Custom Headlamp/Front Fairing Project

Sykes92 · January 7th, 2014, 02:26 PM

I was inspired to start my first DIY on my Ninja 250r. I love her but I've always wanted a unique look for her and decided to give her a facelift. I was inspired after seeing the ninja 250 rr mono, as well as JohnnyBravo's advice (don't know how to tag, otherwise I would haha).

So I threw together some photoshop garbage together for general ideas before I get some felt, and eventually fiberglass, and try to bring it life. Some of these might require a completely new light assembly, which will be the "fun" part.

But I just thought I would post these for 2nd opinion and see if anyone had some advice on the subject. I'm fairly partial on #2 and #5

CThunder-blue · January 7th, 2014, 02:37 PM

Only one of the bulbs is the normal light, the other side is the high beam. In any of your ideas, you're going to lose light output by covering your headlight.

Sykes92 · January 7th, 2014, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CThunder-blue

Only one of the bulbs is the normal light, the other side is the high beam. In any of your ideas, you're going to lose light output by covering your headlight.

I think #2 might be alright because of how similar it is to the sportisi cover. But I figured I would have to make my own light assembly to account of the shapes.
I mean the entire thing could just be way too dodgy in $ and legality to pursue. But at I least I entertained the idea haha.

fishdip · January 7th, 2014, 03:02 PM

It looks like you are cutting your light output in half.

Sykes92 · January 7th, 2014, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fishdip

It looks like you are cutting your light output in half.

Well lets say the bulbs position changed to accomodate the shape. Would a stronger bulb or possible contour of the plastic allow for more output? I've seen some pretty small bulbs on some bikes, but they were older bikes. Maybe perhaps using 3 Hyosung headlamps for something like #4? Outer two would be daytime, center would be highbeam. Would that be plausible?

fishdip · January 7th, 2014, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sykes92

Well lets say the bulbs position changed to accomodate the shape. Would a stronger bulb or possible contour of the plastic allow for more output? I've seen some pretty small bulbs on some bikes, but they were older bikes. Maybe perhaps using 3 Hyosung headlamps for something like #4? Outer two would be daytime, center would be highbeam. Would that be plausible?

I think if you did a custom light you be good.

NevadaWolf · January 7th, 2014, 03:57 PM

Some of the HID kit switch the headlight to having both bulbs on all the time with low beam. Just an idea if you are going to play around with the lights.

I like the second design.

CThunder-blue · January 7th, 2014, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sykes92

I think #2 might be alright because of how similar it is to the sportisi cover. But I figured I would have to make my own light assembly to account of the shapes.
I mean the entire thing could just be way too dodgy in $ and legality to pursue. But at I least I entertained the idea haha.

OEM headlights aren't just about bulb placement. Shifting where the bulb sits isn't easy because of how it is mounted in the headlight. Then you have to consider the reflectors and the curvature of the lens. All these things will determine your light output.

I'm not saying don't do it, but it's not as simple as you may think. You could go with custom mounting some HID projectors so you don't have to worry about the reflectors.

Sykes92 · January 7th, 2014, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NevadaWolf

Some of the HID kit switch the headlight to having both bulbs on all the time with low beam. Just an idea if you are going to play around with the lights.

I like the second design.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CThunder-blue

OEM headlights aren't just about bulb placement. Shifting where the bulb sits isn't easy because of how it is mounted in the headlight. Then you have to consider the reflectors and the curvature of the lens. All these things will determine your light output.

I'm not saying don't do it, but it's not as simple as you may think. You could go with custom mounting some HID projectors so you don't have to worry about the reflectors.

Sounds like HID projectors is the way to go about tinkering with it. I'll start researching and see what I can come up with in the next few weeks. Figured I should get the lighting issue out of the way before I start molding anything. But yeah definitely won't be a walk in the park haha. Thanks for the advice guys.

