Need Help NOW-3RD Brake Light

Printable View

02-15-2014, 01:13 PM
stillriding

Need Help NOW-3RD Brake Light

I have installed three Custom Dynamics' HMT brake lights...2 on 2010 RTSs and one on a 2013. Today I'm attempting to install one on my 2014 RTS but I can't access enough of the plug. Its always been a tight fit to undo the Spyder's plug and connect the new one. I am able to hook it, but I'm afraid to pull it too hard and break one of the wires. It looks like I'd have enough space if I removed the right taillight assembly. I've removed the two bolts on top of the taillight, but I can't get it out. Are there hidden bolts or tabs? The owner's manual doesn't show how to remove the taillight assembly. I'm not really equipped to tear a whole bunch of the rear end apart. Your help would be greatly appreciated.
02-15-2014, 01:48 PM
jcthorne

Quote:

Originally Posted by stillriding

I have installed three Custom Dynamics' HMT brake lights...2 on 2010 RTSs and one on a 2013. Today I'm attempting to install one on my 2014 RTS but I can't access enough of the plug. Its always been a tight fit to undo the Spyder's plug and connect the new one. I am able to hook it, but I'm afraid to pull it too hard and break one of the wires. It looks like I'd have enough space if I removed the right taillight assembly. I've removed the two bolts on top of the taillight, but I can't get it out. Are there hidden bolts or tabs? The owner's manual doesn't show how to remove the taillight assembly. I'm not really equipped to tear a whole bunch of the rear end apart. Your help would be greatly appreciated.

There is a third bolt on the bottom behind the black trim panel
02-15-2014, 01:57 PM
stillriding

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcthorne

There is a third bolt on the bottom behind the black trim panel

ank

Thanks very much!
02-15-2014, 06:14 PM
Bob Denman

We went in with a U-Shaped wire srap...
We wrapped that around behind the wiring connector, and were able to get things plugged back together by using that as a brace to push against. :thumbup:
02-15-2014, 08:36 PM
stillriding

It's been said here before, but the assistance can come quick! Thank you jcthorne, stevedfive and Bob Denman. Now, if only I ever get to ride it. Picked it up yesterday with an open trailer and, of course, it was filthy 29-miles later when I got home. The odometer reads (0). Don't they do a short shake-down ride at the factory?
02-15-2014, 09:46 PM
NancysToy

Quote:

Originally Posted by stillriding

It's been said here before, but the assistance can come quick! Thank you jcthorne, stevedfive and Bob Denman. Now, if only I ever get to ride it. Picked it up yesterday with an open trailer and, of course, it was filthy 29-miles later when I got home. The odometer reads (0). Don't they do a short shake-down ride at the factory?

No shake-down ride at the factory. They are shipped partly disassembled so there is no opportunity. Some dealers do so after assembly and PDI, but not many from what I have seen.
02-16-2014, 10:13 AM
Bob Denman

Mine's coming home with all zeroes on the odometers also... :shocked:
Test riding in February in the Northeast is often pretty darn difficult...
I've already discussed the ramifications with my tech, and we've got a plan of attack all figured out! :thumbup:
02-17-2014, 12:33 PM
Bluehole

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

Mine's coming home with all zeroes on the odometers also... :shocked:
Test riding in February in the Northeast is often pretty darn difficult...
I've already discussed the ramifications with my tech, and we've got a plan of attack all figured out! :thumbup:

Yep, had all zero's on mine when I picked it up. Just completed safety training and will get my endorsement tomorrow at WADOL:yes:

May get to ride it again next month (weather issues):( Managed just over 200 miles on a learners permit.

Can't wait for summer time!!!!!! Will probably get the Ron Bar and for sure a laser align. Debating the 3rd brake light---don"t we have
enough rear lights??? I would possible consider a rear brake modulator attached to a double row of led's on the license plate frame???
Also considering the front headlight modulator---got figure out out to get it hooked up.

Any way, I got lots of time to figure it all out.
02-17-2014, 03:31 PM
NancysToy

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluehole

Yep, had all zero's on mine when I picked it up. Just completed safety training and will get my endorsement tomorrow at WADOL:yes:

May get to ride it again next month (weather issues):( Managed just over 200 miles on a learners permit.

Can't wait for summer time!!!!!! Will probably get the Ron Bar and for sure a laser align. Debating the 3rd brake light---don"t we have
enough rear lights??? I would possible consider a rear brake modulator attached to a double row of led's on the license plate frame???
Also considering the front headlight modulator---got figure out out to get it hooked up.

Any way, I got lots of time to figure it all out.

You can never have enough rear lights, in my opinion. I highly recommend the HMT 3rd brakelight and the Custom Dynamics/ESI Mudflap lights. The brake light modulator is a good idea, but be sure and get one that has been tested on the Spyder. If you add accessory brake lights, be sure the module will work with them, too.
02-17-2014, 03:37 PM
Jim&Teresa

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

Mine's coming home with all zeroes on the odometers also... :shocked:
Test riding in February in the Northeast is often pretty darn difficult...
I've already discussed the ramifications with my tech, and we've got a plan of attack all figured out! :thumbup:

Good luck with your first ryde :thumbup:.....I've had mine since January 23rd and it's still sittin' in the garage due to our nasty weather. We got 3-6" of snow today (again). Roads are terrible and lots of snow piled everywhere due to the "polar votex". I rode mine from the enclosed trailer they delivered it in into my garage! :banghead:

Anyway, congrats and hope you get to ryde soon....it will be awhile here -- maybe March, not this month - zero miles on mine, but using the time to add my Bluetooth, HMT brake light, and other fun farkles......
02-18-2014, 04:38 PM
IdahoMtnSpyder

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluehole

Debating the 3rd brake light---don"t we have
enough rear lights??? I would possible consider a rear brake modulator attached to a double row of led's on the license plate frame???
Also considering the front headlight modulator---got figure out out to get it hooked up.

IMO lights at the license plate would be too low to be really effective.

For a HM brake light for my 2013 RT I used a Truflex light strip from Custom Dynamics. Not as pretty as the specially made unit but very bright and a lot lighter on the wallet. I installed a Signal Dynamics Wig Wag brake modulator and wired it to alternate the OEM brake lights with the HM brake light.

I'm guessing the headlight wiring is the same on the '14 as on the '13. Installing a modulator to take advantage of all its features isn't straight forward because of the single filament bulb and the use of a shutter. I plan to post how I did it in a few days in the DIY forum.
02-18-2014, 06:40 PM
Bob Denman

Quote:

Originally Posted by WasWinger

IMO lights at the license plate would be too low to be really effective

:agree: Get the brakelights up as high as you can! :thumbup:

And you STILL haver to ride as if they're all trying to run over you... :shocked: