LED Driving lamps?

[MC Bodge]

With an eye on the up-coming winter months, I'm considering my lighting. I've improved the headlamp performance of my Street Triple, but I would be interested in some small lamps to give a broader spread of near light for cornering.

LEDs are the obvious choice for small size and low power draw.

Are fork-mounts (possibly using the front mudguard mounting holes) a good idea?

I'm not thinking about rugged looking 'Adventure' or dual-sport lamps, I'm thinking about function on a more 'sports'-orientated bike that is used on dark back roads.

Does anybody have any experience of these?

Edited by MC Bodge on Tuesday 16th September 22:30

[Hooli]

I've seen spots fitted to engine bars a few times. I'd have thought by the front wheel was better they'd not have the wheel blocking the light. The amount they'll flicker up n down & shake over bumps might be disconcerting though.

[DrDoofenshmirtz]

Just stick a HID kit on there - you won't need any additional lighting then.
You'll blind oncoming internet users, but should be fine in real life.

[Hooli]

If the HID kit fits.

I've given up with them on my bike as the headlight bowl is slightly too shallow to avoid damaging the wiring when pushing the lamp back into place. I could drill a hole in the back to feed the wire out of, but didn't fancy the weather getting into all the other connectors hidden inside the headlight.

[MC Bodge]

I'm happy with the headlamp throw, it is the side/ cornering I'm interested in.

I don't want to fit HIDs to the headlamps, as they do often dazzle, in real life, even in OEM fitments.

[Wedg1e]

DrDoofenshmirtz said:

Just stick a HID kit on there - you won't need any additional lighting then.
You'll blind oncoming internet users, but should be fine in real life.

[black-k1]

Wedg1e said:

DrDoofenshmirtz said:

Just stick a HID kit on there - you won't need any additional lighting then.
You'll blind oncoming internet users, but should be fine in real life.

[Yazza54]

Hooli said:

If the HID kit fits.

I've given up with them on my bike as the headlight bowl is slightly too shallow to avoid damaging the wiring when pushing the lamp back into place. I could drill a hole in the back to feed the wire out of, but didn't fancy the weather getting into all the other connectors hidden inside the headlight.

Drill it the right size to fit a small rubber grommet and feed the wire through that

[jhoneyball]

better to go for some low down extra lights -- the pattern shape of the lower lights and the main lighting will help you be seen

[Hooli]

Yazza54 said:

Hooli said:

If the HID kit fits.

I've given up with them on my bike as the headlight bowl is slightly too shallow to avoid damaging the wiring when pushing the lamp back into place. I could drill a hole in the back to feed the wire out of, but didn't fancy the weather getting into all the other connectors hidden inside the headlight.

Drill it the right size to fit a small rubber grommet and feed the wire through that

Nice idea but the pre-fitted plug on the prevents doing that.

[MC Bodge]

jhoneyball said:

better to go for some low down extra lights -- the pattern shape of the lower lights and the main lighting will help you be seen

...but this is not what I am asking for.

For cornering vision, I'm now thinking that fork leg mounted, ie. not moving up/down with the wheel, might be best, although it may not be pretty.

[Klippie]

These look good...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/10W-LED-Work-Light-Bar-L...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/12V-24V-Flood-beam-US-Cr...

[ssray]

I get mine from here http://www.dx.com/
loads of stuff, hid`s are soooo last year, what you need is led replacments for your headlight bulbs

[MC Bodge]

Having test ridden the upgraded headlamps on the dark lanes tonight, there is actually no need at all for any cornering lights. The main beam throw is also very, very good.