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MODIFICATIONS
>
Light Enhancements & Turn
Signal Tethers
by Ted Verrill
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LIGHT
ENHANCEMENTS
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Run'N'Lites
Type-2
Rear
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The Type-2 lites
typically sell for around $28 and consist of two sockets & bulbs
and a wiring harness. By removing the existing turn signal sockets
and replacing them with the Run'N'Lite sockets, then plugging in the
wiring harness, the turn signals will light up as well as the brake
light. This does not effect the turn signal as the new bulbs are the
#1157 double filament type.
Installation: Easy - 10 to 15 Minutes.
Cost: $28
FSd, Inc.
PO Box 340, Ansonia, CT 06401
(203) 736-6229, (203) 736-9343 (fax)
run-n-lites@worldnet.att.net |
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Run'N'Lites
Type-2
Front
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The Type-2 front
lights are similar to the rear in that the front turn signals light
stay lit constantly. They are not quite as popular as the rear because
of the dubious usefulness.
Installation: Medium. At least 45 minutes.
Cost: ?
FSd, Inc.
PO Box 340, Ansonia, CT 06401
(203) 736-6229, (203) 736-9343 (fax)
run-n-lites@worldnet.att.net |
| Hyper
Lites |
The Hyper Lite
upgrade consists of two small panels of lights that are wired to the
rear brake light, installed in the empty portion of the brake
light housing on either side of the stock brake light, and flash
(annoyingly :) when the brakes are activated. While some are concerned
that the lights' flashing effect may actually draw people to the lights,
most are of the opinion that they provide extremely noticeable
brake light coverage.
Installation: Easy. 30 - 45 Minutes.
Cost: ~$48
Check your local dealer, also sold at many rallies. |
| LifeBrights |
Several models
of brake light enhancements
Installation: Unknown - not BMW specific.
Cost: ~$45 to $60 |
Lite
Buddies
also sold at many rallies |
A cool new brake
light enhancement on the scene. The LED's are installed and shine
through the rear turn signal pods. This mod requires that you
swap the current turn signals with the Lite Buddies
Cost: ~$45
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MIRROR
TETHERS
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Turn
Signal/
Side Mirror Tethers
(made by Wüdo)
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A Turn signal
/side mirror tether is a length of stainless cable with eyelets on
both ends mad to go in between the turn signal and the turn signal
mounting housing. The idea is that when the ($175+) turn signal /side
mirror pops off, and it can happen totally without warning, the tether
will keep it from hitting the ground. (The factory wiring harness
seldom holds the signal long enough to pull over and grab it before
it falls.)
Installation: Easy. 10 - 15 Minutes.
Need: Must Have.
Cost: $18 (Two included.)
Bob's BMW (Made by Wüdo, DB)
1-800-BMW-BOBS
bmwbobs@aol.com |
Turn
Signal/
Side Mirror Tethers
(Homemade) |
The idea is that
when the ($175+) turn signal /side mirror pops off, and it can happen
totally without warning, the tether will keep it from hitting the
ground. (The factory wiring harness seldom holds the signal long enough
to pull over and grab it before it falls.)
Installation/Fabrication: Easy. 30 - 45 Minutes.
Directions
Need: Must Have.
Cost: ~$6
Contributed by Robert Taylor <rob-kate@erols.com> |
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AUXILIARY
LIGHTS
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55/100
Headlight Bulb
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One of the easiest
and immediately noticeable modifications an owner can make is to swap
the stock H-4 55/60 watt headlight bulb with a more powerful one.
There are two immediate options, the 55/100 or 90/100, neither of
which should require any modification should your electrical system,
lighting wire and connections in particular, be in good shape, free
from corrosion or previous modification.
The 55/100 is by far the most popular as the 90/100 simply has too
powerful of a low beam (90 watts.) Some have commented that they have
suffered electrical failures with the replacement bulbs so make sure
your electrical system is in top condition.
Make sure to carry the BMW spare bulb kit with you on all trips,
and to immediately replace bulbs you have used from the kit!
Installation: Easy. 10 minutes, no disassembly.
Need: This modification is only needed should you find your
stock bulb's high beam insufficient (most do.)
Cost: $12 to $16
Any BMW Dealer or Autoparts store. |
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PIAA
Driving Lights
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Of all of the
aftermarket driving lights available, PIAA's are certainly the most
respected (and the most expensive.) As has been told me by virtually
every owner of these lights I've ever asked, they are worth it. They
come in a wide variety applications, from tiny extremely long range
"pencil" beams to short range "floods" (and practically
everything in between.)
Mounting these lights on the K1100 series is somewhat difficult, though
there are many custom-made brackets floating around, most making use
of either the mirror mounts (not good should your bike fall over)
or the center fairing screws (under the fairing nose.)
Installation: Difficult. Custom brackets & wiring needed.
Need: Auxiliary driving lights are quite useful for extended
nighttime higher speed touring, and heavy nighttime use of lesser
traveled secondary roads.
Cost: $100 and up model-dependent.
Models Recommended: PIAA 910, 1500
The following Motorcycle Vendors offer PIAA lights:
PIAA 910's - CBT Imports
- (800)782-4686
TECH:
There are two tech articles on PIAA lights, one by Gary
Harris on the 910 and one by John
Merrick on the 1500.
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Blazer
Driving Lights
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The Blazer lights
are no match for the PIAA's in both function or quality, but for the
price they are outstanding. Much like the PIAA's, the Blazers come
in several different configurations based upon beam strength and diffusion.
Those who own them rave about them, and I have not yet heard a report
of a failure.
Mounting these lights on the K1100 series is somewhat difficult, though
there are many custom-made brackets floating around, most making use
of either the mirror mounts (not good should your bike fall over)
or the center fairing screws (under the fairing nose.)
Installation: Difficult. Custom brackets & wiring needed.
Need: Auxiliary driving lights are quite useful for extended
nighttime higher speed touring, and heavy nighttime use of lesser
traveled secondary roads.
Cost: $40
Blazer lights are carried by K-Mart, Wal-Mart, and most of the
nationwide auto parts stores. |
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LIGHT
BRACKETS
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CBT
Imports
K1100LT
Mirror Mount
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This is a clean
and solid mounting system.
Installation: Moderate (wiring takes time.)
Need: A good bracket is a must for the installation of auxiliary
lights.
Cost: $call
CBT Imports - (800)782-4686 |
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OTHER
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| 3M-Refective
Tape |
I first noticed
this tape when following Greg Pink at night and seeing 4" circles
of reflected light from the back of his hard bag. The next day I could
see nothing till I looked up close and saw 4" circles of 3M black
reflective tape. This stuff really lights up, and is quite easy to
install.
Installation: Depends - "Dots" are simply clean,
peel & stick. One can get carried away with designs. Many BMW
dealers sell pre-cut tape designed to perfectly fit the back of BMW
hard bags.
Need: Recommended
Cost: ~$10 for raw tape, ~$30 for pre-cut hard bag designs.
From Greg Pink:
Howdy,
I've ordered and received a 2-48" sections of black 3M reflective
tape (I got the last ones in this size). So, here's who has it with
part numbers:
Gall's Inc., 2680 Palumbo Drive, Lexington, KY 40555-4308, 1-800-477-7766
The following are for reflective tape only:
#UDE180 1" x 60" Strip $4.99 each
#UDE181 2" x 60" Strip $7.99 each
#UDE182 3" x 60" Strip $9.99 each
#UDE183 4" x 60" Strip $12.99 each |
