Changing the front reflectors to running lights: Difference between revisions
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[[Category: Electrical & Lighting]] | [[Category: Electrical & Lighting]] | ||
A modification you can do to improve the safety of your bike is the replacement of the front fairing reflectors with genuine running lights. You may have to look a bit, but you should be able to find some marker lights the same size as the original reflectors. The one used in this article (and still available as of May 2012) can be found at some auto parts, boating or big box stores, or online at boating shops | A modification you can do to improve the safety of your bike is the replacement of the front fairing reflectors with genuine running lights. You may have to look a bit, but you should be able to find some marker lights the same size as the original reflectors. The one used in this article (and still available as of May 2012) can be found at some auto parts, boating or big box stores, or online at boating shops. The unit is made by Optronics, part #MC36AS "Stud mount clearance/marker/reflector". These may be in the towing or boating department of your local store. | ||
Owner review: Recently, I was able to watch a fellow biker take my bike on a trial run. It was night, and was the first time I really got to see these lights perform. I was very, very happy to see how effective they were in adding to the nighttime visibility of the bike. In addition to providing valuable side-lighting, they also were visible from a frontal perspective. | Owner review: Recently, I was able to watch a fellow biker take my bike on a trial run. It was night, and was the first time I really got to see these lights perform. I was very, very happy to see how effective they were in adding to the nighttime visibility of the bike. In addition to providing valuable side-lighting, they also were visible from a frontal perspective. | ||
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====Installation==== | ====Installation==== | ||
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Tap into the wire using crimp connectors and [http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/Installing_connectors_for_your_wiring#Using_heat_shrink_tubing_to_cover_exposed_wire heat shrink tubing]. Then, run a wire to each new running light bulb. You should use bullet connectors, as you'll need to be able to unhook the wires to remove the fairing. | Tap into the wire using crimp connectors and [http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/Installing_connectors_for_your_wiring#Using_heat_shrink_tubing_to_cover_exposed_wire heat shrink tubing]. Then, run a wire to each new running light bulb. You should use bullet connectors on the light end, as you'll need to be able to unhook the wires to remove the fairing. | ||
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Put the light module in place. Inside the fairing, put on a lock washer, the ground wire, and the nut. The light’s mounting bolt is the ground. Run the ground wire from there up to the turn signal | Put the light module in place. Inside the fairing, put on a lock washer, the ground wire, and the nut. The light’s mounting bolt is the ground. Run the ground wire from there up to the turn signal wiring and splice it into the ground (black with yellow stripe). This installation used quick splices instead of crimp connectors. Your choice. | ||
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Connect the power wires and go. | Connect the power wires and go. | ||