Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: Arata on September 23, 2012, 09:17:38 AM

Title: Mr Happy Chinese taillight????
Post by: Arata on September 23, 2012, 09:17:38 AM
I bought a Chinese taillight with no instructions and it has two yellow wires in addition to the three in the stock style plug.

The yellow wires are bare on the ends. It doesn't work with just the plug connected.

Any help???

TIA
Title: Re: Mr Happy Chinese taillight????
Post by: ZG on September 23, 2012, 09:57:13 AM
Could those possibly be for integrating the turn signals?  :-\
Title: Re: Mr Happy Chinese taillight????
Post by: VirginiaJim on September 23, 2012, 09:57:36 AM
Do you have a link to the product?
Title: Re: Mr Happy Chinese taillight????
Post by: Arata on September 23, 2012, 10:08:31 AM
Kawasaki LED Brake Tail Light Ninja ZX6R 07 ZG1400 Concours14 1400GTR 08 11

Item Ends:Sep 24, 2012 5:59:07 AM



Get the eBay Motors App for iPhone



Sent from my iPhone
Title: Re: Mr Happy Chinese taillight????
Post by: VirginiaJim on September 23, 2012, 10:14:21 AM
This is a link......

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kawasaki-LED-Brake-Tail-Light-Ninja-ZX6R-07-ZG1400-Concours14-1400GTR-08-11-/251138834438?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&fits=Make%3AKawasaki (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kawasaki-LED-Brake-Tail-Light-Ninja-ZX6R-07-ZG1400-Concours14-1400GTR-08-11-/251138834438?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&fits=Make%3AKawasaki)|Submodel%3AZX-6R|Model%3ANinja|Year%3A2007&hash=item3a790a8006&vxp=mtr

Now that we have that settled, is there a manufacturer's name?  Please tell me it's not Mr. Happy cause if so there might be some fun coming this way.
Title: Re: Mr Happy Chinese taillight????
Post by: Arata on September 23, 2012, 10:25:29 AM
Well, it is set up to be integrated if you want. It blinks a yellow green with half of the LEDs.

The non function turned out to be a crappy ground connection in the plug.

Now the question, do I use the blinker part or not???

Thanks for the replies.
Title: Re: Mr Happy Chinese taillight????
Post by: Arata on September 23, 2012, 10:27:57 AM
Nah!

I made up the Mr. Happy part!

 ;D

There is no mention of the integration part, so I don't know if I got the wrong one or they all come that way.
Title: Re: Mr Happy Chinese taillight????
Post by: B.D.F. on September 23, 2012, 10:28:24 AM
It should work as a brake and tail light just by plugging it in but if it does not, check the colors of the wires from the new tail light into the connector. Compare them to the original tail light and you will probably find two of them are reversed; remove the connectors from the connector housing and swap the two that are backwards and the tail light should work.

The tail light integrates with the turn signals if you want to do this, that is what the two yellow wires are for. You have to find the turn signal wires on the bike, use a Posi Tap or similar and connect one of the yellow wires to each of the turn signal lines. Of course as you do not know which side is which you have to test the light out with the turn signals temporarily attached to make sure you have the correct sides connected.

Other than those couple of annoyances, it is a pretty nice light and extremely reasonable in cost. It is considerably brighter than the stock light and I like the integrated turn signals.

Best of luck with it.

Brian


I bought a Chinese taillight with no instructions and it has two yellow wires in addition to the three in the stock style plug.

The yellow wires are bare on the ends. It doesn't work with just the plug connected.

Any help???

TIA
Title: Re: Mr Happy Chinese taillight????
Post by: Arata on September 23, 2012, 10:33:29 AM
The box is marked "K Y" inside of a flaming ball logo!!!

Yikes!!!

 ;D
Title: Re: Mr Happy Chinese taillight????
Post by: maxtog on September 23, 2012, 11:17:37 AM
Now the question, do I use the blinker part or not??? 

I wouldn't.  It just distracts from it's main purpose- brake light.  The C-14 already has large, very functional turn signals.
Title: Re: Mr Happy Chinese taillight????
Post by: Tim on September 23, 2012, 07:51:16 PM
I wouldn't.  It just distracts from it's main purpose- brake light.  The C-14 already has large, very functional turn signals.

