Author Topic: How Have members Upgraded Tail Lights?  (Read 5358 times)

Offline 1Sourdough

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How Have members Upgraded Tail Lights?
« on: April 17, 2019, 11:55:47 PM »
I am interested in how folks have replaced / upgraded the stock plastic wobble taillight / turn signal / license plate holder assembly on their Guzzis.  Particular interest in late 1990s California models but not exclusive.
« Last Edit: April 17, 2019, 11:58:57 PM by 1Sourdough »
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Offline antmanbee

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Re: How Have members Upgraded Tail Lights?
« Reply #1 on: April 18, 2019, 06:20:53 AM »
Here are a couple of pictures of my EV tail light. It was done by the original owner.





This light is mounted at the bottom but it would be easy to make a bracket with 90 deg. aluminum angle and attach a rear mount light.

Online mechanicsavant

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Re: How Have members Upgraded Tail Lights?
« Reply #2 on: April 18, 2019, 07:21:23 AM »
Though I didn't change the tail light I did ad an extra tail/brakelight ,it's LED/flashing brakelight,flashes 5times then constant. As I do on every new bike I took out all bulbs & used deielectric jell on bulb bases & wiring connections . I now have an extra set of lights @ back ,just in case a high quality bit of Italian kit "fails to live up to it's design potential" !

Online larrys

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Re: How Have members Upgraded Tail Lights?
« Reply #3 on: April 18, 2019, 07:22:06 AM »
I put shorter stalks (front ones) on the turn signals to tuck things in... Was always bumping into them in the garage.
Larry
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Re: How Have members Upgraded Tail Lights?
« Reply #3 on: April 18, 2019, 07:22:06 AM »

Offline Charles in Lake Charles

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Re: How Have members Upgraded Tail Lights?
« Reply #4 on: April 18, 2019, 09:13:41 AM »
For tail/brake lights, I use led trailer lights.
https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Lights/Optronics/STL27RB.html
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Online Tom H

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Re: How Have members Upgraded Tail Lights?
« Reply #5 on: April 18, 2019, 11:52:04 AM »
Didn't replace anything on my EVT, but I did add extra brake/tail lights to the trunk instead of just the reflectors.





Tom
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Offline Diploman

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Re: How Have members Upgraded Tail Lights?
« Reply #6 on: April 18, 2019, 01:22:58 PM »
Clearly, LED is the way to go with new brake light - great brightness, resistance to vibration (ie, longevity), and much less power draw than incandescent or halogen.  I bought this LED taillight from GuzziTech (now gtmotocycles) for my V50 makeover and am very happy with it.  Fitted a set of LED indicators all around as well. 

https://gtmotocycles.com/collections/electronics/products/led-brake-light
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Offline screamday

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Re: How Have members Upgraded Tail Lights?
« Reply #7 on: April 18, 2019, 01:54:53 PM »
Here's what I did on my 98 EV with the help of my very talented brother and his access to some nice CNC machinery.

















Tony in SC
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Offline rocker59

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Re: How Have members Upgraded Tail Lights?
« Reply #8 on: April 18, 2019, 01:59:12 PM »
Screamday,

You should've had him make a dozen, to sell !!!

Super-nice!   :thumb:
Michael T.
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Offline zebraranger

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Re: How Have members Upgraded Tail Lights?
« Reply #9 on: April 18, 2019, 02:34:39 PM »
I didn't replace anything either. I added these LED brake strobe lights to the Griso and the Triumph Trophy, very visible on both bikes.
Griso
https://youtu.be/gvQxNhpMFn8

Day/night comparison Trophy
https://youtu.be/1PfLkN-IwTo




Offline antmanbee

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Re: How Have members Upgraded Tail Lights?
« Reply #10 on: April 18, 2019, 04:45:10 PM »
I think what the OP is mostly referring to is the piece of junk, plastic dual tail light that screamday's solution so beautifully remedied.
1Sourdough had posted in the for sale/wanted section looking for someone that has a spare good plastic tail light base.
Some sort of replacement bracket and light assembly that is not too difficult to make or too expensive is the solution many of us with the plastic crap tail light are looking for.
This is his broken light.

 
I reinforced my Jackal one with stainless and it is OK but I would prefer trashing the assembly and finding a better solution.
I am not concerned about keeping it original, I just want a tail light and turn signal that wont fall off as I ride and is bright enough to see.
I think just about every turn signal on several Guzzi's of that era have broke off and were dangling from the wire.
I have replaced with cheap signals from Amazon and pretty bright LED bulbs from ebay with a adjustable electronic flasher.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CX7KXLE/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_6?smid=A2H6SBQ985X5CE&psc=1
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-Pcs-2-Pin-12V-Blinker-Adjustable-Motor-LED-Flasher-Relay-Turn-Signal-Indicator-/112531533169?hash=item1a3366ed71
https://www.ebay.com/itm/10-X-Amber-1156-BA15S-5630-5730-9-SMD-LED-Light-Bulb-Turn-Signal-Light-P21W-7506-/152912335142?hash=item239a491126

Offline Sheepdog

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Re: How Have members Upgraded Tail Lights?
« Reply #11 on: April 18, 2019, 07:40:22 PM »
On my Vintage, all I've done is put in an LED bulb and stuck a piece of black rubber garden hose between the lamp housing and the base. It hasn't broken in 12 years of use.
"Change is inevitable. Growth is optional." John C. Maxwell

Offline giusto

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Re: How Have members Upgraded Tail Lights?
« Reply #12 on: April 18, 2019, 07:45:57 PM »
Here's what I did on my 98 EV with the help of my very talented brother and his access to some nice CNC machinery.










