Anyone ever hook up aftermarket lights to their kids quad?

We would like to do it a 2005 KFX80.

Any advice/info would be appreciated.

 

Go to www.lt80lightkit.com. Looks clean and easy to install. My daughter is very happy with hers.

 

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For a while, I've been playing with "add-on" lights for minis. Here's a few things to keep in mind....

- Factory Stator systems don't "pump out" large amounts of Watts. Thus, a high wattage bulb(s) that uses more then a stator will pump out will eventually drain the battery. And over time, it over stresses the stator, rectifier / regulator system. Thus, long term electrical problems.

- It's best to use a bulb size (with total wattage of all bults) around 80% of the stator's MAX output.

- Some people like a single light (in the center of the hood), some people like double lights. For trail riding, I like double lights. Double lights shine the sides of the trail much better then a single light. Plus, extra safety increase if one bulb blows.

- For Daytime Running Lights (like our Pred-90), one doesn't need high wattage bulbs. 2x10W, 2x15W or even 1x30W bulb is more then enough lighting. If wondering, we use 2x10W bulbs and are very pleased with their DRLs safety increase. If we drove at night, I'd probably use 2x15 bulbs. Thus, still keeping under or near the stators MAX output limit. a single 55w bulb would be "way too much drain".

- If I remember correctly, the KFX80's stator has output range of 30-40 Watts. If one uses a 55W bulb "all the time", it will drain the battery. To eliminate battery drain with 55w bulb, one should install a "high output" stator. For more details on High Output Stators, surf: http://www.rickystator.com/pages/LT8...ing%20kit.html

- One can purchase bolt on "light kit" or "high output stator with light kit" from specialized dealers. These kits come with wiring, switches and connectors. Simply bolt on and go via Hard Wiring to the Battery.

- With either method, do try to obtain a lighting system that has sideways spread. Our first single light had too much of pencil light (it could hit a fly at the top of 15 story building) but lacked lighting for the sides of the trail. Especially coverage infront of the tires - where lighting is needed the most.

- One can purchase the needed parts themselves. This is how I did it on our Pred-90. We bought the switch, bought clear lens auto lights, downgraded their bulbs to 10Ws, replaced tail light to create combo tail light, installed a Relay (to have lights on only when ignition key is on) and "wired it up". Works great for us. For pictures, surf:


http://community.webshots.com/album/283371980xEWfck/0
http://community.webshots.com/album/283371980xEWfck/1

When it comes to lighting, there's no perfect way to do it. It either works doesn't work over a long period of time!

Although.... A single light vrs double lights with combo tail light might be better for you as well.


Hope this helps....

.

 

I also installed the lt80lightkit worked "ok" for a season then I had nothing but problems with it. When it says not to get the light wet you better believe they mean it. I don’t mud bog, just track and dunes so I never drench anything on the bike and it fried really fast. Also, the rear end bracket for the tail light is cheap. Made out of paper thin grade Z aluminum. Broke it the first trip out. Made a new one out of stainless, until the light fried.
Tore the whole thing out! Also, the switch is cheesy. You can make something much better at PEP Boys.

 

I just put lights on 2 of our quads yesterday, the raptor 80 and the Z400. I used these......

http://www.autobarn.net/xt854.html

I had my kids take them out for a beat last night on the trails to test them out. I told my 13 yr old to give them a good test(on the Z), so he went through a couple streams, did a few laps around the track and then went up and down the rocks. They held up perfectly. Although I do have concerns with the switch, I'm thinking I need one a little heavier duty. For now though, they'll be fine.

 

codyormoe,

Automotive FOG - H3/35W bulb was the same bulb we used on our previous single light system. Worked great. Our previous Stator had no problems powering the 35W bulb. Although, it would have worked better if the light lense we used had was less pencil beam. I read about lots of folks installing automotive H3/35W single lights on their mini's hood with great long term success.

Talk about extra lighting.... I used our 2nd H3/35W as a Reverse Light on my AC500i. When I want to backup to trailer at night or perform 3-point turns on the nightly trail, I simply flip its manual switch. If you have another spare H3-35W light around, you may want to do the same on your Adult sized ATV. Worked great for us. For pictures, surf "light pictures" within: http://community.webshots.com/album/145617997FPfWDE

Hope this helps as well....

.

 

The main reason I went with automotive lights was the cost, $22 versus $200+. I am NOT shelling out $200 for each quad for a set of bar lights(if you can afford it, those trail techs look awesome though). I'd much rather put that money into more crucial elements of the quads(Alba nerfs for the Z400, new swingarm bushings, etc.).

Although, I'm not as cheap as my brother, he duct taped a mag light to my nephews bike!

 

thanks for all the replies. I think I'll go with Cody's idea.

Cody- like your brother - we wrapped a $5 fishing head strap light on the front of the quad. Its waterproof but doesnt give off enough light for me.

 

I guess I should have signed my posts, they were from the Moe part of codyormoe. My husband and I always share a user name since we both suffer from CRS(Can't Remember Sh*t) and it makes life easier.

As for the lights, I forgot to mention how easy they were to put on and wire up. Had both sets on and ready in under an hour. Honestly, the most time cosuming part was deciding where to put them.

Moe