Author Topic: Aux Lights on 2G Bandit (Read 7399 times)

Gmen5280 · « **on:** March 09, 2005, 01:33:38 PM »

Hey guys,
I am a new owner of an 03 600s and would like to improve the lighting output on my bike. Riding around with just the low beam on at night just doesn't feel adequate. And I feel riding with high on might be blinding to others sharing the road. I've look over the option of the MonoLight and it is rather pricy. However, I would spend the funds to increase the illumination footprint and add piece of mind if this is the only option.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

PeteSC · « **Reply #1 on:** March 09, 2005, 02:14:13 PM »

The Motolites are expensive, but they hold up pretty well, and have pretty good product support.

We had several threads about installing aux lights on Bandits before the board crashed.
MAybe somebody who did one of the installs, could repost the info.
I think there's also a fairly simple mod to change your high beam, to a hi/lo beam. (Both sides on at low beams.)
I've got an older bandit, so the details kind of escape me.
If you have't had a chance to look around the 'old' board, it's still online.
http://pub12.ezboard.com/bbanditalleybbs
There are probably some light messages buried in there.

dsartwell1 · « **Reply #2 on:** March 09, 2005, 06:46:39 PM »

I noticed the same thing on my 02 600S. My cheap solution is to run the high beam virtually all the time. I usually only switch to the low beam in town in traffic or when there are enough other lights around. I know I'm irritating others but if they're irritated at least they KNOW I'M THERE!!. I wonder if you could put a high beam bulb in the low beam socket and adjust it so it isn't aimed quite as high as the others? Any ideas?

Red01 · « **Reply #3 on:** March 09, 2005, 07:45:51 PM »

AFAIK, there's no relatively easy way to put a dual beam bulb in either socket on the 2G B6 or 12. It is fairly easy to put a high beam in the low beam lens, you just have to trim the alignment groove on the bub. It still won't be quite as bright to the oncoming traffic since there's a diffuser in the housing.

The diffuser can be removed from the lamp housing for more light, too. You'll have to remove the housing and disassemble it, which requires a heat gun or hot blow dryer and can be a little messy. To reassemble, just heat the goo back up and stick it back together.

jwalters · « **Reply #4 on:** March 09, 2005, 09:43:32 PM »

Here's what I did to get a bit more driving light and all around better visibility to oncoming cages. I have about 400 miles on them and they are holding up so far. The only concern I got from users on this forum was, since they are mounted directly on the brake caliper they might take a beating. Like I said, they are working great so far and it's another 40 watts of light that turns with your stearing!

I had a more detailed post on here before banditalley went on vacation but if anyone is interested I would be happy to supply info on where I got the stuff. By the way, it was only $60 for the whole deal, including an aux relay to power the lights (and later heated grips).

Anyway, I thought they look nice, and blend in well to the shape of the bike.

txbanditrydr · « **Reply #5 on:** March 09, 2005, 10:58:59 PM »

Quote from: "Red01"

It is fairly easy to put a high beam in the low beam lens, you just have to trim the alignment groove on the bub.

In addition to grinding the tabs "slightly" to make the HB bulb fit the LB socket you will run into trouble getting a good watertight fit.... the o-rings are different diameter. A little tape or something may help.

Also, consider upgrading to SilverStar bulbs. They make a direct replacement for both beams and put out noticeably more light than stock bulbs. A pair will set ya back about 40 bucks.... less if you shop around.

PeteSC · « **Reply #6 on:** March 09, 2005, 11:53:01 PM »

I could have sworn somebody did some sort of mod to have both lights on. I remember part of the reason was people kept telling him one light was out, or something....

Must be getting senile......

Red01 · « **Reply #7 on:** March 10, 2005, 12:38:31 AM »

When the brights are on, both bulbs will glow, so many 2G rider ride in the daytime with the brights on.

FlyingTurtle1 · « **Reply #8 on:** March 10, 2005, 12:44:46 AM »

I did almost the same thing that jwalters did to my 2 gen B12 except that instead of the break mounts I used the reflector mounts on the fork legs. Just unscrew the reflectors and place a L bracket there screw back in the reflector and mount your lights. I got my lights from "Wally World" auto dept for $14/$15 bucks. They are small oval shaped driving lights with 55 watts, buying the small L brackets at the local hardware store and some extra nuts and bolts I've got less then $20 in the whole set up and after a whole riding season I've only replaced 1 bulb. I'd post a picture but I'm not 'puter savy enough!!

I seem to remember that post too Pete! Glad your back up and running (wish my Bandit was),

for all the hard work Pete.