Cool way to install flush mounts (BikeMaster Universal)

[Maielstrom]

Hey everyone!

While trying to see how these (http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...Light-Kit.aspx) flush mounts would look on a Ninja, I came across this video:

Link to original page on YouTube.

What I liked about this video is that aside from taking the wires out of the OEM bulb connector, no cuts in the wires are necessary to install ($20 minimum at EasternBeaver for the connectors kinda turned me away). Also like that removing the fairing isn't required. Did a quick search and didn't see this video/method, so I though I'd share. Any opinions about this kind of install, possibly some things to look out for with a connection in this type of manner? Or maybe some opinions on these flush mounts in general?

[Alex]

They look clean.

[Stamatos]

I like this! Was looking for a way to do flush mounts for my blinkers and was dreading taking the fairings off or cutting wires. The adhesive looks like it may be an issue but more easily resolved.

[Maielstrom]

Originally Posted by Stamatos

I like this! Was looking for a way to do flush mounts for my blinkers and was dreading taking the fairings off or cutting wires. The adhesive looks like it may be an issue but more easily resolved.

Yeah that's pretty much where I'm at. Don't mind too much taking the fairings off (probably will have to do that in the future anyway), but really wasn't in favor of cutting the wiring. I ordered the black ones with a clear lens (may put a green tint on at some point) so I'll be doing the install next week. Probably going to end up going with the Krazy glue like the guy in the video recommends, though I was contemplating getting some black silicon to make a nice seal and see how well that holds up.

[lostdaemon]

I have these - got them put on after I tore my right stock signal off being stupid...



I like them. Very visible and angled towards the front.

[CZroe]

I've had the clear lens, black housing version (no CF) of these. A local guy gave them to me when I gave him a pregen turn signal, so I didn't get all the stuff (notably: the double-sided adhesive).

vVtheduckVv has them too, but he painted the housing and somehow color-match Candy Plasma Blue! I wonder if he'll trade housings with me. Hmm...

Anyway, I wouldn't use Crazy Glue or anything meant to be permanent, so I guess that pretty much just leaves silicone, right?

[xSean13]

After dealing with gorilla glue on my old cracked fairing, I would advise against it. Couldn't get it off, even after using lots of Mineral Spirits

[Maielstrom]

Thanks for the heads up! Haha they're scheduled to be delivered tomorrow, so I read your posts just in time! I'll most likely just go with the black silicone, and add some of my own 3M to it, as (from the video) it doesn't seem like the adhesive they give is 3M, so I suppose the quality is up in the air on that

LostDaemon they look really nice! Glad to hear that the visibility of the signal is good, as that was one of my concerns getting a flush mount (though I preferred that this one faces forward as opposed to the side)

[Maielstrom]

Alright the install is finished pretty much, just waiting on the silicone to dry.

Question though, when I turn on the turn signals, the back of the bike makes a grinding noise before the signals come on. The noise is coming from the trunk. Think I need a relay for this set up? The new signal is a single filament, pretty sure it's 55watt. The signal does blink faster than the stock ones though. Any suggestions?


Edit: Found the solution
Think I found the issue through this thread:
http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showt...n+signal+noise

Checking the wattage on the new bulb. They are 23watt, stocks are 10watt. Just gotta pick up some replacement bulbs and it should be fine. Never played around much where wattage was an issue, so I never knew to check for it, but that's why it's called learning haha

Future reference to anyone looking at these turn signals (couldn't find bulb size online and no info is printed on the bulb besides 12v 23w). I went to Autozone and picked up a pair of Sylvania "Long Life 97" (97 LL) Bulbs. They are 13.5Volt, 9.3watts, but they seem to have done the trick as the flash pattern seems back to normal and the noise isn't very present anymore (still slightly there, but the same sound was there with the stock signals too - my understanding is that it is the relay engaging?). One thing to note is that I only found the bulb with a clear lens, I know some places have issues with clear turn signals, though I'm sure it can be found in amber as well.

[iceknyght]

Thanks for the heads up, I actually went and ordered some yesterday!

[CZroe]

OK. I think I might use these just to sell my stalk ones and make a tiny bit of money. Because mine have clear lenses, I guess I'll be looking for 10W amber bulbs. Gotta spend money to make money! The stock bulbs are amber but the post arrangement probably won't allow them to fit normally. Have you tried?

