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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: LostDog on March 03, 2007, 06:40:11 PM

Title: New dual headlight setup
Post by: LostDog on March 03, 2007, 06:40:11 PM
I saw these for sale on eBay, but decided to save some cash and make my own. The wiring was a little tricky. I had to add a diode so that I could have both lamps on when I flip the light switch to high. I also had to mount a small electronics housing box in there so that all the wiring that used to live in the old headlight would have somewhere to go.

(http://www.gstwins.com/photogallery/albums/userpics/16332/gs500newheadlight4.jpg)

(http://www.gstwins.com/photogallery/albums/userpics/16332/gs500newheadlight2.jpg)
Title: Re: New dual headlight setup
Post by: RedShift on March 03, 2007, 06:52:18 PM
Whow.  For a moment there I thought I was looking at a Trimuph Speed Tripple.

Cool.   O0

How is it for night riding?  What kind of bulbs & housing are used.  Parts list and links.  Come on man -- time to share more info on how others can follow your lead !!
Title: Re: New dual headlight setup
Post by: LostDog on March 03, 2007, 07:11:39 PM
I bought a set of Hella Optilux 2500 headlights. They come with a little mounting bracket on each light. If you pull them both off, you can reuse one as a spacer between the two lamps so the whole setup is close to the width of the stock light. Then you have to decide how to wire it. The lamps come with a ton of wiring for mounting them on a car. You need almost none of this. I just cut the wires into lengths I could use and scrapped all the switches, connectors, etc. I wired it so the angel eyes and the right lamp are always on, and the left lamp turns on when I flip the switch to high. So, you hook up the grounds and then run the a low wire (the white one coming from the bike) along with a high wire (yellow from the bike), but you have to put a 12v diode on so that you can keep all the lights that are on low also on high without current running backwards to the high. This is cause the low and high will both connect to the same positive lead on the low lamps, and without the diode current runs back down the high wire and over to the other lamp. Anyways, then you just run a single high (yellow) wire to the other lamp.

These are the lamps
http://www.hella.com/produktion/Optilux/WebSite/AuxiliaryLights/AngelEyes/Model_2500/Model_2500.jsp (http://www.hella.com/produktion/Optilux/WebSite/AuxiliaryLights/AngelEyes/Model_2500/Model_2500.jsp)

I bought mine from TruckCustomizers.com
http://truckcustomizers.com/products/-HM-CM/R4HLA131.2.html (http://truckcustomizers.com/products/-HM-CM/R4HLA131.2.html)
Title: Re: New dual headlight setup
Post by: facepants on March 03, 2007, 11:23:06 PM
What kind of turn signals are those?

Do you have rear ones to match or are you using stock?
Title: Re: New dual headlight setup
Post by: Wrecent_Wryder on March 04, 2007, 09:03:43 AM
%%
Title: Re: New dual headlight setup
Post by: dgyver on March 04, 2007, 02:44:44 PM
Looks good from the front. Can you post a side pic?

So, H3 bulbs are single filament?
Title: Re: New dual headlight setup
Post by: tpgpz on March 04, 2007, 07:24:28 PM
Quote from: LostDog on March 03, 2007, 07:11:39 PM
I bought a set of Hella Optilux 2500 headlights. They come with a little mounting bracket on each light. If you pull them both off, you can reuse one as a spacer between the two lamps so the whole setup is close to the width of the stock light. Then you have to decide how to wire it. The lamps come with a ton of wiring for mounting them on a car. You need almost none of this. I just cut the wires into lengths I could use and scrapped all the switches, connectors, etc. I wired it so the angel eyes and the right lamp are always on, and the left lamp turns on when I flip the switch to high. So, you hook up the grounds and then run the a low wire (the white one coming from the bike) along with a high wire (yellow from the bike), but you have to put a 12v diode on so that you can keep all the lights that are on low also on high without current running backwards to the high. This is cause the low and high will both connect to the same positive lead on the low lamps, and without the diode current runs back down the high wire and over to the other lamp. Anyways, then you just run a single high (yellow) wire to the other lamp.

These are the lamps
http://www.hella.com/produktion/Optilux/WebSite/AuxiliaryLights/AngelEyes/Model_2500/Model_2500.jsp (http://www.hella.com/produktion/Optilux/WebSite/AuxiliaryLights/AngelEyes/Model_2500/Model_2500.jsp)

I bought mine from TruckCustomizers.com
http://truckcustomizers.com/products/-HM-CM/R4HLA131.2.html (http://truckcustomizers.com/products/-HM-CM/R4HLA131.2.html)


Holy freakin crap!!!  I was watching the same headlights on ebay and was wanting to do the same thing that you just did!  Thanks for posting the info.  I understand everything that you did except the diode.  What wires does it connect to and what legs of the diode goes where?  I am no electrician by any means, but I can follow it with a bit more info if you have the time. 

