V85 Auxiliary Plate Lights?

[Cam3512]

Has anyone with a V85 added auxiliary lights to their license plate by tapping into the rear brake light?

Like this…

https://twistedthrottle.com/shop/lighting/visibility-lights/visibility-lights-for-motorcycles/denali-b6-dual-license-plate-led-auxiliary-brake-lights-kit/

Cam

[Tom H]

They look good, but a bit pricey.

I have added led lights to my bags to give me extra running and brake lighting. Depending on the bike, I used a rectangular or oval style. If your handy and can make a bracket, something like this should work for you.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B7274SB1/?coliid=I12P6ZSO70B952&colid=388FSMB9D1X7D&ref_=list_c_wl_lv_ov_lig_dp_it&th=1

Tom

[73 sport]

   Check out Morimoto "5stop Brake Light". I have one on my plate, it is extremely bright. $51.50.

[bronzestar1]

Wow, that's an expensive solution for additional brake lights!  You could do this instead and save a ton of money.  Get one of those license plate frames that has the plastic inserts on the top and bottom, that people usually get engraved.  Get a couple of red LED strip lights, cut to fit, then wire them into the tail light.  Viola, done!  I installed a couple of white LED light strips for the engine compartment of a 4Runner I used to have, they put out a lot of light for their size, and have pretty thin gauge wire so no need for a relay. 

[Cam3512]

That was just one I used for an example.  It can be programmed to do different things.  There are many out there.  Guess my main question is can you just simply tap into the break wire, or is it a more complex canbus electrical system?

[PeteS]

I like the Amazon options. Many to choose from for a faction of the cost. Also if there is a choice, you want the ones that don’t blink or have the option of blinking or steady state. The blinking ones are extremely annoying especially in stop and go traffic. Good way to get rear ended from someone trying to put them out.

Pete

[bronzestar1]

"...Guess my main question is can you just simply tap into the break wire, or is it a more complex cambus electrical system?"

The LED light strips that I mentioned are simple plug and play, all they need is power and ground to work.  So I would imagine if you use the brake light wire for power, they'll come on and go off just like the brake light. 

[kingoffleece]

IIRC you cannot tap into the brake light due to CanBus.  Call and ask Jim.  We never got mine to light because of that issue.

[kingoffleece]

https://admorelighting.com/product/moto-guzzi-v85tt-plug-n-play-adapter/


Cam,
This may assist.

[Cam3512]

IIRC you cannot tap into the brake light due to CanBus.  Call and ask Jim.  We never got mine to light because of that issue.

Thanks Jim, I knew it wasn’t that simple with CANBUS.  I’ve got a text into Hamlin, as I’d have him install it at my next service.

[StuCorpe]

I'm asking a question, if it is a CANBUS system couldn't you still add a relay to operate the extra brake lights?  Or would the system still be upset with that small additional draw?

[ridingron]

The V85TT brake light system is not that simple. You will need to engineer up something or go with the above mentioned Admore plug and play or something similar. It's kinda explained in the description.  It is expensive ($60) but it is a very simple 5 wire hook up. They supply the connectors needed. Unplug the factory wiring, plug the harness inline with factory matching connectors and hook the 5 wires into a running light/stop light/turn signals/4 way flashers. The Admore light bar is bright and looks to be well built. For me, the hardest part was getting the rear fender off and back on. A lot of screws!

V85TT plug and play harness:   https://admorelighting.com/product/moto-guzzi-v85tt-plug-n-play-adapter/       $60

Admore light bars:     https://admorelighting.com/product-category/light-bars/     $149/$219

[bronzestar1]

Wow, that's modern technology for you, should NOT be this difficult or expensive just to add some additional brake lights.  I had an Aprilia Caponord, previous owner did some rear fender modifications, had those tiny LED bulb license plate bolts to light up the plate, which stopped working.  I put an LED light strip above the plate, connected to the OEM plate wire, and worked fine.  Should be this easy on modern bikes as well, but I suppose the engineers know better than the people who actually ride and modify them...

[ridingron]

You're right, it shouldn't be that big of a deal!

When I found out about the electrical game, the "plug and play" doo-dad was an obvious purchase. A tad on the expensive side, but it is literally unplug the factory harness and plug the new unit in-line and hook up the wires to the light unit. No hacking or chopping the factory harness. No extra wires to the battery. No relays.

