Headlight Switch

[98Deathmage]

Im wondering if anyone has put a toggle switch on their headlight? I am currently running a 65 watt heated jacket with 22w gloves(11 per) and might add socks or pants. Since most of my riding now is day time and i am riding to school in the mornings, headlight use is not mandatory or a problem. My main fear is most of my commute to college can be stop and go. I want to reduce the amount of draw on my charging system. I just doing research right now to see if it would even be worth the work, if even possible. My other question, would this work with an HID kit since im going to have a projector retrofit done next season.

 

[Ricenoodle]

to my knowledge headlight is required to be on always while you're on the road by DOT for safety reason nationwide. As to why you would want them off to reduce drain is beyond me because that's alot of wattage and you'll have to worry about heat issues and drain issues as discussed above. I had HID before doing a projector retrofit and it was plenty of light for me but the glare and lack of focused light made me switched. I opted for the Bill me later option and just went with Rabbitman's projector since that should have been my first lighting upgrade option after having HID's for 6 months. Food for thought.

 

[Rabbitman109]

A headlight on a motorcycle (manufactured after sometime in the 70's) needs to be on when the ignition is on. I assume for most states that it would not pass inspection. Clearly you can do it if you wish, but would not be legal.

If you did do it, it would work with an HID system, as there is minimal differences as far as power supply is concerned.

 

[dart1963]

Put your bike on a battery tender nightly, add a voltmeter if you think it's a concern... anything under 5K rpm and you will not be charging the system.

Battery tender jr is perfect for this.

I'm down a vehicle right now, so I've been running my 65w vest and oxford heated grips (roughly 50W on high) daily with an HID (which is nice as it is a constant 35W draw, instead of 55/60W of a normal H4).