Author Topic: Driving lights power source  (Read 4844 times)

Offline JPaganel

  • ^ Proficient Motobricker
  • Posts: 184
Driving lights power source
« 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?
  • Minnesnowta
  • 1986 K100RT, 1996 R1100RS

Offline rbm

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Re: Driving lights power source
« Reply #1 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 directly to the battery.  See also http://www.motobrick.com/index.php/topic,3421.0.html.
  • Regards, Robert
Toronto, Ontario

1987 K75 - Build Blog @http://k75retro.blogspot.ca/

Offline K1300S

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Re: Driving lights power source
« Reply #2 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.
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Offline Scott_

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Re: Driving lights power source
« Reply #3 on: April 20, 2019, 08:17:04 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.
  • My Garage
1995 K1100LT 0302044
2017 FLHTK Ultra Limited
1997 K1100LT 0302488 (R.I.P.)
1997 R1100RT ZC62149(sold)
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Offline The Mighty Gryphon

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Re: Driving lights power source
« Reply #4 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.
  • In my garage in Marilla, NY
  • '91K100RS White/Blue
Current:
'91 K100RS16V "Moby Brick Too"

Past:
'94 K75RT "Ilsa, She Wolf of the SS"
'92 K100RS16V "Moby Brick" (RIP, deceased in a vehicular assault)
'94 K75S Special Edition Dakar Yellow "Cheetos"
'89 K100RS Special Edition "Special Ed"

Offline JPaganel

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  • Posts: 184
Re: Driving lights power source
« Reply #5 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?
  • Minnesnowta
  • 1986 K100RT, 1996 R1100RS

Offline RobP

  • ^ Proficient Motobricker
  • Posts: 183
Re: Driving lights power source
« Reply #6 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.
  • Driftwood, TX
  • 1985 K100RS

Offline natalena

  • ^ SuperNatural Motobricker
  • Posts: 742
Re: Driving lights power source
« Reply #7 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.
  • MST
  • 1987 K75s #0919, '05 Sportster 1200C, '21 ARGO 8x8, '24 KLR650
"Hard to beat a 10x beaver, 'specially if you're gonna work it."

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