT:

(http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/smithduck/k11lt_mods/johnnycatz.jpg)


(http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/smithduck/k11lt_mods/johnnycatz-1.jpg)

Frankenduck, nice shot of Seattle from Alki Beach?  We are on Quenn Anne.

Great lights.
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: johnny on June 02, 2013, 12:10:45 AM
(http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/2013/13-06-01/110_zps7b00259b.jpg)

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Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: johnny on July 21, 2013, 11:49:49 PM
(http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk91/electro_handyman/Midwest%20Motobrick%20Motodebauchery%202013/DSCF3700.jpg)

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Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: johnny on July 11, 2014, 07:37:45 PM
(http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/2014/14-07-11%20Driffless/109_zps05e529b2.jpg)

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Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: johnny on September 14, 2014, 12:36:34 PM
(http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff192/owrstrich/Ride%20Tales%20CA%20Tulare/Kings%20Canyon%20May%2009/075.jpg)

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Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: F14CRAZY on September 14, 2014, 12:55:13 PM
Can the bulbs in these be replaced?
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: mystic red on September 14, 2014, 06:57:59 PM
Yes in either clear (almost blue)  or orange.
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: F14CRAZY on September 14, 2014, 11:05:37 PM
Are they just standard bulbs? I have extra lenses with mine, which I believe are clear
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: johnny on September 15, 2014, 05:09:38 AM
catz xlo bulb lens are a sealed unit that fit as a unit inside their housing... (http://www.ebay.com/itm/CATZ-FET-XLO-BMW-K1100-FOG-LIGHTS-ORANGE-K11OG-PIAA-/150498016039?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item230a617b27)

(http://i478.photobucket.com/albums/rr147/jbendit/CATZ%20XLO/100_1144.jpg)

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Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: F14CRAZY on September 15, 2014, 06:01:27 AM
I like how my bike is used in their ebay ad
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: Dragwn on September 23, 2014, 01:29:45 AM
So, would a set of 55 watt driving lights tax the stock alternator of an `85 K100rs too much? Though I may end up going with lights from http://www.advmonster.com (http://www.advmonster.com)
Title: Worlds best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: Marinahosy on December 09, 2014, 12:32:41 PM
Im looking for the Auxiliary Driving Lights in matte black. I find them in chrome easily but I want to keep my Retro all matte. Anyone? Thanks.

 
By the way, the best program for marketing, SEO and SMM for me - it a XRumer 12.0.9 Elite :)
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: flutemanjohn on January 15, 2015, 08:23:18 PM
90mms bolts to short to work on my 94 k75 because the reflector is held on by the bolt also. Seems to be similar to the set up on the k100 mentioned in the update. Anyone need 90mms bolts? They've going for free. Flutemanjohn
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: flutemanjohn on January 15, 2015, 09:05:02 PM
Two questions - where is the best place to mount the Katz relay box and do you have to remove the tank to connect to ground or is there another accessible way to ground. Thanks, Flutemanjohn
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: johnny on January 15, 2015, 09:31:20 PM
i stick the relay under the tank and use the harness and hook both the + and the - to the battery... power the switch from + switched power and - at the frame yoke... after figger it all out i shorten all the wires cause there is lotts of unnecessary wire cause the kit is for a car...

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Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: flutemanjohn on January 16, 2015, 11:53:44 AM
Thanks, there seems to plenty of room under the seat and that way I don't have to remove the tank. I wasn't planning to use the switch but hook it up the way Duck shows in the original post. Any advantages to the switch? Flutemanjohn
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: zilla on January 25, 2015, 10:42:39 AM
Glad I found this post. I may be changing jobs and shifts and I want more light for riding at night.
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: TimTyler on January 25, 2015, 12:35:40 PM
The Rigid Industry Dually LED's have worked out well for me, especially the 60-degree amber LED 23252's (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AMELUTE/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00AMELUTE&linkCode=as2&tag=cinematographyco&linkId=5MXO2C5AAM7CKEAU).

They're so bright I bought the extra amber strap-ons covers (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0068C2I2C/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0068C2I2C&linkCode=as2&tag=cinematographyco&linkId=HALHQXSBZ77PRXWI) and scuffed the covers up with steel wool to soften the light since they're aimed at oncoming traffic all the time.

