v7 Special headlight and aux lighting upgrades

[bowie2k3]

Hi all.

I'm finding myself riding later into the evenings and I don't have the best night vision.  Any suggestions on headlamp upgrades?  I've read mixed reviews on LED bulbs, has anyone tried replacing the headlamp lens or other bulb brands with better spread?

Also, any suggestions on fork or crash bar mounted lights for the v7?

[rocker59]

There are lots of options out there, but...

For a headlight, Google this:  TRUCK-LITE 27270C 7" LED Headlight Phase 7

 

[O]

Check out this thread too.  There was some question as to whether the Truck-Lite would fit the V7.  Not sure that was ever cleared up.

http://wildguzzi.com/forum/index.php?topic=68943.0

[jas67]

Goes in the stock headlight shell; bulb replacement.    Works great, and much cheaper (Guzzi Content  ) than the truck-lite.

http://stores.advmonster.com/h4-mesh-monster-led-headlight/

[malik]

I mounted these to the V7C here. Really make a difference.





Mal

[bowie2k3]

Thanks for the replies all.  There certainly are a many options.

I think that my main gripe is the light pattern.  I read that one member here swapped his headlamp for a Cibie, which based on some of the car photos and videos, made a dramatic difference in improving the reach and spread of the stock bulb.

I'll research some more and will report back if I end up trying this option.  In either case I'm really liking the look off those Denali's so I may try that in phase 2.

[rocker59]

I mounted these to the V7C here. Really make a difference.





Mal

Cool picture but useless without details. How about some info on the lights and on the brackets?

[malik]

The lights are Denali D2's. I wire them into the high beam only, 'tho you can wire them into the low beam as well, to run at 30% as a daytime light. And I have the separate on/off switch that comes with.

The brackets are homemade, sheet stainless, moulded to fit the tube, rubber/silicone bushed, with an aluminium forward section supporting the light. Made up with bits lying around a mate's shed. They fit well, as there's not much room between the fork tube & the front sub frame at that position, less than an inch, perhaps. I'll have to clone a set for the Special.

I have the same lights on the 1100 Sport, but they mount onto the fairing mirror holes with the standard brackets. The trapezoidal  headlight they didn't allow into the States produces a woeful amount of light & they make the bike usable at night (and in tunnels).

Mal

[jagwillie]

There is a PIAA H4 bulb that provides 110w on both high and low beams that draws about the same current as a 55/60 watt bulb. It has excellent daytime visibility as well as at night. I have these bulbs in a number of bikes and have yet to have one fail. My wife's V7 classic is an 09 and one has been it since new. Approx $60 for a pair.
Bill Bassett

[rocker59]

The lights are Denali D2's. I wire them into the high beam only, 'tho you can wire them into the low beam as well, to run at 30% as a daytime light. And I have the separate on/off switch that comes with.

The brackets are homemade, sheet stainless, moulded to fit the tube, rubber/silicone bushed, with an aluminium forward section supporting the light. Made up with bits lying around a mate's shed. They fit well, as there's not much room between the fork tube & the front sub frame at that position, less than an inch, perhaps. I'll have to clone a set for the Special.

I have the same lights on the 1100 Sport, but they mount onto the fairing mirror holes with the standard brackets. The trapezoidal  headlight they didn't allow into the States produces a woeful amount of light & they make the bike usable at night (and in tunnels).

Mal

Thanks   

[pikipiki]

Bought a new headlight bulb today.
Rummaging through a bargain bucket I found this regular wattage halogen bulb that claimed to be 120% brighter!
Had been expensive but had been reduced and then half marked price in the bargain bucket so couldn't go far wrong.

GE Megalight Ultra + 120 

Wouldn't say 120% but to my surprise it does appear brighter?

[pikipiki]

Arrrg,

So quick I'm back. £32 down to £4. 120% brighter. They're probably illegal.

[rodekyll]

I stuffed a pair of these

http://www.ddmtuning.com/Products/Pack-H1-V2-PR

into these.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/171820311806?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Total cost ~$100.

I made brackets from angle aluminum.  The brackets bolt to the the headlight mounting ears using the headlight mounting bolts.  I'm using the 55w ballasts.  There are 35w ballasts available for the energy impaired.

These HID's are still under construction.  I might have the brackets powdercoated and installed this weekend.

[edit]

Just got this in from DDM Tuning -- my $70 projector purchase at half price. 

http://ddmtuning.com/Products/Projectors-H1-V2-PR

[malik]

Stunning lights. Stunning price. A possibility for the 1100 Sport.

Keep us in the loop please.

Mal

[Jim C]

Bill Bassett,

Can you point me to the bulbs you got for your wife?
I went to the PIAA site, but I think that the bulb I need
is an automotive H4.

Please advise, and thanks,

Jim