Subject: RE: Saddle Bag Lights Poll

The original lights have two small single element bulbs (similar to
instrument light bulbs), probably not enough room for anything much
larger. Might be able to find something from Grote, Petersen Mfg., etc.
in LED that look and fit the same, doubtful you'll find anything with
dual element bulbs unless you drill a hole in the back of the bags for
the socket to stick through.

I wired mine up "quick and dirty" - just ran a wire with quick
disconnect to each bag from the taillight connector block. I'll probably
do something similar this time - only neater. Your bags should already
have the hole for the power wire, just run a wire from the light out
through the hole. The light is grounded via a wire from one of the
screws securing it to the saddlebag with the other end connecting to a
metal strip (where the pins from the bag mounting brackets poke through)
on the inside of the bag. Ground is through the mounts to the frame and
is sometimes a bit of a pain. Might help to scrape a bit of paint away
where mount meets frame, where mount meets bag, etc. until a good ground
is achieved or run a separate ground wire. Good idea to secure the wires
on the inside of the bags somewhere they won't get snagged (or cover
them with duct tape "the handyman's best friend" in my case).

I can post a few pics tomorrow if needed. Cheers,

Keith Ruff wrote:

Based on the group concesus, if these are dual element bulbs, I think I
am going to wire them up as running and brake lights.

Next question is for Charlie or those that have wired up their bags:

How did you run the wires from the lights? Did you run the wire from
the light through the inside of the bag, then drill a hole on the side
and run it up the frame, through the fender, to the tail light, or
where? Can you post how you ran the wires and perhaps post a pic or
e-mail me a pic of your wiring?

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Keith Ruff
70 Cafe Racer Ambo
Manahawkin, NJ

Charlie Mullendore wrote:

Finally wired mine up as taillights last year before the WV Rally. Knew
I'd be running in the fog and rain at some point of the trip and wanted
a bit more rear lighting. I'll be doing the same with the '72. Since the

stock taillight only has a single bulb, I feel more at ease knowing that

if it burns out there's still rear lighting. Cheers,

Keith Ruff wrote:

Was wondering if other owners are wiring up their saddle bag lights to
work or just leaving them not working. My Wixom bags have lights and I
am on the fence on wiring them to work or just letting them be. Another

question would if I wire them, what should I do with them? Additional
running lights/brake lights? Or wire them as blinkers?

Keith Ruff
70 Cafe Racer Ambo
Manahawkin, NJ

Charlie
http://www.loopframeguzzi.com/

Subject: RE: Saddle Bag Lights Poll

Author: Charlie Mullendore

Date: Mar 31, 2005, 6:15 PM

Post ID: 1718630140

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