Gen 1 LED Running light question

[Fazerjon]

Hi people, I’m planning on installing 2 10watt LED running lights to my Gen 1 thou. I’ve read various threads on the forum regarding wiring. Some use a relay and a switch and some go straight from the battery. I’m wondering if I splice into my headlight dipped beam wire with both spotlights and then earth, (doing away with the need for a switch or relay) will I need to uprate the fuse for the lighting circuit? They are only 10w LED’s and although very bright I don’t think they draw much current.

[unfazed]

Always a safer option to use a relay and fuse it separately.

[beuleux]

The easy option would be to splice directly into the dipped beam circuit as you suggested and as it draws 60/55w anyway then it won't be much extra load, I have done similar bodges on other bikes over the years with no issues, the more professional option would be the relay and take the live feed from the dipped beam circuit, I have also tried that method on my gen1 to wire in USB power source to the brake light circuit, although it worked well and was the more thorough option I really didn't like the extra wiring under the seat because of the additional fiddling when doing other maintenance tasks, the only thing I wouldn't recommend is going direct to the battery, if it were me I'd go for the easy option ?

[Fazerjon]

Thanks for your replies, still undecided at the moment. I’ll work out which way to go after I’ve fabricated some mounting brackets for the lights…..

[Timbo]

Use a relay!


You could also add a separate switch for them as well, so you have the option of turning them off in broad daylight when they are not required. 


I personally hate the things, far too bright, often badly adjusted and therefore dangerous to oncoming traffic. After 40yrs on a bike I still don't feel the need.


Cyclists even worse ... I had an oncoming pushbike the other night, the light was actually brighter than the adjacent traffic. Worse still, he was on the promenade which has street lighting anyway!

[b1k3rdude]

I wired mine into the side lights, as your able to turn the lights off/on via the r/h switch. as in off/side/main.