Aux Lights
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Aux Lights
I currently have my road lamps mounted on the RCU shelf mounts that mount with the T/signal stalks. And my lamps are hologen .
I want to change/upgrade to L.E.D. [Denali] ? [Darla] ? and would like to relocate @ the same time. Has anyone ever mounted aux lamps on the oil cooler pods ? Pictures ?
Any ideas for a new location ? The darn fork tubes are not round, so that eliminates a choice . Open to any & all ideas ....TIA.
I want to change/upgrade to L.E.D. [Denali] ? [Darla] ? and would like to relocate @ the same time. Has anyone ever mounted aux lamps on the oil cooler pods ? Pictures ?
Any ideas for a new location ? The darn fork tubes are not round, so that eliminates a choice . Open to any & all ideas ....TIA.
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AZBMWRIDER
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Re: Aux Lights
I installed Wunderlich crashbars on my '02 R right after getting into a collision with a left turning car, there are holes in gussets, I mounted PIAA 510's on those holes .
Nobody can make the claim they didn't see me now !!!!
Nobody can make the claim they didn't see me now !!!!
'02 R1150R, Atlanta Blue
Been riding since 1979, BMW's since 1981 .
4 R65's, '87 Guzzi V65 Lario .
Been riding since 1979, BMW's since 1981 .
4 R65's, '87 Guzzi V65 Lario .
- riceburner
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Re: Aux Lights
AZBMWRIDER wrote:I installed Wunderlich crashbars on my '02 R right after getting into a collision with a left turning car, there are holes in gussets, I mounted PIAA 510's on those holes .
Nobody can make the claim they didn't see me now !!!!
They have to be looking to see you.
Re: Aux Lights
riceburner wrote:AZBMWRIDER wrote:I installed Wunderlich crashbars on my '02 R right after getting into a collision with a left turning car, there are holes in gussets, I mounted PIAA 510's on those holes .
Nobody can make the claim they didn't see me now !!!!
They have to be looking to see you.
Boy ain't that the truth....a good start would be if they'd lay down the damn cell phone
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chrisknuet
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Re: Aux Lights
I installed these several years ago:
https://r1150r.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/ ... /i-WPSvDnr
I've since had to replace the PIAAs (they were damaged by a garage thief.. (long story).. they no longer make that particular model in black so I went silver) but that installation location has held up for many years
https://r1150r.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/ ... /i-WPSvDnr
I've since had to replace the PIAAs (they were damaged by a garage thief.. (long story).. they no longer make that particular model in black so I went silver) but that installation location has held up for many years
Re: Aux Lights
Thanks, I need to slip a pod cover cover off and see what's there to work with.chrisknuet wrote:I installed these several years ago:
https://r1150r.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/ ... /i-WPSvDnr
I've since had to replace the PIAAs (they were damaged by a garage thief.. (long story).. they no longer make that particular model in black so I went silver) but that installation location has held up for many years
I like the way it looks. I have my eye on a pair of Clearwater lights,[if] they'll clear where they need to ?
- riceburner
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Re: Aux Lights
chrisknuet wrote:I installed these several years ago:
https://r1150r.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/ ... /i-WPSvDnr
I've since had to replace the PIAAs (they were damaged by a garage thief.. (long story).. they no longer make that particular model in black so I went silver) but that installation location has held up for many years
did you just mount the lights directly to the plastic pod covers - or did you mount to the more solid inner (that carries the rad) as well??
How does it affect removal of the rad covers for tank removal?
I thought about that location point for my Hellas (FF50s), but thought it would impact on tank removal times too much.
(the only photo I have that shows my lights)

Re: Aux Lights
riceburner wrote:chrisknuet wrote:I installed these several years ago:
https://r1150r.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/ ... /i-WPSvDnr
I've since had to replace the PIAAs (they were damaged by a garage thief.. (long story).. they no longer make that particular model in black so I went silver) but that installation location has held up for many years
did you just mount the lights directly to the plastic pod covers - or did you mount to the more solid inner (that carries the rad) as well??
How does it affect removal of the rad covers for tank removal?
I thought about that location point for my Hellas (FF50s), but thought it would impact on tank removal times too much.
(the only photo I have that shows my lights)
I like that, and the fact that they still turn w/the forks. That mounting would be more of a challenge with the Roadster 'round' headlamp. But could be done.
BTW those are the lights I currently have , on the RCU mounts. I think I mentioned I'm considering an up-grade to L.E.D.
- riceburner
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Re: Aux Lights
I use them a full-beam improvers - they ONLY come on with full beam, they're not wired to come on at any other time. I don't ride to be seen, I ride to see.ron prior wrote:
I like that, and the fact that they still turn w/the forks. That mounting would be more of a challenge with the Roadster 'round' headlamp. But could be done.
BTW those are the lights I currently have , on the RCU mounts. I think I mentioned I'm considering an up-grade to L.E.D.
Re: Aux Lights
riceburner wrote:I use them a full-beam improvers - they ONLY come on with full beam, they're not wired to come on at any other time. I don't ride to be seen, I ride to see.ron prior wrote:
I like that, and the fact that they still turn w/the forks. That mounting would be more of a challenge with the Roadster 'round' headlamp. But could be done.
BTW those are the lights I currently have , on the RCU mounts. I think I mentioned I'm considering an up-grade to L.E.D.
Exactly...I have mine wired to a separate switch , but must admit that i have been using them more in daylight, because I do want to be seen, by the soccer mom talking or texting on her cell phone.