I don't know about that. I was very disapointed on just how hard it is to see the 14's turn signals during the day.
I traded a ride on a C10 and followed my 09. The brake light on the other hand lights the place up and leaves no doubt.
Title: Re: Mr Happy Chinese taillight????
Post by: maxtog on September 23, 2012, 10:26:30 PM
I don't know about that. I was very disappointed on just how hard it is to see the 14's turn signals during the day.   I traded a ride on a C10 and followed my 09. The brake light on the other hand lights the place up and leaves no doubt.

Hmm.  I have never followed a C14 before, but they look plenty bright to me when I tested viewing mine from walking far behind during the day (when adding the Admore break light).  Seemed about the same as my ZRX and most bikes I have seen.
Title: Re: Mr Happy Chinese taillight????
Post by: martin_14 on September 24, 2012, 01:43:50 AM
interesting topic, and not a minor one too. Since our "driving during the day with high beams on" has been... errr... abducted, visibility (which is a very important subject to discuss) went into darkness.
I never saw a C14 from the back driving in front of me, and it would be interesting to know if I'm being visible when I use my turn signals. That integrated in the brake assembly seems interesting.
OP: could you make a picture of it working? on day light?
Title: Re: Mr Happy Chinese taillight????
Post by: VirginiaJim on September 24, 2012, 04:34:33 AM
You could always start a new thread on that subject, Martin.  I would entertain that, certainly, if it stayed civil.
Title: Re: Mr Happy Chinese taillight????
Post by: ljcorby on September 24, 2012, 04:35:00 AM
I have the smoked version of this taillight with the blinkers connected. I also have a video of them working somewhere up on the site. Will find it and post the link as soon as I get to work. :-)
Title: Re: Mr Happy Chinese taillight????
Post by: VirginiaJim on September 24, 2012, 05:45:33 AM
Thanks!
Title: Re: Mr Happy Chinese taillight????
Post by: ljcorby on September 24, 2012, 06:56:23 AM
All, here is the video.  Let me know what you think.  I sort of like it.  Thanks.

http://s167.photobucket.com/albums/u149/ljcorby/?action=view&current=GiviCasewithLights4.mp4 (http://s167.photobucket.com/albums/u149/ljcorby/?action=view&current=GiviCasewithLights4.mp4)
Title: Re: Mr Happy Chinese taillight????
Post by: martin_14 on September 24, 2012, 09:05:47 AM
I think that the lights on the topcase are much more conspicuous than the integrated blinking function on the tail light. In fact, it took me a moment to realize that the tail light was also "participating" in the blinking  :-\
Mmm... me wants to buy a kit for my topcase. I already have an extra brake light on it, and I always wanted the turn light function too. And winter is coming.
Thanks, ljcorby!
Title: Re: Mr Happy Chinese taillight????
Post by: ljcorby on September 24, 2012, 09:08:53 AM
No problem.  I installed the Admore kit for the Givi E55NT Maxia.  It was a very easy install.  Good luck.
Title: Re: Mr Happy Chinese taillight????
Post by: 556ALPHA on September 24, 2012, 09:11:16 AM
I finally ordered the Admore kit for my E55 after watching your video last week.  I ordered the new plug and play harness that goes inline with the factory harness.  Did you have any issues with the new Tail light and the E55 working together?  I thought I read a while back there was some issue when adding additional brake lights. 
Title: Re: Mr Happy Chinese taillight????
Post by: ljcorby on September 24, 2012, 09:16:22 AM
Just a minor issue but got help from the forum members.  Yes, I had to add a one way diode in line to the new tail light.  Once I did that, everything worked great.  I am sure if you search diode, you will probably find it.  I will see if I can find the link and post it up.
Title: Re: Mr Happy Chinese taillight????
Post by: 556ALPHA on September 24, 2012, 12:54:21 PM
Thanks.   I appreciate it. 
Title: Re: Mr Happy Chinese taillight????
Post by: B.D.F. on September 24, 2012, 01:39:24 PM
Yes, the new tail light has a quirk (OK, a design defect) in that it puts out about 8 volts on the brake light circuit when the tail light is on (all the time the ign. is on). This will cause various problems with any additional tail lights on the bike as well as defeat the brake light sensor on a cruise control (the CC won't engage with the new tail light in place).

To correct this, buy a diode and place it in- line with the brake light wire of the new tail light. Almost any diode will work but I recommend using one of the 3 amp types available at Radio Shack- they sell both 1N5402 and 1N5404 in the stores and either one will do. Diodes have a direction (they are a one- way valve for current) so they must be installed in the right direction as well as the right place in the circuit: install the diode with the band marking facing the tail light, and install it in the tail light harness itself (it must be installed 'behind' everything else in the circuit to work). Installing it backwards or in the wrong place (but in the right, brake light circuit!) will not hurt anything including the diode, it will simply not work. The best way to install it is to cut the brake light wire, solder the diode in series (in- line) in that circuit, and then use some shrink tubing to cover the exposed wires (it is easiest to cover the diode too while doing this).

