Removing the Passing Lights

[rumboogy]

OK...I have had the passing lights for several months now and I think I want to remove them. Besides them not even working anymore (may just be a loose wire), but I think I want to remove them anyway.

 

I let my local STEALER put them on and I am thinking there is a STRAIGHT mount they removed that the turn signals were mounted to (when stock), and then replaced with this lightbar bracket.

 

So am I correct to think that since they didn't give my parts (the other mount bar) back, that I will have to find one before I can go back to the stock look.

 

Here are a couple of pics...the first one shows my bike BEFORE the light bar and the second shows the light bar AFTER the passing lights were mounted.

 

Can I just take the LIGHTS off and connect the turn signals to the PRESENT light bar?

 

Thanks for any help.

 

Wally

[KeithR]

You are going to have to track down that straight mounting bar.

 

Keith

[Scooter Bob]

So am I correct to think that since they didn't give my parts (the other mount bar) back, that I will have to find one before I can go back to the stock look.

 

I think you're thinkin' right, at least from the pics. I've never had one though.

 

I let my local STEALER put them on.....since they didn't give my parts (the other mount bar) back,

 

Have you asked them to give you you're parts back?

 

Just my , Scooter Bob

[rumboogy]

Thanks to both of you for your help. Like most of us on here...I ask for help and then while waiting for answers I do the research on my own.

 

The part is called a "STAY". And OEM pricing is about $91.

 

The answer is NO, I didn't get my parts back. I will from now get ALL PARTS back regardless of how trivial or how PERMANENT a part change is...I think I have learned my lesson.

 

So...at this point, it's kind a like an OLD EX-WIFE, it would have been cheaper to keep her.

[rumboogy]

I guess I can give a reason...so some can make me feel better and some can make think my idea was crazy.

 

Besides the lightbar not working right now (I will check wiring), I wanted to remove the lightbar for the 3 following reasons:

 

1. The lightbar is heavy and adds unwanted extra weight to the front end, especially when turning. It doesn't take that much weight to cause a significant amount of difference on the front end.

 

2. The lamps do pull a considerable amount of power and I have always wondered about the amount they pull and also using other accessories...maybe an issue, maybe not.

 

3. I rarely ever used them.

 

What are YOUR thoughts...

 

Wally

[Scooter Bob]

What are YOUR thoughts...Wally

 

If you take them off, the Harley riders will quit waving....

 

cus they know it's not one of them. :crackup::crackup:

 

 

Actually, that's not a problem around these parts, most everybody waves, no matter what they're ridin'.

 

Later, Scooter Bob

[Color01]

when you are selling the lights with the light bar ..I'm interested in them.

[Freebird]

I love the looks of the passing lights even though they really aren't very effective. I can't see ever removing mine. I put them on over 10 years ago but I MAY have the original bar here somewhere. If I can find it, you are welcome to it but no promises until I look.

[Scooter Bob]

I might consider a trade/buy, but that won't be possible till the dead of winter.

 

I would imagine there are many members here that have one laying around.

 

Later, Scooter Bob

 

 

Never mind, I see others are already chiming in to fix you up.

Edited August 29, 2010 by Scooter Bob
Typing too slow again

[rumboogy]

I will keep all the offers in mind. Freebird if you can find yours let me...but I may just do like you and leave them on...

 

Thanks guys...just some out loud thinking.

 

I appreciate the comments and have bookmarked this thread.

 

Wally

[friesman]

If youre not going ot make a change until winter, i would go back to the dealer and get him to fix those lights properly in the meantime. After all he wasnt shy about charging you for the service, so get him to do it right.

 

IMHO..... the bike looks much better with them on.

 

Brian

[flb_78]

I took mine off. I don't like them. I think they clutter up the front end and put an unnecessary draw on the electrical system. I picked up a turn signal bar from a member on here, Bugfish69.

 

If you take off the driving light bar and reinstall the factory T/S bar, you'll also need 2 "flasher dampners". They're 2 little rubber pieces that hold the lights in the bar.

 

http://venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?t=27745&highlight=turn+signal

[jfoster]

Another, idea is take the lights off and mount some round led's that have a very low draw and give the bike a different look. JP cycles and other places have alot light options.

[Guest Boomerbiker]

Wally -

 

I just happen to have a spare OEM Turn Signal mounting bar. $91 dollars for a piece of chrome? What a bunch of bull. Provide me a mailing address it's on its way - gratis.

 

Bill Stewart

COldwater, MI

[straycatt]

I wanted to remove the lightbar for the 3 following reasons:

 

1. The lightbar is heavy and adds unwanted extra weight to the front end, especially when turning. It doesn't take that much weight to cause a significant amount of difference on the front end.

 

2. The lamps do pull a considerable amount of power and I have always wondered about the amount they pull and also using other accessories...maybe an issue, maybe not.

 

3. I rarely ever used them.

 

What are YOUR thoughts...

 

Wally

 

 

1. I'm not really sure it's useful to save 10 lbs or so on an almost 900 lbs motorcycle.

 

2. Any electrical power that is not used by your bike / accessories is sent to the reg/rec and is wasted in the form of heat. These scooters don't need to make any more heat.

 

3. Mine are on ALL of the time. During the day they give me greater visibility. At night, if aimed properly, they fill in the headlight very well.

 

Plus, I think, they make the plain front end of the Venture look A LOT better.

[Freebird]

Wally -

 

I just happen to have a spare OEM Turn Signal mounting bar. $91 dollars for a piece of chrome? What a bunch of bull. Provide me a mailing address it's on its way - gratis.

