Let there be light.

[ribbert]

Not being an intentional night rider (which is a shame, I like riding at night) better lighting has never been a priority but I do get caught out occasionally, especially on trips and always in roo country.

I fitted these last week along with an HID headlight that's been on the shelf for a couple of years.





The mirror bases were the best and easiest mounting spot and would look fine on adventure bike but on the FJ they just looked so ugly.

Previous attempts at buying lights proved futile as it's impossible to make sense of the quoted performance or believe the claims made about suitability for a particular task - "Suitable for aircraft landing light.....hunting....bicycle.....reversing......space exploration.....fog.....bedside reading..etc" Yeah, right!

An entire evening hunting around the net showed the best lights start at $1000+. There was however one that kept popping up in lots of adventure forums and there were many testimonials for both the lights and the service from the manufacturer.

At $300 they're still not cheap but they are unbelievable, 3500 lumens each! They're so bright, turning the HID headlight off makes no difference.



Getting a bit busy in there

I wired them up quickly through the high beam (and flash) for a trip but I have a dimmer so I can run them at say 50% (anywhere from 4% -100%) as daytime running lights.

For those of you here that ride at night on unlit roads, this is a great investment.

Noel

[jscgdunn]

Hi Noel,
Looks good...what is the brand and source?

Thanks,

Jeff

[biggo]

Hi Noel

Would be interested in how the dimmer works on the LED,s
I have some and use them as day time running lights as well but I do get flashed around  twilight so a dimmer would be great

Cheers Phil

[CutterBill]

I would be concerned about reducing airflow into the scoop.

[ribbert]

I would be concerned about reducing airflow into the scoop.

I was waiting for someone to raise that. I considered that possibility before mounting them and decided it wouldn't be a problem.
Considering the minimal air flow in stop/start riding in traffic or around the suburbs, the constant airflow at speed should be more than adequate.
The only riding I do around the city is to get out of it.
Also, Summer is my "off" season. I don't mind freezing cold and rain, but I hate heat.
Low 30's and I think twice about riding, high 30's and I don't, above 40 my brain melts but more than happy to put in a 12 hour day just above freezing.

I also considered the fact that a lot of air will pass around them get sucked back into the scoop behind them as opposed to blanking off a 1/4 of the opening entirely.

Noel

[ribbert]

Hi Noel,
Looks good...what is the brand and source?

Thanks,

Jeff

Jeff, they are from a guy called Komy who trades as "2allbuyer".  Lots of references and testimonials on many forums, discounting the ones that only compared them to their standard lighting, there are plenty of side by side comparisons with other expensive, better known lights and they stack up remarkably well.

While these are 35w/3500 lumen/ 6000k lights, almost as bright as you can get in anything near that size, they are wide beam lights. The illumination is unbelievable but does not have the throw that say a 10 deg beam would give.

Having said that, they still throw useable light 3 times further than my headlight! (and the sides of the road and the tree canopy......)

All my research suggests the serious night riders all have two pairs of lights, a pair of wide beam and a pair of narrow.

As I previously said, I am not a night rider anymore, but get caught out often enough to justify the lights. No matter how powerful the lights, I would not be travelling fast in roo country (which is everywhere except the city) anyway.

It's difficult to describe just how much light these things chuck out.

On a value for money scale I'd rate them 9/10 (keep in mind they are only $170 in the US ) In Aus, with exchange rate, a WP switch, express freight and tracking, they were $290)
They come with relays (x2) mounting brackets, WP connectors, even zip ties.

Noel

[jscgdunn]

Thanks Noel,
I have also seen auxiliary lamps are sold with one wide-beam lamp and one pencil beam lamp.  The whole new light technology business is amazing but understanding it seems as difficult as learning French.  Thanks for the research.

Jeff

[ribbert]

Thanks Noel,
I have also seen auxiliary lamps are sold with one wide-beam lamp and one pencil beam lamp.  The whole new light technology business is amazing but understanding it seems as difficult as learning French.  Thanks for the research.