Rekognize · January 13th, 2014, 01:51 PM

lol... oh boy

Xtina · January 13th, 2014, 01:53 PM

JohnnyBravo · January 13th, 2014, 03:50 PM

2 or 3 an throw in some HID's !!! 4&5 won't be so great,to much lost light

FYI
To link from one thread to another there is a lil button at the bottom right of the post, it's the one in the middle, then when you start your next post a lil thing is down below the post saying about you have one or more quotes from another thread, would you like to add or delete... You can go down to that an add it before you even start the post, so you can get it placed in just the spot you choose. Easy peasy once ya get used to it

JohnnyBravo · January 13th, 2014, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sykes92

Well lets say the bulbs position changed to accomodate the shape. Would a stronger bulb or possible contour of the plastic allow for more output? I've seen some pretty small bulbs on some bikes, but they were older bikes. Maybe perhaps using 3 Hyosung headlamps for something like #4? Outer two would be daytime, center would be highbeam. Would that be plausible?

Some folks I ride with have race noses with HID's poking out the front.

Sykes92 · January 13th, 2014, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rekognize

lol... oh boy

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xtina

Sorry that I had an ambitious imagination and you find it amusing. I didn't say "yeah for sure I can do this no problem" I had an idea and wanted to see if it was plausible. As of right, #2 is actually pretty reasonable. Due to the fact there is already a very similar face mod for the 250 like that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnnyBravo

2 or 3 an throw in some HID's !!! 4&5 won't be so great,to much lost light

FYI
To link from one thread to another there is a lil button at the bottom right of the post, it's the one in the middle, then when you start your next post a lil thing is down below the post saying about you have one or more quotes from another thread, would you like to add or delete... You can go down to that an add it before you even start the post, so you can get it placed in just the spot you choose. Easy peasy once ya get used to it

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnnyBravo

Some folks I ride with have race noses with HID's poking out the front.

Yeah! I've seen that, it looks great! I heard it was from using an HID from a Lexus haha.

JohnnyBravo · January 13th, 2014, 05:17 PM

This guy just has a regular car HID kit, looks like the little ones ya get for fog lights or something. Ill ask where they came from next time he is out

In the world of customs almost anything is possible... Ever see the tyranasaurus Rex at the monster truck show, a jet bike, jet truck? The list goes on.

EsrTek · January 13th, 2014, 06:48 PM

Considering HID's are something your looking at, then I think #3 with 1 HID can be made to work the easiest.

Plz post pics as you go, luv the idea!

JohnnyBravo · January 13th, 2014, 07:58 PM

Oh if you just wanna tag a person it's @Name and it does it all by itself like @Sykes92

Sykes92 · January 13th, 2014, 08:09 PM

Ah, awesome

thanks @JohnnyBravo

JohnnyBravo · January 13th, 2014, 08:31 PM

Folks around here are pretty helpful, some ya gota catch between jokes though to get a straight answer

I tried doin the whole finding the user number and doing the mention thing myself before (not fun) total fail... Somebody finally showed me, that was a funny thread if you ever find it!

NevadaWolf · January 13th, 2014, 08:52 PM

Straight answer? Around here?? HA!

TnNinjaGirl · January 14th, 2014, 08:02 AM

For the HID's... I have Xentecs in my car and absolutely love them. Invest in some 3m double stick foam tape.

Don't let these hooligans get you down. Except for @Alex. Do everything he says. He is the almighty.

Oh, and #2

alex.s · January 14th, 2014, 09:19 AM

hey kids, hids and projectors are totally 2005.

the hip **** is all about LEDs. much better output than hids, no ballasts or fragile bulbs, no need for bulky projectors, the LEDs have much lower power consumption, run cooler, and can more easily be mounted pretty much anywhere. plus since they're so small you can mount them on active control surfaces for aiming patterns (aim around turns, up or down for high beams etc)

buy a spare headlamp assembly, stick it in the oven, open it up, take the reflector out, throw in a bunch of LEDs in the pattern you want (make sure to aim them correctly)

presto chango

custom headlamp.

seriously. even harley has switched to LEDs. do you really want to be behind even harley?

