| Author | Message | ||
     Davidoforlando |
I want to add (2) additional 55 watt "driving lights" to the front of my '08 Firebolt. Will the additional 110 watts be to much for the charging system? | ||
| Reepicheep |
Thats a lot. Could you go with HIDS? Better light, less power. Are you running (or planning to run) any heated gear? | ||
| Davidoforlando |
I will not be adding any additional accessories. just the lighting... seems I am invisible to cars | ||
| Midknyte |
HID + Running Light / Turn signals is the route I went... | ||
| Reepicheep |
55 watt driving lights may make your turn signals even *more* invisible to cars. | ||
| Bombardier |
+1 on the HID. I have them and they work great! | ||
| Davidoforlando |
I appreciate the comments, but I really wanted to know if the charging system would keep the battery charged with the addition of the driving lights, I am not considering changing the lighting to HID at this time. The repair manual sez... Total Current Draw Test If battery runs down during use, the current draw of the motorcycle components and accessories may exceed output of the charging system. 1. To check for this condition, place load tester induction pickup or current probe pickup over battery negative cable. 2. Disconnect stator wiring from voltage regulator wiring at the connector under front sprocket cover. Start the motorcycle and run the engine at 3000 RPM. 3. With ignition and all continuously running lights and accessories turned on (headlight on high beam), read the total current draw. 4. Compare this reading to the reading obtained after performing the CURRENT AND VOLTAGE OUTPUT TEST. a. The current output should exceed current draw by 3.5 amps minimum. b. If output does not meet specifications, there may be too many accessories for the charging system to handle. 5. Reconnect regulator after testing. | ||
| Davidoforlando |
Was the HID lighting an easy retrofit? | ||
| Bombardier |
Simple. Check out the Knowledge Vault for the blow by blow install. | ||
| Davidoforlando |
Thanks bomber.. http://www.ifmracing.com/modules.php?name=Forums&f ile=viewtopic&t=148 | ||
| Midknyte |
HID uses less power... As would LED running lights too... More light(s) w/ less power | ||
| Davidoforlando |
Thanks everybody. great info! As a side note I bought a second high beam head lighting housing and I am going to replace the low beam with the high beam... that way I can have just one high beam when riding with friends and both highs when i'm out on my own. | ||
| Spops |
PIAA just released their Cross Country HID Driving Lights, they draw minimal wattage plus the ballast and ignitor components are built inside their casing. A bit pricey, but may be the right option for ya... http://www.cyclegadgets.com/Products/product.asp?I tem=PIA-CC Another option: One that I use; MotoLights: I like these since I can mount them lower and thus gives me that "triangle" of light which causes cagers to pause before pulling out in front of me. I personally run them with Amber bulbs. As far as wattage, each are 50, but with my Lighting, output was around 540 total. With heated gear, plus MotoLights, I simply altered my "start up" sequence. Lights on, heated gear off, then once bike was a little warmed up, I could turn on heated gear.. No issues in two year-round riding seasons! http://www.cyclegadgets.com/Products/Motolight/ I used the Slider Mount option for both my bikes; XB9S(T) and XB12XT. Slider Circumference should be 6.75 in. (Measure twice, cut once) My dos centavos.. Hope it helps.. | ||
| Metalstorm |
I'm running MotoLights with the standard 35 watt bulbs. They surprised me at how well they light up the road and they're not too bright to blind oncoming cagers. Though a buddy of mine hates riding in front of me at night. Something about the light hitting his mirror just right at full lean  With the MotoLights on, the difference between my low beam and high beam is so small that I usually just have the low beam on.  | ||
| Rah7777777 |
Man Tom, your blinding people at both ends!!! Between your XB Lights brake light and your triple headlight system!! man, no wonder your buddy doesnt want to ride ahead of you  I say good job!!! keep it safe! -Robert www.xblights.com | ||
| Metalstorm |
I'm pretty sure the MotoLights have saved me from being t-boned a couple of times. The cagers can actually see me coming during the day time. I KNOW your tail light has saved my ass (literally) more than once. | ||
| Rah7777777 |
HAHA!!! i'm glad to help save any ass I can  Have any pics with the headlights on? | ||
| Metalstorm |
I only have this one. I need to take one in the bright daylight because it seems that that is when cagers have the hardest time seeing us. The lights are little but the light is big for 70 watts (35 watts each)   and one of the derrier for vanity's sake  | ||
| Phwx2 |
I was thinking of mounting the lights up on the bars where the stock mirrors mount, just to get a higher profile of light. I use am LED helmet break light that works very well at night but is worthless in the day. I've been told that the helmet light attracts attention because head movement. | ||
| Metalstorm |
At one time I thought of mounting lights on my handguards but I decided not to. There's a height limit on headlights in CA. I can't remember the the maximum height allowed. The outside light on the guards would be pretty darn high when leaned over. I decide to NOT give the authorities an excuse to pull me over. |