Jeff

Haha, that's why I didn't give them 10/10. Many of the lights have a snap on external lense that changes the light pattern so you can have two wide, two narrow or any configuration you like. The only lights I could find with these were either not very powerful or painfully expensive.

The most common problem (and biggest complaint) seems to be most of them are not very bright and are more about being seen than seeing.

I pointed mine into a shop window tonight and turned them on, I was seeing black spots for the next 10 mins, they are certainly bright. At 3.30 in the afternoon on an overcast day I could see them light the road up in front of the bike, that's bright!

You are right about getting a handle on understanding what to look for. I have started and abandoned the search for lights many times before for just that reason. Worse than trying to choose a phone plan or insurance policy.

There's "theoretical" vs "real" lumens, the latter being about half the former - I've never heard of a road being lit up by theoretical light, quoting "useable" light distances, even if it's only a pin head at the distance, the loose definition of "useable light" and so on.

The key for me was spending 4 or 5 hours straight on the net researching nothing but lights and I'm happy with my choice.

Noel

[simi_ed]

I found the vendor.

http://2allbuyer.auctivacommerce.com/3000LM-Cree-Led-Light-x2-P3121582.aspx

Interesting overview the seller offers.  I'd be concerned that these lights might be **too** bright.  But otherwise, this looks like a decent product.

I too would be concerned about blocking airflow.  Noel, are you using a pwm dimmer or just a variable resistor?  Any details on the dimmer?

[ribbert]

I too would be concerned about blocking airflow.  Noel, are you using a pwm dimmer or just a variable resistor?  Any details on the dimmer?

Ed, I guess the issue of restricted air flow is a matter of opinion but I don't believe it will be a problem.

Yes, I'm using a PWM dimmer. I bought one from the local electronic shop but thought better of it not being waterproof and returned it then ordered one of these.

http://www.skenedesign.com/lights/IQ_275.shtml

In extreme weather, there is no dry spot on the bike. I even once had the seat foam soaked from the underside.

I think the installation of this will tip me over the edge and call for a major overdue rewire. My wiring has become a bit of a dogs dinner over time, one accessory at a time.

I have added: HID headlight conversion
                   Auxiliary driving lights
                   Heated grips
                   GPS
                   Electronic chain oiler
                   TPMS
                   Indicator tell tale
                   Brake light modulator
                   HUD/GPS speedo
                   Heated vest connector
                   Auxiliary power outlet
                   Double USB plug
                   Air horn
                   4 relays
                   Soon to be added LED dimmer and on/off switch.

                  ....and all the associated relays, wiring, control boxes, switching and wiring.

I am considering using one of these - www.fuzeblocks.com

Noel

[Flynt]

I am considering using one of these - www.fuzeblocks.com

Nice!  I looked for this when the 3 non-OEM relays I have on Wiz started causing worry...  long story, but activating my horn killed the headlight a couple times before I caught on.  This kind of centralized control with individual fuses is how it's supposed to be done.  Thanks for the link.

Frank

[Sparky84]

I think the installation of this will tip me over the edge and call for a major overdue rewire. My wiring has become a bit of a dogs dinner over time, one accessory at a time.

I have added: HID headlight conversion
                   Auxiliary driving lights
                   Heated grips
                   GPS
                   Electronic chain oiler
                   TPMS
                   Indicator tell tale
                   Brake light modulator
                   HUD/GPS speedo
                   Heated vest connector
                   Auxiliary power outlet
                   Double USB plug
                   Air horn
                   4 relays
                   Soon to be added LED dimmer and on/off switch.

                  ....and all the associated relays, wiring, control boxes, switching and wiring.

I am considering using one of these - www.fuzeblocks.com

Noel

[/quote]

Hi Noel

tip me over the edge    How is your Generator holding up?

I would like to add LEDs also for same reason but I have read that FJ's had a problem with Generator Voltage Regulator overheating and breaking down, I know my cover is discoloured, will all this load be OK or have you already upgraded Voltage Regulator?

