Rigid LED light bar - which one? SR2 6" - Hyperspot

[pnelson]

Hello Folks,

I'm planning on adding some lighting to my ST. I like the way the Rigid light bar fits under the headlights so am planning on going that way.

I've read through most of the threads on the site but wanted to be sure I got the right parts. I'm leaning towards the SR2 6" - Hyperspot
http://www.rigidindustries.com/led-lighting/90971

Oops... I think it's really the driving light version I'm looking at:
http://www.rigidindustries.com/led-lighting/90661

Goals:
1. Night riding flood/spot combo - I'd like to be able to see the deer right before they jump in my lap. At least we'd get to know each other before becoming intimate.
2. Survivability - I want the lights to survive the naps my bike likes to take. Frankly I like the visibility to oncoming drivers of two separate large lights as the distinct lights make a larger impact than one light bar but... this means mounting them where they might break off when the bike goes down. I'm also concerned about adding drag as MPG drops as you go faster. If it means anything mounting wise, I have Alt-Rider crash bars installed.
3. Always on - I don't know if this is an option with this light bar. Will it blind oncoming drivers? Is there a dimming option? I read one thread where you could use a dimmer and then read you could not. I also read a thread about a light bar with focused beams with a good vertical cut-off that could be left on but can't find that one again.
4. LED for low power use and longer life.

In a perfect world, I'd have always on lights to increase my visual profile. The lights would create a broad flood pattern on low beam and would melt cactus at 1000 yards on high beam. It would be cool to do this using only the existing high-beam switch but I'd be open to adding another switch if needed.

I'm open to ideas, suggestions, leads on the best prices and step-by-step fully photographed and documented installation instructions. <grin>

;-) Paul

 

[echo_four_romeo]

I'll jump in with my experience with the Rigid SR6 Driving beam. I have mine tied to the high beams with an arming switch. No dimmer for me, just didn't have the electrical know how to install. I leave my high beams on during daylight hours with the light bar on just below the headlights. There is enough color and intensity difference between the two to stand out to cagers. Tucked up under the headlight there is no risk of damage from a tip over/dirt nap. I have used it in the dead of night in south Texas on some back roads and I could see the glowing eyes of many critters that wanted to jump out in front of me. I knew they were there and they certainly knew I was coming. Didn't have any jump out in front of me but I don't know if that was luck or the lights.

 

[pnelson]

I wonder if any have tried to fit this beast of a light between the forks. Height 6.79", Width 6.75" and the Depth 3.42". I guess you'd have to figure out how much room there was at full fork compression.

http://www.rigidindustries.com/led-lighting/54431

 

[Mellow]

I wonder if any have tried to fit this beast of a light between the forks. Height 6.79", Width 6.75" and the Depth 3.42". I guess you'd have to figure out how much room there was at full fork compression.

http://www.rigidindustries.com/led-lighting/54431

Those won't fit, the Dually D2s will though:

I think if you compressed the forks 100% they might just kiss the fender. I used the yamaha piaa brackets for them. These are more lumens than the 6" light bar but I would not use them during the day as I think you'd get a ticket pretty quick.

 

[pnelson]

Hi Mellow,

Is this your current setup on your new ST? If so, are the smaller lights on your crash bars just used for running lights? I think there is something hard-wired in our brains to recognize "eyes." That is, two lights as opposed to just one light source. Two lights seem to be better for daytime lights in my thinking.

;-)

 

[Mellow]

Hi Mellow,

Is this your current setup on your new ST? If so, are the smaller lights on your crash bars just used for running lights? I think there is something hard-wired in our brains to recognize "eyes." That is, two lights as opposed to just one light source. Two lights seem to be better for daytime lights in my thinking.

;-)

No, everything is wired to trigger off the high beam - the smaller ones are adv monster model 60 lights... I have one of their dimmers but it's still too bright IMO and I would have to put it somewhere to adjust it as I think the dimmer would move around a little via vibrations and be brighter or off at some point so I didn't mess with it. I also have some of their amber lenses as I think that would be good.. just need to hook it all up and see how it works. This combination throws a ton of light all around you and down the road, just the 6" bar will be okay, but I had that before and I like this better. I'm more concerned with night riding out in the middle of nowhere than I am day riding w/cagers... you could be on fire and they still wouldn't see you around here.

 

[pnelson]

Thanks, I decided to go with two D2s. I wonder if you could fit three of them in there?

I'm planning some longer rides this fall and like to start early in the mornings when some extra light is good to have.

Hope to see you at the Tenere rally in AR.

;-) Paul