In figuring out how to illuminate the clock and compass I recently installed on my T3 I ran into a clip-on lamp that might be of interest to others: the Energizer Magnet Light, available for 7 or 8 dollars at Walmart and Target. This is my review of it for motorcycle use.
The LED lamp is encased in a silicone strap that has two magnets, one at each end. You insert the non-LED end into your jacket pocket and then fold the other end down on the outside so that the magnets clamp together through the jacket material, securing the lamp. Pressing the button (the large whitish circle) turns the lamp (the small circle) on or off. Two CR2032 batteries are already installed, are claimed to last 14 hours, and can be replaced using a screwdriver.
The lamp is about 3 1/8" (8cm) long, when folded. It comes in pastel blue, green or pink. Sorry, no biker black. Made in China.
The lamp produces a claimed 25 lumens. Taking it out for a ride in the country tonight I found that it illuminated the clock and compass near my speedometer well while it was clipped to my jacket pocket. It was also fine for reading a map, and would help with roadside repairs. The button is easy to operate with gloves on while riding, after a little practice.
The lamp is claimed to be water resistant. Since it is encased in silicone, with no seams on the frontal surface, I think it would withstand heavy rain. The securing magnets are reasonably strong, but I worried that an unlucky wind gust could remove the lamp from my pocket. After some highway riding without a windshield I guess it should be fine.
I experimented to see whether the magnets in the lamp would upset my compass's reading. I found that they didn't, unless I moved the lamp to within a foot of the compass.
I recommend it, if you ride at night.
Moto