[blu guzz]

This became an issue with BMWs 20 years ago with their first CANBUS systems.  If my memory serves(maybe). strange things could happen if you tried to tap into that system.  Personally, I have never tried to install aux. brake lights, but would be tempted by the plug and play option even though I think that price is really high for what looks like two dollars worth of parts.  However, in regard to price, was it someone here who posted a story about Dr. Steinmetz, a genius engineer and Henry Ford. 
IT goes like this, when Ford had an industrial electric motor that was misbehaving, he hired Dr. Steinmetz to try and analyze the problem so it could be fixed.  The Dr. spent several days simply listening and seemingly doing nothing.  In the end, the Dr. drew a chalk mark on a place in this motor and told the engineers to drill there and remove several wires.  They did so and it ran perfectly after.  the Dr. sent Ford a bill for $10,000.00.  Ford did not want to pay.  the Dr. itemized the bill as such:  $1 to draw the chalk mark and $9,999.00 for knowing where to put the mark.  Ford paid. 
So, if you don't know or don't want to spend a day repairing problems you cause yourself, you pay the money or at least though many years of having to fix my own mistakes, I pay the money now.

[Cam3512]

Agreed, I had a feeling it just wasn’t that simple (CANBUS).  That’s why I asked.  So why is approx $200 so outrageously expensive to add a bright strip of lights that just might save your ass someday?  With all the pricey farkles we add to our bikes, I just don’t see it as a big deal (NOT a suspender snapper….yet).  But I want it done right.

Thanks guys,

Cam

[twowheeladdict]

I have Skene Design LEDs on a few of my bikes. 

They do more than just ad extra lighting.  They flicker at 60 hz which attracts drivers attention.  They flash when brakes are applied, and are annoyingly bright when a car is too close which makes them stay back.

[kingoffleece]

CANBUS is the way of the world now.  No sense complaining about it.  It's not point to point wiring anymore either.
We learn an adapt.  Cost isn't in the part.  The cost of knowledge is along with a hoist of other things.

[ridingron]

I am just guessing here but you may be able to buy and install the plug and play adapter and us some cheap LED lights. Just guessing. I would check it out myself but mine is buttoned up and the wiring tucked away neatly.

[twowings]

Why go to so much trouble? They make safety stuff to go on back of your helmet...much cheaper!  Check out YouTuber "Dork In The Road"

[73 sport]

     There is always a way around BS created by industry, govt., people.

[Vagrant]

Why go to so much trouble? They make safety stuff to go on back of your helmet...much cheaper!  Check out YouTuber "Dork In The Road"

I've been considering a helmet light so I looked for 15 minutes for a review from him. I never found it! Can you post a link?

[ridingron]

I like the Amazon options. Many to choose from for a faction of the cost. Also if there is a choice, you want the ones that don’t blink or have the option of blinking or steady state. The blinking ones are extremely annoying especially in stop and go traffic. Good way to get rear ended from someone trying to put them out.

Pete

Yes the blinking lights are an annoyance to some drivers. A lot of States only allow 3 blinks before the brake light must go solid. However, what is the enforcement rate? And, if you let off the brakes, they flash again.

If you want flashing/auxilary brake lights on your V85, you will need some engineering work. Or you can buy an adapter like the Admore plug and play. It's expensive for $2 worth of parts and pieces. I guess you're paying $58 for engineering work. I'm not a salesman for the company but I truly like their product. Unplug 1 connector and plug together 2 connectors and you are into the wiring harness without worries about future wiring problems.

I just went out and checked my adapter.

After the adapter, the brake light will light an LED light. It won't make it flash (that's in their light bar or the light unit you choose) but it will light an LED light. So, choke down the $60 for a plug and play adapter and add what ever lights you want-extra brake light/turn signals/taillight.

I think the $220 is a little high but the ease of installation and the added safety features are worth it for me.

[guzziart]

Maybe reach out to Greg Bender, he may have something in the works for add-on brake lights.
https://www.thisoldtractor.com/for_sale_wiring_harness_small_blocks_v85tt.html

[Cam3512]

Yes the blinking lights are an annoyance to some drivers. A lot of States only allow 3 blinks before the brake light must go solid. However, what is the enforcement rate? And, if you let off the brakes, they flash again.

