Kawasaki Concours Forum
The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: Rubber_Snake on September 21, 2017, 02:30:21 PM
-
1st of two parts:
Hey everybody. I thought I'd share with you how I converted my rear signals to tail/brake/signal lights. I really like making the bike more visible to the rear while maintaining a stock look. The install was fairly straightforward, but not without some challenges. First off, a list of supplies.
1. Two (2) 1157 sockets to replace the stock 1156y sockets. You have to modify the tabs on the 1157s, and it isn't exactly easy to wedge them into the stock base, but once you do, they are in there securely.
http://www.autozone.com/collision-body-parts-and-hardware/directional-indicator-bulb-socket/dorman-conduct-tite-3-wire-socket-cornering-light/6431_0_0?cmpid=PS:3:3:1&s_kwcid=AL (http://www.autozone.com/collision-body-parts-and-hardware/directional-indicator-bulb-socket/dorman-conduct-tite-3-wire-socket-cornering-light/6431_0_0?cmpid=PS:3:3:1&s_kwcid=AL)!5142!3!193258441834!!!!296834854789!&ef_id=WHUIUwAAAUFDbGAs:20170921165717:s
Here's the reference video I watched to make the mod:
https://youtu.be/6pel1LOMZJw (https://youtu.be/6pel1LOMZJw)
Note: 'Ol Mr. Carper makes it sound likes it's easy peasy, but he doesn't show what a pain it is to actually get them in there.
2. LED brake/taillight bulbs 1157. I bought some JDMAstar bulbs off of eBay, but I would recommend www.jdmastar.com (http://www.jdmastar.com) for a better selection/quality. As Maxtog has documented, JDM stands behind their products and they are of excellent quality.
www.jdmastar.com/product/81/PX-SMD-1157-7528-LED-Bulbs-Set-of-2.html (http://www.jdmastar.com/product/81/PX-SMD-1157-7528-LED-Bulbs-Set-of-2.html)
3. LED taillight converter. I used the Hopkins 48895 converter. DO NOT make the mistake of getting the converter designed for incandescents, it will not work. (I learned that the hard way)
https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/hopkins-towing-solutions-3935/accessories-16449/truck---towing-16781/trailer---towing-16648/trailer-electrical-16828/trailer-wiring---universal-16683/tail-light-converters---universal-18816/wire-converter/48895/4379714?q=Taillight+converter (https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/hopkins-towing-solutions-3935/accessories-16449/truck---towing-16781/trailer---towing-16648/trailer-electrical-16828/trailer-wiring---universal-16683/tail-light-converters---universal-18816/wire-converter/48895/4379714?q=Taillight+converter)
4. If you do not already have one, you will need an electronic flasher to replace the stock one so as not to get the hyperflash from using LEDs.
http://www.motosport.com/dmp-led-flasher-unit (http://www.motosport.com/dmp-led-flasher-unit)
-
2nd part
To do the conversion, you need basic wiring skills. You have to splice the converter between the new sockets and the bike's wiring. I soldered and heatshrinked all of my connections, which could come back and bite me in the arse if the bike has to be disassembled. To avoid this, I would recommend some bullet connectors and maybe four and five wire automotive connectors. (I may still end up doing that anyway). As I said, it is fairly straightforward and not too difficult to perform, but will take you some time to complete. I'm a slow worker and I connected everything temporarily to make sure it would work. That's how I realized I initially had the wrong converter. If you have everything you need, the job should take between 3-4 hours. With this list of supplies, you shouldn't have any problem. I listed links for everything, but if you search around, you might find better prices. The first two pictures are of the actual items I bought that are different from the links I provided. The third is where I placed the converter and the fourth is a still of the taillights. I got most of my stuff off of eBay...
-
3 second video of tail and signal flashing:
https://youtu.be/SgtpB10JltU
(Looks I have a license plate light out...)
-
1st pic
-
2nd
-
3rd
-
4th