Added An LED Light Bar To A First Gen. VR!

[skydoc_17]

I had the pleasure to work on Jayceesfolly's 89'VR over the winter and we came up with an unusual but effective way to add some additional light to the rear of his bike.

The bike came to my "little shop by the creek" missing the right side helmet lock. Jim expressed an interest in getting a lot more light during braking and was not nearly as interested in replacing the helmet lock. I removed the left side helmet lock, and fabbed up a bracket that was mounted on the two "tabs" that held the helmet locks. As you can see in the pics, I used a light bar that has found a home on MANY Second Gen. Motorcycles, as a matter of fact, this particular light bar was slated to be installed on a Second Gen. later this month. I have since had to order another one for the owner. Both Jim and I were pleased at the results, and the light output from this light bar far surpasses the original tail light. So if you can live without your helmet locks, this is an excellent way to add a considerable amount of light for BOTH running lights and brake lights on the rear of a First Gen. PLUS, if you did your shopping for an LED light bar at Maint. Day this year, (with all the Second Gen. bikes that attend) you could add this light bat to your First Gen. for only a few dollars!

Enjoy the pics. If you have questions, feel free to PM me,

Earl

Edited April 3, 2011 by skydoc_17
ADDED PICS!

[twigg]

There were complaints about the actual "brightness" of LEDs compared to incandescent bulbs. The latest generation of LEDs seem to have removed most of this.

 

I have to say that the LEDs I put in the back of my Triple are very bright, and the row of four lights on the rear Vetter Trunk are very visible.

 

That looks like a neat install .... Good Job!

 

http://i1092.photobucket.com/albums/i418/twigg2324/IBA%20Saddle%20Sore%201000/IMG_0416.jpg

[Snaggletooth]

Nice setup there Earl. Looks good.

 

To bad it only works on the MKII.

[Monty]

My '83 didn't have a light bar, but it did have an LED license frame that was pretty bright.

[GaryZ]

I would like clear lenses for front and rear turn signals. Anyone know where to find them? With clear rear lenses I would install dual element bulbs for turn signals + brake lights.

 

BTW: Nice job Earl!

Edited April 5, 2011 by GaryZ

[bendtdj]

Earl,

 

Very nice job. REally adds to the tail end.

 

On my MK I, I used a 1 1/2" X 2" X 1/8" Angle Iron u-bolted to the the underside of the trunk mounting rack. Then I mounted the light bar to the angle iron. Sorry for the focus problems.

 

Dave

[MasterGuns]

Would look better if it weren't so close to the stop light. Recommend mounting it to the trunk.

 

 

 

I had the pleasure to work on Jayceesfolly's 89'VR over the winter and we came up with an unusual but effective way to add some additional light to the rear of his bike.

The bike came to my "little shop by the creek" missing the right side helmet lock. Jim expressed an interest in getting a lot more light during braking and was not nearly as interested in replacing the helmet lock. I removed the left side helmet lock, and fabbed up a bracket that was mounted on the two "tabs" that held the helmet locks. As you can see in the pics, I used a light bar that has found a home on MANY Second Gen. Motorcycles, as a matter of fact, this particular light bar was slated to be installed on a Second Gen. later this month. I have since had to order another one for the owner. Both Jim and I were pleased at the results, and the light output from this light bar far surpasses the original tail light. So if you can live without your helmet locks, this is an excellent way to add a considerable amount of light for BOTH running lights and brake lights on the rear of a First Gen. PLUS, if you did your shopping for an LED light bar at Maint. Day this year, (with all the Second Gen. bikes that attend) you could add this light bat to your First Gen. for only a few dollars!

Enjoy the pics. If you have questions, feel free to PM me,

 

Earl

[lonestarmedic]

Earl-

Use an aluminum bar and a couple extra screws. Also a metric tap or two. Mounted the bar to the lock plates. Mounted the light to the bar. Left enough on te ends for the locks. I machined the ends to follow the contour of the locks. Also, flip the right and left lock to make access easier. Don't forget the little pilot holes for the cast pins on the rear of the locks.

 

JB