[Maielstrom]

No probz iceknyght! Like in the original video I posted, you'll notice the back of the light doesn't stick too well. This is because of the shape of the stick pad, it leaves an entire section (think its the top) without any adhesive on it! I was going to use some 3M double side to remedy this, but the 3M tape was too thin (the adhesive they give is fairly thick) I'd say their adhesive should hold well enough, but the silicone I put on will make a water seal so as not to worry about any water getting in there. I'm leaving it alone to set until tomorrow (crazy hot weather in NY today), so I can't really give a test ride just yet.
As a separate note regarding the connection itself. In the video, the person opened up one of the connectors so the other would fit inside and make the connection. I tried getting the BikeMaster bullet connectors to fit inside the OEM, but that didn't work and I didn't want to mess up the OEM connectors (in case I need to put the stocks back on). Instead, I clipped off the bullet connectors of the BikeMaster's and stripped off about 3 inches of insulation to expose the wire. The OEM connector is set up like two cylinders next to each other (best description I can give ) kinda looks like this OO. I twisted the exposed BikeMaster wire so it wouldn't separate and fed it through one of the cylinders, then wrapped it around the beginning of the wire. After that, I used electrical tape to insulate the connections. Not sure how wise of a method this is, but I didn't have to mess with the OEM connector. Let me know if this description makes much sense, as I'm not sure how helpful it is haha

Originally Posted by CZroe

OK. I think I might use these just to sell my stalk ones and make a tiny bit of money. Because mine have clear lenses, I guess I'll be looking for 10W amber bulbs. Gotta spend money to make money! The stock bulbs are amber but the post arrangement probably won't allow them to fit normally. Have you tried?

Yeah I was gonna try to use the stock bulbs in the BikeMaster. The issue was location of the lock in mechanisms (little bumps on the side) and possibly the size of the bulb too. On the stock bulbs, the bumps are angled, in a position similar to hour/minute hand of 7 or 8 o'clock (on a clock). The BikeMaster bulbs have them in line with each other, so like the hour/minute hands of 6 o'clock. Thus the OEM bulbs wouldn't be able to go into the BikeMaster unfortunately.

[iceknyght]

Originally Posted by Maielstrom

Let me know if this description makes much sense, as I'm not sure how helpful it is haha

I think I understand, but will get a better idea once I get them!

Thanks for the help!

[CZroe]

I've wired signals that way before. Can't say it's particularly stable.

Anyway, I just wanted you guys to note that there is a drainage slit in the rubber that is supposed to face down, so that means that there is a correct left or right position for each signal.

[Maielstrom]

Originally Posted by iceknyght

I think I understand, but will get a better idea once I get them!

Thanks for the help!

Once you get the signals and see all the connections, it'll help decipher what I wrote haha Definitely throw down a post if there's somethin that doesn't quite make sense!

Originally Posted by CZroe

I've wired signals that way before. Can't say it's particularly stable.

Anyway, I just wanted you guys to note that there is a drainage slit in the rubber that is supposed to face down, so that means that there is a correct left or right position for each signal.

I figure as long as the electrical tape is holding everything together, they won't touch and short out, and the contact is being made where it needs to.

Ya see I saw that, and I thought there was one on each side, if water got in one side, it would go out the other (ridiculous system I know). So as it is, I have mine on the wrong side haha. Convenient enough though, I can just unscrew and switch the covers making them right side up. Thanks for the notice! Never would have looked at that (Though I should have as I spent an hour applying and checking the silicone to make sure there were no holes in the seal and that I cleaned it up nice -_-)
That's just about the only issue I had with this set of signals was that it comes with no directions, or even a paper with specifications. It is just the two signals, the adhesives, and the nuts/bolts for a screw in mount and that's it.

Edit:
Last night, I thought the vent was a part of the plastic cover, turns out it is actually a part of the rubber seal of the signal (which sits up against the bike). Since the silicone is already set, I decided to silicone the vents (which are now facing up) and I'm gonna just carve out my own later. So make sure to check that you're facing the vents in the correct direction before you put it on!

[iceknyght]

So apparently finding some of the parts I wanted was not an easy task... I tried finding male spade connectors to make a nice & easy connection, but NOBODY around here sells them in the size I needed... And finding an amber version of the bulb has proven to be quite difficult too...

So, I just cut the new light connectors off about halfway and crimped the wires to the female spade connectors and used heat shrink tubing to make it all nice and neat. For the adhesive, I found some grey 3M double sided tape at Target that I lined the edges with. It seems to be sticking very well so far! And without finding the right bulbs (I'll have to order some online), I am using the ones that came with the mounts (that definitely blink too fast!) until they come in...

But they're on and definitely look better than the stock stalks!

[Maielstrom]

Originally Posted by iceknyght

So apparently finding some of the parts I wanted was not an easy task... I tried finding male spade connectors to make a nice & easy connection, but NOBODY around here sells them in the size I needed... And finding an amber version of the bulb has proven to be quite difficult too...