- riceburner
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Re: Aux Lights
if her brain is elsewhere (rather than the jar it should be in), then she won't see you even if you have blue flashing lights, a dayglo yello bike and jacket, AND are outputting a deafening siren.....ron prior wrote:riceburner wrote:I use them a full-beam improvers - they ONLY come on with full beam, they're not wired to come on at any other time. I don't ride to be seen, I ride to see.ron prior wrote:
I like that, and the fact that they still turn w/the forks. That mounting would be more of a challenge with the Roadster 'round' headlamp. But could be done.
BTW those are the lights I currently have , on the RCU mounts. I think I mentioned I'm considering an up-grade to L.E.D.
Exactly...I have mine wired to a separate switch , but must admit that i have been using them more in daylight, because I do want to be seen, by the soccer mom talking or texting on her cell phone.
Better to accommodate her lack of skill/sense into your riding and keep your distance.
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chrisknuet
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Re: Aux Lights
They're mounted directly to the pod covers - 3 drilled holes for each lamp. They've held on for over a decade without a problem.did you just mount the lights directly to the plastic pod covers - or did you mount to the more solid inner (that carries the rad) as well??
How does it affect removal of the rad covers for tank removal?
Removal is no harder - just have to quick-disconnect the lamps from the wiring harness (disconnects were stock with PIAA harness) and once that's done, the 'pods covers' come off just as they would w/o the lamps - a couple of torx screws and pop them off.
What I like about this location is that it creates a wide array of lights - a triangle with the headlamp and add in daytime running turn signals and I've got a decent amount of oncoming visibility. At night they definitely help light up the road.
The one (potential) downside is that they throw some light onto the backside of the forks which you may not like. Doesn't bother me at all and isn't visible anyway if I've got a tank bag mounted.
- riceburner
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Re: Aux Lights
chrisknuet wrote:They're mounted directly to the pod covers - 3 drilled holes for each lamp. They've held on for over a decade without a problem.did you just mount the lights directly to the plastic pod covers - or did you mount to the more solid inner (that carries the rad) as well??
How does it affect removal of the rad covers for tank removal?
Removal is no harder - just have to quick-disconnect the lamps from the wiring harness (disconnects were stock with PIAA harness) and once that's done, the 'pods covers' come off just as they would w/o the lamps - a couple of torx screws and pop them off.
What I like about this location is that it creates a wide array of lights - a triangle with the headlamp and add in daytime running turn signals and I've got a decent amount of oncoming visibility. At night they definitely help light up the road.
The one (potential) downside is that they throw some light onto the backside of the forks which you may not like. Doesn't bother me at all and isn't visible anyway if I've got a tank bag mounted.
interesting - cheers.
yeah - I'd be slightly concerned about the shadow of the forks being thrown forward - is that noticeable?
Re: Aux Lights

I mounted Clearwater Darla's on the underside of the oil cooler covers. I beefed up and stiffend the plastic covers with a small fiberglass pad on the inside. Installation worked well and gave me a nice big triangle of lights. I've since added the amber lenses for daytime use which really elevated my noticability.
If you scroll down on this page you'll see some pics here:
http://2004-r1150r.weebly.com
Now 2004 BMW R1150R-2013 Suzuki DR650
Before BMW R100/7-MotoGuzzi V7 850GT-Suzuki GS750-Honda CB500
Before BMW R100/7-MotoGuzzi V7 850GT-Suzuki GS750-Honda CB500
Re: Aux Lights
Nice work! And great documentation via photos.Endgame wrote: I mounted Clearwater Darla's on the underside of the oil cooler covers. I beefed up and stiffend the plastic covers with a small fiberglass pad on the inside. Installation worked well and gave me a nice big triangle of lights. I've since added the amber lenses for daytime use which really elevated my noticability.
If you scroll down on this page you'll see some pics here:
http://2004-r1150r.weebly.com
Rockster#2, K1300S, S1000R (for sale)
Re: Aux Lights
I installed a set of Mondo Moto lights under the plastic pods but they are smaller and lighter than some options. I drilled holes (no one will notice under there! ) and sandwiched rubber washers inside big stainless steel ones to spread the load. Posting from my phone so no pictures for now. I wanted visibility more than extra light but do help at night. And I can reach down and turn then a little to the outside to help spot the forest rats! (Deer)
'02 in black - the real BMW color! (Now gone to a new home)
Vann - Lifer No. 295
Vann - Lifer No. 295
Re: Aux Lights
Driving lights - just spent the weekend in NH (cold) with my (2007) R12R and my Gerbings coat & gloves, Late season rides would not be so much fun without Gerbings. BUT, I really need better driving lights to brighten up the late night roads. I have Denali LEDs but they just don't do the trick, and I need a brighter light, Any suggestions .....that can also mount to my 07 R??
Thanks !
Cycl2day
2007 R1200R
Thanks !
Cycl2day
2007 R1200R
Re: Aux Lights
Pardon the post hijack but I have a related question. Where do you guys tap into 12v. Do you wire direct to battery?
- riceburner
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Re: Aux Lights
jasondo wrote:Pardon the post hijack but I have a related question. Where do you guys tap into 12v. Do you wire direct to battery?
Mine are powered via a relay. The Relay takes power direct from the battery - but is switched by a low-power line. I wired mine into the feed for the indicator bulb on the 'dash'. That way I'm not taking power from anything important.
I have 2 relays on my bike - one for the extra lights, which is switched from the full-beam notification circuit.
The other is for heated jacket / mobile phone power and is switched on vai the circuit for (iirc) the rev-counter / speedo bulbs.
Both relays also have a switch so I can turn off each extra circuit independently.
The 'looms' I'm using are those that come with PIAA lights, so it was easy to wire everything in - only needed to 'plumb-in' the wiring in 3 places: battery + & - and the low-power feed locations.
Re: Aux Lights
Any place special as to where to mount the relay?