LED Headlights/Anti-collision lights for under $25

[tri5ron]

first off let me say that this is my first idea/attempt at this, and will probably be refined a bit later, for a nicer fit/finish.

The Idea is two fold,
First,...
being a cheap way to have Headlights on my 7 y.o. daughters new TRX90.
Realizing that this is in no way intended to be used for night riding, but to keep her a little more visible to myself, and other riders, during Daytime/Dusk riding.

and Second,...
It may be an easy way to have a strobing, forward facing, Safety/Anti-Collision light, on any other model of quad.

I do intend to fab up something similar, on both my Wifes 250EX, and my own 400EX.
I will probably just Velco a single unit to the VIN plate, on mine and Hers, and they can all be easily removed when not needed.

Anyway, Here's what I did on my Munchkins quad....
The parts-

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/2006%20TRX90%20Quad/IMG_9116.jpg
Triple LED Bicycle headlight from Harbor Freight, $7.00 (x2)

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/2006%20TRX90%20Quad/IMG_9113.jpg
3"x3" tee bar bracket from Home Depot, $2.00

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/2006%20TRX90%20Quad/IMG_9115.jpg
Heavy Duty Velcro from Home Depot, $5.00

The Fab-

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/2006%20TRX90%20Quad/IMG_9119.jpg
I removed the bar clamp, and this quick release clip


http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/2006%20TRX90%20Quad/IMG_9121.jpg
Quick release removed, ready to trim flat


http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/2006%20TRX90%20Quad/IMG_9122.jpg
I used a razor blade to get it to here...


http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/2006%20TRX90%20Quad/IMG_9124.jpg
then I used a fine file to finish removing the remaining high spots


http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/2006%20TRX90%20Quad/IMG_9131.jpg
Next, I measured, marked, and bent the Tee Bar to fit the shape of the Light body, and added the hook side of the Velcro, and trimmed the Velcro to the Tee Bar.


http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/2006%20TRX90%20Quad/IMG_9132.jpg
next, I applied the loop side of the Velcro to the Light body, test fit it, added bolt,(I actually moved the bolt forward to the next hole when I mounted it on the quad).


http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/2006%20TRX90%20Quad/IMG_9135.jpg
Tee bar bracket, bolted to bottom side of front fender support.


http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/2006%20TRX90%20Quad/IMG_9137.jpg
both lights in place.


http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/2006%20TRX90%20Quad/IMG_9143.jpg
Turned on, and work quite well, note the red reflecting off the A-arms, upper shocks mount, stem, and nose cap, is D.O.T. reflective tape used on commercial trucks/trailers. the stuff lights up fantastic when even just a little light hits it.


http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n148/tri5ron/2006%20TRX90%20Quad/IMG_9139.jpg
Straight on shot, These things are INSANELY bright, and the pic does not do it justice. You absolutely CAN NOT look directly into them, they will almost cause pain when this close. They EASILY can be seen at over 100 yards away, (I tested this), and they also can be set to flash at a rate of about 2 times per second.
They are Very attention grabbing, even in the daylight.

I feel very confident that they will help alert other oncoming riders, and assist in collision avoidence.
(and besides, you'll always have a removeable flashlight with you too!!!)

I like them, and I'll be adding these to my other quads too.
Not bad for duals, under $25, Total !!!

A.A.D.S. Knows No Bounds, LOL!!!

[Pappy]

I would throw a zip tie or a wrap of electrical tape around them...that velcro wont last to long on the trail (I use it to hold my remote triggers to my flash heads)

Great idea however, being seen is a great way to not get run over!

[tri5ron]

Thanks for the compliment Pappy,
Yeah I am debating the zip tie, elec. tape, thing, and was also thinking about putting a wrap of Velcro around the light and bracket together.

They make a Velcro "tie-down" strap, that has the hook on one side, and the loop on the other side.

It would work just as well as elec. tape, and be easily removable/reuseable.

I'll have to learn how to make/post a video here, then show what it looks like at dusk/dark.
I was pretty impressed with how bright they are.

[05LSR250R]

Nice job! Good information here. Can never be too careful with the little ones.

[gcart2]

great job. nice to see members coming up with their own ideas.

i see you are very protective of your daughter. i respect that.