Adding led fog lights to 1986 R80RT?

[tallcanuck]

1986 BMW R 80 RT.
I only have the headlight and I want to add some yellow LED fog lights on the crash bars for visibility.
Likely around 60 W for the added lights.
I don’t think the alternator on this bike puts out a ton of power.
Anybody know if I could add the lights at 60 W and not overwhelm the electric system?
Thank you again for answering my newbie question.

 

[pauls1150]

Not a complete answer, but: The alternator is rated for 280 watts (at least for some years....?), so it depends on how much "headroom" is left after powering the ignition, head and tail lights, and intermittently, the horn & turn signals.
Just for example, Cyclops has a couple of yellow fog lights that are shown as drawing 19 watts, but it's not clear if that is the total or for each. Here's one of 'em -
https://www.cyclopsadventuresports.com/Aurora-2-Inch-19-Watt-Auxiliary-Light-Set-_p_422.html
and another -
https://www.cyclopsadventuresports....L-ring-19-Watt-Auxiliary-Light-Set_p_245.html

 

[stevenrankin]

Most likely adding two lights will not over draw the system. I ran my bike for a few years with heated grips and an electric vest, both high current draws, with no problems. I did however upgrade the charging system when I went to a full jacket, pants and such.
Now that said, you could also look into a set of LED lights. Their current draw for light output is less than incandescent bulb units. St.

 

[tallcanuck]

Thank you for that.
I was wondering about heated grips that people use. I would think they are more than 60 W.
If I install them andthe voltmeter shows above 13 V while the bike is running and the lights are on and I should be fine correct?

Thank you again for the help

 

[stevenrankin]

LOL, the voltmeter on the bike is kind of an indicator of voltage, I learned a long time ago not to completely trust the readings they give. Anyway, as long as you are able to get above 12.5 volts, you are good to go. Again, LOL, if the bike starts OK, you are OK.

Measure true voltage at the battery, at 2000rpm or above, red light out. Anything between 12.5 to 14 is good. St.

 

[tallcanuck]

Thank you, St
That helps a lot. Thanks again.!!

 

[bmr bill]

1986 BMW R 80 RT.
I only have the headlight and I want to add some yellow LED fog lights on the crash bars for visibility.
Likely around 60 W for the added lights.
I don’t think the alternator on this bike puts out a ton of power.
Anybody know if I could add the lights at 60 W and not overwhelm the electric system?
Thank you again for answering my newbie question.

I put a pair of PIAA LED 5370 lights on my '78 R100RS a few years ago and they work great. 12 watt total draw. I don't recall if I got the round bar mounts through PIAA or somewhere else, but it made mounting onto the crash bars a lot easier.

 

[tallcanuck]

Wow!! Thanks bill !!

 

[pauls1150]

I heard they were designed in the wind tunnel, but that center support could get in the rider's way...

 

[stevenrankin]

I had one of these limited paint Euro RS bikes, loved it. Too bad I ran it into the back of a car. I miss it.
Those lights are the same I mounted on my RT, very simple to install. Mounts came from Piaa. St.