Have you wanted to install a light bar on your Shadow but didn't want to spend $240+ to do it? I was browsing catalogs and internet sites and came across a $20 light bar from J.C. Whitney (jcwhitney.com) which has the following description:
["Makes it easy to add auxiliary spotlights or driving lights. Bright 14"L x 3/4" diam. tubular steel bar. Knurled ends ensure no-slip clamp grip. Welded-on bracket allows easy installation between headlight mount and top of triple tree. Chrome-plated push-in end caps for a finished look."]
The bar is touted as being for a Shadow VT1100 and ACE from 1985 to 99. I was uncertain if it would fit my '02 Spirit but figured I could modify the bracket and make the bar fit if needed. I didn't need to modify a thing. The ad says to order mounting clamps for $4.29 each, but when it arrived I found it already had them included with the bar. I will hold on to these extra two for future light mods! Below is a picture of the kit (bar, clamps, end caps).
Picture #1. J.C. Whitney Light Bar Kit Item 01ZX1177U
The bar is chromed and the clamps are heavier gauge than I expected and they even have an Allen screw in them to help hold them in place. The following pictures will help you determine if this bar will fit your ride. If your headlamp assembly looks like this then it will probably fit.
Picture #2. 2002 1100 Spirit Stock Headlamp Assembly
There are two 12mm nuts located under the fork cross member that secure the headlamp assembly. See Picture #3 below.
Picture #3. Headlamp Assembly Nuts
Remove the two nuts and the headlamp assembly can be pulled. No wiring needs to
be disconnected. Just lift the housing up off of the cross member as shown
below.
Picture #4. Headlamp Assembly Removed
Here you can see the headlamp assembly studs are 4-inches apart center to center. This matches the light bar holes. If yours is this size then it will definitely fit!
Picture #5. Headlamp Stud Measurements
Slide the light bar bracket over the welded studs on the headlamp assembly and then position the studs back into the cross member. Re-attach the two 12mm nuts.
Pictures #6, #7, and #8. Mounting the Light bar
Pop the end caps into the bar using a rubber mallet or a hammer with a board in-between the hammer and end caps.
Picture #9. Installing the End Caps
That's all there is to it. Now you need some lights to install. You can try to obtain the Harley looking lights at a Tractor Supply or order them from National for about $75 each..... I ordered mine from ebay for $35 a pair. You may contact Rick Buchanan at blueknight@bikermail.com and see if he has anymore available. Here is his write up on these lights and some pics of what they look like. Click on "Light Install" near the bottom of this page for pics of the installation .
["YOU ARE BIDDING ON A PAIR (2) OF THESE DRIVING LIGHTS WHICH ARE BRAND NEW AND ARE "VERY VERY" BRIGHT ("NOTE" VISORS NOT INCLUDED). A STOCK 4-1/2" MOTORCYCLE DRIVING LIGHT (SEALED BEAM) IS 5,200 CANDLE POWER. THESE LIGHTS ARE A BEAUTIFULLY CLEAR 175,000 CANDLE POWER. THEY ARE AN EXCELLENT QUALITY CHROME AND HAVE A REPLACEABLE H3 BULB. THEY COME WITH AN ADJUSTABLE BASE AND INSTALL IN MINUTES TO WHERE YOUR STOCK LIGHTS MOUNT. I KNOW YOU WON'T BE DISSAPOINTED. BUYER PAYS ACTUAL SHIPPING CHARGES. THANKS AND GOOD LUCK."]
Pictures #10 and #11. Rick Buchanan's $35 Light Sets
The National Light Bar is listed at $239 in most places, as cheap as $169 that I have seen. This is a great alternative for those who can wire their own rigs up.... for those that cannot, I make wiring harnesses complete with relays and connector ends for these lights and do a detailed write up including pictures of the install in the links below.
Click on the link below to see the light or wiring installation.
Gonzo
02' Shadow Spirit