Major props on the job!!  it looks great! 
Title: Re: New dual headlight setup
Post by: LostDog on March 05, 2007, 12:12:00 PM
The turn signals were on the bike when I got it, but I've seen them at cyclegear for less than $20 a set. I think they're these:
http://cyclegear.com/spgm.cfm?L1=&L2=&L3=&L4=&item=MRX_OI1_G (http://cyclegear.com/spgm.cfm?L1=&L2=&L3=&L4=&item=MRX_OI1_G)

The diode is just an inline semiconductor. You just have to splice it into the middle of your wire for the brights. If someone really wants to do this I can draw a diagram of the wiring. I picked up the diode at Fry's. It's a 12 volt 5 watt Zener Diode, and cost about $1. I also picked up some wire connectors there.
Title: Re: New dual headlight setup
Post by: facepants on March 05, 2007, 12:16:35 PM
Is that a flat black paint you have on your bike?  What brand/texture is it?
Title: Re: New dual headlight setup
Post by: LostDog on March 05, 2007, 12:25:06 PM
Yep, the paint is matte black. I used duplicolor truck bed liner. I saw it on another bike forum. Here's a better pic of the paint, before the new headlight.
(http://www.gstwins.com/photogallery/albums/userpics/16332/normal_gsnewpaint1.jpg)
Title: Re: New dual headlight setup
Post by: facepants on March 05, 2007, 12:29:04 PM
Haha.. yeah...

That's the exact stuff I've been looking into.  Yours looks awesome.

What kind of prep did you do before spraying it with the duplicolor?  Did you strip the paint completely from the tank?

Did you do any prep work on the plastics?

How does it hold up against gas/fluid spills and the sun?  Do you have to maintain it at all with other rub on chemicals?
Title: Re: New dual headlight setup
Post by: tpgpz on March 05, 2007, 12:40:29 PM
Quote from: LostDog on March 05, 2007, 12:12:00 PM
The turn signals were on the bike when I got it, but I've seen them at cyclegear for less than $20 a set. I think they're these:
http://cyclegear.com/spgm.cfm?L1=&L2=&L3=&L4=&item=MRX_OI1_G (http://cyclegear.com/spgm.cfm?L1=&L2=&L3=&L4=&item=MRX_OI1_G)

The diode is just an inline semiconductor. You just have to splice it into the middle of your wire for the brights. If someone really wants to do this I can draw a diagram of the wiring. I picked up the diode at Fry's. It's a 12 volt 5 watt Zener Diode, and cost about $1. I also picked up some wire connectors there.

I would be very interested in a diagram if you have the time. 
Title: Re: New dual headlight setup
Post by: LostDog on March 05, 2007, 12:48:51 PM
For the paint I just sanded everything really good, then washed them and used some degreaser. After that just spray on some light coats. I didn't take all the paint off. It took me a little more than one can.

I've got some sketches of the wiring at home. I'll take a photo and post it.
Title: Re: New dual headlight setup
Post by: scottpA_GS on March 05, 2007, 02:02:11 PM
Very cool  :thumb: I love the Halo look... If you get some time... can you post a pic of them turned off using a flash so we can see what the mounting setup looks like from front and side?

Thanks... again.. Cool project. I thought of doing the same, but took the easy way out and bought duel buels  :icon_mrgreen:
Title: Re: New dual headlight setup
Post by: anthonyd5189 on March 05, 2007, 08:50:55 PM
looks real sweet
Title: Re: New dual headlight setup
Post by: nightrider on March 06, 2007, 12:56:18 AM
That is one tactical looking GS. With a bionic eye. Props.  :thumb:
Title: Re: New dual headlight setup
Post by: Wrecent_Wryder on March 06, 2007, 06:13:00 AM
&&
Title: Re: New dual headlight setup
Post by: The Antibody on March 06, 2007, 07:37:07 AM
Not to shabby. They are a good size. I like the fact that you have both on for high beem. Both of mine turn on if I put the light switch in the middle. So I have low high and both.

Good Job.

-Anti  8)
Title: Re: New dual headlight setup
Post by: ohgood on March 06, 2007, 07:56:53 AM
It's already been noted this is a great looking setup. I'm wondering how it compares to the flamethrower of a light the GS comes with in stock trim ? Given most folks ask me 'what the hell are you running for lights?!' when we talk at a gas station, I'll assume it's a good deal brighter than most.


