Modern Buddy

So I have recently realised how abysmal the factory lighting is on my buddy 50cc. I got to work at 0530 when it is still dark outside and I cannot see poop even with the high beams on. I figured I'd order a set of LED auxiliary lights to supplement my headlight. I went with LEDs to keep the current draw to a minimum. I wired them off of my ignition power source and wired in a switch to control the lights. After installation, I noticed how dorky and lame they looked;



These are ugly as sin, and the light output is less than any flashlight in my house... I do not have a picture of them illuminated but with my headlight on, I cannot tell if they are on or off...

So I did some searching and I wanted to go with a more retro looking housing that matches the scoot. I found some that I liked and I knew they would be bigger but there is an issue, they come with 100w halogens bulbs, drawing over 16 amps from the pair... I'm looking into getting some LED H3 emitters to retrofit but as they sit now they look much better. These are still goofy as heck but in a much better, overkill kind of way.




Obviously these need a little adjusting but they are stupid bright. I'll get a pic tonight to upload so yall can see.

I will say that these had to be wired differently to avoid burning the factory wiring harness. I have a dedicated circuit on 12ga wire from the battery to a new relay and switch. The switch is still wired into the ignition harness so I cannot leave these on accidentally. I also have a much bigger battery. With that being said, I am aware that my charging system will Not be able to keep up with these 100w bulbs so I am sourcing LED replacements for these and my headlights in a slightly cooler color temperature, 6000k to be specific.

I'm just ready for it to be night time so I can try these out lol

Interesting...and you decided against replacing the stock headlight bulb with an LED or HID because...?

Looks like you're a Modder. Only needs a few more mirrors to finish the look

I drive to work in the dark on my 125 and had great results converting the deadlights to running lights using LED's, but noticed your 50 does not have the DOT approved turn signals on the handlebars.. Were they removed?

eamrein wrote:I drive to work in the dark on my 125 and had great results converting the deadlights to running lights using LED's, but noticed your 50 does not have the DOT approved turn signals on the handlebars.. Were they removed?

Yes I removed them and I wired them back to the factory signals. It passed state inspection where I am (which cost me $0.25...)

I am going LEDs all around to keep current draw to a minimum. Although I wired the lights to handle the current from w 100w bulbs, I know the charging system simply cannot keep up.

Anyone know what H4 LED would be a good upgrade for the headlight? I am looking at one using Cree XML2 emitters (which I am very familiar with due to my flashlight modding.... don't judge me! ) but it has a heat sink and cooling fan on the backside of the bulb that I am afraid would interfere with the speedometer cable as it would protrude out the back of the light assembly into the space under the speedo. I have Yet to get in there and measure anything but I'm curious if clearance will be an issue or not.

I bought one off eBay, http://www.ebay.com/itm/112007307594?_t ... EBIDX%3AIT.

I had to move the headlight out about 3/8". The side post straps were removed, then I bought a couple of plastic wire straps in 1/4" diameter and set the posts in front of the old mounts. The side posts had to be trimmed down a bit, the headlight flange had to be trimmed, and the bottom adjustment slot was extended forward.

Really bright, but not as focused. Some day, I might shim the bulb to be a bit further back, and regain the beam shape. Just for fun, I wired in the parking light, too.

Love the huge lights! I'm a fan of oversized light setups like that

Do you have a link to the housings you installed?

Roofaloof wrote:Love the huge lights! I'm a fan of oversized light setups like that

Do you have a link to the housings you installed?

sure do! https://www.amazon.com/Blazer-C52CW-100 ... 08AVSZ66MJ

I felt that the wiring pigtail that is included is not large enough so i re wired it in 14ga. overall not bad for $20 for the pair. you will need to get creative with the mounting though.

Are the lights focused or do they throw the light all over?

Meis wrote:So I have recently realised how abysmal the factory lighting is on my buddy 50cc. I got to work at 0530 when it is still dark outside and I cannot see poop even with the high beams on. I figured I'd order a set of LED auxiliary lights to supplement my headlight. I went with LEDs to keep the current draw to a minimum. I wired them off of my ignition power source and wired in a switch to control the lights. After installation, I noticed how dorky and lame they looked;



These are ugly as sin, and the light output is less than any flashlight in my house... I do not have a picture of them illuminated but with my headlight on, I cannot tell if they are on or off...

So I did some searching and I wanted to go with a more retro looking housing that matches the scoot. I found some that I liked and I knew they would be bigger but there is an issue, they come with 100w halogens bulbs, drawing over 16 amps from the pair... I'm looking into getting some LED H3 emitters to retrofit but as they sit now they look much better. These are still goofy as heck but in a much better, overkill kind of way.




Obviously these need a little adjusting but they are stupid bright. I'll get a pic tonight to upload so yall can see.

I will say that these had to be wired differently to avoid burning the factory wiring harness. I have a dedicated circuit on 12ga wire from the battery to a new relay and switch. The switch is still wired into the ignition harness so I cannot leave these on accidentally. I also have a much bigger battery. With that being said, I am aware that my charging system will Not be able to keep up with these 100w bulbs so I am sourcing LED replacements for these and my headlights in a slightly cooler color temperature, 6000k to be specific.

I'm just ready for it to be night time so I can try these out lol

Like the old Austin Healey Sprite sports car, affectionately called by its owners as the "Bug Eye Sprite", you now have a "Bug Eye Buddy"! Sorry, couldn't resist.

Bill in Seattle
'14 170i Hooligan Matte Green
'15 170i Hooligan Titanium (AZ scoot)

Syd wrote:Are the lights focused or do they throw the light all over?

They have a focused hot spot but plenty of useful spill