Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums Accessories Light bar operation preferences

I am in the process of building my own light bar. I am making a couple of different looking bars to see what works and just got the light shells and sealed beams from J.C. yesterday. My question is this, what is the prefered metod of operation and why?
I think the Triumph set up has a switch on the left shell (right)? Or you can install a switch on the console. Then there is lights on all the time when you turn the key?
Then bar lights on during low beam or high beam?
What is everbodys' set up and why do you like it that way?
Thanks.
ModelMaker

The connector has high and low beam leads. It would be an interesting feature to setup a lightbar with dual beam lights that switch with the headlight. An interesting effect can be had by putting a switch in the ground circuit when you do this. With the ground open, the lights will ground through the headlight, dimming them to marker lights.

Hey MM,

I have the JC's too and decided to run dedicated wires to them. I tapped into switched 12v under the seat (10 or 12g orange wire), put a fuse just forward of this (btw, I am pulling 8a with this so I have a 10a in there), and ran the wires to the lights. I ran the grounds from the battery up into the console through a switch and then to the lights. My reasons were:

1. Switched 12v kept them from being turned on accidently when key was off.
2. Dedicated lines do not use the existing harness, eliminating problems there.
3. Dedicated fuse does not use existing fuses, eliminating problems there.
4. Switch allows me to control the lights.

I am in the habit of turning off the lights when I get off and then switching them on after she is running.

Of course, good wiring practices was followed. Each wire is individually sheathed in heatshrink and then each pair was also. Butt connections were soldered and then double heat shrunk. Ring lugs were soldered and double heat shrunk. Wires were routed so they would not chafe. Call me paranoid!!

Hiya Modelmaker
The standard Triumph light bar, as far as I know, can only operate from the toggle switch on the back of the left light.
The option of a switch on the bar was not offered.
I would like the light bar to operate like this:
1. Come on with main beam (for flashing and night use),
2. Come on using a bar operated switch for use without main beam.
I'm looking at getting mine done when I come back from AZ.
I'm no electrician so it'll have to go to a shop.,
Ride safe

Triumph has a switch which replaces the dummy one on the right side which, if wired properly, can turn off and on all the running and headlights. If you'd like, I'd be more than happy to obtain the part # for you.

Because I'm in Australia I didn't have a choice - the law here demands that driving lights be wired up so they can only come on when the high beam's on, and can be disabled through a switch.

Because I made up my own (used the Triumph bar with aftermarket lights & homemade wiring) I found it easier to use the connectors for the aux power socket as a power source. This connector already has it's own fuse, is controlled by the ignition switch, and is turned off when you hit the starter - they also use standard spade plug connections instead of the funky custom plug in the light connector. I put a small discrete switch in the hole intended for the alarm LED and used a weatherproof boot over it (both available from any hobby electronics store). I mounted a relay in the standard location, and used the live wire to the high beam idiot light in the console as a conveniant trigger for the relay.

If you have/get an alarm you can always buy an LED in a chrome bezel and mount it in the centre of the console below the tacho/clock. You can check out fotos of it on my web site

Quote:

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It would be an interesting feature to setup a lightbar with dual beam lights that switch with the headlight.

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I was half intending on trying this - if you decide to go with it see if you can find a pair of headlights from a 250cc Virago - they're the right size and dual beam, and as far as I remember they have a single mount at the bottom of the light.

Matt

I had the Triumph Light Bar installed before I took delivery. Unless switched off at the left light switch, they are on anytime the key is on. The only time I ever turn them off is when preheating my carbs before a cold cold-start. I cannot think of any practical purpose to change the present set-up. I have them adjusted a tad high, anyway, and the right one slightly to the right, to catch a glimpse of any lifestock or wildlife that may come from that side of the road. I'm presently satisfied, with low or high-beam illumination - these babies are bright, and these are only stock bulbs. If I were building my own, I would be asking the same question(s) you are. I only hope, but doubt, that my dealer took the same pains to protect the wireing and connections. Time will tell. If I see maintenance needed in this area, I'll be quick to do the same. So far, so good.

Sandman:
I'd like to see your dash setup but couldn't get your weblink to work.

True to my word I stopped by the shop today. Triumph is out of the switch. Apparently they were standard on the Euro models and had to be imported into the U.S. They were very popular at the shop and my dealer ordered the last six in stock. Triumph sent him three, stating that these were the last of their breed! Another species now extinct !

That's odd... it works for me from the link. Either way, if you point your browser at http://members.optusnet.com.au/~matt_l/index.htm it should work.

Matt