Using auxiliary fog lights for DRLs

[Beans]

Testing the waters a little here.

I have led fog lights on the Versys which I can't use, unless it's foggy, so they are effectively redundant.

I asked on the Versys forum if there was a way to easily (as I have no electrical or mechanical skillz) convert these to be daytime running lights. Apparently there is: use a pulse wave modulator that 'dims' them, let's ignore how they are angled for now.

This looks like the ticket and can be bought in the UK https://www.skenelights.com/online-store/IQ-275-Intelligent-Dimmer-p80215575

I was actually pointed towards this https://stores.advmonster.com/wireless-waterproof-led-dimmer-with-high-beam-bypass but that's in the USA so pretty sure with delivery and customs charges the first one would be cheaper to buy.

So, getting to the point, do you believe this is something an amateur could fit?

[husoi]

have a look at Aliexpress.com or dhgate.com

They have loads of daylight systems

[raesewell]

Fog lights typically spread a wide short beam pattern, is it feasible to change the lens for spot beam and angle it downwards. Or even change the light pods?

Something like this https://www.bikevis.com/product-category/motorcycle-running-lights/

[WD-40]

Is it correct that on a Versys once the engine starts the low beams are always on? Does that not do the job?

[Beans]

Is it correct that on a Versys once the engine starts the low beams are always on? Does that not do the job?

Since about 2004(!) motorcycles were being built this way, with it becoming a legal requirement in the UK from 2016. So, yes.

But I have these additional, auxiliary lights hanging off the bike and can't currently use them, as they are fog lights. I'd like to have them operate as additional lights I can use to increase my daytime conspicuity.

[WD-40]

It's an interesting idea. I wouldn't do it because you'll have to spend the money to buy what you need and you'll have to cut into the bikes wiring and at the end of it they'll still be fog lights. Just dim ones

[Beans]

I'd like to have them operate as additional lights I can use to increase my daytime conspicuity.

 

Or not,

https://www.therevcounter.co.uk/threads/106577-Motorcycle-Automatic-Headlamp-On-rules

[S-Westerly]

I know of quite a few blokes who have fitted fog lights to their Multistradas. Many of these leave them on all the time apparently and have - to my limited knowledge - never been stopped by the police for doing so. I think that they are mounted so low down that they are unlikely to cause an issue with oncoming drivers. If you get stopped for something else like excessive speeding they may throw that into the mix just to nail you down.

[raesewell]

Sometimes "Fog" light is a general term for auxiliary lighting that may not be fog lights. Fog lights have wide and short beam pattern so even pointing them down can have little effect unless they are pointed down so far as to make them next to useless. Spot lights on the other hand have a more focused and longer beam pattern. Some lights come with a choice of lenses, so if you can find the manufacturer of the OEM lights you might be able to find alternative lenses. Simply making them dimmer will not change the beam pattern, if they are indeed "Fog" lights. Wait until it gets dark and check the beam pattern.

[Tiggie]

Funny, I remember someone asking me once how I managed to override the light so it wasn't switched on all the time like his was. I had no clue what he was on about, said I just switched it off at the handlebars. My bike was a 2001

[Beans]

Apparently, these are they: http://www.piaa.com/store/p/187-LP530-3-5-LED-Driving-Light-Kit.aspx

[WD-40]

Funny, I remember someone asking me once how I managed to override the light so it wasn't switched on all the time like his was. I had no clue what he was on about, said I just switched it off at the handlebars. My bike was a 2001

 

haha

[raesewell]

Apparently, these are they: http://www.piaa.com/store/p/187-LP530-3-5-LED-Driving-Light-Kit.aspx

If they are the exact same lights you have that beam pattern doesn't look like a fog light beam and indeed they call them "Driving Beam"

So I would say point them downwards to avoid blinding oncoming traffic and call it job done.

[WD-40]

ah now I follow. I thought you were trying to convert the standard fog lights that come on the bike into running lights. Didn't realise you were talking about aftermarket bolt on lights.

[Beans]

ah now I follow. I thought you were trying to convert the standard fog lights that come on the bike into running lights. Didn't realise you were talking about aftermarket bolt on lights.

They are Kawasaki branded, and an optional Kawasaki extra so they are the standard fog light

[WD-40]

It's as raesewell said it depends on the beam pattern that they're putting out but if you look at the sales brochure they are definitely marketing them as fog lamps

https://www.kawasaki.co.uk/en/accessories/lighting/Versys_650/2020?UidCat=01FFWUYNBkU9Iw&UidSubCat=0546WlhZXFhaWllYWFlYWVhcW1pZRg0GRT0j&CodeBaseInternal=0177IyQtXl1Y&Uid_Model=0894XFBaUQpYXlkMWloOXFFbDQkMCV5fDlhdCl4OUFwJXlo&Uid=0957XgkLXg1RXFwOX15YXAlbC1EMCl1eCl5aWgkMCw4LXw0

[raesewell]

Kawasaki may call them Fog lights, Lexus call the sunroof a "moonroof". So it's anybodies guess, like I said wait until it's dark and check the beam pattern, then you will know for sure.