Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Yamaha Tech
Auxiliary Lights Auxiliary Lights
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Yamaha Tech Originally the Yamaha XT600 Tech Forum, due to demand it now includes all Yamaha's technical / mechanical / repair / preparation questions.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 16 Nov 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Birmingham, UK
Posts: 126
Auxiliary Lights
Can anyone recommend some auxiliary spotlights for the front of my XT600 that I can relay into my high beam switch. The standard headlight is pathetic. I'm thinking along the lines of the lights Ewan McBoorman had on the front of the GS (picture below), but I am guessing those ones are going to be ridiculously expensive, and besides that, they are intended as fog lights, not long range high beam style spotlights.

I don't want to go buy something cheap and find they are rubbish though, hence looking for recommendations.

The headlight is so feeble, that many people coming the other way don't even switch off the full beam, I think in the brightness of their own full beam headlights they just don't even notice that I'm there.

Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 16 Nov 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: North Lakes - UK
Posts: 159
The stuff used on LWR & LWD are from Touratech, and the main bean lamps are somewhere around £200 each!!!!! Ouch!

The lamps themselves are Hella MicroDe's and cost around £200 a pair for the HID ones. The normal Halogen fogs are much cheaper, and work pretty well if you want to see the road close in front.

The other option you have is the Vision-X stuff from Adventure-Spec -> VisionX Offroad Lighting - VisionX Offroad Lighting - adventure-spec.com: Off-Road Adventure Motorcycling gear,UK,enduro,rally,rallye,touring,rtw,mx

These are LED lights, small and as tough as you like, but agian a tad on the expensive side at £89 each. The good thing about these little lights are they interconnect, so you can add both wide and narrow bean laight isn the same cluster.

Alternatively, Halfords, around £20 will get you a set of cheap driving or fog lamps.

The main problem you have is building a mounting bracket - once you have that licked you can put anything on there (as long as you have enough residual power left after running the bike).

Take a look at the Trail Tech website as they have 12v HID lamps lamps fro Quads/Off-road bikes that look pretty good. Trail Tech Products Limited Trail Tech Single HID and LED Lights - Trail Tech Products Limited
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 16 Nov 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Edinburgh
Posts: 106
Make sure your alternator is up to it
My bike is a 3aj with twin headlights and when they were fitted with 55 watt bulbs in both, the current draw was too much for the alternator and the battery would go flat around town. I've since replaced the reg/rec and only use one headlight at a time and everything is fine. Worth considering how much power you can get out of the alternator.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 16 Nov 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Denmark
Posts: 1,417
I run a 100W bulb in my xt600e and its fine, i run i through a relay. But even before that i still like the hi-beam, it was the low that wasnt powerfull enough at night with ongoing cars.

I got a voltmeter to monitor the battery, and the bigger bulb doenst discarge the battery.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 17 Nov 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Everettt, Washington, USA
Posts: 278
I've got a set of these,
Check out this link ( LED Auxiliary Lights - ADVrider )to a vendor over at ADVrider. I have a set of his 24watt Spot lights on my DR650se and they are BRIGHT. Read enough of the posts and you'll get the idea of how rugged and brilliant these lights are.

I'd suggest the set of 24watt dimmable spot lights. They can't be beat for the price, light output (lumens) and quality.

--Alex
__________________
NJ, NR, NBTTN
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 17 Nov 2010
ty8ight's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Hemyock,UK
Posts: 36
Hi Ralph,

Check these out on Ebay

Steve
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 19 Nov 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Birmingham, UK
Posts: 126
Thanks for all this info guys, a few choices and food for thought there, thanks.

After what Jens said about upgrading his standard lights, what are the options?
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 19 Nov 2010
Lifetime Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Dublin, IRELAND
Posts: 88
Upgrade to HID
Hi,

I would recommend changing your current light for HID the difference is incredible.

On my set, the main beam and dipped beam use the same 'bulb' so I have also fitted a cheap pair of fog lamps (bought off ebay) on the crashbars -I want a backup lights.

The main beam is narrrow and long while the dipped beam is broad and short. When riding where there are no street lights, I find the skirts of the lights too dark (the beams are very sharp). So a second use for the foglights are to soften the flanks.

The current for the HID are less than standard beams but you need to make sure your alternator can handle the additional load from the aux lights.

Apparently. there are cheap kits (which may not last longer than a candle, Hong Kong, China and US vendors) and quality kits. I bought mine from a biker guy up North (Sheffield ??) and can recommend him and his gear. I have his details somewhere, PM me if you need them.

I would say that the biggest plus for commuters is that the HIDs are bright and white and are the best way of improving your visiblity to other road users. Throw away the Hi Vis (they don't work anyway, in my opinion) and get HID.

Cheers
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 4 Dec 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: brighton
Posts: 5
Quote:
Originally Posted by ty8ight View Post
Hi Ralph,

Check these out on Ebay

Steve
ive got 3 sets of these and ther bloody brilliant

the guy who sells them is very poilite and easy to deal with too
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Auxiliary/HID lighting croissant_warrior Equipment Reviews 4 7 Nov 2009 19:11
Piaa Lights or T/T HID Lights?? Which ones should I buy? jv3 Equipment Reviews 7 9 Feb 2008 13:09
Auxiliary Power Distribution ghenk Equipping the Overland Vehicle 15 30 Oct 2007 19:19
Auxiliary Headlight sa6 Honda Tech 2 6 May 2005 00:07
Auxiliary gas tank AZBill Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 2 7 Oct 2004 02:38

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 21:57.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top