Best mod you've done so far?

[patrick_777]

I did the piezo speaker mod this morning. I rode over to Radio Shack and grabbed the following:

• 2 - Radio Shack Piezo Speakers (#273-075)[/*:m:18l62wl7]
• A three-pack of 18g copper wire (3 colors) (#278-1223)[/*:m:18l62wl7]
• 63/37 Solder (just because I was out) (#64-015)[/*:m:18l62wl7]

Total cost: $25

Using all of the information above, I decided just to solder and wrap the splices instead of using connectors. I also wanted to use the existing connectors to the tail signals, which were "pull apart"-type connectors anyway.

Here is a picture of the prep and solder for lengthening the speaker wires: (click for bigger)


After soldering the wires, I wrapped them in electric tape and twisted the black and red together to form a rope. This would make it easier and a lot cleaner to tie onto the frame underneath the storage box. After confirming that they work well, I cable-tied everything to the frame to so there are no wires overhanging the box or getting in the way of the seat.



Here are the connectors I soldered and wrapped the other end of the speakers extension wires to. I will update with a final-look picture, but the light just wasn't right near the end (read: I'm lazy and I forgot).



I ended up mounting them like chasp72 did, hot-glue to the front of the box, but I looked after coming into work, and they had vibrated free. I'll do something better later.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by patrick_777

I did the piezo speaker mod this morning.

95db ! Holy crap. That's gonna be LOUD. O_o

It looks like the buzzers have 3 wires: red, black and blue. I just checked the online info. and it doesn't mention that. Wonder why the 3 wires ??

[patrick_777]

The label on the back says the blue one is a "pulse", white is "continuous" and black is "ground". To test them, I used a AAA battery and it didn't do anything. I didn't bother with a higher voltage because they were going to be hooked up to the turn signal relay anyway.

They are loud when I'm sitting still, almost embarrassingly (with a lot of cars around), but at speed they are really just loud enough and not distractingly so. And the idea is to make myself keep thinking about the signals so I'll turn them off.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by patrick_777

They are loud when I'm sitting still, almost embarrassingly (with a lot of cars around), but at speed they are really just loud enough and not distractingly so. And the idea is to make myself keep thinking about the signals so I'll turn them off.

I figured that would be the case. I think I'm gonna go with the smaller buzzer's but use your mounting location.........or somewhere under the seat, near the connector for the rear signals, anyway.........if I ever work up the ambition to actually DO it, that is. I decided the base of the signal indicator on the dash is just too hard to get to, especially with a windshield in the way.

[jonathan180iq]

If they're too loud, just stick some cotton balls over the speaker holes and tape 'em on with electrical tape.

[chasp72]

Originally Posted by patrick_777

The label on the back says the blue one is a "pulse", white is "continuous" and black is "ground". To test them, I used a AAA battery and it didn't do anything. I didn't bother with a higher voltage because they were going to be hooked up to the turn signal relay anyway.

They are loud when I'm sitting still, almost embarrassingly (with a lot of cars around), but at speed they are really just loud enough and not distractingly so. And the idea is to make myself keep thinking about the signals so I'll turn them off.

I like the look of your installation-- cleaner installation than mine. I agree the signal is loud at a light, but it doesn't take many RPM's to make them harder to hear, especially with a full-face helmet on. BTW, I had a problem with one of them falling off after gluing. I think it may have been because of the paper label where I applied the glue. The second application has held for 8 months or so.

[patrick_777]

Originally Posted by chasp72

I like the look of your installation-- cleaner installation than mine. I agree the signal is loud at a light, but it doesn't take many RPM's to make them harder to hear, especially with a full-face helmet on. BTW, I had a problem with one of them falling off after gluing. I think it may have been because of the paper label where I applied the glue. The second application has held for 8 months or so.

Yeah, mine fell off after 1 trip across town. The label on the first one and the hot glue just didn't hold onto the plastic. I'm thinking taking some industrial velcro and mounting them on the frame under the seat.

I'll get a better picture of the final install when I can.

[bigfour]

is is a mod if you just take shit off the bike? :cool:

1. Needle Shim mod.
2. Chop exhaust
3. Upgrade main jet.
4. Remove front and rear fenders.
5. Remove turn signals
6. Headlight off switch
7. modded handlebars and foot pedals.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by bigfour

4. Remove front and rear fenders.
5. Remove turn signals

OK, just gotta ask:

Have you ridden in the rain yet with no fenders?
Have you run over fresh tar (road or strips)?
How about a road where construction trucks have tracked MUD out onto the road?
I don't think you are going to like the results if/when you do.

Second, where do you live that you can get away with no turn signals?
If you are stopped by a cop in a bad mood, he might tow it, in addition to the ticket.

[bigfour]

Originally Posted by Easy Rider

OK, just gotta ask:

Have you ridden in the rain yet with no fenders?
Have you run over fresh tar (road or strips)?
How about a road where construction trucks have tracked MUD out onto the road?
I don't think you are going to like the results if/when you do.

Second, where do you live that you can get away with no turn signals?
If you are stopped by a cop in a bad mood, he might tow it, in addition to the ticket.

I stopped riding in rain, I don't have money for the gear, it's hell on the bike, fender or not, and I don't mind playing the waiting game. The rear of the bike is covered up fine but the front wheel can sometimes fling some pebbles. I might fabricate a minifender or trim down the orignal honkin fender but untill then, I don't mind doing a little clean up every few rides.

In CT, I don't need turn signals, But I take my bike to NY a lot, maybe problems there but it's a small risk. Riding with the headlight off is illegal but it seems that most cops don't know or care about that law. I do it rarely anyway.

Question: has anyone mounted a GPS on the bike, are there any mounts that can withstand the vibration?