If anyone needs more help with this I can snap a couple of photos of the basic idea.

Brian


I finally ordered the Admore kit for my E55 after watching your video last week.  I ordered the new plug and play harness that goes inline with the factory harness.  Did you have any issues with the new Tail light and the E55 working together?  I thought I read a while back there was some issue when adding additional brake lights.
Title: Re: Mr Happy Chinese taillight????
Post by: maxtog on September 24, 2012, 03:45:52 PM
I think that the lights on the topcase are much more conspicuous than the integrated blinking function on the tail light. In fact, it took me a moment to realize that the tail light was also "participating" in the blinking  :-\

IMHO, the video just confirms what I said earlier- the STOCK turn signals are much brighter and more visible than anything else on the back of the bike :)  I don't see the value in muddying the brake light function with integrated turn signals... but to each his own!
Title: Re: Mr Happy Chinese taillight????
Post by: martin_14 on September 25, 2012, 03:38:13 AM
IMHO, the video just confirms what I said earlier- the STOCK turn signals are much brighter and more visible than anything else on the back of the bike :)  I don't see the value in muddying the brake light function with integrated turn signals... but to each his own!

Well, IMO the advantage I see on the signals on the topcase is that they are placed higher (and farther appart), therefore making them easier to see from a cager behind the cager right behind you. It's like those third brake lights on top of the rear windshield in the newer cars. I really appreciate that light in other cars when driving mine, because I seat lower than on the bike and it helps me seeing whether the cars beyong the one directly in front of me is going to brake.
Title: Re: Mr Happy Chinese taillight????
Post by: maxtog on September 25, 2012, 05:36:12 AM
Well, IMO the advantage I see on the signals on the topcase is that they are placed higher (and farther appart), therefore making them easier to see from a cager behind the cager right behind you. It's like those third brake lights on top of the rear windshield in the newer cars. I really appreciate that light in other cars when driving mine, because I seat lower than on the bike and it helps me seeing whether the cars beyong the one directly in front of me is going to brake.

I was talking about stock compared to the integrated signals in the brakelight.  The top box is a totally different topic that I was not addressing.  I LIKE the signals and brake lights on the top boxes and think they help with visibility and safety.  I don't think using the turn signals in the brake light adds anything to the equation at all- with or without a top box.
Title: Re: Mr Happy Chinese taillight????
Post by: jonathan on September 26, 2012, 08:28:57 AM
I was talking about stock compared to the integrated signals in the brakelight. I don't think using the turn signals in the brake light adds anything to the equation at all- with or without a top box.

Speaking as one who has installed this I disagree because if you have the indicators on for a lane change or as you are approaching a turn (remember that they are to indicate intent not confirm action) then the brake light will not be on, so this would only add to the visibility of the indicators.
Title: Re: Mr Happy Chinese taillight????
Post by: maxtog on September 26, 2012, 04:20:57 PM
Speaking as one who has installed this I disagree because if you have the indicators on for a lane change or as you are approaching a turn (remember that they are to indicate intent not confirm action) then the brake light will not be on, so this would only add to the visibility of the indicators.

But the tail light is on.  And one is likely to brake before turning... and it will muddy the picture at that point.  But I know what you are saying.  As long as there is ANOTHER brake light somewhere, I think it is OK.  But opinions will vary, of course.
Title: Re: Mr Happy Chinese taillight????
Post by: jonathan on September 27, 2012, 08:30:11 AM
But the tail light is on.  And one is likely to brake before turning... and it will muddy the picture at that point.  But I know what you are saying.  As long as there is ANOTHER brake light somewhere, I think it is OK.  But opinions will vary, of course.

As it happens I do have another brake/tail light.

(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-K1oM7IHrojU/UGRiduK2bMI/AAAAAAAAAkk/ioUklq-4e1A/s1024/IMG_6387.JPG)
Title: Re: Mr Happy Chinese taillight????
Post by: maxtog on September 27, 2012, 03:49:42 PM
As it happens I do have another brake/tail light.

Haven't seen that one before.  Looks a lot like the one I had on my ZRX.

Love the reflective striping.  I was too chicken to do something like that and ended up getting those solid panels that look black in the day and white at night.