Additional lights linked into canbus

[Taz]

Has anyone with a bike that has a canbus system fitted any additional riding lights? If so which did you choose and was the linking into the canbus easy? I am thinking of fitting some additional day time riding lights to my RT but can't decide between a cheap pair of wunderlich (sub £100 http://www.nippynormans.com/spotlight-sets-and-brackets/wunderlich-p-markers-pair-r1200gs-lc) or up to mega expensive Darla lights (£500+ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7INoSWnibA)

[dark_knight87]

Have a look at this: -

https://youtu.be/2uIgB0kqyPM

Regards,
Russ

[Taz]

Very useful, thank you

[tanneman]

The CANBus just controls the switching of the various functions. An alternative option is to have a similar system as in the hexhead GS/GSA. The lights are powered by a separate loom and is switched via a separate switch on the handlebar. To activate the circuit have a relay installed and power the lights from the battery (7.5 amp fuse?) with the dip beam (or parking) light as the trigger for the relay. In short, ignition switch to on (means dip beam light is live and so is the trigger wire), battery power to driving lights but switch not made. Press on button on handle bar switch and the trigger wire activates the relay to complete the circuit from the battery to the driving lights.

Have fun.

PS. I like the look and discreet nature of the Wunderlich lights but the Darla lights gets a full 5 star rating by those who uses it.

[The Teutonic Tangerine]

My own experience with CANBUS was on an R1200ST.
I tried higher wattage headlamp bulbs and the Canbus system refused to light them both as they were drawing more current so it assumed a fault - as soon as I put the standard bulbs back in they worked - this led me to NOT take the power for some LED riding lamps from the Sidelight feed. I wired direct from the battery via a switch and relay t was simpler and worked.

[The Teutonic Tangerine]

Have a look at this: -

https://youtu.be/2uIgB0kqyPM

Regards,
Russ

Really good but £250????? Like I said wire direct to the battery via a relay you can buy kit in Halfrauds for way less than £250

[Taz]

I've taken the plunge and bought a set of Clearwater Darla lights from the USA, complete with the brackets and their 'can opener' which is the wiring loom that links into the canbus. Ordered today and due for delivery on Friday.

I will let you know how I get on.

[tanneman]

Taz. On ADVrider there is a good thread about the can opener. Have a look in the GS section.

[Taz]

Buy these lights with caution - I've just had DHL on the 'phone saying that unless I pay £107 in VAT and duty they cannot release the lights to me. A conversation with HMRC reveals that the greedy swine in Whitehall can indeed sting you for import duty and VAT on goods bought outside the EU even though you may well have paid duty and tax in the country of sale.

Absolute rip off - am I annoyed - you're damn right I am.

[Taz]

I've calmed down now and realise that I should have checked up on the importation of goods from outside the EU.

Anyway, the lights are fitted and working - it's like riding in daylight.

Are they worth the money? I struggle to say yes but what price do you put on your own safety?