Electrical Question (need help)
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,442
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From: south
Electrical Question (need help)
I recently wired up a set of fog lights on my 08SG. I wired them exactly as the MoCo instructions were written.
That means that they are hooked to the low beam side of the headlight and will only light when the low beam is on, and they go out when you go to the high beam.
My question is..would there be any problem with changing the wire that runs to the low beam to the high beam wire behind the headlight?
My plan is to buy a headlight modulator to modulate on the high beam and also have the fog lights on. Then the fog lights would go out when you go back to the low beam.
I did find a company that sells a modulator that will modulate the low beam, but most recommend that you modulate the high beam.
Thank for your advise.
That means that they are hooked to the low beam side of the headlight and will only light when the low beam is on, and they go out when you go to the high beam.
My question is..would there be any problem with changing the wire that runs to the low beam to the high beam wire behind the headlight?
My plan is to buy a headlight modulator to modulate on the high beam and also have the fog lights on. Then the fog lights would go out when you go back to the low beam.
I did find a company that sells a modulator that will modulate the low beam, but most recommend that you modulate the high beam.
Thank for your advise.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,442
Likes: 8
From: south
I guess no electrical people are up yet!(lol)
I think I got wordy with my question. Simplified...
Has anyone hooked up their fog lights to work with the high beam instead of the low beams?
I think I got wordy with my question. Simplified...
Has anyone hooked up their fog lights to work with the high beam instead of the low beams?
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
If I were going to run higher-powered bulbs I would probably put the auxillary lights on a relay, which is an easy install for only a few dollars. It will also provide higher output for the auxillaries if the main power source is the battery, as from that location it should run ~13.5V whereas at the headlight it will be lower at around 12V. Motorcycle Consumer News tested a headlight relay in their latest issue and connecting to the battery using a relay provided 50% more light output than in the stock location. The downside is that a typical halogen bulb will lose a full 75% of its longevity running at that higher voltage.
My plan is to buy a headlight modulator to modulate on the high beam and also have the fog lights on. Then the fog lights would go out when you go back to the low beam.
I did find a company that sells a modulator that will modulate the low beam, but most recommend that you modulate the high beam.
I did find a company that sells a modulator that will modulate the low beam, but most recommend that you modulate the high beam.
Last edited by iclick; Mar 5, 2009 at 10:03 AM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 5,535
Likes: 15
From: Salem, Va.
I agree with Iclick on this. If you have any douts put the relay in anyway. It's a simple install and the only load you will add to the high beam circuit is what it takes to trigger the relay and that's insignifigant. All you need is a relay from any auto parts store.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,442
Likes: 8
From: south
On my '07 SG the high- and low-beam wire gauges are the same, or at least the OD is the same, so there should be no problem putting the auxillary lights on that circuit. If you are running 55/60w headlight bulbs there will be 5w more current drawn in that configuration, but that won't be a problem especially with a modulator. The modulator will actually allow the bulb to run cooler. I've been running 80/100w headlight bulbs for years with no problems with wires, switches, or connectors--so your proposed configuration should pose no problems.
If I were going to run higher-powered bulbs I would probably put the auxillary lights on a relay, which is an easy install for only a few dollars. It will also provide higher output for the auxillaries if the main power source is the battery, as from that location it should run ~13.5V whereas at the headlight it will be lower at around 12V. Motorcycle Consumer News tested a headlight relay in their latest issue and connecting to the battery using a relay provided 50% more light output than in the stock location. The downside is that a typical halogen bulb will lose a full 75% of its longevity running at that higher voltage.
I haven't seen a modulator that works on low-beam and I don't know why you'd configure one that way. The low-beam in daylight is almost invisible and you need the high-beams just to be seen at all. I've been using the Kisan Pathblazer now for about seven years and I recommend it.
If I were going to run higher-powered bulbs I would probably put the auxillary lights on a relay, which is an easy install for only a few dollars. It will also provide higher output for the auxillaries if the main power source is the battery, as from that location it should run ~13.5V whereas at the headlight it will be lower at around 12V. Motorcycle Consumer News tested a headlight relay in their latest issue and connecting to the battery using a relay provided 50% more light output than in the stock location. The downside is that a typical halogen bulb will lose a full 75% of its longevity running at that higher voltage.
I haven't seen a modulator that works on low-beam and I don't know why you'd configure one that way. The low-beam in daylight is almost invisible and you need the high-beams just to be seen at all. I've been using the Kisan Pathblazer now for about seven years and I recommend it.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 441
Likes: 0
From: winter spring,fl
In some states you are suppose to only run you fog lights with low beams. I connected mine to the ACC switch on the dash so I could chose when I wanted the extra lights. If I have a group following me it is always nice to have them shut off their spot or fog lights so I can keep track of the group. Now some do some don't it depends on if they have lead many people & are the curiosity ones. I just spliced the wire under the dash. I also could not find the ACC plug under my seat. The only plug I could find was hot all the time. If anyone has a Pic of both plugs under the seat please send it to me I can change it.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,051
Likes: 0
From: McHenry, IL
follow the directions as moco states, just hook up the high beams instead of the low beams. The fog lights do not know where they are hooked to.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,442
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From: south
I just ordered a headlight modulator from Kisan Technologies part # P115W-S it was $117.30 delivered.
Between the Fog Lights and the Modulator I hope I am a little more visible.
Thanks guys!
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Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,296
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From: Cheltenham, UK
In principle there will be no difference between wiring to the low beam or the high beam. My only concern with some of the suggestions made here and with your plan is whether your intend modulating the fog lights as well?
Assuming your are NOT modulating the fog lights, you need to ensure you are tapping in on the supply side of the modulator for the fog light, rather than on the output side. If you plan to use a relay, then that also MUST be on the supply side to the modulator. Trying to modulate a relay could give you some VERY interesting results.
Assuming your are NOT modulating the fog lights, you need to ensure you are tapping in on the supply side of the modulator for the fog light, rather than on the output side. If you plan to use a relay, then that also MUST be on the supply side to the modulator. Trying to modulate a relay could give you some VERY interesting results.
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