My driving lights.. what do you think?

[Fireman777]

Hi All,
I just temporarily put these on my vfr to see how they look and would like to know what you all think. I think they would be helpful on windy back roads at night, or in the fog...

[Britt]

I have a set of Motolights (very similar) that came off my dad's Nighthawk, and I haven't decided if I will install them. I like the look, and yes they really do add some illumination. I am just not sure if they will benefit me enough to justify buying the caliper mounting brackets to replace the fork leg straps that are on it now. The straps (which really are stainless steel hose clamps) goofed up the finish on my dad's bike.

If you like the look and you are comfortable with the install, I say go for it!

[Fireman777]

I got these lights at walmart for $15 and used the brackets that came with the lights. I just drilled the hole out on the bracket so that the allen head bolt that holds the front fender to the fork would fit through it. It feels pretty sturdy and doesn't have any clearance issues. I guess I'll just have to do some figuring on the wattage that I'm eating up with my accessories.

Thanks for the input! I'll probably go ahead with it when I get some free time. Do you have any thoughts on a good place to mount the switch?

[derstuka]

Looks nice! I would mount the switch within easy reach from the handlebars.

[Y2Kviffer]

Hey jammer, here's another mod for ya.....

[KC-10 FE]

I don't like them. The top case is bad enough & those lights simply don't fit the lines & shapes of the bike.

KC-10 FE out...

[Knife]

I like them, but I would take the shine off the housings, or even paint them flat black. They're too flashy for my taste, but then I like argyle socks.

[VsVFR]

I like 'em! Wal-E-World you say. They look like a great substitution for the $300 motolights. I may have to check those out. So how do you plan on routing the wires for those bad boys?

Vs

[eddievalleytrailer]

I don't know...they kinda take away from the lines of the bike. I might try them in a few more places before wiring them in.

[relic rider]

Nice idea but i would mount them to anything besides the front forks .They will be moving the lights all over the place as you drive ,think it would be like using a strob light for a headlight .

[Fireman777]

Originally Posted by relic rider

Nice idea but i would mount them to anything besides the front forks .They will be moving the lights all over the place as you drive ,think it would be like using a strob light for a headlight .

Yes, I thought about this, but I think they'd only make things difficult if I was using them without my headlights. Since I have my headlights on, I can have the driving lights illuminating out to the sides more when I am riding in rural areas and on windy roads. I don't think they'll be moving all over the place unless I'm doing slow maneuvering (less than 10 mph) and turning around because when you're riding at speed, the handle bars don't move around very much... all the turns are done by leaning and counter-steering, which doesn't move the handlebars much at all.

[Fireman777]

I like 'em! Wal-E-World you say. They look like a great substitution for the $300 motolights. I may have to check those out. So how do you plan on routing the wires for those bad boys?


If I end up mounting them there, I will run a power wire from my fuse box (auxiliary under the seat) to a switch up front somewhere (haven't decided where yet). I'll run a ground wire from the frame and pair it up with the power inside a wire jacket and zip tie that to my front brake lines running down to the lights.

[hondajt]

I have a great idea for the switch. Tell me what you think:

I have seen these on goldwings, and they look very stealthy.



Big Bike Parts, Inc

[Fireman777]

That looks VERY nice! I'll have to check into seeing if something like that will fit on the VFR! It's not outrageously expensive either! Thanks for that link.

[relic rider]

I was thinking that the movement of the forks up and down over road surface bumps would move the light pattern . The wheel moves around alot the mass of the bike does not , just a thought .

[Fireman777]

ahh yes. That's a good point. Maybe before I get too gung ho about doing a nice clean wiring install, I'll just temporarily hook up the lights and give it a try. Thanks!

[Buckwheat]

Not sure what your state inspection laws are in WA. In the state of PA, these type of driving lights must automatically turn off when the high beams are turned on.
I have a friend with a Triumph Tiger that just failed inspection for this reason.
Pretty stupid when you consider that his headlights are terrible and he needs all the help he can get.

[Knife]

Originally Posted by hondajt

I have a great idea for the switch. Tell me what you think:

I have seen these on goldwings, and they look very stealthy.



Big Bike Parts, Inc

Really nice! This part isn't listed for a VFR, though. Guess the Wing reservoir is different? Wonder how hard it would be to swap in a Wing reservoir? Any ideas anyone?

[Fireman777]

Originally Posted by Buckwheat

Not sure what your state inspection laws are in WA. In the state of PA, these type of driving lights must automatically turn off when the high beams are turned on.
I have a friend with a Triumph Tiger that just failed inspection for this reason.
Pretty stupid when you consider that his headlights are terrible and he needs all the help he can get.

Thanks for the tip. I don't think I'll have to go through any inspection here, but I'll check on that to make sure I'm within the bounds of the law.