K75RT Head light and tail/brake light upgrade.

[krobert]

I'm new around these parts,  I just picked up my first K-bike.  A 1992 RT.  I'm planning to do a bit of night riding, OTW home from work.  I've seen several post about light upgrades and am considering some of them.  I'm curious if anyone could recommend parts or some type of kit for this?  Thanks!

[Laitch]

  I've seen several post about light upgrades and am considering some of them.

Welcome, krobert! Which upgrades are you considering?

[krobert]

Thank you,
I seen one with a LED light strip at the top of the head light, the other, two small LED light strips in the tail light.  I was also thinking of installing two cheap amber light in the front, mostly for visibility.

[Elipten]

For the headlight led strip I took the light apart, cut a 12" flexible led strip to size placed it in the metal strip above the main headlight where the little bulb does its illumination. I used some foam to press it in place against the glass and wired it into were the little bulb was wired




Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

[krobert]

For the headlight led strip I took the light apart, cut a 12" flexible led strip to size placed it in the metal strip above the main headlight where the little bulb does its illumination. I used some foam to press it in place against the glass and wired it into were the little bulb was wired




Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

Do you remember where you got the led strip?

[Elipten]

Probably eBay, or Amazon or some such.  Readily available.  Get white led, usually self-adhesive back.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

[Laitch]

I seen one with a LED light strip at the top of the head light, the other, two small LED light strips in the tail light.  I was also thinking of installing two cheap amber light in the front, mostly for visibility.

Go to the Repair Guidance section's Master List then scroll down to Lighting and click on the links that interest you.

[krobert]

Thanks all!  I think I can put something together for pretty cheap.  I'll try to post when I'm finished.

On another note, I believe I have the 35 AMP alternator.  Do you guys think it will run extra lights?

[Elipten]

Just depends on what you plan to run.  More is better.  I did the upgrade on mine for just this reason.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

[Martin]

Welcome to the asylum from the land of OZ. LEDs don't draw much current.
Regards Martin.

[The Mighty Gryphon]

I did the LED strip in the parking lights of my RT and RS.  When getting the strip look for the highest output LED's which I think are the 5050.  Even so, they don't throw a lot of light.  What I did to get a bit more contrast was to mask off the actual LED's and spray paint the strip flat black with a light coat of paint. 

Running lights are good, but I use 10 watt LED units you can get on eBay for less than $30 a pair.  Two of them draw about 1.8A vs. 7A for a pair of 40W halogen lamps.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2x-2-10W-CREE-LED-Work-Light-Spot-offroad-Driving-fog-Lamp-Motorcycle-4X4-ATV-/282228618856?hash=item41b622f668:g:RQoAAOSwx2dYCwQ1&vxp=mtr

They are intensely bright and even in daylight look like a pair of arc welders.  I mount them under the chin of the fairing. 

To boost the output of the headlight and protect your hi/lo handlebar switch get a relay harness from Eastern Beaver.  All my bikes have them and they do help the light output by eliminating the voltage drop through the wiring harness and handlebar switch. 

http://www.easternbeaver.com/Main/Wiring_Kits/H4_Kits/h4_kits.html

For visibility from the rear, I put Scotchlite red retroreflective material on my tragkorbs and iconic 22L top case.  I also have installed the Ktail2 enhancement kit.  More tail light and really lets them know you hit the brakes.

http://www.run-n-lites.com/K-T-2.html

I have these on my RS with a 35A alternator, and so far have had no electrical issues.  As long as you aren't running a stereo and heated jacket and gloves, you should be all right.

[jakgieger]

I sought additional lights as well.  The eastern beaver relay kit was simple to install.  It allows me to run the bigger headlight bulb!  This thread shows  two front aux light brackets.  I was unable to find pictures or a bracket for sale, so, I built my own.  Afterwards, JO posted a good picture of an aftermarket bracket...On my bracket I run 2 LED's similar to what Gryphon is showing you.  BTW, haven't got around to the alternator upgrade yet, but I don't run other accessories.   Good luck

[krobert]

Thank you for the many replies. :clap: I have since found a couple amber running light and one white light to add to the front.  I ride at night often to and from work.  A 150 mile round trip commute.  :2thumbup: The bike is great for it, although I do have to fill up everyday.  :eek: I hope to get the front light installed soon and then start on the back.  Busy times with my newborn baby.  I hope to post some pictures when it is done!!

[jakgieger]

Watch out for German Shepherds!  Your story reminds me of when I was first married and had a new baby.  I was riding an R60/5 daily on a 70 mi. commute.  Coming home one night I hit the dog...got slowed down to 45 mph prior to impact.  Somehow I "rode it out".  Told the wife when I got home, ipso facto..."we" sold the bike .  If I had been riding my K, I would have been able to stop!  Good luck with the bike and the baby.

[krobert]

Watch out for German Shepherds!  Your story reminds me of when I was first married and had a new baby.  I was riding an R60/5 daily on a 70 mi. commute.  Coming home one night I hit the dog...got slowed down to 45 mph prior to impact.  Somehow I "rode it out".  Told the wife when I got home, ipso facto..."we" sold the bike .  If I had been riding my K, I would have been able to stop!  Good luck with the bike and the baby.
[/quo


Thanks, I try to keep an eye out though I never know when something will jump out there!  :falldown: I never tell my wife nothing about nothing when it comes to the bike.  She hates me riding,  though hoping she will let me take her on the K75 in time.  :yes

[jakgieger]

So....funny thing there.  Been hoping the same here.  After, I got the K rebuilt, our first ride together, I like an idiot took a 30 mph corner @55 with her on the back.  After, she cooled down ,she proceeded to really tune me up :hehehe .  After years of marriage and kids, it just doesn't sting as bad!