Featured America Fitted A Nice Pair Of Spots

So I got a pair of spots from a nice member of this wee forum (@dilligaf ) . Decided I would have to do some work to get them to fit my America , putting the wires internally and also retaining the original indicator positionin. First thing was drilling the bar either end and cutting a slot in the middle to get the wires out the other end.


You can also see to the bottom left my template for the mounting plate I had to fabricate. The two tabs coming out of the back of the lightbar go thro' the two slots in the adapter plate.


This is the adapter plate made up and drilled. You can see this drops the indicator bar down low enough for the light bar to sit on top. The picture below is it finished and cleaned up.


And this is the light bar in and the indicator bar mounted.


And with the cover installed


Wired the earths on the relay and the 2 spots together and used an earth strap to the frame, the live took to the battery through an inline fuse and ran a wire up to the tank to find an ignition live from the tacho light feed. All connections soldered on and fitted a rubber sock (finger of a nitrile glove) to keep water out and then tucked it into the back of the headlight nacelle.


Fitted and not all working, got a bulb out, will pick one up tomorrow.


Added bonus, now got some blind spot mirrors and also get to see how cool I look riding along ;-)

 

This was supposed to be the last image, but struggling to edit that post so here it is, as you can see a decent blind spot mirror !

 

Wow mate they look cool
How much were they
I might get some
(Ones with both bulbs working )

 

I'll let you know how much the bulb was, I expect a refund to the value of !!!!

 

very neat and EXACTLY what Im looking for...do you have wiring info/colours for a numpty (2016 America) ?

 

Took + power straight from battery (in line fuse), used frame as an earth and picked up the ignition live from under the tank console, there are 2 green and black wires run to unused multi plug, use either.
Just these three wired into a relay and your away. If unsure how to wire a relay, do Google search, plenty info. I'll try remember to draw up a wiring diagram tomorrow and post up.

 

Nice job Mr O. I think the bike looks great with the spots on and the benefit is you are so much more visible to the dozy car drivers. I ride my LT with my spots on when I'm in traffic all the time. My mates reackon my bike is like a becon when I follw them.
Wessa

 

Does the LT have a switch then? Where abouts and what does it look like ????

 

All the Thunderbirds do , its next to the hi/low beam on the left hand cluster.
The spots look good thou. Very jealous

 

Yep come as standard on the left consol.
Wessa

 

Thanks, we poor America riders don't get such luxuries !

Was thinking of how to install a switch on the tank console, but want a nice neat job. Will look out for a nice switch and fitting.

 

@MrOrange would the switch cluster not fit your bike. If it did I'm sure you would manage to modify the wiring to work with yours. Check eBay for a left hand switch from any of the Thunderbirds.
After seeing them on yours I've decided to get spots sorted for mine now. It's your all fault

 

, they do look nice, and I do feel like an increased road presence with them on. Got a 600 mile run to do next week, will be good to see, if I get less eejits 'not' seeing me ????

With the added bonus of being rather excellent blind spot mirrors. I can actually see if they are on, by looking at the other one, the angle of view is that WIDE !!!! Had a group of pedestrians walk up the side of the bike whilst I was waiting for lights to change, was able to keep an eye on them all the way from disappearing from my mirror view, all the way to being visible at the side of me. Be useful on dual / motorways.

I remember a few years ago, seeing a convex mirror that mounted on the stem/screen - Riderscan, that allowed a full view behind and to the side, I see where they got their inspiration from now.

 

Nice !
We have a traditional term around here which I can now use to describe you.
Yer a right bobby dazzler !

 

Gawd your a weird shape

 

Good job well done.
I do however have a sneaking suspicion you're my brother from another mother Mr Orange......
Not only did we both play ice hockey and both ride America's, but I noticed the archery target in the background. - does a Nishizawa recurve mean anything to you?

 

I am not aware of Nishazawa (had to google) but yes I too am an archer. You can see my recurve limbs in the first picture, have a target in the garden, so often leave the bow out, ready to shoot (not strung tho' !) Got a recurve and an american flat bow. Shot indoor competition over the winter, best place was 23rd in Scotland at one point.

Just started getting further coaching from a Level 4 guy, he is struggling with the fact, I have too much upper body strength and don't use my shoulders, easy do it with my arms !!! Trying to get rid of this bad habit. He asked what other sport / activities I did, said I did kayaking and used to do Ice Hockey, he just rolled his eye's and said "Arrrgh" !!!

If you tell me you kayak too - I am coming down and DNA testing !!!!

 

No kayaking, but I did a bit of water skiing donkeys years ago - its that speed addiction thing!. I don't do the archery either now, It was something that I did for a while after doing a corporate event then joining an evening course at the local school. A fifty pound draw weight would play havoc with my shoulders these days....
Two America riding former ice hockey players, who can shoot arrows with great accuracy, as Harry Hill would say, "what are the chances of that happening!"

 

Reckon they helped save my bacon today, car pulled out to pass a tractor coming towards me.!!!
Saw me in time and nipped back in sharpish, thank feck, gave me a wee shot of adrenaline.

 

Glad things worked out for you. There is no doubt that the additional lights make you more visible
Wessa