This is very nice and a great fix to a hunk of plastic prone to cracking.

Yup as he said you should have made a dozen
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Offline s1120

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Re: How Have members Upgraded Tail Lights?
« Reply #13 on: April 19, 2019, 07:04:03 AM »
I do kinda like the stock twin lamp setup, but have heard of the issues of breaking single stalks, and burned bulb bases..  Ive thought of for now swapping to LED bulbs since mine are still good. [bike only has 9K on it..] that should ease the heat and current draw some. After that...  Im thinking I will swap to the old ford style with the "stop" section on it..  Think it looks cool. Granted ive had thoughts of changing her to a more70's 750S look... but I like the chrome tank it has now.....  so we wait..... 

 
Paul B

Offline flower_king001

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Re: How Have members Upgraded Tail Lights?
« Reply #14 on: April 19, 2019, 07:14:27 AM »
Outstanding machine work! As others wish more of them were made!


Here's what I did on my 98 EV with the help of my very talented brother and his access to some nice CNC machinery.



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Online kballowe

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Re: How Have members Upgraded Tail Lights?
« Reply #15 on: April 19, 2019, 07:33:03 AM »
I haven't replaced anything, either.

In the mean time, I took a piece of sheet metal, mounted some lights to it (along with the license plate)
The bottom tab is for one of those TIR3 flashy light thingys.  They have a dozen or so selectable flash patterns.
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Here are a couple of short video clips
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GX626ivc_g
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMt5X06IefM
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« Last Edit: April 19, 2019, 07:36:13 AM by kballowe »

Offline paul in rochester

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Re: How Have members Upgraded Tail Lights?
« Reply #16 on: April 19, 2019, 04:32:41 PM »




My plastic self-destructed about 10 years ago. I found a cheap multi element LED lollypop taillight and some aftermarket Kawi directionals and had at it.
who needs therapy? i have a motorcycle!!
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Offline pehayes

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Re: How Have members Upgraded Tail Lights?
« Reply #17 on: April 19, 2019, 05:07:28 PM »
The first important problem with the dual taillight was poor connection leading to heat leading to melted bulb receptacles.   I have repaired many of these at cost.  Still have the materials and can do more as necessary.

http://motohayes.com/shoptask/evlamp/evlamp25.html

The second important problem is dangling and flopping turn signals.  Catch them early to prevent eventual fracture.  Post fracture, the 'receiver' area can be back filled with epoxy, etc.
Alternative solution is adding a length of 'all-thread' to capture both ends.

That CNC bracket is gorgeous!

Patrick Hayes
Fremont CA

Offline guzzista

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Re: How Have members Upgraded Tail Lights?
« Reply #18 on: April 19, 2019, 07:01:01 PM »
My solution: A proper Italian taillight as in 70's to 80 Ducati, Guzzi, Vespa etc. I hacked off the mounting shelf (not for the timid or those afraid to mess up their paint), and mounted the following:
http://www.mgcycle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=37_142&products_id=3196http:
http://www.mgcycle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=37_142&products_id=763
http://www.mgcycle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=37_156&products_id=773
Other items used were the round rubber insulator used between tail light and bracket as well as  aluminum CEV turn signals left over from a Benelli project. Finished product below



« Last Edit: April 19, 2019, 07:06:48 PM by guzzista »
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Offline Lee Bruns

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Re: How Have members Upgraded Tail Lights?
« Reply #19 on: April 20, 2019, 08:26:59 AM »
Screamday,

You should've had him make a dozen, to sell !!!

Super-nice!   :thumb:

Because people think that it should retail for 50 dollars. That's why. I also offered them, but found that Guzzi owners did not want to pay fair market value for the product. Those would need to sell for around 250 dollars each (Maybe more) to make it worthwhile.
« Last Edit: April 20, 2019, 08:33:08 AM by Lee Bruns »

Offline BrotherJim

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Re: How Have members Upgraded Tail Lights?
« Reply #20 on: April 20, 2019, 09:15:44 AM »
I like the twin light setup on my CalStone, but we see that any of these plastic units tend to be a little under-engineered.  I would be tempted to buy that billet piece for $250 if I needed it.  So far, mine is holding with a little fieldbilly engineering.  Immediately necessary was replacing the turn signals, as the old ones were all dry-rotted, rashed and flopping around when I bought the bike.  Any signal would work, provided it clears the inside of the "box" and I needed to make little aluminum plates to mount the ones I selected.



