custom license frame/rear turn signals
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parts needed: |
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I measured the space in the finned frames and compared with the LifeBrite specs. It appears dead on. You could use either amber turn signals or red stop lights (with built-in flashing feature!). |
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The carriage bolts are the kind with a mushroom head and a square section between the head and the threaded shaft. |
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(5) Misc. bullet connectors, etc. |
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tools needed: |
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Crimping pliers Normal hand tools Helpful: circuit tester Helpful: Honda service manual Helpful: beer |
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license plate frame installation: |
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Remove the license plate light/turn signal assembly. One bolt secures it all. Feed the wires through the hole in the fender. Unplug the bullet connectors. |
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Scratching your head, figure out the wiring. Get the service manual. If you are too cheap or stubborn, here is the wiring color codes for the rear lights: |
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Left turn signal |
orange |
| Right turn signal | light blue |
| turn signal ground (common) | green |
| license plate light | brown |
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Using a small file, make the holes square so that they will accept the buttonhead carriage bolts (the idea is to keep the bolt from turning when you attach the nuts). Fit the bolts in the holes. Grind off the heads so that they are a little flatter. |
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Place your license plate in the frame and assemble the frame. |
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Wire the frame light. Trim the rubber gasket so that it cannot be seen sticking out of the sides. Install the frame. Push the wires into the fender for now. |
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saddlebag turn signals: |
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Remove the saddlebag reflectors. Place the marker light gaskets against the area where the reflectors were. Perfect fit! Mark and drill the holes for the bolts and a pass-through hole for the wires. Note that the pass-through must be large enough to pass the connectors (unless you want permanently attached saddlebags).
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Modification for quicker removal: Throw away the mounting bolts that come with the lights. Replace the bolts with studs epoxied into the lights. Use wing nuts to attach the lights to the bags. This will make removal/replacement easier if you are using the saddlebag guards. |
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Run wires from the fender to the saddlebags using the above wiring color codes. Drill the holes in the saddlebags wherever you are comfortable. Wire up the lights. |
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Fire it up and do a smoke test. If all is well, secure the mare's nest of wires under the fender. I wrapped the whole bundle in a plastic baggie and zip tied it before I stuffed it in place. |
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important note: |
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The turn signals will flash rapidly now. This is because the lower amperage draw of the new lights fools the circuit into thinking that a bulb is out. A resistor must be added to the circuit to simulate the current draw of the stock turn signals. Instructions are here. |
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© 04/10/2005 tim skelton