TnNinjaGirl · January 14th, 2014, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alex.s

buy a spare headlamp assembly, stick it in the oven, open it up, take the reflector out, throw in a bunch of LEDs in the pattern you want (make sure to aim them correctly)

I want to see this

alex.s · January 14th, 2014, 10:01 AM

EsrTek · January 14th, 2014, 10:03 AM

Is that one of your bikes Alex??
Asking cause I'm curious to know how well the actual light output is when driving at night?

TnNinjaGirl · January 14th, 2014, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EsrTek

Is that one of your bikes Alex??
Asking cause I'm curious to know how well the actual light output is when driving at night?

Yes, because while I asked to see it you should have read my mind and automatically posted a picture of the output. After all you are a man and I am a woman. That's how it works.

Alex · January 14th, 2014, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TnNinjaGirl

Don't let these hooligans get you down. Except for @Alex. Do everything he says. He is the almighty.

I'm not worthy!

January 7th, 2014, 02:26 PM	#1
Sykes92 Jedi on Two Wheels Name: Cameron Location: Kent Island Join Date: Nov 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Kawasaki Ninja 250r (Slightly Modded) Posts: 489	Custom Headlamp/Front Fairing Project I was inspired to start my first DIY on my Ninja 250r. I love her but I've always wanted a unique look for her and decided to give her a facelift. I was inspired after seeing the ninja 250 rr mono, as well as JohnnyBravo's advice (don't know how to tag, otherwise I would haha). So I threw together some photoshop garbage together for general ideas before I get some felt, and eventually fiberglass, and try to bring it life. Some of these might require a completely new light assembly, which will be the "fun" part. But I just thought I would post these for 2nd opinion and see if anyone had some advice on the subject. I'm fairly partial on #2 and #5

January 7th, 2014, 03:57 PM	#7
NevadaWolf Certified looney toon Name: Teri Location: 39°52'40.7"N 118°23'53.8"W (Northern NV) Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250, 102k+ miles -- 2014 CB500X, 42k+ miles Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 16 MOTM Jul '13, Jul '14	Some of the HID kit switch the headlight to having both bulbs on all the time with low beam. Just an idea if you are going to play around with the lights. I like the second design. __________________________________________________ <-- Linky Hey Unregistered! The code [you] shows the username currently logged in. IBA # 56020 AMA # 521481 Fun Rides! ][ My Videos ][ My Gear Hold yourself to the same rules you expect others to follow.

January 13th, 2014, 01:51 PM	#10
Rekognize ninjette.org member Name: J Location: Toronto Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 300 Posts: 103	lol... oh boy __________________________________________________ My Ninja 300 Build Photoblog Greater Toronto Area 250/300 Riding Group

January 13th, 2014, 01:53 PM	#11
Xtina ninjette.org guru Name: Christina Location: Toronto Join Date: Jul 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300, 2007 Gsxr 600, R6-sold :( Posts: 270
	1 out of 1 members found this post helpful.

January 13th, 2014, 03:50 PM	#12
JohnnyBravo Certifiable nontundrum Name: Harper Location: NC Milkshake stand Join Date: Mar 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2013 SE NINJA 300 Posts: Too much. MOTM - Sep '13, Sep '16	2 or 3 an throw in some HID's !!! 4&5 won't be so great,to much lost light FYI To link from one thread to another there is a lil button at the bottom right of the post, it's the one in the middle, then when you start your next post a lil thing is down below the post saying about you have one or more quotes from another thread, would you like to add or delete... You can go down to that an add it before you even start the post, so you can get it placed in just the spot you choose. Easy peasy once ya get used to it __________________________________________________

January 7th, 2014, 02:37 PM	#2
CThunder-blue ModMy250.com Name: Tri Location: St, Louis Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R, 2005 R6 Posts: A lot.	Only one of the bulbs is the normal light, the other side is the high beam. In any of your ideas, you're going to lose light output by covering your headlight. __________________________________________________ The www.ModMy250.com guy

January 7th, 2014, 03:02 PM	#4
fishdip ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Fish Location: co Join Date: Apr 2013 Motorcycle(s): 250/300 Posts: A lot.	It looks like you are cutting your light output in half. __________________________________________________ Hey Unregistered never go faster than your brakes can be applied...

