Running Lights

[MikeFossl]

In the interest of increased visibility, has anyone added any innovative lighting and is willing to share?

[Bob_Roller]

I put a pair of PIAA 40 lights on the crash bars of my '81 R65 .
I put a pair of PIAA 510's on the oilhead, prefer the 510's smaller in diameter .
I installed Motorrad Electric's Beacon 2 on the R65's, LED's instead of incandescent lamps .
2 Electropod 8 LED flashing brake lights .
A 24 LED brake and tail light that mounts to the lower license plate hardware .
LED marker lights on the rear fenders of the R65's

[Tony Smith]

Like this Bob?


sorry, but it was irresistible

[Justin B.]

I bet nobody sneaks up on his a$$!

[Warbucks]

It's not my intent to hijack this post, but I guess it is relevant.

I'm thinking about fitting a pair of LED fog lights, possibly inside the lower part of the crash bars. I'm planning to connect them directly to the battery and switch it somewhere near the ignition key with a weatherproof toggle switch. I'm also contemplating using GPS as well somewhere on that same circuit.

My question is: what wattage fog lights could an R65 handle without affecting the charging system?  

[Barry]

The LED running lights that I've contemplated using were only 18W but still very bright, in fact they put out 1500 lumens which is similar to a headlight. Can't see why more than 18W would be needed and the charging system would be fine with a pair of those.

[Bob_Roller]

I do about 50 % of my riding in night conditions .
I feel a bit more visible than a stock R65 .

[Luca]

I have the Beacon II tail/brake assembly from motorrad elektric, whichmakes you much more visible from behind.  I think it's probably at it's best when riding into the sunset.  Most old motorcycle tail/brake lights disappear when the sun is shining straight in your eyes.

Crash data shows that most of the danger you encounter is between 10 and 2 o' clock.  A modulating headlight might help, as would making the front turn signals double as running lights, or maybe adding additional front/side lighting.

In the interest of increasing visibility, I wear a hi-vis yellow jacket with reflective patches/piping.  Has shown noticeable improvements, especially in poor weather.  It draws no power, would help make me visible if I broke down at night with no electrics/lights, and little kids think I'm the yellow power ranger.

[mrclubike]

High VIZ is one of the best things you can do to improve safety

[Barry]

Hi Viz has made the biggest difference to me being seen by other road users. Motorcyclists just know when they haven't been seen by others even when it hasn't caused a near miss. Since I started wearing a full Hi Viz jacket I haven't been aware of a single instance of not been seen.

I can understand the desire for more lights though and it's not about a huge amount of lumens.  What's needed is something to give a motorcycle width. The ideal set up is said to be a triangle with a pair of running lights mounted below the main headlight.  In the UK we can't have modulating headlights.  Cyclists almost universally use flashing lights even though they are illegal.  Fatal accidents to cyclists are rising so I guess the police turn a blind eye on the basis that they are just doing their best to stay alive.  

[Warbucks]

I've contemplated using were only 18W but still very bright, in fact they put out 1500 lumens  

What brand and model were those lights Barry?

[Barry]

These aren't the the original ones I saw but very similar.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/WOW-2-X-18W-CREE-LED-Work-Light-Bar-Offroad-Truck-Spot-Lamp-Boat-4WD-SUV-UTE-/262134093661?hash=item3d0868d75d:g:HHMAAOSwd0BVxIm4

[mrclubike]

I am go to add aux head lights to my R65
A pair of Rigid Ind Led floods
http://www.rigidindustries.com/led-lighting/20111
Here is the wiring diagram I have come up with
The Aux lights can be switch between on all the time or on only with the high beams. They go Off with key switch of course
Please also notice the following changes
extra loud double Hooters  
I added  3 extra fuses
I removed the head light load from the head light switch with 2 more relays
This should at least be helpful if you are having problems sleeping