Fork mounted driving lights?

astrocortex · Aug 14, 2016

Anyone using any?

I found a set that is 46mm and includes a switch out of Australia, but I'm not sure what the fork size actually is because it has two pieces and I don't have calipers to measure it. Preferably it's mounted on the lower part.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/182025929104

According to eBay it fits, but I don't trust their system.

What size are the forks in mm?

Jokeshopbeard · Aug 14, 2016

Why don't you get in touch with kuksul here and see if he's gonna have a spare set going? You ain't gonna get better lights than his man.

RSL · Aug 15, 2016

Jokeshopbeard said:
You ain't gonna get better lights than his man.

Well, it depends on whether your intent is for fashion or not.

I depend on taking being conspicuous to oncoming traffic to the maximum. To also add significantly to seeing the road ahead at night. For maximum real lumens there is no LED driving light maker better than Clearwater.

Clearwater took the dimensions of my mount and have made more for a Hyperstrada kit.

I think they look fine too. All metal, no plastic.

RSL · Aug 15, 2016

Clearwater Darla Review

https://youtu.be/QU84OBL-skQ

astrocortex · Aug 15, 2016

so i can buy a hyperstrada set of those clearwater darla? thats exactly what i want. i have been waiting for the person on here that makes the lights, but I am impatient when it comes to wasting my money on accessories.

I just received a set of new rage cycles radiator mounted lights which I had them configure as running lights rather than blinkers. But I want actual lights out front because this headlight is unbelievably useless unless the highs are on, which makes all the people in town go crazy. never been flashed so much

astrocortex · Aug 15, 2016

oh man, "coming soon" is TOO SLOW!

RSL · Aug 15, 2016

https://clearwaterlights.com/collections/featured/products/darla-1

Available right now. Call to see if the mounting bracket is there. If not they can easily make one. Or, the fork mounts might be an option you would prefer.

I think I have a thread somewhere on my install. It was super simple, with a delay on the trigger wire for starting the bike. Then, I have it so the lights are always on. You can add the dimmer, but I don't that. Bike on, lights on.

I also switched the headlight bulb to a very bright LED. Huge difference.

My point is that I want every vehicle ahead of me to know that I'm on the road. Even those texting. The Clearwater Darla LED lights do the trick.

I have friends with the bigger Clearwater lights. Lights so bright they melt anything in front of you. It's just that I don't want that much light. The Darla LEDs are small, mount multiple ways, super reliable, and effective.

RSL · Aug 15, 2016

Delay from ebay:

Bolts I mounted the LED mount to:

Mount design:

kuksul08 · Aug 15, 2016

My light kit is so very delayed, I know I let a lot of people down. The sad thing is I have all the parts needed - I am just trying to find time to make one last aluminum piece.

Dare I say they are better than the clearwaters though. I use 3 types of lenses to get the best beam distribution, a more neutral LED tint rather than that blue tint that creates glare and strains the eyes, and more seamless integration on the hyper. No extra switches or relays needed. No dimmer or things to fiddle with, just low and high that are controlled with the stock handlebar switch. They blend with the style of our bikes far better, but also pump out ~7000 lumens, so they are no slouch.

RSL · Aug 15, 2016

kuksul08 said:
but also pump out ~7000 lumens, so they are no slouch.

7,000 total for all LEDs?

Well, there are lumens and then there are lumens. I'd enjoy seeing how you deal with the heat generated, as well as how you protect the circuitry when there is too much heat produced.

I have over 60,000 miles of use with the Daral LED lights I have. Day, night, monsoon rain, etc... Combined, my friends and I have over 1,000,000 miles of Clearwater LED experience. 100% positive.

70% Brightness

RSL · Aug 15, 2016

Darla LEDs at 70% at sunset.

RSL · Aug 15, 2016

This is what 7,000 lumens looks like.

This isn't 7,000, especially considering the headlight was on too.

kuksul08 · Aug 15, 2016

Clearwaters are supposed to be excellent lights. As far as I know they're made not far from here in Sacramento. I just happen to prefer my setup because nothing else on the market matched the style of the Hyper. If you're riding a big ADV bike, I say go for the clearwater

. A big reason why most of us bought the Hyper (or any Ducati) is due to style.