January 13th, 2014, 05:17 PM	#15
JohnnyBravo Certifiable nontundrum Name: Harper Location: NC Milkshake stand Join Date: Mar 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2013 SE NINJA 300 Posts: Too much. MOTM - Sep '13, Sep '16	This guy just has a regular car HID kit, looks like the little ones ya get for fog lights or something. Ill ask where they came from next time he is out In the world of customs almost anything is possible... Ever see the tyranasaurus Rex at the monster truck show, a jet bike, jet truck? The list goes on. __________________________________________________

January 13th, 2014, 06:48 PM	#16
EsrTek ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Eric Location: Murfreesboro, TN Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): '13 300 Posts: A lot.	Considering HID's are something your looking at, then I think #3 with 1 HID can be made to work the easiest. Plz post pics as you go, luv the idea!

January 13th, 2014, 07:58 PM	#17
JohnnyBravo Certifiable nontundrum Name: Harper Location: NC Milkshake stand Join Date: Mar 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2013 SE NINJA 300 Posts: Too much. MOTM - Sep '13, Sep '16	Oh if you just wanna tag a person it's @Name and it does it all by itself like @Sykes92 __________________________________________________

January 13th, 2014, 08:09 PM	#18
Sykes92 Jedi on Two Wheels Name: Cameron Location: Kent Island Join Date: Nov 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Kawasaki Ninja 250r (Slightly Modded) Posts: 489	Ah, awesome thanks @JohnnyBravo

January 13th, 2014, 08:31 PM	#19
JohnnyBravo Certifiable nontundrum Name: Harper Location: NC Milkshake stand Join Date: Mar 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2013 SE NINJA 300 Posts: Too much. MOTM - Sep '13, Sep '16	Folks around here are pretty helpful, some ya gota catch between jokes though to get a straight answer I tried doin the whole finding the user number and doing the mention thing myself before (not fun) total fail... Somebody finally showed me, that was a funny thread if you ever find it! __________________________________________________

January 13th, 2014, 08:52 PM	#20
NevadaWolf Certified looney toon Name: Teri Location: 39°52'40.7"N 118°23'53.8"W (Northern NV) Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250, 102k+ miles -- 2014 CB500X, 42k+ miles Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 16 MOTM Jul '13, Jul '14	Straight answer? Around here?? HA! __________________________________________________ <-- Linky Hey Unregistered! The code [you] shows the username currently logged in. IBA # 56020 AMA # 521481 Fun Rides! ][ My Videos ][ My Gear Hold yourself to the same rules you expect others to follow.

January 14th, 2014, 08:02 AM	#21
TnNinjaGirl Ms. Personality Name: CB Location: Murvill, TN Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): Depends on the week you ask Posts: A lot.	For the HID's... I have Xentecs in my car and absolutely love them. Invest in some 3m double stick foam tape. Don't let these hooligans get you down. Except for @Alex. Do everything he says. He is the almighty. Oh, and #2

January 14th, 2014, 09:19 AM	#22
alex.s wat Name: wat Location: tustin/long beach Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): wat Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 5 MOTM - Oct '12, Feb '14	hey kids, hids and projectors are totally 2005. the hip **** is all about LEDs. much better output than hids, no ballasts or fragile bulbs, no need for bulky projectors, the LEDs have much lower power consumption, run cooler, and can more easily be mounted pretty much anywhere. plus since they're so small you can mount them on active control surfaces for aiming patterns (aim around turns, up or down for high beams etc) buy a spare headlamp assembly, stick it in the oven, open it up, take the reflector out, throw in a bunch of LEDs in the pattern you want (make sure to aim them correctly) presto chango custom headlamp. seriously. even harley has switched to LEDs. do you really want to be behind even harley? __________________________________________________

January 14th, 2014, 10:01 AM	#24
alex.s wat Name: wat Location: tustin/long beach Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): wat Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 5 MOTM - Oct '12, Feb '14	__________________________________________________

January 14th, 2014, 10:03 AM	#25
EsrTek ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Eric Location: Murfreesboro, TN Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): '13 300 Posts: A lot.	Is that one of your bikes Alex?? Asking cause I'm curious to know how well the actual light output is when driving at night?

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