Driving (Spot) Lights Installed

[Netnorske]

Well...one more winter project has been completed! I recently ordered these lights from Value-Accessories.

In another thread everyone said these were really nice lights. Having them installed....I would have to agree . There is no "bar" per se, as they simply attach with two bolts to your windshield bracket.

I have a set of larger lowers from Edmunds...and I had to cut a small section of them to allow room for the mounting brackets to pass through. You can see that in this photo:



Here are a couple more of the completed look:





As for wiring them up...I used this device which I mounted to the left bolt on the inside bottom of the headlight bucket. I had some questions about the thing and traded some PM's with CactusJack, and I really appreciate the time he took to respond (Thanks Scott).

Fortunately for me...a good friend of mine is a 30 year Union Electrician who supervises crews on very large industrial projects, so I had him stop by and let him have a look. The wiring directions to that "Smart Switch" are pretty straightforward...so after looking the thing over, he suggested we just try it the way it was advertised.

With the "Smart Switch"....there are four wires coming from it. One goes to the lights....one to ground....one we hooked into the accessory power lead...and the last we tied into the hi-beam wire(s) as per the instructions.

Before making the final connection to the hi-beam...we tested the operation of the lights as they are supposed to turn on and off by toggling the hi-beam switch. They worked great, so we went ahead with the connection.

Every time you start the bike....only your headlight comes on. if you want the spots on too...you toggle the hi-beam on and the spots come on. When you toggle back to low beam they stay on. Toggle the hi-beam again and they turn off...toggle to low beam and you are back to where you started.

It seems like a great working operation although I don't know squat about electrical stuff...so I hope it don't have a meltdown.... .

Ultimately we just made the connections as per the "Smart Switch" diagram and it seems to work like a champ... :)

The best part of the whole thing however is that the new lights really camouflage my little boo-boo from last week while I was installing the deep dish bezels on the front turn signals... !!

Next up....my Tour Pack installation. I bent over, greased up and ordered one from Premeux that should look really nice. All that overtime I worked up here in the big ice and snow storm over the holidays is coming in very handy indeed. I am calling it a late Christmas present to myself.... !

It comes painted in factory colors w/pinstriping...a nice chrome mounting rack...and a luggage rack. I am expecting a February delivery and am looking forward to getting it mounted!

It will look like this (only in Blue/Silver):

[Cajunrider]

Really nice work Kris. I love those tourpaks. Ouch, pricey....

[Yellow Jacket]

Looking good Kris! Can't wait to see the photos of the Tour Pack.

[paul]

Those lights look great. A really clean fit and appearance. If ever mine (light bar) start giving me trouble I'll probably go with the same lights you have there.

Congrats on the tour pac. I'm still in limbo about that one, although I do like the Yamaha trunk on the Nomad. For now I use the T-bag dual bag set up, large bag w/handle and rollers. It actually works very well and is extremely versatile. But those tour pacs sure look nice.

Hey, next best thing to riding is adding to . Go get em!

[racinchef]

Very nice job on the spots and great pix too. Mine were on my bike when I bought it, but I have had to deal with the wiring breaking loose in the headlamp bucket and shorting out a couple of times. You will be spoiled with the tourpack. I got a Champion Sidecar tourpack from a friend that was set up for the Nomad, but for only $200 as opposed to about $800 new. I now use my saddlebags for my leathers and other stuff that I don't use all that much, but my trunk gets used all the time.

[Netnorske]

Originally Posted by Cajunrider

Really nice work Kris. I love those tourpaks. Ouch, pricey....

I agree about the Tour Pack....very pricey! But...I'm not very handy with fiberglass repairs and such so that left me a couple options.

I thought about a Tour Pack from Scootworks, but then you have to buy a Wompus Rack (black...not chrome)....have the pack painted and then put it all together. For what amounted to really not that much more money overall...I was able to get one ready to bolt on in about 30 minutes that will look like it came with the bike... !

I have to admit it will sting the pocketbook a bit....but like I said....I worked a buttload of overtime in December and I'm using that to pay what essentially amounts to the additional difference between the Premeux Tour Pack and what I would have paid had I gone the other route (if that makes sense)! When you look at it like that....it's not so bad... ;)!

[ringadingh]

Thats a nice job on the lights, and well worth the extra visibility you will gain. The Tour Pak will be one of the handiest items on the bike. I couldn't do without one now.

[schoeney]

Well Netnorske you are certainly doing your part to get the economy going...you must have got a big signing bonus from Trip when you became NW Regional Leader? Being your assistant, I only got a small one....less than $1000.

That tourpak looks huge....they shouldn't call it a trunk...should be called a trailer!

Well I am glad you bought it so when we finally get to ride together you can haul all my junk.

Nice lights, great looking trunk (don't get excited, I was talking about the bike).

[landman]

nice looking lights kris.

[rksaw]

Man Kris, are you adopting? :) Just kidding, but the bike looks great. Hopefully I'll be able to head up your way some Saturday this spring and see it close up.
Rich

[Netnorske]

Originally Posted by schoeney

Well Netnorske you are certainly doing your part to get the economy going...you must have got a big signing bonus from Trip when you became NW Regional Leader? Being your assistant, I only got a small one....less than $1000.

That tourpak looks huge....they shouldn't call it a trunk...should be called a trailer!

Well I am glad you bought it so when we finally get to ride together you can haul all my junk.

Nice lights, great looking trunk (don't get excited, I was talking about the bike).

Thanks Greg...and the Tour Pack does look big...but I have no doubt that the wife will find all kinds of use for the extra cargo space, so unfortunately for us both, our junk will have to find another home !

[rlfaubion]

I like these lights but wired them on when running. I don't get out much at night as I observe happy hours, but I like being seen in the day so they stay on. The switch looks like a great idea, but I'm sure it would just confuse me and I'd probably wreck.

[dabull]

nice setup:)

[Bdog]

Nice set up Kris..your future is bright now..Bdog

[VulcanE]

Looks Great Kris, very professional. The tour pack will quickly become an essential that you won't ever want to be without. The wife will love it too.