2017 CB1100EX Clearwater Darla Lights Install

[TXBikerGuy]

I've been a fan of Clearwater lights since I put my first set of Darla's on my 2014 BMW K1600GTL. Put my 2nd set on the KTM 1190 Adventure and now, the 3rd set is fully installed on the '17 EX. Posting some pics of the process in case anyone else is thinking about adding these in the future.

I chose the universal fender mount/location in part because I like having the ability to direct the beams by turning the handlebars. The can also be mounted easily on engine guards--particularly the SW Motech bars as they have a nice crossbar almost custom-made for lights.



The wiring runs nicely up along the brake lines. This is the R side light.



Wiring continues into the opening along the side of the frame under the fuel tank on both sides. (I removed the tank to make the wiring install easier)



This little pocket area worked out perfectly as a spot to collect the wires from the lights, controller knob and power relay. It would have been a much cleaner install if I'd have cut all the wires to just the length needed for this bike. But, at $550 a set--I want to retain the ability to take these off this bike if/when I sell it to use on the next bike. So, I accepted a little "rat's nest" look as a result. I hope I don't lose too much credibility here for that.



Apparently, I've reached the limit of photos for a single post so I'll stop this one here and start a new one to finish up. Coming up...leads to the battery control knob and inside the headlight shell.

[peterbaron]

Neat and like a professional job/installation =

[Ennsync_imp]

excellent work of art and your self and clearwater.

[TXBikerGuy]

I ran the leads to the battery down the right side of the frame. Will be obscured by the tank. The fuse is accessible behind the right side cover. In hindsight, I wish I'd have put these wires in some casing. Would have looked cleaner.



Here's where I mounted the controller knob. I wanted to be able to adjust the brightness with my left hand and not have to reach across the bike.



As discussed in a different thread about the headlight wiring, the default mode for this controller is to tap into the low-beam wire for power (#8 position on the LED plug) and into the high-beam wire so the lights switch to 100% brightness when the high-beams are activated. They are set to only go to 55% brightness using the knob in the low-beam only mode. Unfortunately, the '17 LED headlight is wired so the high-beam wire has power all the time (ground switched). Not wanting to experiment with tapping into other wires in a $1000 piece of equipment, I opted to reprogram the controller to allow for 100% brightness without the high-beam connection.

Pro Tip from Clearwater. Start with all power off to the lights and controller. Have the controller knob all the way to the left. Turn on the power to the lights and controller and within 3 seconds, turn the knob all the way to the right--repeat 4 times so it stops on the right side. Lights should flash twice. You've reprogrammed the controller.

Here's the red power light tapped into the headlight plug.

[Cormanus]

Nice work, TXBikerGuy. Thanks for the write up.

[Redbird_imp]

Very nice installation and a good write up.

Moderators: Consider moving(or copying) this to the How To section.

[17-CB-002]

Just wondering ....


Are these lights "Spot" or "Flood" pattern?

What type of projection on the road at night?

Thanks
Alain Lee

[TXBikerGuy]

Just wondering ....


Are these lights "Spot" or "Flood" pattern?

What type of projection on the road at night?

Thanks
Alain Lee

Here's what Clearwater says about them. My personal experience riding at night with them is that they significantly improve overall lighting visibility for me, so I consider them both safety features for daytime and helpful augmentation of the OEM headlight at night.

"We consider Darlas to be a combination of a fog and visibility light; however, due to the adjustable “dimming” feature, they serve multiple purposes. These lights are primarily for conspicuity (visibility to other motorists) rather than "down the road" illumination. Some customers have commented that even in bright sunlight, cars move over in front of them during their daily commute, whereas before our lights, they were constantly ignored. I find the car pool lane here in CA rarely has a car ignoring my approach from behind.
Although illumination is not the primary function of the Darlas, they will illuminate road signs, reflectors, and deer retinas much better than standard or halogen lights due to the higher bandwidth of light energy. You might be amazed at how far away exit signs can be seen."