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When I bought my '14 GSA, it came with the OEM auxiliary lights. I had a set of take-off Kristas from my '09 and fitted them as soon as the Clearwater Canopener 3 arrived. I gave the OEM lights to a good friend and he loves them. He uses them for their intended purposes, fog and visibility.

Mike
 
mine also came standard with aux light,
I cannot really tell the difference if it's on or off. i do agree that they are weak but IT'S DESIGNED LIKE THIS,

These are designed to work as FOG LIGHTs, fog lights by definition are not bright. so it's by design.

I am thinking to swap them with something stronger or add 4 more. 2 on top and 2 on low bottom, and stock stays in the middle.
 
The Clearwater lights along with either the "can opener" kit or using the newer Hex EZCan system will not void warranty and in fact do not require splicing into ANY of the bikes wiring harness. It is plug and play and the EX CAN hooks directly to the battery then to the Can bus plug and all the controls are done using the switchgear already on the bike assuming you have the new LC bikes. I had this clearwater Can Opener system with the Darla running lights and the flashing Brake light kit all wired into the bike via CanBus plug and had no issues. I am however going to use the HEX EZCAN component to re use those lights on my new GS because it can be programmed to do more functions by plugging a laptop into the EXCAN and follow the downloaded software to assign plugs which are supplied that are water proof and makes for an extremely professional install and again with NO splicing of existing BMW wiring . You can also customize what all the lights will do and all the brightness is controlled by the joy wheel on the left handlebar along with the turn signal switch so on wiring is necessary on the already cluttered handlebars. Seems to be the best system overall.

cheers
 
I have the BMW AUX LED's on my 2013, bought the kit with switch and all and mounted them to a set of Touratech upper crash bars using their mounts, installed myself and had the dealer activate the feature within the ZFE, they charged $100 which was the biggest rip-off.
I do think that they could be brighter and have a longer throw but they get the job the job done for me after taking some time to adjust them correctly, they are very sensitive to the angle they are aimed I discovered.
I mostly wanted them to use as DRL's and they are great for that.
I also like to keep things stock.
 
Hi folks. Has anyone found anything on the market that is suitable to use on the 2013+ GS with the LED headlight option other than the Clearwater with the CANOPENER kit.

Cheers from Aus.

Simmo
Yes, Touratech has a set that has higher output than the Ericas for much less money. They also have something like the Canopener that enables use of the WW. I haven't bought them yet but considering them as an alternative to the very expensive Clearwater lights.

Wes
 
I had the plastic version of the same lights on my '09 GSA and, when I acquired my '14 GSA, the OEM auxiliary lights were the first things to go. I have replaced them with a pair of Clearwater Darlas that are aimed low/wide and really illuminate the sides of the road! The LED headlight is supplemented by a set of Kristas. For me, this is a great combination.

I'm certainly no lighting guru but the BMW lights, with their thick lenses, seem to be fog lights and, in that roll, work fairly well. They also seem to do the job for making the machine more visible to oncoming traffic. I ended up donating my OEM lights to a good friend who wanted them for his brand new RT. They were plug 'n play and he wanted them for visibility.

Sorry you didn't get what you needed but there are plenty of resources out there. Let us know what you end up with and welcome to the forum.

Mike

What did you do with the OEM lites? Sell them?
 
This was my dialogue with my local BMW dealer's Service Manager:
Me: "I want some BMW auxiliary lights for my GS."
Service Manager: "No you don't."
Me: "Why not?"
Service Manager: "Because they're piss-weak. There are better plug and play lights. Look on the internet."

This was good advice. I ended up with Clearwater Darla lights and have not regretted it.
 
In the bigger-is-better world view, a stronger spot light seems a good idea. That is until you are driving behind a GS who is blinding you in the rear view mirror or you drive against one coming in the opposite direction.

I am all for safety but not at the expense of blinding other road users selfishly.

I hate cyclists who have strong blinding headlights. I drive carefully into them...like a deer




Sent from my MI MAX using Tapatalk
 
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..... I am all for safety but not at the expense of blinding other road users selfishly. .....
The solutions are simple:
If you have ultra bright lights and use them as driving lamps, use them sensibly on high beam only.
If you have spots as daytime running lamps, make sure they're properly aligned.

Clearwater lamps have a control for 10 brightness settings. Mine are set at set at 2/10 for daytime running and 10/10 for high beam.
 
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I agree completely, the OEM aux lamps are a total rip-off. I bought the Denali DM Micros for a measly $230....they are BRIGHT.

The DR1's are MUCH brighter, but since I never ride at night I just wanted daytime running lights and the Micros are perfect.

Fortunately I had a loooong wintertime wait for my bike and lots of time to do research. There were several posts over on ADVrider a year ago about the OEM lights that convinced me right away not to get them.
Hi,
I realize this is an older forum post I’m replying to.
I ride RT’s and just joined because of the good info on this site. Very impressed researching the Denali line; the DR1’s in particular given I often ride at night.
Curious how your Denali’s have (had) held up, and if you have installed other Lights (Denali’s or otherwise) on this or another bike.
Thanks, Bruce
 
I see little difference between D and C in the global scheme of lighting. Both are CANBus controlled, both produce similar illumination and pattern. There is not much difference in price between the various similar product class units. Most of the time in discussions it is simply a matter of "My dealer had (insert Clearwater or Denali here) on the shelf and I went with that." or "I found a good deal on the (insert Clearwater or Denali here) CANBus controller and..."

For me, the local dealer had the Denali controller on the shelf so I use Denali D4's and D7's on my '18 R1200GSA because the connectors match.
 
That’s clear, and thanks; good to hear some perspective on Clearwater vs Denali, and probably some others. Avoid stress going down the “lighting rabbit hole“. Ultimately, you do your best (specs, features, etc, and dial them in) to be seen, …… but no guarantee nuts behind the wheel will take notice and say, “Hey, Thank you for choosing Clearwater, or Denali, or Skene). Thanks again.
 
Had the Baja Designs XL80s installed and they have held up well in the Indian conditions (read harsh, very harsh).
In place of the OEMs I have the Baja Designs S1 installed. All run off the Hex EZ Can.
These are all good lights as others in our group ride with Denalis/CWs/baja designs.
 
I agree completely, the OEM aux lamps are a total rip-off. I bought the Denali DM Micros for a measly $230....they are BRIGHT.

The DR1's are MUCH brighter, but since I never ride at night I just wanted daytime running lights and the Micros are perfect.

Fortunately I had a loooong wintertime wait for my bike and lots of time to do research. There were several posts over on ADVrider a year ago about the OEM lights that convinced me right away not to get them.
+1 Denali. Today especially, $400 gets you TOO much light, almost.
 
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