Triumphrat

DragonNester · 11-27-2006

I just ordered a set of halogen 20 watt driving lights to be mounted on my '01 Legend engine guard. Can they safely be wired directly to the headlight circuit or do I need to wire them separately to their own circuit? I also bought a relay, just in-case. I'd like them to come on with the headlight. I'm not looking to increase my after dark line of sight as much as I am wanting to be seen during daylight hours.

I don't want to wire them directly to the battery without the ability for them to turn on/off automatically with the headlight (for fear of leaving them on while away from the bike). That's where the relay would come in to play.

Thanks,

Wombat · 11-27-2006

I wouldn't wire them directly to the headlight curcuit.

Use the relay, and wire that to a 'switched ignition' circuit, eg: Ignition power.

This will enable the extra lights to turn on/off with the ignition, but be on with both high and low beams.

The only lighting circuit that I would suggest connecting the relay to would be the instrument lights.
The reason for this is:
If you take relay power from the low beams, when you switch to high beam the relay will switch off and so no driving lights...and vice versa.
If you take relay power from the parking light circuit, the driving lamps will be on when you switch to 'Park'

Take power for the extra lights directly from the battery to the relay contact terminal and from the relay to the driving lights.

Make sure that the driving lamps have a good ground connection or run an ground wire back to the frame ground point.

[ This message was edited by: Wombat on 2006-11-27 14:27 ]

parrycm · 11-27-2006

Personally, I'd avoid having them come on with the headlamp. That would mean an additional load would be on when starting the bike, and it's already bad enough (IMHO) that the headlight is on when cranking the engine.

I'd have a separate switch wired through the ignition. That also gives you the option of turning them off if you are suffering from a poor battery or charging problem and you are limping home.

Wombat · 11-27-2006

Good point Chris,

This can be overcome by using a second relay to cut power to the Aux circuit when the starter has power.

I have heard of people using this to cut power to the headlights while starting also.

DragonNester · 11-27-2006

Well, I've got my options now, thanks to you guys.

It's good to have you all in my corner.

Now, just waiting for the parts to show up from customdynamics.com

A friend used them and they delivered as promised.

:upthumb:

11-28-2006

Robin

Any chance you could post a pic when you have them installed...I'd like to see how they look.

b2brand · 11-28-2006

Robin,

i pulled power from the headlight curcuit and put a separate switch in the light housing for the same reason as parry brought up. that way i can have them off on start up but don't have to worry about them being left on unless the ignition is on. good luck.

[ This message was edited by: b2brand on 2006-11-28 09:31 ]

DragonNester · 11-30-2006

Quote:

On 2006-11-28 08:34, monsuoon wrote:
Robin

Any chance you could post a pic when you have them installed...I'd like to see how they look.

My out of pocket expense was $128.05 not including toggle, wire and fuse holder. I'm happy!

11-30-2006

Thanks for the pics Robin.....nice job

glgavin · 12-01-2006

I'm under the impression that the US versions *turn off* or maybe dim the headlights when you hit the starter button.
Eastern Beaver is known among long distance riders for providing wiring harness sets to make things *plug n play*. They do custom as well.