Switching off Main Head Lights

[MAD]

Guys, as I have installed LED running lights on my S10, is there a way (trick..) to switch off the "main head lights" when the engine is running??
Thnx for yre help, and yes I did use the search function, but to no results.

 

[Dogdaze]

Simple answer is no, unless you add a bypass switch yourself. I do believe that it is is mandatory to have DRL in most countries now and as only a few manufactures have actually fitted DRL to bikes the logical solution is to have headlights running all the time. I know that a few owners of V Stroms would add a cut off switch to one headlight to save watts to power other electrical accessories but not sure about the S10 as the low watt output is not an issue with the S10.

 

[MAD]

Thanks Dogdaze, I thought it would be tough.
I will study the E-schematics and will look for a possibility to bypass the system. Lucky, the S10 has no "canbus"
When succesful, I will post my alterations here
Have a nice Sunday !!

 

[SilverBullet]

...I will study the E-schematics and will look for a possibility to bypass the system. Lucky, the S10 has no "canbus"
When succesful, I will post my alterations here

Easiest way just tap into the fuse box and add a switch like others have done for ABS on/off.



_

 

[Shovelhead]

On the other hand, I'd like to be able to turn the headlights ON without the engine running.

 

[MAD]

Thanks guys, I will consider the various options and will post in due time what I did (with pic.)
Take care

 

[patrickg450]

out of curiosity what is the need for turning them off while the engine is running?

 

[Berg_Donk]

Its pretty easy to add a switch, I did and posted here; http://advrider.com/index.php?threads/bergdonks-xt1200z.898838/page-13#post-24955741

 

[MAD]

Berg and Donk, thanks!!

Patrick, as I have installed LED running daylights, the need for 2 x H7 dipped beam is less necessary during daylight.
Will let you know on any developments

Thanks for your inputs !!

 

[SIXTEEN]

out of curiosity what is the need for turning them off while the engine is running?

I added a switch to turn the headlights off on my last bike, a KLR, because I don't really need headlights off road, in the daytime, and I like to think I'm preserving the life of the bulbs if I don't use them nearly as much. I like having the option. Going to head over to BergDong's other thread to see if I can figure this out for the Ténéré now. Thanks all. (I would also like to be able to turn the lights ON without the engine running, as Shovelhead said, just to have the option. If I forgot flashlights and needed to set up camp in the dark, it'd be nice to use the headlights without running the motor, possibly disturbing the peace.

 

[AVGeek]

I added a switch to turn the headlights off on my last bike, a KLR, because I don't really need headlights off road, in the daytime, and I like to think I'm preserving the life of the bulbs if I don't use them nearly as much. I like having the option. Going to head over to BergDong's other thread to see if I can figure this out for the Ténéré now. Thanks all. (I would also like to be able to turn the lights ON without the engine running, as Shovelhead said, just to have the option. If I forgot flashlights and needed to set up camp in the dark, it'd be nice to use the headlights without running the motor, possibly disturbing the peace.

Interesting thought. I prefer the extra visibility of daytime headlights, especially around all the distracted drivers I see everyday. I had the Baja Designs OnX light bar on my bike, and was able to turn it on without starting the bike (just had to turn on the ignition key).

 

[Sierra1]

out of curiosity what is the need for turning them off while the engine is running?

Kinda what I was thinking. The whole point of mandatory lighting was to be seen. I ride with high beams during the day. I figured since there was no additional electrical draw, why not? The factory bulbs are bright enough, even in the day, to reflect off of signs, and makes you VERY visible.

 

[RicoChet]

I was curious as well why anyone would want the option to turn off the headlights during the day or while riding. I don't care if its just something you want to do for fun or to have the option of course, just curious as to why you think it would benefit you to have them off if they really don't provide any draw on the electrical?

Day time running lights are there to make sure you are seen, and also its just conveniant not having to turn them on or off.... Again just asking ::001::

 

[Sierra1]

I always wondered why some motorcycles had D.R.L.s since headlights come on automatically.

 

[Berg_Donk]

Headlights always on is market dependent. In Oz it became mandatory years ago that new bikes couldn't be sold unless the headlights came on with the engine running. This was repealed in the middish '90s, but most manufacturers left it as is, ie no headlight switch. Its never been manadatory that we ride with lights on.

I like being in control and make no assumptions that someone has seen me, so I like a switch that allows me to decide when I have my lights on. Also means they last longer when off, so should work when I need them.

 

[Don in Lodi]

I was curious as well why anyone would want the option to turn off the headlights during the day or while riding. I don't care if its just something you want to do for fun or to have the option of course, just curious as to why you think it would benefit you to have them off if they really don't provide any draw on the electrical?

Day time running lights are there to make sure you are seen, and also its just conveniant not having to turn them on or off.... Again just asking ::001::

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