Triumphrat

Diego

If I weren't too lazy to search all the topics in this forum (we companions of Tigers do tend to be eager to express ourselves--it's only natural), perhaps I'd find that my question is already answered somewhere. But I will ask your forgiveness and hope someone can enlighten me. (Sorry, couldn't think of another way to put it).

In welcoming <font color="#C0C0C0">RobUK to our fold today, <font color="#C0C0C0">tigerjohn mentioned one of the additions he has made to his Tiger: "Extra relays to get both headlamps on - a must for night riding."

I've seen reference to the one-light-at-a-time situation elsewhere, but with no explanation of the reason. Is this a difference in US and UK specs; do we mandate the extra light, but Her Majesty's government does not?

Both lamps really do make a difference for night riding. Compared to my other vehicles, on the Tiger I'm pretty sure I've had a few extra moments to observe deer making quick entries in their bikespotting log books before they dash out in front of me.


[ This message was edited by: Diego on 2004-06-15 22:11 ]

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John

RobUK

haa you beat me too it

" :???: you mean they dont both come on then..? how come theres two of them then ..is that for non EC countries or something"

i wasent aware that one one light came on for UK spec models :???:

BigStripey

If you only have one light coming on instead of two, it is a simple fix. There has been a lot of discussion about this in the past but it is down to the European Beaurocrats who think that two lights on could be mistaken for a car a long way off!

Anyway, you need to get two 12v switching relays and put them in the two empty slots on the relay plate. It is as simple as that! No wiring to change or anything.

You need to take the fairing off to get to the relay plate, unless you have got really really small hands. But that in itself is only a ten minute job. the relays should only cost about £5 each. But they must be switching relays. I know that Hella and Ring make them. I got mine from Halfords, and found them with all the tow bar accessories etc. Howver any half decent motor factors should have them.

Triumph do them, but you pay almost triple the price just to get the Triumph logo moulded on to the plastic relay cover.....

Simple....job done!

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Big Stripey

I am but mad north-north-west: when the wind is southerly I know a hawk from a handsaw

Timtiger

The annoying one lamp on at a time lighting system was a requirement in Australia. We also had compulsory hard wired headlights on at all times for a few years, but that has been reversed. In fact Triumph advised me that my when my 955 Tiger was delivered, it would not be fitted with a headlight switch. I made enquiries to get one but it turned my bike was a Farnce spec unit and had a switch.
I have converted it to run both lamps on low and high beam, but it only required fitting of one relay. I agree that it is a must.

Swoody

With the extra relays, does it mean that both lights will be on all the time, therefore no need for the highbeam switch, or only when the High Beam is selected. At the moment I seem to have one light for dip and one light for main... ? :???:

bigD

Swoody

You still have control of the high/low beam option with both relays fitted, just that the two bulbs are on either high or low.

You can however get away with only fitting one relay to give you a double lamp full beam & a single lamp dip with the other lens showing a running light. can't remember which was which but you find out pretty quick when you plug the first relay into a slot.

D

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Big D

If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.

Swoody

Thanks BigD, I think I will go with the 2 relay option, no-one can say they did'nt see me coming !!!!

bigD

Swoody

Don't you believe it. They can look you straight in the eye & then run right over the top of you & still claim not to have seen you.

It happened to me a number of years ago. In my younger, fitter days I used to cycle a lot & one evening, mid summer, early, lovely sunny evening, a woman stopped at a give way, made eye contact with me. then broadsided me with her bonnet. I rolled up the bonnet hit my head on the screen & landed in a heap on the road. Fortunately it did little damage to me but, man, was the push bike mangled.

So ever since, I treat everyone at a junction as a moron waiting to mow me down & it has saved my bacon on more than a few occasions.

D

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Big D

If you can't be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.

tigerjohn

Swoody - if you only do one mod to your Tiger, make it the relays. Two lights on dipped = twice the chance of being seen and also stops 'helpful' drivers flashing you to tell you one lamp's not working! Of course, they might flash you anyway as you bear down on them at 95mph while grabbing a quick overtake....but that's another matter! Plus the cosmetic improvement - a twin headlamp bike with only one working looks daft!
Once done, they shouldn't need any adjustment and my dealer assures me the UK MOT test should be no problem.

Swoody

Cheers for the advice guys, as I've only just got the bike the next question is....., whereabouts are the relays located ?. BigStripey mentioned that small hands are required unless the fairing is removed, so I might get the wif to plug them in.