Rizoma Zero turn signals installation for the dummies?

[Max_NYC]

Dealer wants to charge one hour of labor to install them. I'm being ripped off enough like that (recently paid more than $200 for TORs installation + oil change = one hour of labor charged for the TORs was not enough, and even though the oil change was carried out while the pipes were changed, I was charged $40 more for the oil change), so I'd like to know if I could install the turn signals myself (I'm a bad mechanic). How do I do that? Thanks for your help.

Max

[losangeles_S4]

I just installed a set and it wasn't too hard. Basic wire cutting and crimping. However I did need to add the resistors. If you bought them at PJs don't be afraid to call and ask questions.

[jdub3]

why'd u need resistors? i added led signals the other week and am content with them without. just curious? people that bothered by flash rate?

also, as far as "basic wire cutting and crimping"....i'm guessing the rizomas don't come apart based on what i've seen? this means you likely removed the side panels, tank, airbox, etc to get under there to install the front signals. this is completely doable but is a bit of work. more than an oil change. so i'm guess if max_nyc didn't change the oil they aren't gonna want to dis assemble half the bike. unless i'm off somewhere above $40 may be worth it depending on level of experience taking apart the bike, interest, thickness of wallet, whether or not you're even changing the front signals, and if you're presumed NYC location will offer you a garage to do it in.

just thoughts. i did it myself but i'd also change my oil. and install my exhaust. and i faced a nightmare of problems installing the signals (actually putting speedy back together even though i've done it many times) that might have made it worth $40. that said would i personally pay the dealer, no.

[DEcosse]

The zero's are straight forward to install - just replace the bullet crimps on end of the LEDs cables with compatible connectors for the OEM harness & they will plug right in (or conversely change the crimps on the bike harness end to regular bullet style connectors)

The Track-01 is less trivial - it has a different connector arrangement with an intermediate connector - that is a little more awkward to feed the connector end through the washer & nut and also a pain to connect into the little adapter harness that comes with it. Connectors will also have to be replaced as above.
It's just fiddly however, not a huge shortfall.

Regarding resistors, that is just so primitive! (their purpose is to simulate a regular bulb's load by sinking additional current so the flasher relay doesn't think a bulb is burned out & make the flash rate quicker)

Much simpler to install & far more effective is to get an Electronic flasher like relay this one from SuperBrightLeds (scroll down to the 6th item) - the CF13GL-02 is the one for Triumph. Only 12.95 plus $5 shipping. The specs are here. Takes all of 5 secs to install - unplug the old one & replace with this - 100% plug & play. That will restore the regular flash rate.

[R100Pilot]

+ 1 to what DeCosse said.

A few details: The Zeroes come almost completely apart, though that's not necessary (I just like taking things apart, even if I can't always put 'em back together again).

I installed them by cutting the wires (they're very long) and putting new connectors onto both the stock leads and the ones off the Rizomas. Cut, strip, crimp, plug in - easy.

The only glitch I had was that the hose clamps on both sides of the radiator got in the way of the Zero's longer shaft, so they had to be turned around - but the shaft does clear the hoses.

I also got some plastic conduit/cable wrap stuff (available at Wal Mart or any auto parts store) to cover the wires. You can see it in the picture.

Screw the resistors - I have LEDs front and rear and got the LED flasher from NewSpeed3. Worth the $25 or whatever for the hassle and heat it saves.

[MIS3]

I just installed mine a couple of hours ago. I just cut the wires and twisted them together and taped for now. I'm going to take them off this weekend for some track riding. I'll do a permanent install later. Here's some advice:

Don't torque them too tightly!!!! I sheared off the threaded shaft on the right signal!! Luckily there was enough thread left to connect it directly to the radiator cowl. I had to remove the OEM turn signal bracket and locktight the nut on w/o the washer.

[losangeles_S4]

Alright so tell me about this flasher stuff. When I installed them, the front ones didn't flash, were just on solid. I inherited the integrated brake/rear signal LED thing too. PJs told me I needed the resisters so I bought them and installed them in the tail area.

Why is the other better? The resisters worked and everything seems fine. Do they only get hot when you use the flashers or will they be hot all the time the bike is running?

[DEcosse]

Resistors:
1) They consume power that is doing nothing but heat the resistors; One of LEDs advantages is they use much less power, Installing resistors negates that
2) Require extra effort to wire up
3) Need to keep them isolated from plastics because of the heat generated
4) More expensive than an electronic relay solution

Relay:
1) Uses less current than resistors .
2) simple install - unplug old one, replace with new
3) No heat generation
4) Cheaper than resistors

The resistors will only consume energy when flashers operating so they won't stay constantly hot. There's no reason to change them just for the sake of if you already have them installed; just starting from ground zero, the relay makes much more sense.

[losangeles_S4]

Thanks. Great thorough answer..

[Chupakabra]

I bought the rizoma zero 11 blinkers I also have the integrated led blinker tail light installed. My blink rate is already fast with the tail light and regular front blinkers. Do I need to get one of those relays to protect the led's and other electrical parts for my bike or just leaving it the way it is be just fine?