Are you picking up connections from fuse box or have you run extra cables from Battery to Front?

I'd also like to add USB connection, GPS hard wired and Camera.

Cheers
Alan

[ribbert]

Hi Noel

tip me over the edge    How is your Generator holding up?

I would like to add LEDs also for same reason but I have read that FJ's had a problem with Generator Voltage Regulator overheating and breaking down, I know my cover is discoloured, will all this load be OK or have you already upgraded Voltage Regulator?

Are you picking up connections from fuse box or have you run extra cables from Battery to Front?

I'd also like to add USB connection, GPS hard wired and Camera.

Cheers
Alan

Alan, most of those things draw very little power. I have never inspected the dreaded "red" connector nor have I ever checked the charge rate but I imagine it would be as it left the factory. My previous lead/acid battery lasted more than 6 years and never required external charging. Recovery time from flattening the battery (heated grips left on) from the alternator has always been quick.
I run the grips, the vest and a few things that are not switched and located near the battery directly from the battery, each one individually fused in line, the rest are piggy backed up the front.

I do enough miles on my bike to know the system copes well. Almost a year ago to the day I did 4000km over 6 days with everything blazing the entire time (minus the driving lights), the vest was never off, the grips were never off and the headlight I can't turn off (no switch) Lots of stop/start riding, lengthy periods of low revs and no hint of charging issues.
Last night I did the last 4 hours of a trip with everything on including the new lights, no problems. It's Winter here so the vest and grips were turned up near max as well.

At 155k though I am thinking of ordering a regulator to have ready on the shelf and when I rewire I will install an ammeter.

I cannot believe what it's like riding at night with this much light. I concluded last night that wildlife aside, I could ride a winding, unfamiliar, unsignposted road comfortably at 140kph without pushing it. When you have been riding bikes with candles for headlights for 50 years, this is a real treat.

Hardwired GPS is good too, it's just always there and these days USB plugs are a must. TIP: don't fall the trap I did first time round and wire the GPS and USB into a switched (ignition) circuit, you want power to them when the bike is switched off to maintain continuity of the GPS.

I don't subscribe to the idea of servicing non service items, fiddling with things that are working just fine or preemptive replacement of parts in good working order to the extent as seems popular here.....

but, if I was giving advice, I would say replace the dodgy red connector and fit a new regulator, if only for peace of mind, they are not expensive. I believe RPM sells them.

In good working order the standard system will easily cope with the accessories you have in mind.

There are many options for wiring auxiliary lights. At the moment mine are just wired to the high beam because I was in a hurry. Pick up the HB wire behind the headlight to power a relay, earth it, run the lights to the relay, job done.

Noel

[Bones]

I've read somewhere the FJ's alternator is rated at 360 watts, should cope ok running a few things. An ampmeter? Gee Noel, you are old school, do they still make them.    Little digital volt gauges are cheap and easy to mount though they are a little hard to see in bright sunlight, a good thing to have though to keep check on your charging rate.

[ribbert]

Johann and Jeff, here you go.



The light mount is on the fairing subframe bolt. I stepped it out with a length of aluminium tube and used aluminium strap to make the brackets.





I drilled a hole in the scoop, put a lock nut on the inside of the longer bolt so it could be tightened without the risk of distorting the aluminium tube.






The wire was fed through the scoop with a grommet.





The end result.


Despite some comments about restricting air flow, there has been nothing to suggest this is the case, nor would I expect it to be.
I have since done a lot of trips, some very rough roads, some bone jarring pot holes and they have not moved. I am extremely happy with them, most recently using them as roo spotters at the Manshed weekend in Bermagui.

I have them wired through a relay which is triggered by the high beam and a separate switch to turn them off if I wish to use high beam without them. Even if you don't ride at night, they are guaranteed to get the attention of motorists, even in the daylight.
They are also dimmable and can be used at a lower level as daytime running lights, I ended up not bothering about that when I rewired them, even though I had already bought the dimmer.

Hope this helps. Don't hesitate to get in touch if I have missed something.

Noel