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[Doughboy]

Looking at adding some bullet lights on my engine guards.
I was planning on putting an auxiliary fused box and run the lights through a relay and its own on/off switch.

Does it matter if the lights are 20, 35, or 50 watts?

I was told to make sure that my electrical system would handle the wattage.
Your advice would greatly be appreciated - Thank you in advance.

This will be on an 06 VTX1300R

The lights I’m looking at are: (both are Halogen)
Big Bike Parts bullet marker lights. 50 watt

Kuryakyn Silver Bullets- Large 35 watt

[Chad]

What are you going to use the lights for?? Blinkers?? 

[Doughboy]

For extra lights so the cagers can see me and fog/night lights
Thanks

[snake]

Not sure on the 1300, I figure it probably produces the same amt of juice the 1800 does, which is 300 watts, give or take a little. The bike uses about 160 at peak, so you should be able to run the extra 100-110 no problem. If you're running led turns, or brake lights, that'll be even less draw on your alternator. Of, course, the further you stay away from maximum the less strain on your charging system. I'd go with no less than 50-55 Watts per light...any less and you won't see any noticable difference except right close up which is not whats needed. If your intention is for cagers to notice you, I would think if they dont see that big headlight comin' at them...  they probably won't see the two little ones.

[Doughboy]

Thanks for the information

[Dusty]

I have the set up that you described except that I bought some 50w lights off of eBay. They work fine except they don't have the little shield over the top. What I have found is that by them being mounted to the engine guard (not in front of the forks) and not having that little shield, some of the light shines up and causes some reflection on my windshield.

I don't run mine all the time but rather at dusk, dawn, in foggy conditions and any time paranoia creeps up. 

Bill

[hipshot]

FWIW, I put 35w Kury large silver bullets on the wife's and my bikes for running lights. They got too hot to touch and the heat fogged the lenses. I switched the modules to 20w units. They are plenty bright and run a whole lot cooler. As for the charging system, the wife's 1300 has had them for a couple of years, and my 1800 has had them for three-four years, with no problems other than the Kury lights themselves having quality issues. On both bikes they are on full-time. My 02 still has the original battery.