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OEM Passing Lights

Sat, 2008-10-11 22:16 — KevinD313

I'm thinking about purchasing a set of OEM Passing Lights and using BoomerSooner's detailed instructins to install them. Very detailed and precise instructions, by the way!
I do a lot of night riding, especially this time of year. Leave for work before the sun comes up and am usually going home after dark. My question is, can I use these lights in normal traffic or do they get used like you would use your high beams? The OEM headlight does not seem to light up the road very well unless I put on the high's, so I'm looking for something to suppliment my regular light.
Thanks!
Kev

‹ the clunk - escalated Members in Southern Illinois ›
Wed, 2008-10-15 07:00 — dghouse

adjusting OEM lamps

Has anyone found a way to adjust OEM passing laamps? My right side lamp is aimed to high and I can't seem to get it aimed downward. Everytime I tighten it up it moves to the same position as before. HELP!

DGH

Sat, 2008-10-11 23:26 — calokie

That it is one of the first

That it is one of the first mods I got after riding my first time at night. I could not see very well at all on low beam. I had mine installed by a local shop (not a dealer) and he said it was a bear and took him 4 hours (only charged me for the 2 quoted). As to the lights, I have them rigged for on all the time, there is a switch on the left one if you want to turn them off. I love them!!! I can see so much better at night and in the mornings (I too ride to work every day). I also feel a little better in the daylight as cagers can see me a little better. I think you will be very pleased with the addition.

Sun, 2008-10-12 01:47 — ButchV

Being flashed

A person will get accustomed as to when to use the passing lights and when not to. It is quite common to be flashed by oncoming cars which just tells a person to turn them off when driving at night on busy roads or in town. During the day the extra visibility is good...to be seen. But at night judgment is required as to how they are used. On lonely not too well traveled roads the passing lights afford good side illumination toward the ditches where animals can pop up. The low beam on the Vstar 1300 is easily overdriven. Slowing down is necessary in most cases. It takes awhile to get used to having them and using them. I would think that 75 % of our members here avoid riding at night routinely, unless it is necessary. ~ Butch

Sun, 2008-10-12 04:48 — calokie

Again Kevin, everyone has

Again Kevin, everyone has different experiences.....I drive in the dark on a daily basis with the passing lamps on and have never been flashed. I live in CA where you get the horn and the finger if you wait more than 1 second after a light turns green.

Mon, 2008-10-13 17:24 — KevinD313

Thanks for the input!

Thanks for the input Calokie, Butch. I hadn't thought about the extra visibility during the day. That alone will make it worth the investment.
Best regards,
Kev

Wed, 2008-10-15 23:23 — windswept_one

Passing lamps

I had the dealer put them on before I even took the bike home. Wouldn't ride without them. They really light up the night and help a great deal during the day getting noticed. Check out the other bikes that you pass during the day. They make a huge difference.

As far as adjusting them, I've heard that you have to remove the turn signal beneath the light to adjust and there is a screw you can access to tighten or loosen the passing light.