Where is the reserve lighting device?

[stubabe]

Where is the reserve lighting device that needs to be modified if you add driving lights or switch over to HID lights? I have searched all over my headlight cavity and can not find it.

[richardb, austin]

Stubabe, I delayed reply 'cause I don't know where the reserve lighting device is either. I can "see" it on the elec schematic. Also can't speak to the requirements of HID lighting BUT I do know about adding normal (H3) driving lights - I've done it several times and there is no modification needed except to use an electrical relay to get the high amperage, straight-from-the-battery elec supply for these "normal" driving lights. See the title Typical Relay layout in the AVA Tech Center (for 1200's) here on this website - I think here: http://www.amervoyassoc.org/XIITipsWP.htm

[richardb, austin]

You piqued my curiosity. Here's a diagram of Chassis Electrical. RLD is pn 27010 in the diagram. There's also closeup pics on ebay
http://www.2wheelpros.com/oem-parts/198 ... 27010-1066

[raynchk]

On the 91 I had, the previous owner put an HID bulb in it. After driving it home, about 150 miles, the HID wouldn't switch from low to hi beam. I yanked the HID stuff and put the original bulb back in, everything worked fine except the High beam indicator light didn't come on anymore.

Everytime I add a modification it seems I regret it. My last 'mod' was the Kuryakyn grips. I had the mechanic put the grips on along with other work he was doing. He didn't put a spacer in the throttle grip and I had to re-attach the left grip using electrical tape and hairspray. I liked the other grips better, didn't burn my hand after sitting in the hot sun, and the counter-balance weights on the bar ends were more efficient/less expensive than the Kuryakyn ones.

My two bits worth...

[ekap1200]

the module is on the left side . you will have to take off some plastic to access it.

[stubabe]

Eugene, your reply makes the most sense since the switch is not by the battery or in the false tank compartment.

Richard, I need to modify the reserve light switch to install HID lights because the HID light will trip the failure circuit. When you switch from low beam to high beam it will not allow you to switch back to the low beam and your low beam failure indicator will stay illuminated the entire time. This is what Ray experienced when he put HID's on his '91 Voyager. I left a post on abbikeboard.com and some one replied the reserve lighting switch had to be modified the way you modify it if you install a headlight modulator to keep this from happening.

Ray, thanks for the input on the Kuryakyn grips. I have considered installing a pair on my '03 Voyager but if they get hot in the summer that means it gets cold in the winter. Temps are already dipping in the upper 20's here in Boise Idaho so need something to keep my hands warm.

Thanks to all that provided input on this topic. It has proved to be educational indeed.

[Skibou]

I installed Hot Grips, and I'm happy with them. They have a selection chart on their website which includes the Voyager. The kit comes complete with easy to follow instructions for removal of the existing grips, and an adhesive for the new ones. I bought the recommended spacer, and the fit was perfect, with no slippage or interference with throttle operation, although a little sanding was required to install the throttle side grip. I also installed a relay to carry the current load. They have a high/low/off switch, and I find that the high setting is necessary only in the coldest weather. They are not the cheapest on the market, but you get what you pay for. I believe the concept used in some of the cheaper brands waste a lot of energy heating the bars, and placing an insulator (the grip) between the heating element and your hands. I would recommend that you look for a product with the heating element in the grip. In addition to Hot grips there are several manufactures offering such a product including Show Chrome and Oxford.

Gene

[richardb, austin]

stubabe, I posted a pic (courtesy of The Masked Rider) of the Headlight Reserve Lighting Unit in the members only section. I had to shrink it so much to post that you may not be able to read the text but the red text notes location of factory CB radio, upper yellow text notes turn signal control unit and the next component down (also yellow text) is the HRLU. If that's not acceptable, send me an email & I'll send you a better pic.

[stubabe]

Thanks for the input Richard. I know longer need to know the location of the reserve lighting device because I found something better. Instead of having to cut and splice wires I found a load resistor on Ebay which cancels out the headlight failure when there is no failure. It gets installed betweek the HID bulb and original socket and takes maybe 10 seconds to install. No muss, no fuss.

[Bob in Tucson]

I like my heated grips but if I had it to do over, I would get heated gloves. As is, the backs of my hands get cold under very cold riding temps.
Bob in Tucson

[richardb, austin]

Yeah, I've heard that cold weather is a real detriment to bike riding in Tucson - but if you move any further south you'll be in Mexico.