Regarding the pictures - you can't compare two images without knowing the camera, lens, aperture, shutter speed, and ISO sensitivity. The picture of mine you used (V1) is 6,000 lumens out the front when you factor in a 90% lens efficiency.

RSL · Aug 15, 2016

I agree about the looks being important. That's why I located the 2" - 7 ounce lights tight to the front fender. Pretty much merge with the black of the fork clamps.

When I worked with Clearwater on the mount dimensions, they narrowed everything 1" to make the lights sit right in front of the fork support.

When the Darla LEDs are turned off, they are hardly noticeable as they blend into the fork clamps and the black section of the front fender.

RSL · Aug 15, 2016

What I wanted, with each bike, is unobtrusive daytime lighting to make me much more conspicuous to oncoming traffic. Very bright, low power draw, durable, year after year.

With over 60,000 miles of use, these Darla LEDs have made a huge difference in my safety. As noted when compared to how cars treat me and the others riding with me without this supplemental lighting.

I show numerous photos of the bike with the lights on and off to show how they are indeed small, blend in with the Hyperstrada design, and virtually vanish when turned off.

The beauty of America is having the option to choose from numerous accessory options from across the globe. May we each take the time to make a purchase decision that turns out to be a purchase we are pleased with.

RSL · Aug 15, 2016

With this install thread: http://hyperstrada.com/ducati-hyperstrada/2168-clearwater-darla-led-light-install.html

You can see how the mount was created. You can also see how narrowing the mount 1" places the Darla LEDs in an even more "hidden" location.

But then, I ride with a lot of guys who have the different Clearwater LED lights. I have no interest in the company, just a happy customer. For night riders, Iron Butt riders and cross country touring riders, Clearwater LEDs will make the difference between seeing deer ahead of you and not.

I try to only ride during the day now. The Hyperstrada being the fun little bike to go backroad exploring with. The Darla LEDs work well for me.

astrocortex · Aug 15, 2016

Thanks for this!

kuksul08 · Aug 15, 2016

RSL said:
With this install thread: http://hyperstrada.com/ducati-hyperstrada/2168-clearwater-darla-led-light-install.html

You can see how the mount was created. You can also see how narrowing the mount 1" places the Darla LEDs in an even more "hidden" location.

But then, I ride with a lot of guys who have the different Clearwater LED lights. I have no interest in the company, just a happy customer. For night riders, Iron Butt riders and cross country touring riders, Clearwater LEDs will make the difference between seeing deer ahead of you and not.

I try to only ride during the day now. The Hyperstrada being the fun little bike to go backroad exploring with. The Darla LEDs work well for me.

You seem to also have an interest in saying I made false claims about light output, for some reason.

Therefore, I hereby challenge you to a "light-off", where we put our LEDs head to head in a battle of how many deer we can blind.

As to the original OP question - please be very cautious with what lights you put on your bike. You don't want something too bright that will blind oncoming drivers. I couldn't tell you how many guys on big GS's I've seen riding the other way with full blinders on at night, leaving me seeing spots and unable to see the road for a moment. Make sure you can at least switch them off or dim them when in the presence of oncoming traffic.

astrocortex · Aug 15, 2016

RSL do you have a contact there that I can email or call that'll know what they made for yours? Would very much like to get my hands on this. I'm sitting here at 8:15 with my first opportunity to ride and I can't because I can't see at night with this bike.

Wish I was more confident in my wiring skills... I'd go install the running lights, but I'm afraid I'm gonna set off my rev limiter or something lol

RSL · Aug 15, 2016

kuksul08 said:
You seem to also have an interest in saying I made false claims about light output, for some reason. Therefore, I hereby challenge you to a "light-off", where we put our LEDs head to head in a battle of how many deer we can blind.

Easy for you to do because you are so close to Clearwater. I can ask Glen there, the owner, to meet you some evening and compare light output, pattern and color.

Interested?

Fork mounted driving lights?

Similar threads