Adding Accessory Lights

[LAGuzzi]

I am considering getting Clearwater accessory lights and mounting them on my forks. My concern is the wiring, fusebox etc. Anyone have any experience adding electrical components?

[footgoose]

Welcome to the forum LAGuzzi. They look like a knowledgable company. I'll bet they'd be inclined to give you some good wiring ideas. Are those type lights all in that price range? I think the Billie Jr brake light is interesting. Post your progress.

 

https://www.clearwaterlights.com/pages/safety-lights

[docc]

I am considering getting Clearwater accessory lights and mounting them on my forks. My concern is the wiring, fusebox etc. Anyone have any experience adding electrical components?

 

 

Welcome to the forum LAGuzzi. They look like a knowledgable company. I'll bet they'd be inclined to give you some good wiring ideas. Are those type lights all in that price range? I think the Billie Jr brake light is interesting. Post your progress.

 

https://www.clearwaterlights.com/pages/safety-lights

We can talk-up sourcing power, fusing, relays, switching, and wire routing . . .

[LAGuzzi]

Thanks for the welcome gents . . .

[docc]

How much amperage do those lights draw?

[LAGuzzi]

They said that you just wire into the headlight so that it's automatic and you don't have to mess with it too much, they are 24 amps

 

https://www.clearwaterlights.com/products/darla

[bbolesaz]

That's 24 WATTS, not amps.  24 amps would melt the entire V11 charging system.  24W is 2 amps, EACH.

[docc]

That's 24 WATTS, not amps.  24 amps would melt the entire V11 charging system.  24W is 2 amps, EACH.

Adding 4 amps to the headlight switch, and the headlight relay, is definitely pushing the already marginal circuit on the V11, IMO.

 

4 amps is going to be pretty easy to wire for.  I would still use a micro relay (rated 10+ amps NO) and a 10 amp rated switch (waterproofed if it's going to out in the weather, maybe a built in indicator light so you know when they're on).  If a 5 amp inline ATC fuse doesn't hold up, go to a 7.5.

 

It's a pretty long run from the battery to the forks, so, 16 gauge wire (18 is probably enough?)

 

[Routing and shielding the wiring and making the connections is another matter entirely . . .]

[bbolesaz]

Agreed, run the lights off of a relay for sure.  Clearwater has relay kits for their lights.  And some nice switch options also.

[bbolesaz]

If you like simplicity (which I do), this Denali switch makes the wiring super simple.  Battery, fuse, switch, lights. Easy peasy.

 

https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/denali-20-dryseal-on-off-waterproof-illuminated-switch-with-handlebar-mount

 

They sell handy little metal mounting tabs to mount the switch on and then attach to clutch perches also.

[bbolesaz]

BTW, call the folks at Clearwater.  Tell them what you want to do.  They are generally very helpful.

[Chuck]

 

, they are 24 amps

[LAGuzzi]

Thanks again for all your help. Clearly I have no idea about electrical systems.

[JesterGrin_1]

 Here is another idea that Docc and I found out the other day lol. And that is on my 02 LM the 8th fuse has O power to it. So one could use it to carry a spare fuse or I would think if one wished they could add something to that spot with a ready made fuse holder.   But I could be wrong lol. 

[al_roethlisberger]

 Here is another idea that Docc and I found out the other day lol. And that is on my 02 LM the 8th fuse has O power to it. So one could use it to carry a spare fuse or I would think if one wished they could add something to that spot with a ready made fuse holder.   But I could be wrong lol. 

 

And if one removes the 30A main fuse to replace with an external "maxi" fuse or circuit breaker, you get another free slot in the fuse block too.