Fitting a DRL headlight, Help!

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I have converted negative ground components to positive ground using relays. This only works it the item does not have a chassis ground. My combo voltmeter/thermometer/clock is wired that way as an example.

I would argue that converting an existing running bike to negative ground is not a straight forward job. I have looked at doing it a few times, and it just has never been worth the headache.... at least to me...

If I was rebuilding a relatively stock bike from the frame up, that would be a different story....
+1

I would bin the disco light, use the HEADLIGHT as a DRL.
 
I'm surprised that there isn't a tutorial (or I haven't found one) that details converting to negative earth. I've done it myself, but I'm very electrically capable, so depending on your electrical skill set it might be more difficult for you. However, basically these are the things that need to change:

1) Your charging system. With aftermarket rectifier/regulator that's just a matter of swapping 2 wires. With the stock bridge rectifier / zener diode setup it means swapping the +/- terminals on the rectifier and installing a new zener diode that is polarized for negative earth. Fortunately negative ground is the "standard" zener polarity (case is negative) and the zeners are available from electronics suppliers like Mouser and DigiKey. The part number would be 1N3313B which is a 14 volt 5% 50 watt stud rectifier. You'd have to solder a 16 ga. wire with a 1/4" male spade to the cathode terminal, and the nut will be 1/4-28 NF instead of the 1/4-26 cycle thread on the Lucas zener.

https://www.newark.com/solid-state/1n3313b/zener-diode-50w-14v-do-5/dp/56J9299?ost=1n3313b

2) Your electronic ignition. You said in a PM that you have a Pazon. That and the ignition coils need to be rewired. I'm sure the installation instructions would cover that.
3) The battery. The +/- need to be swapped. That's the last step.

The only downside to this procedure is that you have to remember that all the red wires in your harness are now NEGATIVE.

I did it on my own bike some 10 years ago to take advantage of standard automotive LED's in the blinkers and tail light. That was before non-polarized LED's were available. No regrets.
Grant has one on his site

 
All the LED main lights I have bought are happy regardless of the vehicle polarity, test it with a battery before making a final decision, the results may be good. Or just fit a bridge rectifier for the lights feed, a random example.

 
He already has the light, and it doesn't work with positive ground.
 
I would bin the disco light, use the HEADLIGHT as a DRL.
I tend to agree with this. I view running with the headlight on as one of the keys to being seen during day riding. I have the brightest LED bulb I could find fitted to mine (non-polarity sensitive), and run with the high beam on during the day. The reaction from traffic has been astounding.

The bulb:
Amazon product ASIN B07BTTFN1S
You have to have an H4 reflector fitted to make it work.

FWIW
 
I tend to agree with this. I view running with the headlight on as one of the keys to being seen during day riding. I have the brightest LED bulb I could find fitted to mine (non-polarity sensitive), and run with the high beam on during the day. The reaction from traffic has been astounding.

The bulb:
Amazon product ASIN B07BTTFN1S
You have to have an H4 reflector fitted to make it work.

FWIW
I completely agree - have been running Paul Goff's offering and am very happy with it.
Daylighter 2S (fits in H4 housing): http://www.norbsa02.freeuk.com/goffyWhyNotLEDs.htm
 
I tend to agree with this. I view running with the headlight on as one of the keys to being seen during day riding. I have the brightest LED bulb I could find fitted to mine (non-polarity sensitive), and run with the high beam on during the day. The reaction from traffic has been astounding.

The bulb:
Amazon product ASIN B07BTTFN1S
You have to have an H4 reflector fitted to make it work.

FWIW
AMEN Brother. Main beam during daylight hours. Harry Hurt concurs.
 
I tend to agree with this. I view running with the headlight on as one of the keys to being seen during day riding. I have the brightest LED bulb I could find fitted to mine (non-polarity sensitive), and run with the high beam on during the day. The reaction from traffic has been astounding.

The bulb:
Amazon product ASIN B07BTTFN1S
You have to have an H4 reflector fitted to make it work.

FWIW
Is that really positive earth compatible? With a built in fan I would question that.
 
As mentioned already. I see zero benefit to the halo DRL special effects.

Just fit a good quality LED headlight bulb and you’ve got all the DRL you need. Fit a really good one and you’ve got all the night time illumination you need too!

Many choices out there. But if you buy from a proven supplier you reduce the (rather high) risk of buying something that’s complete rubbish!

Goffs stuff is excellent:

 
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Is that really positive earth compatible? With a built in fan I would question that.
I have fitted 5 different H4 LED's all from different sources, all with fans and none identified as fitting positive earth. When I got the first one I was expecting to modify the wiring to suit a negative earth bulb but went to try it first and it worked. For some unknown reason the makers of these bulbs incorporate rectifier bridges in the electronics along with voltage regulators to feed the LEDs the 5V they expect. The last pair of bulbs are also voltage tolerant and are labelled 6v to 24v.
 
Ok, apologies in advance if I’m being thick here…

But could the ‘wrong’ polarity make the fan go backwards?

And if so, does it matter?
 
Ok, apologies in advance if I’m being thick here…

But could the ‘wrong’ polarity make the fan go backwards?

And if so, does it matter?
That's exactly what I was wondering. Yes, direction would matter. But if they have a bridge rectifier inside that makes them not polarity sensitive, then I would expect the fan to be connected to that too.
 
Great advice from all, many thanks. but one thing i picked up on. Riding with the Headlight on full beam is not a good idea as a DRL, use a dipped headlight. Full beam will dazzle even in the daytime and distract from the fact there is a Motorcycle behind that glare.
 
I have fitted 5 different H4 LED's all from different sources, all with fans and none identified as fitting positive earth. When I got the first one I was expecting to modify the wiring to suit a negative earth bulb but went to try it first and it worked. For some unknown reason the makers of these bulbs incorporate rectifier bridges in the electronics along with voltage regulators to feed the LEDs the 5V they expect. The last pair of bulbs are also voltage tolerant and are labelled 6v to 24v.
We do the H4 LED headlamp conversions regularly and don't have any issues regardless of ground type . Just purchase LED's that are not polarity sensitive. most of the crap they sell at Cycle Gear or Amazon happens to be like this so no issues.
 
If you ONLY want a bright daytime light, just buy the cheapest Amazon thing you can find.

If you want a good night time riding light, you need to do a tad more research.
 
I use a high lumens led in the pilot bulb position. This creates an unfocused wide spread so the cars coming in from the side junction get to see the light. A tightly focused beam going forward limits who will see you.
 
I use a high lumens led in the pilot bulb position. This creates an unfocused wide spread so the cars coming in from the side junction get to see the light. A tightly focused beam going forward limits who will see you.
Which one are you using? Wedge or bayonet?
 
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