EMonk's Poor Man's Lightbar

Posted 3/11/06 by Jason "Emonk" Woods

EMonk's Poor Man's Lightbar	vs.	Kawasaki's Fire & Steel Lightbar

The light bar for the V2K (K32001-009) lists for $459.95. Even at Fremont Motorsports (on eBay), it is $299.99.

What is so special about this light bar? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. It is the same turn signal bar you already have, only it has two extra holes drilled in it. The kit also comes with some wiring, and of course a pair of bullet chrome driving lights. Is that worth over $450? I don't think so.

I have found a pair of bullet chrome driving lights for $80 (after taxes or S&H), Vizor Lights V5835. The lights are 35W and very bright. They are also a very good price!

As for mounting them, I looked at many many options, but decided the existing rubber mounted front turn signal bar would work great (just like the F&S bar uses). To mount the lights, I used a pair of cheap rubber coated 3/4" P clamps from a hardware store. I picked them both up for $2.10 (you could probably find them cheaper, I didn't want to take the time). Don't worry about the looks of them (black rubber), as unless this is a show bike, no one will probably ever see them (lights cover them up).

So, we are now at $82 for set of chrome bullet lights and "mounting brackets".

Installed pictures can be found here.

Expand the P-clamp and put it on the existing turn signal light bar with the flat spots of the clamps down (to cleat a windshield). Now mount the lights* on top (light up, bolt down). The bolt that the lights use is hollow, so the light's wires will be feed down the bolt. I then routed the wires behind the light bar and up into the headlight assembly (just like the F&S bar does). From there you can wire your lights how ever you want (suggested to use a switch and a relay). The P-clamps will allow up and down adjustments, and the light itself will swivel for left to right adjustments. I pointed mine down and to the sides just a bit.

As far as a switch for them, I installed a Pingel 685T switch ($80, thank you partong!, switch can be found here). I put it on the left side of the handlebars between the grip and the controls**. Pingel also makes just a toggle switch (687T), and can be found in the Parts Unlimited catalog or click here. The toggle switch only is rated at 6A, and two 35W bulbs will draw 5.83A, so a relay to power the lights is highly suggested ($5 relay (30A) vs $80 switch (6A) to replace on failure).

Any switch will work (toggle, rocker, lighted, whatever), but I liked the polished aluminum one from Pingel. Wal-Mart has a wiring kit for driving lights that costs about $10 and comes with everything you should need.

The wiring will be a breeze. Since I am doing a "special case" wiring install, your wiring will more than likely be different than mine (yours will be much simpler).

Just in case of problems with your install, my page also includes the PDF installation guide for the F&S light bar.

* - Make sure to switch out the lenses in the lights for the clear lenses, as they come from the factory with a red tinted lens in them.

** - The switch I used has a toggle and a momentary on/off switch. I use the on/off switch for a Taiddan garage door opener remote. You could also use this extra switch for possible later use (maybe nitrous? ).