Installing a switch on headlights

[corey77]

Just wondering what the best way is to install a headlight switch on my ride so I can turn them on when I'm on the road cause I want to put on some headlight protectors but It is not advised to have the protectors on if the bike is not moving, Someone told me I could wire a relay up to the neutral light switch but couldn't go into details Anyone have any ideas
Cheers Corey

[Tyrone ORourke]

In theory that person was right. Run a wire to a headlight relay from the neutral light, so you would have to splice an extra wire in.

The only problem then is that the headlight would switch off when not in neutral. (and I take it that defeats the point)
You would need to use some other form of relay, like the one fitted to the battery charge light.


Actually I am not sure what exactly you are tyring to do.. Do you want the lights to turn off every time you stop moving??? What about night riding? or is that not a problem??

[Gadjet]

what kind of headlight protectors are you talking about?

Every headlight protection setup that I have seen (clear vinyl film, lexan shield, wire mesh rockguard) works whether the bike is moving or not.

[corey77]

I want the lights to either be swithched on manually or when I am moving as the hadlight protectors that I am thinking about are the stick on type that you cut to fit your light cause I have a 96 XTZ 660 tenere with the dual headlights and there is no real good way to fit anything else on.Coming into winter here I like the bike to warm up for a few minutes and they recommend not to be sitting still for to long due to the heat build up.
Cheers Corey

[Gadjet]

I have the 3M stick on vinyl headlight protector on my bike. The instructions for applying it actually call for you to turn the headlight on so that it will bond with the headlight lens better.

I've sat in stop and go traffic with no ill effects whatsoever.

I don't think I'd want to leave my bike running for a couple hours with the highbeam on without moving it, but for the few minutes it takes to warm your bike up or just sitting at a stop light, you won't have any problems at all.

I wouldn't bother with the headlight cut-off switch if that's all you're worried about. A few minutes to warm up won't do squat to the vinyl film.

[NorthernPete]

I read somewhere that by law a motorcycle has to have its lights on at all times.... maybe thats here though?