So, I just cut the new light connectors off about halfway and crimped the wires to the female spade connectors and used heat shrink tubing to make it all nice and neat. For the adhesive, I found some grey 3M double sided tape at Target that I lined the edges with. It seems to be sticking very well so far! And without finding the right bulbs (I'll have to order some online), I am using the ones that came with the mounts (that definitely blink too fast!) until they come in...

But they're on and definitely look better than the stock stalks!

Glad to hear it went well for ya (aside from finding the parts)! Definitely a smart move using the 3M tape, that seems to be a pretty durable adhesion method. Also smart move on the heat shrink, haha much better move than the electrical tape as I did it. I'd just be careful with the bulbs, as I'm not sure if the higher wattage can do any damage to the relay (mine was making a weird grinding kinda sound until I swapped the bulb out). Gotta agree, they do look so much better than the stocks (I called them E.T. eyes ha)

And just as a little update, the silicone cured/dried/sealed up nicely. Did a decent job cleaning up around the edges. The black silicone definitely looks good, so I'm absolutely satisfied with the outcome!

I can highly recommend these signals, they look great and the price is excellent on them!

[iceknyght]

Yeah, the bulbs make me nervous, but I have only been riding the bike about twice a week to work, so 1 or maybe 2 days with the bulbs in there should be fine... I'll just try not to use them much until then...

And the 3M tape works well, but it's also not a full connection like using the silicone, but I don't ride in bad weather so it shouldn't be a problem. But I did only use 2 pieces (curved from the middle of the front to the middle of the back, top and bottom), so it's not too bad overall...

[Maielstrom]

Originally Posted by iceknyght

Yeah, the bulbs make me nervous, but I have only been riding the bike about twice a week to work, so 1 or maybe 2 days with the bulbs in there should be fine... I'll just try not to use them much until then...

And the 3M tape works well, but it's also not a full connection like using the silicone, but I don't ride in bad weather so it shouldn't be a problem. But I did only use 2 pieces (curved from the middle of the front to the middle of the back, top and bottom), so it's not too bad overall...

Yeah, working with turn signals and relays are very new to me, so I have no clue about different wattage and such.
Absolutely the 3M is a good option! I was gonna go with that myself, but I didn't have any haha so the silicone was a good alternative. Sounds like you've got a good stick though! I've got 3M holding some 12 inch LED trips inside the fairing, and I've had absolutely no problem with it.

[iceknyght]

I just lucked out on finding the 3M tape at Target! I am sure they'd probably have the same stuff at Lowes or Home Depot too... I bought some silicone too, just in case...

And I rode to work today with them, and was on the freeway doing over 80 (for about 10 minutes straight) with no problems, so I think I am good!

[newninja123]

hey guys great write up..! how exactly did you do the silicone? do you mind uploading some pics?

also did you have to take the fairings off at all to install these?

sorry.. im totally new to bikes!

[iceknyght]

I went with the tape instead of silicone, but I would assume you would just lay a bead around the center of the rubber gasket and then press them on in place.

Unless you plan on using the screws to install them, you won't need to remove the fairings. If you watch the video up top, it shows how to remove the stock lights (just a couple screws) and gives a good idea on how to install them too...

[CZroe]

What type of silicone is easiest to remove from fairings if I have to? I know some kinds can be as bad as solid (aquarium glue *grrr*).

[Maielstrom]

Originally Posted by newninja123

hey guys great write up..! how exactly did you do the silicone? do you mind uploading some pics?

also did you have to take the fairings off at all to install these?

sorry.. im totally new to bikes!

I divided the signal into 4 sections (top, bottom, left, right), and just laid down a silicon on the space between the signal and the fairing. I then went over it with my finger to smooth it out and ease it into the spacing a little. Repeat that four all the remaining sides and there ya go! After everything had silicone, I went around with Q-tips (a good lot of them haha) and cleaned it up, as smoothing it out caused some to move up and such. The ending result is fairly clean and looks good. One thing to keep in mind (which I learned the hard way twice) is that (as seen in the video) there is a small gap at the back top of each signal where there is no adhesive. To try and remedy this, after I put the silicone on, I pressed the signal down flat against the bike. However, the silicone takes too long to dry and get a good hold, so both times I did this, the signal gap popped back out. So, the end result was that I just put the silicone around (made sure the gap was filled) and left it as is so it could dry. Been riding with it, got up to 60 today, no problems at all with the set up. I'll do a quick video tomorrow to help give a visual to the description.