 

Bill Stewart

COldwater, MI

 

Take him up on it Wally. I just looked and can't find mine. Sorry.

[rumboogy]

Thanks guys...I just sent a PM.

[wes0778]

1. I'm not really sure it's useful to save 10 lbs or so on an almost 900 lbs motorcycle.

 

2. Any electrical power that is not used by your bike / accessories is sent to the reg/rec and is wasted in the form of heat. These scooters don't need to make any more heat.

 

3. Mine are on ALL of the time. During the day they give me greater visibility. At night, if aimed properly, they fill in the headlight very well.

 

Plus, I think, they make the plain front end of the Venture look A LOT better.

 

I have ridden ahead of folks that have and don't have passing lights. It is amazing to me how the bike with no passing lights blends in and disappears in the mirror. The ones WITH the passing lights stand out.

Forget the "looks" thingy, more lights mean you are easier to see. To me having the passing lights on ALL the time is a safety thing.

[mountainhorsega]

I took mine off. I don't like them. I think they clutter up the front end and put an unnecessary draw on the electrical system. I picked up a turn signal bar from a member on here, Bugfish69.

 

If you take off the driving light bar and reinstall the factory T/S bar, you'll also need 2 "flasher dampners". They're 2 little rubber pieces that hold the lights in the bar.

 

http://venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?t=27745&highlight=turn+signal

 

and, do you want to sell them?

[pickinfred]

I have ridden ahead of folks that have and don't have passing lights. It is amazing to me how the bike with no passing lights blends in and disappears in the mirror. The ones WITH the passing lights stand out.

Forget the "looks" thingy, more lights mean you are easier to see. To me having the passing lights on ALL the time is a safety thing.

 

 

of advice thats worth mega $$$$$$ in safety. If in doubt just ride lead and have a fellow rider with passing lights thats riding behind you give you the on/off comparison.

[Guest tx2sturgis]

I'm in the camp that just says NO to the passing lamps...the standard ones anyway.

 

I mounted up a set of the Kuryakyn Silver Bullets and they work well, and look good too.

 

They are only 20 watts each, so very little added drain on the system, they look good by blending into the front lines of the bike, and they add visibility. They also help with added lighting of the foglines, the ditches, and roadsigns pop into view at night even on low beam.

 

Almost no weight added...you will not notice these in the front end mass. They dont give the impression that its a Harley look-alike.

 

I prefer mine on a relay that is triggered by the low beam, so when using high beam they are off.

 

[wes0778]

 

I mounted up a set of the Kuryakyn Silver Bullets and they work well, and look good too.

 

Goes back to my point, more than one light out front. And another thing, think of the passing lights, of what ever variety, as "backup" in case of headlight bulb failure.

[Guest tx2sturgis]

Goes back to my point, more than one light out front. And another thing, think of the passing lights, of what ever variety, as "backup" in case of headlight bulb failure.

 

Yep...if that main bulb fails, either or both filaments, its a good idea to have some reserve lighting. One large rock kicked up by a passing vehicle can take the whole unit out.

[hunter 1500]

OK...I have had the passing lights for several months now and I think I want to remove them. Besides them not even working anymore (may just be a loose wire), but I think I want to remove them anyway.

 

I let my local STEALER put them on and I am thinking there is a STRAIGHT mount they removed that the turn signals were mounted to (when stock), and then replaced with this lightbar bracket.

 

So am I correct to think that since they didn't give my parts (the other mount bar) back, that I will have to find one before I can go back to the stock look.

 

Here are a couple of pics...the first one shows my bike BEFORE the light bar and the second shows the light bar AFTER the passing lights were mounted.

 

Can I just take the LIGHTS off and connect the turn signals to the PRESENT light bar?

 

Thanks for any help.

 

Wally

To bad you didn't post this a couple of months ago. I just put mine on. Would have bought yours and gave you the old turn signal bar.

[Dave77459]

My thoughts in red. Note that I ride a RSTD, so my mileage varies somewhat.

 

I guess I can give a reason...so some can make me feel better and some can make think my idea was crazy.

 

Besides the lightbar not working right now (I will check wiring), I wanted to remove the lightbar for the 3 following reasons:

 

1. The lightbar is heavy and adds unwanted extra weight to the front end, especially when turning. It doesn't take that much weight to cause a significant amount of difference on the front end.

 

I can't answer this. I know even a little weight in crucial areas influence the ride. But I never noticed a difference when I added mine. Seems like I woulda, since I had less weight up front and so lamps would be comparatively more influential.

 

2. The lamps do pull a considerable amount of power and I have always wondered about the amount they pull and also using other accessories...maybe an issue, maybe not.

 

True dat. Not an issue for me, though. I don't have to power a fancy cassette player.

 

If I wanted to power electric gear or something, I might turn them off. But more likely, I'd change out to a more powerful stator.

 

3. I rarely ever used them.

 

I run mine ALL the time. The reason I do is that a pyramid of lights allows viewers to perceive your speed when approaching, or angle of attack. Too, the extra light makes me more visible to other drivers, even in the daylight. And at night, I want to see deer.

 

What are YOUR thoughts...

 

4. I think the bike looks unfinished without them. Even if I didn't turn them on, I think they add to the appearance. My RSTD looks naked without the passing lamps, and the RSV looks cheesy and cheap. IMO.

 

I think a touring bike needs lights up front because it is built cover vast distances in all sorts of conditions. Maybe a cafe racer doesn't because it is a pleasure craft, but I own a touring bike.

 

5. If I were really worried about the electrical draw (about the only reason I'd turn them off), I might consider changing to LED bulbs that provide some triangle of light at a puny amperage.

 

 

Wally