The white LED spot 20221's (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006H33ZU6/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B006H33ZU6&linkCode=as2&tag=cinematographyco&linkId=GTF77V7UOQDALHND) are wired (with a relay) to my high-beam circuit and illuminate the road at night far ahead of me.

The lights on the hand protectors are cheapo LED's I found on ebay (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bolt-On-Screw-3W-LED-Eagle-Eye-Backup-Light-Fog-Driving-Lamp-Car-ATV-Motorcycle-/181560654889).

The only negative aspect to the Rigid lights is that they really can't be aimed to not affect on-coming traffic and still be effective at illuminating the road.
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: F14CRAZY on March 31, 2016, 06:05:29 PM
johnny: is your RS in this ebay ad? That's definitely my bike (or drake's)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/CATZ-FET-XLO-BMW-K1100-FOG-LIGHTS-ORANGE-K11OG-for-PIAA-/150498016039?hash=item230a617b27:m:mbGiFZ_TSVNa363TNh-NK_g&vxp=mtr (http://www.ebay.com/itm/CATZ-FET-XLO-BMW-K1100-FOG-LIGHTS-ORANGE-K11OG-for-PIAA-/150498016039?hash=item230a617b27:m:mbGiFZ_TSVNa363TNh-NK_g&vxp=mtr)

one of my XLO's burned out recently. I ordered a pair of bulbs from foglights.com...$53.70.

I was curious if anyone found some good and cheap LED's that are comparable to the XLO's but I figure I'd end up spending more and these bulbs seem to last a long time...worked fine for the 30k or so miles I've put on the bike and not sure how old they were to start with. I try to remember to turn them off when like sitting in traffic but I run them day and night.

Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: johnny on March 31, 2016, 06:24:23 PM
rodger that...

this is the bugeye motobrick... aka bug 1...

i have 6 spares... the ones on the bug 2 came off the bug 1... combined they have nearly 150 thousand miles on them... i asked mr catz how long a bulb will last... he said 3 to 5 years on a car... i loaded up with spares...

have not had a failure... i thinks it cause they are on the light bar which is suspended... the fork mounted lights are subject to lotts of vibration and impact hits... yours is the first i know of failing...

also... they are designed to hang... so you have to remove the lens and turn it 180 degrees so the condensation hole is facing down... the 4 screws that hold the lens in there can be stubborn... id hit them with pb blaster... then warm them up... use the exact phillips screwdriver... or the unthinkable will happen...

this photo shows the amber ones hanging down they were good to go... the top blue ones are standing up... i had to turn the lens on the top ones 180 degrees... mr catz told me condensation would kill them faster than anything...

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Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: F14CRAZY on March 31, 2016, 06:54:16 PM
10-4 johnny. I've thought about how it seems like them being mounted on the forks would cause them to not last as long. My left bulb clouded up for a while but was still bright before it burned out.

I'll make sure the condensation hole is oriented right when I replace my bulbs. Thanks for pointing that out.
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: johnny on March 31, 2016, 07:47:40 PM
amber led driving lights are for hipsters... the catz xlo acid orange lights are for serious motobrickers...

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Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: F14CRAZY on March 31, 2016, 08:29:54 PM
That's the thing...they're so damn bright and distinct
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: Jumpin Jimmy B on April 01, 2016, 08:12:02 PM
Them CATZ will flat out save your life.
When i first got my 93 brick I was certain it came with the elusive invisibility cloaking paint. I never rode anything else where I was cut off so much
 Dropped in a set of the CATZ and no more getting cut off and pulled out on.
 When I roll up hard on a left lane sleeper now, holy chit do they wake the flock up and GTFOOMW!
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: F14CRAZY on April 01, 2016, 09:48:51 PM
Them CATZ will flat out save your life.
When i first got my 93 brick I was certain it came with the elusive invisibility cloaking paint. I never rode anything else where I was cut off so much
 Dropped in a set of the CATZ and no more getting cut off and pulled out on.
 When I roll up hard on a left lane sleeper now, holy chit do they wake the flock up and GTFOOMW!

it sure does seem like cars get out of the way and stay out of the way with them on
Title: Re: World's best conspicuity/fog lights
Post by: F14CRAZY on April 12, 2016, 10:41:09 AM
Jeff of foglights.com and the seller of these on ebay emailed me saying:

Quote
there are only 4-5 sets of the XLO's left in the USA. When they are gone, they are gone as FET in Japan does not even make these anymore. I have around 50 bulbs left though.

So you might want to get some before they're gone