Post by jcrandall729 on Jul 26, 2013 22:32:24 GMT -5
I wanted to increase my visibility because I do a lot of night riding (cue the hasslehoff jokes)
Also, my rear running lamp has been turning off intermittently making it a bit dangerous in the dark.
So, I came up with a cheap and moderately easy mod.
I purchased a string of 72 automotive LEDs, sealed and waterproof. And able to be cut into smaller sections (in increments of 3 LEDs)
The rear running lamps consist of a strip of 12 lights at the top, 9 at the bottom and a smaller strip of 3 to illuminate my plate. I ran a line from the back to the front and tapped into the wiring harness for the headlight.
Next, running down each of the sides are a strip of 15 LEDs pointed at the road. I was able to tuck these between the frame and the plastics and attach them with zip ties and 3M double sided tape.
Finally, in the front fairing, each side got a strip of 6 LEDs at the same angle as the suspension and pointing down so as not to be obtrusive to oncoming drivers, but enough to light up the road a bit. I drilled and recessed these so that the top of the lights are flush with the plastic of fairing.
The front and sides were wired to a switch opposite of ignition.
All in all, I'm happy with the results so far. Not sure how much of a burden on the charging system it'll be yet, but I think it should be ok since my rear running lamp was dead anyways. (Tried two new bulbs, no luck )
Also, my rear running lamp has been turning off intermittently making it a bit dangerous in the dark.
So, I came up with a cheap and moderately easy mod.
I purchased a string of 72 automotive LEDs, sealed and waterproof. And able to be cut into smaller sections (in increments of 3 LEDs)
The rear running lamps consist of a strip of 12 lights at the top, 9 at the bottom and a smaller strip of 3 to illuminate my plate. I ran a line from the back to the front and tapped into the wiring harness for the headlight.
Next, running down each of the sides are a strip of 15 LEDs pointed at the road. I was able to tuck these between the frame and the plastics and attach them with zip ties and 3M double sided tape.
Finally, in the front fairing, each side got a strip of 6 LEDs at the same angle as the suspension and pointing down so as not to be obtrusive to oncoming drivers, but enough to light up the road a bit. I drilled and recessed these so that the top of the lights are flush with the plastic of fairing.
The front and sides were wired to a switch opposite of ignition.
All in all, I'm happy with the results so far. Not sure how much of a burden on the charging system it'll be yet, but I think it should be ok since my rear running lamp was dead anyways. (Tried two new bulbs, no luck )
Attachments:
..BAD TO THE BONE..
