opinions on DRL (Daylight) lights for bikes.

[Jeff0308]

I see there are Daylight lights for sale on ebay for bikes. Whats the general opinion of them for bikes. Yeah it saves battery power but has anyone fitted them ?

[fj11.5]

ive got a couple but not yet fitted them, was going to put them upright in the vents,, as i never use the headlight of a day, bastards wouldnt see it, they have to use there eyes for that

[bharvey60]

How about an HID headlight instead?  Much brighter than stock and very difficult for anyone to ignore, even in the daytime. Just installed one in my 85 and the process is easy, just a bit time consuming messing with fairings, running wires, etc.  There's not a lot of room behind the front fairing and mounting the ballast and wiring in a good place is a bit tricky. Can send you daytime photo if you want.

[Jeff0308]

 Have heard alot about the HID inserts. Dont think they are legal here? Not certain, also I have to get mine roadworthied and registered yet so it will be staying as is for the moment. I took mine out last night into the street to check out the new Headlight globe. Its so much brighter than the stock one and it uses the same wattage.  :yahoo:I thought about using the daylight DRL lights to save the battery. If you would like to post photos of yours with the HID please do. Im always up for ideas and better methods to improve things.

[nurse]

Have fitted DRLs and HID kit.  DRLs arnt legal in uk as retro fit but my local MOT inspector has no objection and finds them a significant improvement.  You should be fine providing oncoming traffic
Isn't dazzled.

I'm not sure if I over did it.  Just fitting LED pods in the RAM scoops would have been enuf.  But they are subtle enough when off not to look to 'gangsta bling'

If you use the search function you will find loads of info.

http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=7815.msg71023#msg71023

[ribbert]

Jeff, HID's are definitely not legal in Victoria, I have a kit ready to fit once I get my RWC. 
The reason the Police give is that the reflectors are not designed for them and they throw light all over the place.
I must say I have been blinded by a couple of bikes and that was in the daytime.

My current thinking is some other form of day lights and install a headlight on/off switch so I can just use the xenon for illumination when I need it.

Noel

[FJSpringy]

got a mate who runs his bmw boxer with the head light off and his running lights on during the day, his belief is that car drivers will see something different and take notice.

me I turn the radio up and drive 10k's over whatever the cages are doing 

[Arnie]

me I turn the radio up and drive 10k's over whatever the cages are doing 

While I agree that is a very safe way to ride, in Victoria if you don't have a "freddy" in your pocket (maybe even with), you'll be done pretty quickly on the main roads.

Arnie

[Arnie]

I fitted some LED lights into my scoops, and these come on as soon as the ignition is on.
This still allows me to only use my headlight in poor visibility situations and as a warning device, and (of course) at night.  I still ride as if I'm invisible, cause the cage drivers certainly don't look for me.

Arnie

[nurse]

me I turn the radio up and drive 10k's over whatever the cages are doing 

While I agree that is a very safe way to ride, in Victoria if you don't have a "freddy" in your pocket (maybe even with), you'll be done pretty quickly on the main roads.

Arnie

What's a freddy?

[Arnie]

local ? slang for police badge

[Jeff0308]

Arnie. Whats your LEDs? I changed my headlight globe to a NARVA 60/55watt  PLUS 100. Massive improvement and no extra strain on the electrical system. Yeah its a matter of "BE SEEN BE SAFE" theres alot of idiots who just have tunnel vision and never look around them.

[Arnie]

I used these, from one of my favorite suppliers :-)

  http://dx.com/p/ycl-646-waterproof-car-8-led-white-light-bulb-pair-41046

Held in place with permanent double sided tape.  I did put an electrical connector onto the wire so I could get the scoop off when necessary.

Arnie

Arnie. Whats your LEDs? I changed my headlight globe to a NARVA 60/55watt  PLUS 100. Massive improvement and no extra strain on the electrical system. Yeah its a matter of "BE SEEN BE SAFE" theres alot of idiots who just have tunnel vision and never look around them.

[bharvey60]

Here's my 85 FJ with HID installed.  Big difference is visibility from stock.