If it's great for daytime visibility, and nighttime flaming, I'll definetly be interested.
Title: Re: New dual headlight setup
Post by: Wrecent_Wryder on April 04, 2007, 07:07:24 AM
^^
Title: Re: New dual headlight setup
Post by: scottpA_GS on April 04, 2007, 07:42:23 AM
You can always go w/ the dual buells they are DOT  :thumb:
Title: Re: New dual headlight setup
Post by: Turd Ferguson on April 04, 2007, 09:48:23 AM
Quote from: scottpA_GS on April 04, 2007, 07:42:23 AM
You can always go w/ the dual buells they are DOT  :thumb:

Though ugly.
Title: Re: New dual headlight setup
Post by: LostDog on April 04, 2007, 10:58:00 AM
The housings on mine are gloss black. I think the box actually said not for street use, but we don't have motorcycle inspections in California. They come as a pair with all the wiring to use them as auxiliary lighting on a car. The main hassle is rewiring for the bike. Mounting is super easy.
Title: Re: New dual headlight setup
Post by: scottpA_GS on April 04, 2007, 01:06:28 PM
Quote from: Turd Ferguson on April 04, 2007, 09:48:23 AM
Quote from: scottpA_GS on April 04, 2007, 07:42:23 AM
You can always go w/ the dual buells they are DOT  :thumb:

Though ugly.

Like I love YOU





:icon_mrgreen:


:thumb:
Title: Re: New dual headlight setup
Post by: Merkurio24 on April 04, 2007, 01:12:58 PM
Quote from: facepants on March 03, 2007, 11:23:06 PM
What kind of turn signals are those?

Do you have rear ones to match or are you using stock?

The turn signals are not stock, I have them too..
Here is a pic.
(http://www.clutchlevers.com/ltsarwcfnn.jpg)
Title: Re: New dual headlight setup
Post by: Wrecent_Wryder on April 04, 2007, 04:30:23 PM
%%g
Title: Re: New dual headlight setup
Post by: denman on April 04, 2007, 04:58:12 PM
yes that look's cool good job.
Title: Re: New dual headlight setup
Post by: Turd Ferguson on April 04, 2007, 05:00:14 PM
Quote from: scottpA_GS on April 04, 2007, 01:06:28 PM
Like I love YOU

OH BURN!

scottpA_GSpwned! :laugh:
Title: Re: New dual headlight setup
Post by: manofthefield on April 04, 2007, 05:52:52 PM
Quote from: Turd Ferguson on April 04, 2007, 05:00:14 PM
scottpA_GSpwned! :laugh:

that's a mouthful
Title: Re: New dual headlight setup
Post by: LostDog on April 04, 2007, 07:46:55 PM
Quote from: Wrecent_Wryder on April 04, 2007, 04:30:23 PM
To be honest, I'm not at all sure that I followed the hassle with the wiring, and the need for the diode. Seems pretty straightforward- high and low both worked before without a diode, after all.

The reason for the diode is that one light is connected to high and low, but the other just connected to high. Without the diode power from the low beam will run back down the high wire connected to the low lamp and then up to the high only lamp. This is only a problem when you have two or more lamps.

This is only needed if you want to run single lamp for low and both for high. That's how the ones I saw on eBay were setup. I'm not sure how other dual headlamp bikes work.
Title: Re: New dual headlight setup
Post by: bucks1605 on April 04, 2007, 07:48:13 PM
I love the look of the dual headlights, I would set some up on my bike but I'm strapped for cash.  :icon_rolleyes:
Title: Re: New dual headlight setup
Post by: The Antibody on April 05, 2007, 03:15:17 PM
Well, Turd... you're just wrong.

See, it's not even an opinion. it is a fact. Buell lightning headlights look sweet assed on a GS.

It's a fact.

Buell Duals on a GS =  :bowdown:

It's a fact.

