Tail lights to OEM bags? - Suzuki Volusia Forums : Intruder Volusia and Boulevard Forum

C50TinAB · 11-18-2012, 11:02 PM

Anyone ever add tail lights to their OEM saddle bags? I'd like to increase the bikes visibility. I've been thinking of something like this but not sure how they'd look plus they are a little pricey. If anyone has done such a mod some pics would be great.

anthony001 · 11-19-2012, 12:36 PM

I'm thinking about the exact same project while I've got the bags off for the winter. Would love to do an LED run-brake-turn combo if possible. If anyone could post a link to a similar project with wiring placement ideas it would be GREATLY appreciated! Thanks!

C50TinAB · 11-19-2012, 01:38 PM

Finding one that fits without distorting the leather and reasonably priced is my biggest issue. I just went out the garage and took a measurement and it seems a 4" would be the largest I could go with. So far this 3" round is the best fit although a tear drop shape would match the fender lamp better. The one I linked above will be too large. For myself I only want the bag lights to be a brake and running light. I'll keep the amber turn signals as is.

Woodswoman · 11-19-2012, 07:45 PM

Member DCinCT added lights to his soft (non-oem) bags this summer. I am sure the steps he took would work fine on the OEM bags, too. Shoot him a PM, if he doesn't weight in here himself in a spell.

.

cavie · 11-19-2012, 08:31 PM

Try this.

C50TinAB · 11-21-2012, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cavie

Try this.

Looks like a nice clean install and thanks for the suggestion but it wouldn't work on my bike unfortunately.

bipestuff · 11-21-2012, 02:34 PM

I wanted to do the same kind of thing, and decided to build my own set of LED lights. I found a six-inch strip of 12v red LED's for about $3 and used some aluminum channel from a home store as the frame. I drilled two holes in one side of the channel and inserted some screws from the inside of the channel. I then glued the lights into the channel pieces that I had cut down to match the length of the LED's. I used clear silicone to glue the lights down, they seem to be holding fine. I then drilled two holes into the inner plastic side of the OEM bags and attached the nuts using some thread locker. I ran the wiring from under the seat, following the OEM wiring harness along the inside of the fender and attaching with some nylon wire ties. I thought about wiring into the tail light but I didn't want to disturb the wiring harness which is sealed into a rubber fitting pretty good. I added some black shrink tubing to the LED wires to give them some extra strength and hide them better.

See the attached pics: One is with the brake lights off, one with them on. I have a brake light flasher so they flash with the main brake light. They do not stay on with the running lights. You can purchase small 3" LED strips that can be setup for brake/running lights or brake/turn/running lights if you wish to go that route. My buddy has those on the back of his bags and they look pretty good (sorry no pics). I'm not sure on the cost of those, but if you're interested let me know and I'll follow up and try to get some pics.

C50TinAB · 11-21-2012, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bipestuff

I wanted to do the same kind of thing, and decided to build my own set of LED lights.

Building your own is neat idea. I'll keep that in mind. Thanks.

rboroff · 11-21-2012, 04:26 PM

While it would be nice to do lights, easier is reflectors.

True Value has some that are like a long race track and are easy to put on.

I make a hole in the back of the bag, and use pop rivets to attach the reflectors.

Be good

Richard

DCinCT · 11-21-2012, 06:16 PM

did just what you are asking about this past summer...

lights were given to me by a member here and after much debate as to how they should be mounted...

need an opinion...

initial post had pictures of the lites taped onto bags for mounted look...sorry they are no longer displayed..did some photobucket housecleaning recently but there is some mechanical answers in the thread and suggestions from other members on how to install. Hope it helps.

the end result was what you see...

had another friend/member from here do the electrical...adhering lites to the bags before electrical hookup was very simple...just drilling 2 holes in each bag...because rear lite/brakelite and signal lite are not leds...lights just work as running lites and not blinking signal lite. They are very bright and am very pleased with the look and performance.

11-19-2012, 12:36 PM	#2 (permalink)
anthony001 New Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Carol Stream, IL Posts: 8 Thanks: 6 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I'm thinking about the exact same project while I've got the bags off for the winter. Would love to do an LED run-brake-turn combo if possible. If anyone could post a link to a similar project with wiring placement ideas it would be GREATLY appreciated! Thanks! __________________ 2005 C50- First Bike!

11-19-2012, 07:45 PM	#4 (permalink)
Woodswoman Senior VR Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Northern Catskill Mountains, New York State Posts: 5,179 Thanks: 856 Thanked 885 Times in 566 Posts	Member DCinCT added lights to his soft (non-oem) bags this summer. I am sure the steps he took would work fine on the OEM bags, too. Shoot him a PM, if he doesn't weight in here himself in a spell. . __________________ Woodswoman (a/k/a Mrs. BearBait) *Dum Vivimus, Vivamus!* 2010 Victory Cross Roads, "Doctor Pepper"

11-21-2012, 04:26 PM	#9 (permalink)
rboroff VR Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: South Hamilton, MA Posts: 244 Thanks: 27 Thanked 18 Times in 14 Posts	Reflectors While it would be nice to do lights, easier is reflectors. True Value has some that are like a long race track and are easy to put on. I make a hole in the back of the bag, and use pop rivets to attach the reflectors. Be good Richard

11-21-2012, 06:16 PM	#10 (permalink)
DCinCT Senior VR Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Ct,Columbia Posts: 7,994 Thanks: 277 Thanked 784 Times in 565 Posts	did just what you are asking about this past summer... lights were given to me by a member here and after much debate as to how they should be mounted... need an opinion... initial post had pictures of the lites taped onto bags for mounted look...sorry they are no longer displayed..did some photobucket housecleaning recently but there is some mechanical answers in the thread and suggestions from other members on how to install. Hope it helps. the end result was what you see... had another friend/member from here do the electrical...adhering lites to the bags before electrical hookup was very simple...just drilling 2 holes in each bag...because rear lite/brakelite and signal lite are not leds...lights just work as running lites and not blinking signal lite. They are very bright and am very pleased with the look and performance. __________________ Whats the big hurry...slow down and enjoy the ride! Last edited by DCinCT; 11-21-2012 at 06:18 PM.

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