I'm looking for some small and bright LED driving lights to make my 2016 more visible at night, and to help light up the back roads. I originally planned to use my Kristas (I think, the honkin' big square ones) but they are too big and square for my preferences. I guess I'll settle for something not as bright but smaller and sleeker.
I intend to mount them down near the front axle on custom brackets I had Gary (@Garauld) make me.
I'm sure that the responses are going to be as diverse as if I had asked "what oil should I use" so, have at it!
Links to good deals will be appreciated.
I don't spend a lot of money on these any more. 10 watters are fine for visibility and won't obscure signal lights. Go 20 watts if you like or of course, put a dimmer similar to Skeene if you've got honking power ones and need aux lighting at night (are those ''16 LED headlights any good?).
My 10 watters cost me a whole $25 from overseas, one got broke by a rock, so I replaced it.
Madmudder has some nice ones, come with quick change amber lenses.... can't remember the brand..... amber is quite visible.
I have converted to F2 LED headlamps, so have not much need for aux. lighting. AFAIK you can't convert the OEM LED headlights.
Keep yer stick on the ice........... (Red Green)
Duct tape can't fix stupid, but it can sure muffle the sound.
The stock LED headlights are OK, but on dark country roads, I would love to light up much further down the road AND the sides better so I am not surprised by deer.
Since they will be way down by the axle, they will not obscure the turn signals, and they give that recommended triangle of lights for best visibility by oncoming vehicles.
CollingsBob wrote: ↑Sat Aug 31, 2019 1:45 pm
I have a pair of these mounted on my crashbars..
HyperPete wrote:I'm guessing they are the LX3 2.3 Inch Lights? Do they come with wiring and switch, or just bare lights?
I will check, but sounds correct. I think the original verson was a LR4.
I purchased bare lights. Then Skene controller. Have a set of the Wynnpro brackets that keep the lights tucked in tight to the fairing just below the mirror base.
Have same light (single one) on my DRZ.
Skene controller and 3 position switch gives me 3 light settings plus max with high beams on.
I think all the Clearwater lights (including Kristas) are round. I have a set of Clearwater Ericas (BRIGHT) mounted on the mirrors and Glendas with amber lenses on the forks. I am very visible to oncoming traffic during the day, even with Ericas at minimum and Glendas at 30%. Ericas turned to full with high beam turns night into day - perfect for nighttime country roads as long as there are no other drivers to blind.
Having touted the virtues of these amazing lights, I will say that if they weren't on my bike when I got it (used), I wouldn't have bought them. There are way more economical solutions out there. Including the ones from ledrider. MANY others on Amazon and eBay but there is also a lot of junk. Find something with a good reputation even if it costs a little more unless you have time to waste finding the next great deal.
FJRoss wrote: ↑Sat Aug 31, 2019 9:57 pm
I think all the Clearwater lights (including Kristas) are round. I have a set of Clearwater Ericas (BRIGHT) mounted on the mirrors and Glendas with amber lenses on the forks. I am very visible to oncoming traffic during the day, even with Ericas at minimum and Glendas at 30%. Ericas turned to full with high beam turns night into day - perfect for nighttime country roads as long as there are no other drivers to blind.
Having touted the virtues of these amazing lights, I will say that if they weren't on my bike when I got it (used), I wouldn't have bought them. There are way more economical solutions out there. Including the ones from ledrider. MANY others on Amazon and eBay but there is also a lot of junk. Find something with a good reputation even if it costs a little more unless you have time to waste finding the next great deal.
Bugnatr wrote: ↑Sun Sep 01, 2019 11:34 am
I have the Clearwater Darlas. Love them for night work on my S10, I do believe I can see the butt of a termite a half mile out (almost).
Where did you mount the Darlas? As bright as they are, Clearwater makes three levels brighter - Kristas, Ericas, And Sevinas. I think dcarver has the Sevinas; maybe even two sets? Even the Ericas are overkill for my needs.
Mine are Mondo Motos. Small, round, 10watts, and mounted on the unsprung part of the forks. They've got almost 60K on them, no problems yet (fingers crossed).
I bought a $5 waterproof switch from Amazon and just broke the hot wire on the lights. Current draw is so small, no relay needed. Routed the wires to the Fuze Block - easy peasy.
"I guess it comes down to a simple choice, really. Get busy living. Or get busy dying."
- Andy Dufresne, Shawshank Redemption
Bugnatr wrote: ↑Sun Sep 01, 2019 11:34 am
I have the Clearwater Darlas. Love them for night work on my S10, I do believe I can see the butt of a termite a half mile out (almost).
Where did you mount the Darlas? As bright as they are, Clearwater makes three levels brighter - Kristas, Ericas, And Sevinas. I think dcarver has the Sevinas; maybe even two sets? Even the Ericas are overkill for my needs.
I am the lucky buck who won the Darlas including installation at YFO two years ago. Clearwater mounted them down on the bottom of the forks of my KTM Supermoto. I was wanting the lights to be seen in daytime more than night use,rarely rode that bike at night but they are great for lighting up the road ahead but even better for the shining into the sides where bambi lives. The dimmer control is the bees knees.
Last month I took both the KTM and my new to me Super Tenere to Clearwater (only an hour away!) and had them move the Darlas to a Denili light bar on the S10 just below and outside of the headlights. Surprisingly I can't see much difference at night in either location.
A week ago I rode a 60 mile plus Mendocino Pass dirt forest road at night. Holy cow, it was amazing and once again what I enjoyed most was the light broadcast to the sides. I saw fox, 2 bigass Horned Owls, 3 bigfoot and way too many rabbits and bats to count. Once back on the Tarmac we still had 3 hours of night riding to get home. With the S10 high beams and D's on full running 70mph at night was a blast. Perhaps one of the best rides ever. We did see some Forest Rats with plenty of warning from all the light. I am starting to think with good LED lights I can spot movement from critters better than in the daytime.
I'm running at set of LEDRider LR4s on Wynpro mirror brackets. With a Skene controller, they work great for daytime visibility at 20% power and throw a lot of light when I hit the high beams and the 100% trigger.
escapefjrtist wrote: ↑Mon Sep 02, 2019 9:56 pm
I'm running at set of LEDRider LR4s on Wynpro mirror brackets. With a Skene controller, they work great for daytime visibility at 20% power and throw a lot of light when I hit the high beams and the 100% trigger.
~G
I had the same on my '13 FJR - great setup especially when using the Skene Design controller. The Wynpro Brackets are the sturdiest available.
"The only Dumb Question is the unasked Question " - Anonymous
Eat every Sandwich like it is your last!
I have a pair of Denali DM's with the fender mounting bolts. These work great for lighting up the corners, which is what I use them for. I got the hi/low/off switch mounted on the clutch reservoir clamp so I can run them as needed.
I put on a pair of Hoglights 40w (76mm square housing) on a couple of police patrol light brackets that extend out from the base of the mirrors. I'm very happy with the light and the price was much more friendly than the alternatives.
so, have at it! 
