Start with light bar on or off.

[Elk Hunter]

We are racing in the sportsman ATV class the plan as of now is to put the light bar (two 6" hid) on at rm 205 the first rider exchange. It my be close to dark before the next exchange. Do you think we should just start with it on? Thanks for the input.

[Moss2]

If you have no other lights I would put it on. We used to run at least a stock headlight if we could during the day then put the big ones on ideally at dusk. I have been caught with no lights as it got dark and it really sucks.

[Elk Hunter]

Our trx450r has the stock lights still on it with pIAA bulbs, it works ok but u can not run safely at high speed like you can with the hid's on. the only down fall I can see to starting with the hid's mounted is a crash that might tweak them.

[rob-u]

I wouldn't start with your race light mounted? Your stock light should be enough to get you to your pit at race mile 205. You are risking to much if you start with your lights mounted. Good luch down there. What quad will you be racing?

[Vtr_Racing]

Dont take a risk in damaging your lights if you dont have too. If your stock lights are hooked up, you can make it across to San Telmo or Santo Domingo and add them there if you want. IMO, dont put them on till the last possible pit. Riding at night in this race is critical. You guys should be able to make it to Catavinia before you need to add the lights.

[StrunkBro]

I have seen a lot of teams put there lights on to early and roll. Next thing they know they dont have any lights and it still is not dark yet. I would put on a night rider at around 200 and try to save my lights.

[cosmo]

NO!, Your post says it all, you are racing the Sportsman class. You are not going for the overall win right? Save your lights. Your start time will be app. 6:30 am? At 45 mph. that gets you to RM 400 safley before dark. To get to RM 200, should only take you 5 hours. That's app. 12:00 (afternoon). You still have 4 hours of daylight. That's when you will still make more time and (hopefully ) try and stay ahead of the cars!

[SpeedBump]

The guys racing with the LED light bars on their bikes will not have to worry about damage to their lights. The LED light bars are very durable.

[cosmo]

Well, o.k.. After some checking I revised my time(s). You SHOULD be at RM 300 by 3:00 pm. Still, don't start with your lite bar on. Lites aren't cheap. Better to be safe than sorry......

[deathboxgrinder]

If you think that you won't be in the dark to long without the big lights you can always try a couple hid helmet lights to help out.

[Elk Hunter]

Thank you all for the advice. We will have the lights waiting at RM 430.
Fines Double Racing LLC 52A

[StrunkBro]

The guys racing with the LED light bars on their bikes will not have to worry about damage to their lights. The LED light bars are very durable.

This is baja any and every thing can break with just one good crash.

[crazydna]

If you have a scheduled stop at RM 205, make sure the rider has at least the rear led's or whatever flasher you'll be using.... you don't wan't to be caught by a Trophy or a 1.....better be prepared.

[motochris]

Thank you all for the advice. We will have the lights waiting at RM 430.
Fines Double Racing LLC 52A

Yea, anywhere along that highway section would work out well for you.

[bajatex]

Is it not in your budget to build a 100watt Halogen single to put on @ RM205? Our 8" 100watt LaPaz single driving light is a pedastal mount (truck style)that you could fab up a quick mount to get you by pretty easily for not much money. It might not be HID but you can still run at about 85-90% and after you put on your HID's it would be a good back-up if something happened later in the race to the main lights. Not trying to spam but with all the money you have invested to do this race it just doesn't make sense to hope you won't wad up your lights with no back-up plan. My .02

Good luck and be safe,
Bajatex
Tex Mitchell
Baja Designs

[Elk Hunter]

Well Tex i guess you are right after over 30K on 1 quad to race score this year whats a lil more?lol We are leaving in the morning for Ensenada how much for the back up and can we pick it up in ensenada?

[bajatex]

Do you have a picture of the light mounts you can send me? I also have a good friend in Ensenada that has a fab shop that could probably make something that would work.
Call me if you like and I will try to help. 760-560-2252 ext.135 I will be in Enesenada Sunday night as well.

Tex

[cosmo]

If needed, I'm not leaving ( north county area) till Monday a.m., I plan on stopping in Ensenada before heading down to pit past El Rosario. Let me know!