More headlamp power required!

[XmisterIS]

I want to stick extra headlamps on my bike, with a separate switch on the handlebars so I can switch them on when it gets dark. I don't want a HID kit though.

I know you can get a PIAA 910 kit, but they are fooking expensive!

So, I plan to build my own.

Equipment as follows:

Twin H4 unit from here: http://www.motorcycle-parts-accessories ... ights.html

A pair of 30A SPST or a single SPDT automotive relay(s) from Maplin, or somewhere like that (a few quid).

Handlebar headlamp switch from here: http://motorcycleproducts.co.uk/catalog ... 83114.html

Wires, connectors and heat-shrink also from Maplin (pennies).

Wiring as follows: http://www.humanspeakers.com/audi/headlight-simple.htm

Now the question is ... is that gonna work and be road-legal? Or is there more to it than that?

If my little plan here works, it will give me a decent extra lighting system for about £80.

I know HID conversions are cheaper, but I want separate halogen lights. Plus I can upgrade the main lamp to a Phillips Nightbreaker.

Edited August 10, 2009 by XmisterIS

[Pete]

You've been reading my HID thread haven't you?! I'll be keeping an eye on this one...

Where have you seen HID kits for less than £80? I want one!

[XmisterIS]

Lol! I have indeed been reading your HID thread ...

I've seen HID conversion kits on EBay for about £50, whether they're any good or not, I dunno ...

[Guest]

1make a bracket out of flat alloy sheet, fit two of the smallest projector beam lights that you can find, and then wire in a switch and relay (Switches are available from the usual sources) and get a fog/spot lamp prewired relay.. (also comes fused)

as long as the lights are switched, and appropriately alligned/positioned as to not dazzle other road users, you should be fine..

mine take a live feed from the tail light, so the lights can only be on when the siwtch and the headlight is on..

why? from the tail light, well its easy to access and nearer the location of the relay, which is mounted under the seat near the rest of the electrical gubbins,

I have ran with these on in the pouring rain and through wooded roads.. not done much night travel as yet..

I had LED Running lights on my bandit, mounted of the radiator grille.. and blue LEDs under the seat/tank..

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg250/simonevans73/412505_13_012.jpg

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg250/simonevans73/Sep04-1.jpg

[Guest]

Switch..

[Chrissb6]

Hi There, for me there's only one way to go now and that's the H.I.D route. They have come down a bunch in price now. best thing ever fitted to my bike from a safty point of view nobody can say they did'nt see you and are awesome to ride with. What you got to be so careful with especialy with the bikes electric's is the damage you can do to both the wireing loom and alternater.You can easerly over load these circuits with tungsten lamps. H.I.D lamps in general only consume 35watts and give a light output way above any tungsten lamps whith out melting the light fitting as its a arc lamp. You got to carefull what colour light you want, they go from around 2,000 kelvin yellow upto 10,000 which comes out purple. 6000 to 7500 is what most people fit. If you need any more info or help drop me a line. I would not personnaly go down the route of loading up the bikes electric's with extra light fittings.

[Chrissb6]

Hi, on a follow up i've just open the link you posted for the wireing diagram of the lighting circuit. Be careful, that wireing diagram is for a car, no way would a bike power supply carry that load without you running into problems

Have a look through this site it might help.

http://www.electrosport.com/street/hid-lighting.php

From a custom point of view you can fit a pair of lamps then put h.i.d bulbs inside. The only problem you have there is, that night becomes day!!

have fun sorting it all out

[Pete]

From a custom point of view you can fit a pair of lamps then put h.i.d bulbs inside.

 

I like that idea...it's an idea that I like. You could keep your existing headlights and have HID secondary ones...interesting. But then there's the other 'problem' of overloading the electrics I guess. Unless relays were used of course.

Why not try the Philips BlueVision bulbs that worked for me? I don't even think about my headlights now, the Philips ones are immense (certainly not HID brightness, but rival a cars headlights)!

[Guest]

Hi, on a follow up i've just open the link you posted for the wireing diagram of the lighting circuit. Be careful, that wireing diagram is for a car, no way would a bike power supply carry that load without you running into problems

Have a look through this site it might help.

http://www.electrosport.com/street/hid-lighting.php

From a custom point of view you can fit a pair of lamps then put h.i.d bulbs inside. The only problem you have there is, that night becomes day!!

have fun sorting it all out

I have managed to sort an auxilary set up, using a relay, same as cars do for additional spots/fogs, works for me, and no adverse effects on the bike..

[Chrissb6]

Hi, You would be better useing a H.I.D setup as the control circuit only uses on average 35 watts of power per lamp, so if you want, you could have a pair of H.I.D lamps on for the same power consumption of one 65watt halogen lamp "its a no brainer".

[Guest]

Hi, You would be better useing a H.I.D setup as the control circuit only uses on average 35 watts of power per lamp, so if you want, you could have a pair of H.I.D lamps on for the same power consumption of one 65watt halogen lamp "its a no brainer".

cost was the main consideration, i got the lamps in the shed, so just a switch, and i had a relay.. HID units are great, but about £60..++, so did it on the cheap, as I dont do much night riding,