Got Lights?

[rlfaubion]

Last Friday night on a dark country road I stopped at a stop sign. A car further behind me didn’t, and swerved around me at the last moment before impact and blew through the stop at about 60MPH.

So yesterday, I ordered these tail lights to embed in the rear of the hard bags.

http://tinyurl.com/6df2ke



These have a running light and brake light (standard bulb). This will give me a total of six rear running lights and four brake lights (I’ve converted my turn signals into red turn and running lights).

Up front I’m running 35W spots off the headlight. I also run two 50W bullet lights off a separate circuit with a switch, mounted low on the crash bars, providing a total of five running lights up front.

I’m hoping to not have to run a relay for the additional tail lights, but I have a concern as to how close I’m getting to electrical overload? If I find I blow a fuse (OHM's Law) with the additional lighting, I’ll add a relay to the new running tail lights to overcome that problem.

They will have wire plugs inside the bags to disconnect and allow the bags to still be removed.

[cactusjack]

That's a good idea. I added those 2 running lights to my trunk, and I am thinking of adding something to the bags as well.

[phenrichs]

I just bought a trailer and have the same concern. I am planning to put some DOT reflective tape on it but I also want to replace the factory lights. Can you recommend some good ones that won't cost as much as the trailer? Also would the Hoppy protect from overload if I put too many lights on it? The trailer is black and I seriously dont want to get rear ended.

Thanks

[Yellow Jacket]

This would certainly increase your rear visibility. I'm not sure of the legality but I did see a motorcycle on the expressway with a clear strobe similar to this on the rear.



Here's where I found it:

Strobe Light

[scion0]

I like the strobe idea too. Wonder who I could contact in Illinois? Sec. of State, I'd guess. I am sure a stock NO answer would come forward or better yet, an actual code section quoted. Bob, you let me know what Georgia says and Iwill let you know what Illinois says. We can compare code. :-)

[Yellow Jacket]

Originally Posted by OP

I just bought a trailer and have the same concern. I am planning to put some DOT reflective tape on it but I also want to replace the factory lights. Can you recommend some good ones that won't cost as much as the trailer? Also would the Hoppy protect from overload if I put too many lights on it? The trailer is black and I seriously dont want to get rear ended.

Thanks

Check out this site for some options on replacements for your trailer:

http://www.vehiclelight.com/ledstli.html

[rlfaubion]

Forgot to mention the 110 LED's I run too :)

[cactusjack]

Originally Posted by OP

I just bought a trailer and have the same concern. I am planning to put some DOT reflective tape on it but I also want to replace the factory lights. Can you recommend some good ones that won't cost as much as the trailer? Also would the Hoppy protect from overload if I put too many lights on it? The trailer is black and I seriously dont want to get rear ended.

Thanks

Replace the original trailer lights with LEDs. They use far less current and last years longer. For my trailer, I intend to replace the cheapo Harbor Freight lights with some LED lights I have already purchased.

[rksaw]

V,
When you get done, will you please post a picture of the tail end of your bike. Those lights look good.
Rich

[rlfaubion]

Originally Posted by rksaw

V,
When you get done, will you please post a picture of the tail end of your bike. Those lights look good.
Rich

Yes I will... In the meantime, here's the before setup. four running, two brake, but painted black. Be careful about that part.

[rlfaubion]

Originally Posted by Yellow Jacket

This would certainly increase your rear visibility. I'm not sure of the legality but I did see a motorcycle on the expressway with a clear strobe similar to this on the rear.



Here's where I found it:

Strobe Light

eh Bob, I had already placed my order for the other lights before I saw this. Damn - I missed it, but I just wanted to thank you for the idea. It is truly a good lQQk'n strobe..... If I ever get another motorcycle,

I mean -

ah, ah,

well good night Bob.

[macmac]

I followed the link and can't see How Much? Shouldn't how much just be plainer than day?

I wonder too.... The saddle bags have a curve, so you are going to add gaskets to make thatn up , or you are going to bend the trim on the lights, or just what?

Maybe the bags are just flat enough???

[Yellow Jacket]

Maybe the site was acting up when you looked macmac. It says $34.95.

Dimensions: 2-5/16" wide x 5-1/2" high x 3-1/2" deep.

[rlfaubion]

That's right $34.95 each (plus Shipping). Actually, this isn't my original idea. While in Oregon last month I met a fella with these on his bags, and he gave me the web site. They fit perfectly on his Nomad. There is a rubber gasket that gives you a little leeway. You do have to drill holes in the bag (again), which is always unnerving. I searched for tail lights and while there are others to be had, some were as high as $200, and I didn't see anything that complimented the azz-end of our bikes as well IMO.

[rlfaubion]

Lights arrived today. Ordered on the 10th arrived on the 13th. That's fast. Should have then installed next week, time permitting. Will post the pictures then.