  -Anti  8)

I bet it's even on Wikipedia.
Title: Re: New dual headlight setup
Post by: ledfingers on April 06, 2007, 01:01:57 AM
i like my dual dominators, personally, but this setup looks pretty good. i doubt anyone would like the way i set up my lights, but i do so i don't care.
Title: Re: New dual headlight setup
Post by: Wrecent_Wryder on April 06, 2007, 04:33:41 AM
^^^h
Title: Re: New dual headlight setup
Post by: LostDog on April 07, 2007, 01:08:30 PM
Ok, I finally made a wiring diagram for this. You can see it here:
http://cgi.stanford.edu/~sanjayd/gs500/Upgrades/DualHeadlights (http://cgi.stanford.edu/~sanjayd/gs500/Upgrades/DualHeadlights)
Title: Re: New dual headlight setup
Post by: NiceGuysFinishLast on April 07, 2007, 01:24:34 PM
Schweet! And no issues yet? I'm about to bite the bullet on a set of these on ebay for $54..
Title: Re: New dual headlight setup
Post by: bucks1605 on April 07, 2007, 02:55:26 PM
What are these lights called? I can't find them on ebay.
Title: Re: New dual headlight setup
Post by: NiceGuysFinishLast on April 07, 2007, 03:10:46 PM
per the 3rd post in this thread:

Hella optilux 2500
Title: Re: New dual headlight setup
Post by: LostDog on April 07, 2007, 03:47:52 PM
They're still working great. I found that the lights were cheaper from online retailers than on eBay.
froogle (http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=hella+optilux+2500+-remote&hl=en&btnG=Search&lmode=online&scoring=p)
Either way, it's half the cost of buying the pre-modified sets. The hardest part is the wiring. Mounting is super easy.
Title: Re: New dual headlight setup
Post by: NiceGuysFinishLast on April 07, 2007, 03:50:20 PM
Eh, they're $54 on ebay, but I don't know about shipping..
Title: Re: New dual headlight setup
Post by: NiceGuysFinishLast on April 07, 2007, 09:37:09 PM
$65.48, shipped, with optional insurance via UPS. Should see em here in about 4 to 5 days. I've been getting ticked off with my stocker lately, so I'm hoping these will be a good upgrade. Have you seen a noticeable increase in brightness with these? Also, I'll probably be PMing you with questions after I get mine.. I'll go to Fry's on Thursday and pick up a diode.
Title: Re: New dual headlight setup
Post by: MinnesotaCafe on April 08, 2007, 09:37:24 PM
I think it was already asked, but I couldn't find a response. How's the matte black hold up against gas/sun/bird s$%t/etc ?
And for the hundreth time, that's a beautiful GS ...
Title: Re: New dual headlight setup
Post by: LostDog on April 08, 2007, 10:14:23 PM
Quote from: MinnesotaCafe on April 08, 2007, 09:37:24 PM
I think it was already asked, but I couldn't find a response. How's the matte black hold up against gas/sun/bird s$%t/etc ?
And for the hundreth time, that's a beautiful GS ...

The paint is still great. It's truck bed liner, so I've whacked it with wrenches and spilled gas on it with no problems. I'm glad you like my bike. It has case guards, and bar end mirrors now. I was gonna take new photos this weekend, but the weather was crap. I'll be sure to post up a new topic when I get 'em taken.
Title: Re: New dual headlight setup
Post by: NiceGuysFinishLast on April 08, 2007, 10:22:00 PM
Which bar ends did you go with? I'm considering a CRG for the left side.. but don't really wanna drop $50

Also, is this a serious improvement over stock lighting? I'm only curious cuz I'm waiting on mine to get here!
Title: Re: New dual headlight setup
Post by: Wrecent_Wryder on April 09, 2007, 09:47:32 AM
&&
Title: Re: New dual headlight setup
Post by: LostDog on April 09, 2007, 10:01:21 AM
Quote from: NiceGuysFinishLast on April 08, 2007, 10:22:00 PM
Which bar ends did you go with? I'm considering a CRG for the left side.. but don't really wanna drop $50

Also, is this a serious improvement over stock lighting? I'm only curious cuz I'm waiting on mine to get here!

I got the Motrax barend mirrors from Cyclegear. (http://cyclegear.com/spgm.cfm?L1=&L2=&L3=&L4=&item=MRX_MBM1_G&tier2=14) I love them. I can actually see if a car is behind me at a stoplight instead of looking at the reflection of my shoulder. Also, they look cool. Oh ya, I had to mount them a little different because of the threaded inserts on my clamp on bars. I had some extra bolts that fit the threads, and I put a spacer in so the throttle didn't catch.