Short Time Livin'...

'02 Moto Guzzi California Stone

Offline pehayes

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Re: How Have members Upgraded Tail Lights?
« Reply #21 on: April 20, 2019, 11:32:20 AM »
Immediately necessary was replacing the turn signals, as the old ones were all dry-rotted, rashed and flopping around

Bad design.  The mounting bolt is on one side of the turn signal.  A soft-metal "J" hook is on the other side.  After some period of rough roads or vibration, the soft-metal "J" hook begins to open up and the flopping starts.  Let it go too long and the stress at the bolt side gets too much and breaks free the bolt receiver.

Maintenance requires removal of the turn signal and a few judicious whacks with a small mallet to again close up the soft-metal "J" hook so that it again inserts snugly into the master housing.  It can be done in hand without disconnecting the wires.  Just remove the bolt, whack, and re-install the bolt.  The trick is to catch and repair before the breakage occurs.





Patrick Hayes
Fremont CA

Offline troyhamilton

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Re: How Have members Upgraded Tail Lights?
« Reply #22 on: April 20, 2019, 11:38:13 AM »


i use a wal mart 6.00 tail light
« Last Edit: April 20, 2019, 11:39:01 AM by troyhamilton »
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Offline Devildog

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Re: How Have members Upgraded Tail Lights?
« Reply #23 on: April 20, 2019, 05:09:47 PM »



British Custom tail light, Oberon bar end turn signals. I was working on simplifying the looks of my V65C.
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Offline 1Sourdough

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Re: How Have members Upgraded Tail Lights?
« Reply #24 on: April 20, 2019, 09:38:45 PM »
Some really good ideas in this bunch!  Looking at MG Cycle's selection I found a rear turn signal bracket which attaches to the license plate holder strip, and to the rear fender.  The turn signals attach between those points, and it looks pretty solid. 

I may use Bondo to fill the hole in the existing bracket and attach the turn signals which have been gathering dust here for about 15 years to one of those brackets.  Ought to be solid enough to last for the years I continue riding, I betcha!

http://www.mgcycle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=37_156&products_id=374

Thanks,
Fred
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Offline flower_king001

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Re: How Have members Upgraded Tail Lights?
« Reply #25 on: April 21, 2019, 05:38:07 AM »
Some really good ideas in this bunch!  Looking at MG Cycle's selection I found a rear turn signal bracket which attaches to the license plate holder strip, and to the rear fender.  The turn signals attach between those points, and it looks pretty solid. 

I may use Bondo to fill the hole in the existing bracket and attach the turn signals which have been gathering dust here for about 15 years to one of those brackets.  Ought to be solid enough to last for the years I continue riding, I betcha!

http://www.mgcycle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=37_156&products_id=374
Thanks,
Fred

They also have this one as well that someone here has mentioned

http://www.mgcycle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=37_156&products_id=773

« Last Edit: April 21, 2019, 05:38:55 AM by flower_king001 »
Current Fleet

1971 BMW R90/5
1986 Moto Guzzi Lemans IV 1000
1998 Moto Guzzi 1100 EV
2005 BMW 1200 RT
2007 BMW 1200 GS
2007 Moto Guzzi Breva 1100

Offline Park Ridge Phil

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Re: How Have members Upgraded Tail Lights?
« Reply #26 on: April 22, 2019, 11:16:22 AM »
Here’s what I did.


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Offline 1Sourdough

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Re: How Have members Upgraded Tail Lights?
« Reply #27 on: July 11, 2019, 12:39:24 AM »
Well, the replacement tail light is put together and mounted.  After a few rides it hasn't broken or buckled the fender.  It is heavy, being metal rather than plastic but the Loop Frame type turn signal bracket bolts to the sides of the fender, spreading the weight out well enough I think it will hold together.  All the bulbs are LEDs, so they use little power and ought to be vibration resistant.  The LED strip below the license plate is a truck marker light attached through a blink control so it flashes several times before lighting steady when the brakes are applied.  I was told if it is called an "Auxiliary Light" it is legal since it is then not considered a brake light, which isn't supposed to flash.  Couple of pictures below:





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Online kidsmoke

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Re: How Have members Upgraded Tail Lights?
« Reply #28 on: July 11, 2019, 08:05:21 AM »
my buddy welded this up to bolt right to the existing Cali fender mount, which is pretty robust. the tabs on either side have holes allowing you to mount whatever you like. I'm from NH, felt compelled to have 'Live Free Or Die' on my plate







« Last Edit: July 11, 2019, 08:10:13 AM by kidsmoke »
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Offline rjamesohio

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Re: How Have members Upgraded Tail Lights?
« Reply #29 on: July 11, 2019, 09:21:31 AM »
Here's what I did on my 98 EV with the help of my very talented brother and his access to some nice CNC machinery.















Having fabbed one up from sheet metal - I can say that this PRODUCT is first class! Now that you have the cad files, you should BUILD AND SELL these! Excellent work my friend, and a solution to a sadly common problem.
Ron James
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