In regards to what kind of silicone is easy to get off the fairings, I haven't a clue. Didn't think to test it at all before hand. I used GE silicone (think it was silicone II). From what I remember, the tube says it can be removed with mineral spirits, but in regards to the fairing, not sure how easy it is. I can only go off of prior experience where I've used silicone around the house, and it's peeled off pretty cleanly and easily. My thought was that since the fairing is plastic, it should be the same?

[newninja123]

Originally Posted by Maielstrom

I divided the signal into 4 sections (top, bottom, left, right), and just laid down a silicon on the space between the signal and the fairing. I then went over it with my finger to smooth it out and ease it into the spacing a little. Repeat that four all the remaining sides and there ya go! After everything had silicone, I went around with Q-tips (a good lot of them haha) and cleaned it up, as smoothing it out caused some to move up and such. The ending result is fairly clean and looks good. One thing to keep in mind (which I learned the hard way twice) is that (as seen in the video) there is a small gap at the back top of each signal where there is no adhesive. To try and remedy this, after I put the silicone on, I pressed the signal down flat against the bike. However, the silicone takes too long to dry and get a good hold, so both times I did this, the signal gap popped back out. So, the end result was that I just put the silicone around (made sure the gap was filled) and left it as is so it could dry. Been riding with it, got up to 60 today, no problems at all with the set up. I'll do a quick video tomorrow to help give a visual to the description.

In regards to what kind of silicone is easy to get off the fairings, I haven't a clue. Didn't think to test it at all before hand. I used GE silicone (think it was silicone II). From what I remember, the tube says it can be removed with mineral spirits, but in regards to the fairing, not sure how easy it is. I can only go off of prior experience where I've used silicone around the house, and it's peeled off pretty cleanly and easily. My thought was that since the fairing is plastic, it should be the same?

Yeh, sounds like you have it all figured out haha... i was thinking of buying the tri mounts rather than the bikemaster ones.. Personally I like the look better.... Will look into possible ways figure my options over the next few days...

And yes please! a vid or some pics would, but not trouble mate!

[Maielstrom]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tMoyz7fx_8

Quick video of them

Photos:
Right Side:
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a2...980/Right3.jpg
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a2...980/Right2.jpg
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a2...980/Right1.jpg

LeftSide:
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a2...1980/Left3.jpg
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a2...1980/Left2.jpg
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a2...1980/Left1.jpg

I saw the tri mounts, those definitely look cool too! Just keep in mind though, that those are LEDs, so there may be some extra work to do on them (I think something with the relay? Don't hold me to it haha) It's your bike, so go for whichever one you like the look of best!

[iceknyght]

I finally got around to cleaning the bike and taking some pics of my blinkers installed... I have ridden close to 200 miles with them on so far (all the way up to 80 mph) with no problems... Solid as a rock! And I got some amber bulbs (10w 12v) from online so now the blinkers work as they should!

[CZroe]

Originally Posted by iceknyght

And I got some amber bulbs (10w 12v) from online so now the blinkers work as they should!

Link?

[Maielstrom]

Good looks! They came out awesome! Also diggin the red rim tape, your bike looks sick!

[iceknyght]

Originally Posted by CZroe

Link?

I got them off Ebay, but the guy's (Scooter) shop is apparently in Northern California! Which is not too far from me... Here's the link:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/290639562194...r#ht_500wt_970

Good looks! They came out awesome! Also diggin the red rim tape, your bike looks sick!

Thanks!

[CZroe]

Originally Posted by iceknyght

I got them off Ebay, but the guy's (Scooter) shop is apparently in Northern California! Which is not too far from me... Here's the link:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/290639562194...r#ht_500wt_970




Thanks!

Thanks! I'm going to get some for these BikeMaster blinkers and for the smoke lenses I'm putting on a pregen.

[Ramen]

Nice thread! I ordered these along with black silicone and the proper bulbs. I used a Dremel to shave a bit off a spade connector to make it fit.

BikeMaster Universal Marker Light Kit - Pair

Wagner 97 Miniature Bulb - Pack of 10

Permatex 82180 Ultra Black Maximum Oil Resistance RTV Silicone Gasket Maker - 3.35 oz.

[iceknyght]

I thought about doing that with the spade connector... I probably should have! Nice job!

[Maielstrom]

Originally Posted by iceknyght

I thought about doing that with the spade connector... I probably should have! Nice job!

Haha didn't even think of doing that though

Looks like it came out great too! The orange lens was definitely a fantastic choice, it blends sooooo nice with the red of your bike!
And 2 bucks for 10 of those bulbs is a helluva lot better than what I paid haha nice find!