Mad Doctor front blinkers

[BulldogHooligan]

Has anybody else here installed the MD front blinkers ? I purchased the MD fender eliminator and front blinkers to install on my brand new S3 because I thought that they just looked wayyyy cool. Now that I have them, I just not too impressed with their ability to survive very long on the bike. The installation procedure for the front blinkers instructs the installer to put a sheet metal screw through the mounting surface before going through a hole in the blinker base and anchoring in the blinker body.....very flimsy mount IMHO. This blinker, although it looks real cool and will get a lot of attention, just doesn't look it will be around for long if some klutz ever so gently bumps the blinker. At least the stock blinker, with it's rubber base can absorb some impact.

I have decided to use a shorter sheet metal screw that just attaches the blinker base to the blinker body. To attach the blinker base to the radiator guards, I drilled and tapped 2 4-40 holes .375 inch deep in the meatiest part of the tiny plastic mount base and then attached this to my radiator guard with 2 4-40 X .625 inch screws. I had to drill two clearance holes for the 4-40 holes in the radiator guards but they remain hidden under the base when you install the blinker body/base.

Also, it looks like I need to use a separate load block for the front blinkers. I installed a load block for the rear blinkers and I was hoping to be able to use it for the front blinkers too since the front blinkers are on the same circuit as the rear blinkers for each side. Has anyone else here been able to use one load block for both front and rear blinkers ?

[Martin_R]

On 2006-06-05 20:36, BulldogHooligan wrote:
Also, it looks like I need to use a separate load block for the front blinkers. I installed a load block for the rear blinkers and I was hoping to be able to use it for the front blinkers too since the front blinkers are on the same circuit as the rear blinkers for each side. Has anyone else here been able to use one load block for both front and rear blinkers ?

If by load block you mean a resistor then all you need is for the same side total resistance to be equal to the original blinkers.

Regular blinker resistance + regular blinker resistance = LED+LED+resistor(s). And the same for the other side too, naturally.

If you have changed all blinkers to LED versions I would toss the resistors altogether and change to a blinker relay suitable for LEDs that does not care about resistance. That way there is no need for anything extra to be installed on the wires.

[cyclerider105]

I also got the Mad Doctor front blinkers with my rear fender eliminator. I totally agree with you! They look cool, but are not very strong. I'm OK with them on the rear where they are somewhat protected, but up front I don't think they will last. Plus, trying to wire another resistor block is a hastle. I believe you are supposed to be able to use the resistor block from the rear blinkers, but the wiring on the front blinkers isn't long enough! So, long story short, I am currently boxing them up for shipment back to the distributor. I'll either leave the stockers on or find some Lockhart Phillips for the front that are better quality than the Mad Doctors!

[Martin_R]

On 2006-06-05 23:32, cyclerider105 wrote:
I believe you are supposed to be able to use the resistor block from the rear blinkers, but the wiring on the front blinkers isn't long enough!

? I think you (or I) might have understood something backwards if you are trying to wire the resistor with the front blinkers.

The blinkers on the same side are on the same circuit. Thus if you wish to increase the total resistance of the right side blinkers in my opinion using a larger resistor (or multiple resistors) on the back only will fix the front too. Or pretty much anywhere on the said right hand blinker circuit, does not have to be anywhere near the blinkers - I would wire the resistors under the seat somewhere.

But still, getting a LED friendly blinker relay to replace the stock one would be the easiest as no resistors are needed.

[ This message was edited by: Martin_R on 2006-06-06 00:25 ]

[premier]

OK. I got these too today and I'm not too happy with them so far.

The finishing on the blinkers is of poor quality IMO. Looks like there's glue splattered all over and the seams are not sealed properly. Basically it looks like it won't hold water to speak of.

Is this a bad sample or common with mad doctor?

[Tee-Dub]

If you have changed all blinkers to LED versions I would toss the resistors altogether and change to a blinker relay suitable for LEDs that does not care about resistance. That way there is no need for anything extra to be installed on the wires.

I ordered the one Clear alternatives sells and the dang things blinked slower than Forrest Gump! I was so dissapointed with it I removed it and reinstalled the factory flasher. I think the fast blink gets more attention anyway. If you want my electronic flasher I paid Clearalternatives $20 for with shipping, I'd send it to you for a measly twelve bucks.

[MrBiff2You]

On 2006-06-05 20:36, BulldogHooligan wrote:
Has anybody else here installed the MD front blinkers ?

Also, it looks like I need to use a separate load block for the front blinkers.

I have the kit. Thankfully I am an engineer with a graduate degree, loads of patience, and a family member who is fluent in Italian to decipher the instructions. I almost sent the thing back but it got personal.

Notes:

- you don't need the second block. Run it from a single block and splice it into the original wiring for the OEM front signals. That is the trick. I keep the block on the top of the eliminater between the IMHO weak rear light mounting contraption.

- don't get any of the lights near water unless you wish rain clouds to form under the plastic.

- continually check the set screws for the turn signals as they loosen but are so flimsy that I don't want to use loc-tite

- your mounting screws should be OK.

- they will limit your selection of exhausts as the rear signals are in a weird position.

- plate light works on the running light connection from OEM.

Having said all that, the finished product does look very good. Good Luck!

I can put some pictures together if you wish.

[ This message was edited by: MrBiff2You on 2006-08-18 16:28 ]

[HiVel]

On 2006-06-05 23:32, cyclerider105 wrote:
I also got the Mad Doctor front blinkers with my rear fender eliminator. I totally agree with you! They look cool, but are not very strong. I'm OK with them on the rear where they are somewhat protected, but up front I don't think they will last. Plus, trying to wire another resistor block is a hastle. I believe you are supposed to be able to use the resistor block from the rear blinkers, but the wiring on the front blinkers isn't long enough! So, long story short, I am currently boxing them up for shipment back to the distributor. I'll either leave the stockers on or find some Lockhart Phillips for the front that are better quality than the Mad Doctors!

Try the Rizoma blinkers from PJ's Parts=great looking and work well.