SuzukiSavage.com - Print Page

SuzukiSavage.com
/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl
General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Extra Lights
/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1233688764

Message started by SimonTuffGuy on 02/03/09 at 11:19:24

Title: Extra Lights
Post by SimonTuffGuy on 02/03/09 at 11:19:24

I've often wondered about the option of adding some extra driving lights to my S40...

I was searching EBay and found this:
http://i12.ebayimg.com/06/i/001/2e/36/d63f_1.JPG

Thoughts? Some bikes look really great with the extra lights added on... But seeing the Savage, I'm not so sure anymore.

Title: Re: Extra Lights
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 02/03/09 at 12:20:47

If you feel the need for more light to be safe at night, then to Heck with what the bike looks like, strap lights on & stay safe. I dont like the light we have but rarely ride at night & I can slow down for the corners. The light just doesnt even come close to being enough to get thru a corner well.Marginal in a straight line. So, my rare night rides are at a much lower speed/intensity.

Title: Re: Extra Lights
Post by odvelasc on 02/03/09 at 12:27:02

I think it looks good simon!

Title: Re: Extra Lights
Post by Gary On A Savage on 02/03/09 at 12:46:51

Depends on what your after. I think it looks good if your going for the "tour" look. If you want a clean front but more lights, I would put the money a larger headlight and better bulb.

Title: Re: Extra Lights
Post by SuedeGopher on 02/03/09 at 15:09:37

I'm digging it - if you like it, go for it!

Title: Re: Extra Lights
Post by Toymaker on 02/03/09 at 15:59:33

Roncar has a ligh bar with 2 spots with visors for about 150.

Title: Re: Extra Lights
Post by diamond jim on 02/03/09 at 16:27:28

I made this lightbar. Lights were $12 each. Metal for the bracket $5. Misc supplies, bots, etc., $5.

Each was as bright as the stock lightbulb. After I put them on I stopped getting those "almost pulled out in front of me" moments. They saw me well.
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh128/russ_diamond_jim/lightsm50.jpg

I had toyed with the ides of getting a used but good condition lightbar (bar only) off of ebay cheap for something like a vstar 650. Then I'd mod it to fit and add lights. Just a thought if you want to keep $$$ down.

Title: Re: Extra Lights
Post by SimonTuffGuy on 02/03/09 at 17:26:17

I really like that set posted above here. The black rings really set it off.

Maybe I'll have to play with the idea. Anyone know if it'll be too much draw for the Savage's poor electrical system?

Title: Re: Extra Lights
Post by Gary On A Savage on 02/03/09 at 21:20:33

The past discussions have set the extra light wattage to 35w each (70w total). If you don't go over that you should be ok.

I bought these "off road" lights from Harbor Freight. They are 55W bulbs, but you can swap them out for 35w. I haven't installed them because I don't have a mount yet for them. I was going to use a flat piece of stock mounted into the existing light holes and mount the headlight and extra lights on it.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/photos/47300-47399/47394.gif
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=47394

Title: Re: Extra Lights
Post by mpescatori on 02/04/09 at 02:11:54

797F6C674171707F416D7F687F797B1E0 wrote:

I'd think twice before quoting "35+35 = 70"

35 + 35 = 70 is most certainly correct only if we look at power consumption.

However, if we look at " illumination " then I'm afraid it's a totally different business.

I'd consider using square root of two, or even sq.rt. three, to calculate illumination at increasing distances.

35+35 => 50ish, or even 45ish as distance increases...

So, my suggestion would be to use two 50-55W lamps, and possibly alternate the center headlight with the two extra ones, by using a "commuting relay" switch, i.e. a relay that switches between two loads, rather than switching the load on/off.

HTH

Title: Re: Extra Lights
Post by Gary On A Savage on 02/04/09 at 11:13:24

mpescatori,

The question was the max wattage on the lights. I think it has been established as a max of 70w (or 2 35w extra lights). I agree that the illumination of 2 35w lights is not as great as 1 70w light, but it does have the added advantage of more square inch of surface light when looking at the front of the bike. That is to say, I would think having 3 lights (albeit 2 dimmer) would make you more visible to oncoming traffic than only 1 bright light or 2 regular lights. I think that what you are looking for is a personal choice for your riding needs and bike style, with many different options out there.

Title: Re: Extra Lights
Post by thumperclone on 02/04/09 at 14:14:53

have used a pair of 20w halogen mr 11 driving lights with no adverse elect. issues(i have a volt meter tyed on the same switch as the lights and a relay that turns themm off when i go to high beam..
have since changed to leds that fit the mr 11 housings..more of a blue spectrum..so at low beam i have 5 lights on front counting oem front turn signals/running lights..
changed the oem H4 bulb to o higher kelvin rated bulb,same wattage as stock but a brighter whiter light(higher kelvin closer to full spectrun,ie. sunlight)..the dreaded cager turning left in front of me has yet to happen...
if i wanted to do more night riding in the canyons etc. id mount a pair of 55w H 3 lights down low on the forks or the engine guard...