Ride at night

tylerlough · #11 (**permalink**) 09-24-2008, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jg767

I went walmart and got a pair of 55w halogen lights for $14.88 and a 12volt 8 amp battery for $43, IT WORKS EXCELLENT. I also bought a 2amp automatic charger, so far I've used the lights for 30 minutes at a time with only 25 percent discharge. I can see very good with it , I decrease my speed to about twenty MPH for safety, I also use a planet blinky tailight, very highly rated. I feel as safe as daytime driving, as I am very visilble with this setup. As long as the battery is not discharged over 50 percent, it should hold up well. This sure beats spending 2 or 3 hundred bucks on those fancy systems you see out there!

I've got a similar setup but with a bigger battery. How did you mount your lights.

old motorbike · #12 (**permalink**) 10-28-2008, 10:38 PM

Started with a foglight set-up and LED tailight from Harbor freight $15. A scooter battery from batteries plus $30. and also use a battery tender.
Haven't ridden too far at night yet to see how long it lasts.

hill climber · #13 (**permalink**) 10-28-2008, 11:25 PM

55 watt cheapo driving light, only 1, led side marker for tail and a 5 amphour sla battery, use my standard car battery charger on 2 amp setting. about a hour and 20 minutes of GOOD light.

inkstom · #14 (**permalink**) 10-29-2008, 04:45 AM

Does anyone know how many amps the white wire puts out at idle?

jg767 · #15 (**permalink**) 10-29-2008, 01:38 PM

I mounted one 55w halogen at the center pull mount on my front fork, fits perfectly.

thatsdax · #16 (**permalink**) 10-29-2008, 11:45 PM

Depends on the Manufacture. Some mags put out more than others. The magnetos on my engines typically put out more that others. I have had good luck with 7.5v .5Amp bulbs. Enjoy the ride...

Chitty · #17 (**permalink**) 11-11-2008, 11:59 AM

I have put the bike away for the winter, but would like a sturdy, "Cheap" light set up when I bring the bike out in the spring. I often ride to work in the dark, so I got a plastic battery light set up from the hardware store [not that cheap]. It lasted a week before it broke off. I pull over when a car comes, and the shoulder of the road is rough. Any sugestions?

Motormac · #18 (**permalink**) 11-11-2008, 12:44 PM

Hi Chitty, fellow Canadian!! Ok go to Princess Auto and pick up a couple of very small sealed lead acid batteries 12V 3.6A/H.($7 each.)(princess Auto #8231789)Pick up a couple of the cheap 55 watt driving lights (dont have the #). Find a way to mount 1 or both lights on your handlebar,I used a small aluminum bracket, and find a place for the battery,I mounted it under my seat,wire it directly using small alligator clips. Now light up the night!!!It is so powerful it blinds oncoming traffic, so you need to adjust the beam down a bit, it lights up the road 100 feet ahead of you. Mac

jasonh · #19 (**permalink**) 11-11-2008, 01:02 PM

There is also a way to use a 6v battery for all your power, and add a rectifying diode (i think) to the output of the white wire and use it to trickle-charge the battery. There's a recent post somewhere on here about that.

I do want to get some lights though.

Motormac · #20 (**permalink**) 11-11-2008, 03:26 PM

Yes true, but 6 volts is not enough power for me, thats the amount of light power that the cheapo Bell lights from walmart produce 4X1.5 volt AA batteries.I like the easy wiring up of a powerful 12 volt light to a tiny 12 volt battery, gives me 1 1/2 hours of light thats more than enough for my night rides. Thats why you need 2 batteries, that now gives you 3 hours of light.
Also no hassles with diodes,rectifiers and fancy wiring. just my opinion..I like to see and be seen at night and this blazes a path in front.