my future’s so bright…

…or maybe it’s my past since we’re talking brake and tail lights!!

my father-in-law and i took a trip over to custom dynamics to talk to them about led replacement options for the brake and turn signals. the folks at custom dynamics told us know what we needed then proceeded to work up an awesome deal. next thing i know, we’re walking out with a new set of lights – thanks gramps…

installation of the turn signals, both front and rear were as easy as removing the lens cover and bulb, replacing them with the led fixture and replacing the lens. the brake light wasn’t quite as simple as it required disassembling the lens housing and gluing the led array in place.

on advice from the folks at custom dynamics, we used the plumbing version of amazing goop to glue the led array to housing… the thing to know about this stuff is it’s runny and it’s sticky. use in small quantities and wait for it to set before adding more. i know from experience on this one… also, don’t use alcohol to clean the silver fixture inside the lens housing – it won’t stay silver very long…

waiting for the assembled lens housing, containing the led array and goop, to dry before reattaching to the bike.

a big key to installing the led fixture in the lens housing it to make sure you have it oriented correctly. one edge of the led array contains white leds to light up the license plate. you want to make sure the leds are facing up to actually light the plate.

the results…

not something i’m necessarily going to notice while riding. but it’s not about me noticing, it’s about getting others to notice me!!! and from a couple of trusted sources, they work extremely well.

r/b/t module installation

installed the run/brake/turn signal module today... installation went quickly and smoothly - took less than ten minutes, including removing and replacing the seat. the toughest part of the installation was deciding where to locate the module. there really wasn't much choice, it was more a matter of placing it so the wires didn't get pinched by the seat pan and the module itself was secured.

the next decision is whether to replace the amber turn signal lenses with red ones. to meet DOT requirements/standards, the lenses are supposed to be red. i don't know how much hassle i'll get for leaving them amber... i may just find out...