As for the lighting, it doesn't get very dark in LA at night, but they seem plenty bright. Better than my stock headlight, but it was in bad shape.
Title: Re: New dual headlight setup
Post by: heatherg11 on May 17, 2007, 06:26:01 AM
did you use the fuse that came with that setup? did you cut off your oem female adapter or just use wire connectors to connect it?
Title: Re: New dual headlight setup
Post by: Wrecent_Wryder on June 03, 2007, 08:42:16 AM
&&f
Title: Re: New dual headlight setup
Post by: NiceGuysFinishLast on June 03, 2007, 11:52:17 AM
No male H4.. I had to cut and chop and splice to make mine work.
Title: Re: New dual headlight setup
Post by: Wrecent_Wryder on June 03, 2007, 01:03:09 PM
%%f
Title: Re: New dual headlight setup
Post by: NiceGuysFinishLast on June 03, 2007, 02:17:22 PM
For now, the wiring is hidden in a black plastic project box from radioshack (about $3)... But I don't like it, cuz it's too big to mount behind the headlights, so I have it mounted under them. I think it looks fugly. I'm going to take all the wiring, make sure it's secure, and then wrap it in electrical tape and stuff it up behind the headlights, I think. I won't need to mess with that wiring very often, so it won't be a big hassle.
Title: Re: New dual headlight setup
Post by: ledfingers on June 04, 2007, 01:06:01 PM
i used my rear fender... :thumb:
Title: Re: New dual headlight setup
Post by: mattress on June 04, 2007, 03:36:53 PM
I just ordered a set of them... 
They'll look great with the Buell blinkers I put on today  :icon_mrgreen:

I'll be putting on a set of bars too in a couple of weeks..  Can't wait for that.  I don't know which to get though :(
Title: Re: New dual headlight setup
Post by: mattress on June 07, 2007, 10:46:28 AM
w00p lights came in the mail today.  the first thing that I've ordered for my bike that actually arrived on time!! :)

I'm not gonna mess with them now, I have the bike torn apart too much as is, and will mess with em when I get it put back together lol..
Title: Re: New dual headlight setup
Post by: aimre on October 16, 2007, 04:11:40 AM
So that lit light has a Halo in it also?

Also is this brighter than stock?

Can u show us pics without the lights on, so we can see how it looks like mounted

thanks
Title: Re: New dual headlight setup
Post by: Yev on September 06, 2008, 08:49:40 AM
Sorry for bringing this back from the dead, but I have a faired GS right now and If I buy these Hella Angel Eye lights do I need to buy brackets and such? (I am taking my fairings off and finally going buck naked) I know it's probably a really noob-a$$ question...

Thanks,
Yev
Title: Re: New dual headlight setup
Post by: the mole on September 07, 2008, 01:37:15 PM
Quote from: Yev on September 06, 2008, 08:49:40 AM
Sorry for bringing this back from the dead, but I have a faired GS right now and If I buy these Hella Angel Eye lights do I need to buy brackets and such? (I am taking my fairings off and finally going buck naked) I know it's probably a really noob-a$$ question...

Thanks,
Yev
Hell no! You can just duct tape them to your helmet, nod your head for high and low beam.
Title: Re: New dual headlight setup
Post by: Yev on September 07, 2008, 02:00:59 PM
Quote from: the mole on September 07, 2008, 01:37:15 PM
Quote from: Yev on September 06, 2008, 08:49:40 AM
Sorry for bringing this back from the dead, but I have a faired GS right now and If I buy these Hella Angel Eye lights do I need to buy brackets and such? (I am taking my fairings off and finally going buck naked) I know it's probably a really noob-a$$ question...

Thanks,
Yev
Hell no! You can just duct tape them to your helmet, nod your head for high and low beam.

:2guns:
Title: Re: New dual headlight setup
Post by: mach1 on September 07, 2008, 03:00:23 PM
It would look cool if you remove the stock light out of the fairing and cover it with fiberglass and then cut the holes out for dual headlights. that would look fun bags
Title: Re: New dual headlight setup
Post by: sledge on September 07, 2008, 03:29:30 PM
Quote from: the mole on September 07, 2008, 01:37:15 PM
Quote from: Yev on September 06, 2008, 08:49:40 AM
Sorry for bringing this back from the dead, but I have a faired GS right now and If I buy these Hella Angel Eye lights do I need to buy brackets and such? (I am taking my fairings off and finally going buck naked) I know it's probably a really noob-a$$ question...

Thanks,
Yev
Hell no! You can just duct tape them to your helmet, nod your head for high and low beam.


hahahaha  :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :thumb: yeah and run the cables back to the battery via the crack in your ass.
Title: Re: New dual headlight setup
Post by: O.G. GS500 on August 12, 2010, 11:10:41 AM
  :thumb: yea this idea was great and thanks for sharing I crashed up in Angeles crest and needed a new headlight n bars so I got the vortex clip ons and I'm waiting on the angel eyes should b here any min but I've been thinking about the mounting all day trying to figure it out without the part so thanks

Chris :woohoo: