Anyone run the talon bracket w/ the PIAA lights?

[sondey]

I'm looking to go with them and would appreciate any help with the following questions.
1. It looks like the wire from the lights will have to travel a little bit of space to get under the tank. If someone has done it what route did they take?
2. I noticed Don had triggered the relay from the running light when he ran his Hellas. Is there an easy way to fish a wire under the tank without removing it? Or could the relay to the PIAA lights be paralleled off the accessory socket. Don't the socket and the running lights both activate and deactivate with the key on and the key off? Even if I ran the relay off the ass. socket I would still want to get a wire to the handlebars to be able to independently switch the PIAAs. If it's too much of a hassle to get a wire under the gas tank I'll be looking to mount a switch with out the handlebar option.
And since I'll be working with wiring should I run a wire from the bike to a grounding rod to be on the safe side from getting an electric shock?

[mogu83]

After you remove the plastic from the side of the bike you can easily fish a wire to the headlight area.

[Coyote Crazy]

Paul,
Did you end up with the Talon brackets? How did it all work out? How was the fit and finish? Did you add additional foot pegs, use the existing passenger pegs, or go with just the lights? I am considering using the Talon brackets as well. Anyone else out there using them?

[sondey]

Rick, I did go with the talons and am very satisfied with the result. Here's how I installed them.

1. I went with the Hawk model (w/ hiway pegs & lights) after measuring per their instructions. I have a 30 inch inseam and the medium height seat on the bike. I have a slight bend in my knee when I flat foot the peg which allows me the option to lay my foot over the peg for full extension. Which is what I wanted.
2. I went with a round hiway peg, chrome w/ rubber cover. Which is a flip up that I got from JP cycles.
3. I got the PIAA 005 lights. they are 35 watts compared with the 1100x's 55 watts. Riding today " a sunny day" my friend said the lights were highly visible.
I was able to pick up the lights on ebay for $222. I lucked out since all the other prices I saw were more than what Talon was charging. I found lower prices but their brackets were different and I didn't want to take a chance with that. If you look at their lights you'll see a set of brackets shown on the package. These brackets are for another bike since it is with a 2" bolt with no nut so I take it it's to replace an existing bolt on that bike. So to use it I purchased 2-1 inch 9/16 bolts w/ nuts and washers. The bracket when mounted can only be turned to a point until it stops against the talon bracket. But that puts it a hair past vertical ( with a very slight pitch upward so you can level it if you want). I left it all the way back since I don't plan to ride at night for now. The bracket it comes mounted on will give you 180 deg. adjustment.
If their is a way I can attach a photo let me know and I'll do that.

[sondey]

Rick, I checked what I wrote and noticed a mistake. That was supposed to be 1 inch by 5/16 bolts not 9/16.

[Coyote Crazy]

Paul,
Thanks for your quick reply and great details on your installation. What torque did you use to re-install the valve cover bolts? Read on other forums warnings against over tightening bolts. I am 6' 1" tall and have a 32 inch inseam and a 'raised' custom Bill Mayer saddle so I am thinking of going with the Eagle length. I would love to see photos. See link here viewtopic.php?f=4&t=217&start=0 for a good explanation of how to post photos to the forum (I have used photobucket in the past and find it works well)

[sondey]

Rick, in answer to your post.
I didn't torque the head bolts. I just snugged them up and am keeping an eye for any oil leakage for awhile.
And you should use their method for measurement. Another way is to notice where each peg is positioned per bracket in relation to the top forward bolt. And have someone eyeball where your boot lies when extended over the cylinder head.
As was related to in another post this position usually is not comfortable for very long. But being on a ride for about 4 hours this past Sunday, the reprieve from having your legs in one position that long was appreciated, even tho for a short time.
I made a futile attempt to post a photo I have of my bike to see if I could do it. Since I failed I'll send you a photo attached in an email if you want. You could insert it in a reply for anyone else who might be interested. If you want it, my email address is: [email protected]. I'm going to shy away from those photo web sites. My grandmother told me long ago to stay away from them because they'll steal your soul. Kidding aside, I just don't like adding another organization on the list for just a once in awhile that I'll use it. I get a couple of credit cards renewed every year even tho I haven't used them in years.

[Coyote Crazy]

Thanks Paul for all the info. Yes, I did the measurement as described in their order info. I came up with 4" so I did ordered the longer Eagle brackets. I am going on my first long ride next month with a group of friends, up the California coast, then inland through the Napa valley and over to Nevada. My intent was to use the pegs for short breaks from the standard leg position. I will email you for the photo and with your permission I will post it here for you. Thanks again for all the good info.

[Coyote Crazy]

I'll send you a photo attached in an email if you want. You could insert it in a reply for anyone else who might be interested.

Will do, here they are!
Nice work Paul. Thanks for sharing!