K11 Owners Group

[Naked Hoof]

I'm trying to decide whether to mount my new PIAA 1192 kit to the lovely fork mounts I bought from the Duck or to the underside of the upper fairing.

IMO the fairing mount would look nicer, but I'm more concerned with functionality. The fairing mount it seems would put the light more where I need it, and not off to the side of the road.

The fork mounts seem like they'd be pointing the wrong way just about anywhere where I'm not traveling in a relatively straight line. i.e. when you'/re counter-steering in a turn, they would be aiming skyward and off the side of the road.

I'm probably going to get another set of lights anyway, whichever I choose, but I think the PIAAs will look better under the fairing.
_________________
79 Honda CB750 trainer
traded for Suzuki GS1150e (stolen)
81 Honda CB900F
02 Kawasaki ZR7 (cursed)
93 K1100RS Mystic Red

Dreams should never be reduced in potency by subjecting them to reality. - Lord Snarebottom

[Flying Duck]

A couple of points:

If you plan to use the lights to be seen, then you're probably better off mounting them low as having a larger triangle makes your speed and distance more easy for cars to judge.

However, if they're mounted low and you're riding wavy roads at night then they can cast shadows over hills.
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93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE

[Naked Hoof]

I always presume that I cannot be seen. I'm rather extreme about that point. I use my horn a lot.

I will probably mount the PIAAs on the fairing. I'll add a pair of those small Hella Optilux fog lights for the fork mounts, I think.

http://www.amazon.com/Hella-Optilux-Model-Rectangular-Halogen/dp/B0002MA3P8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1274107903&sr=8-1

or

http://www.amazon.com/Hella-H71010291-Optilux-Halogen-Projector/dp/B0002MA3NU/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1274107903&sr=8-4
_________________
79 Honda CB750 trainer
traded for Suzuki GS1150e (stolen)
81 Honda CB900F
02 Kawasaki ZR7 (cursed)
93 K1100RS Mystic Red

Dreams should never be reduced in potency by subjecting them to reality. - Lord Snarebottom

[RobWheatley]

I have 2 sets of lights mounted under my fairing and a HID headlight + all indicators as running lights.
I do like to be seen
Rob
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1999 K1100LTIC Smooth and Quiet Cruise, BFD & HID
1996 K1100RS. dead but not forgotten.

[Stoked Steve]

How about both?


_________________
Steve
Virginia Beach, VA
93 K1100RS Mystic Red SOLD
12 Suzuki DL650A VStrom

[Naked Hoof]

Here's a mock up of what I'm working up. I've made a bracket from some 1/8" aluminum stock. Right now, the bracket is a 9 1/2 inch piece, but I'm thinking about cutting a longer piece, so that I might put these puppies a bit further apart.



I'm also planning on using a standoff mounting system with fender washers to distribute any rotational moments. I'll spray paint the whole thing matte black when it's finalized. Maybe I can even spray it Mystic Red to match the bodywork...nah. I think black will work just fine.

Anyway, a standoff system gives me a lot of leeway as far as mounting height. Maybe I'll drop it 3 inches. I need to decide how much drop I want to put in there, and either go with stock bolts if it's 2" or less, or make my own fasteners using threaded stock for more.

I decided to make a bracket for these, as mounting them the way I've seen directly to the fairing is not really a good idea IMO. You have to put them too close together and adjustments become a nightmare. I think you're losing a bit of functionality that way also, as this mounting gives a wider spread.

Theoretically, you could stack these mounts and hook up another two pair of lights (maybe more)...if you're obsessive/compulsive.

I'm really glad I decided to work on this in the studio, instead of the garage. Much more comfortable in here, plus if I drop something, it doesn't automatically mean it will break.
_________________
79 Honda CB750 trainer
traded for Suzuki GS1150e (stolen)
81 Honda CB900F
02 Kawasaki ZR7 (cursed)
93 K1100RS Mystic Red

Dreams should never be reduced in potency by subjecting them to reality. - Lord Snarebottom

[Off the grid]

My experience was the my fork mounts threw great light with a wide pattern, vibrated/rattled not at all and the "point and shoot" aspect was pretty overstated. (meaning the effect is almost nil on a 600lb bike)

Agree that both would be ideal.
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Bane of your existence since July 2006
2007 Triumph Tiger ABS. "Sabertooth"
2009 Husqvarna TE610. "The dirty Italian mistress"

[joeangi]

Forks....I had mounted Piaa 1100X's under the fairing, hit a bump and the fender hit them. They were nice and high and tight (no washers) and while in a corner a large after winter pothole jumped out. I thought the shock of the pothole had broken the light mount, but upon further inspection the fender had hit the light (damaged the fender). This was on the K100, I do not think the K1100 has as much travel. But I like them on the forks. I am thinking of adding a set on Shog's brackets under the mirrors. A set of 4G HID's there would be awesome

Joe
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1994 K1100RS
1986 K100RS

[Naked Hoof]

I think the mounting points are far enough apart on this bracket that they won't be hitting the fender. In addition, I've mounted the bracket using rubber bushings, so there is a bit of give, and the whole assembly should bend rather than break.




_________________
79 Honda CB750 trainer
traded for Suzuki GS1150e (stolen)
81 Honda CB900F
02 Kawasaki ZR7 (cursed)
93 K1100RS Mystic Red

Dreams should never be reduced in potency by subjecting them to reality. - Lord Snarebottom