If you want flashing/auxilary brake lights on your V85, you will need some engineering work. Or you can buy an adapter like the Admore plug and play. It's expensive for $2 worth of parts and pieces. I guess you're paying $58 for engineering work. I'm not a salesman for the company but I truly like their product. Unplug 1 connector and plug together 2 connectors and you are into the wiring harness without worries about future wiring problems.

I just went out and checked my adapter.

After the adapter, the brake light will light an LED light. It won't make it flash (that's in their light bar or the light unit you choose) but it will light an LED light. So, choke down the $60 for a plug and play adapter and add what ever lights you want-extra brake light/turn signals/taillight.

I think the $220 is a little high but the ease of installation and the added safety features are worth it for me.

So am I correct in understanding if I buy the Admore adapter, I can essentially wire up ANY brand of LED lights?

[Kiwi_Roy]

That was just one I used for an example.  It can be programmed to do different things.  There are many out there.  Guess my main question is can you just simply tap into the break wire, or is it a more complex canbus electrical system?

Yes, just tap into the brake wire, I also think its overpriced, a good LED tail-light bulb will increase your visibility for a lot less.

https://www.superbrightleds.com/vehicle-lights/motorcycle/tail-brake-turn/1157-led-bulb-dual-function-27-smd-led-tower-bay15d-bulb

or 850 Lumens
https://www.superbrightleds.com/vehicle-lights/motorcycle/tail-brake-turn/1157-x60-x

I/m almost certain your Guzzi doesn't use Can-Bus for the tail lamps at least it doesn't show on the wiring.
Some Guzzi's have a method of displaying on the dash if an indicator burns out but that's not Can-Bus
The indicators are flashed straight from the dash, it can tell if the lamp is not drawing current.

[twowings]

I've been considering a helmet light so I looked for 15 minutes for a review from him. I never found it! Can you post a link?

https://www.brakefreetech.com/products/brake-free

[ridingron]

Yes, just tap into the brake wire, I also think its overpriced, a good LED tail-light bulb will increase your visibility for a lot less.

https://www.superbrightleds.com/vehicle-lights/motorcycle/tail-brake-turn/1157-led-bulb-dual-function-27-smd-led-tower-bay15d-bulb

or 850 Lumens
https://www.superbrightleds.com/vehicle-lights/motorcycle/tail-brake-turn/1157-x60-x

I/m almost certain your Guzzi doesn't use Can-Bus for the tail lamps at least it doesn't show on the wiring.
Some Guzzi's have a method of displaying on the dash if an indicator burns out but that's not Can-Bus
The indicators are flashed straight from the dash, it can tell if the lamp is not drawing current.

Admore says that tapping the brake wire doesn't work. Yes, that could helps them sell more. Are you aware that on an E5/'23 there isn't a traditional brake light switch on the front brake lever or (from what I can tell) the foot lever? I also do not think there is a hydraulic pressure brake light switch. I'm not an electrician/electronic tech and don't know to read schematics other than following wire from here to there. I do know if you let the smoke out, electrical stuff usually doesn't work any more!     I wanted their light bar and the plug and play made installation easy and worry free down the road. I usually keep bike for years and many many miles and hate going back into things that stop working.

[Kiwi_Roy]

It appears I spoke too soon, the two Stop switches are wired to the dash which will communicate with the ECU Via Canbus
Forget about the bulbs I linked earlier.

http://www.thisoldtractor.com/guzzi007/schematics/2019_V85_TT.gif

The Tail light feed is the yellow that gets power from the key switch when the key is On
Looking at the tail light bulb 20, all 9 of the LEDs will be alive but probably only 3 will be grounded by the blue wire.
When one of the stop switches closes the Dash will tell the ECU via Canbus and it will pull terminal 61 down to chassis lighting up the remaining 6 LEDs
SO the tail light is not Canbus but it's turned on via the Canbus link Dash to ECU
You still should be able to add extra lamps between the yellow wire (positive) and Green/black (ECU grounded wire)
Note: The headlight is also wired differently

Its easier for a computer to pull a load to ground (chassis) than it is to switch + 12 Volts that's why the coils and injectors are fed 12 Volts Positive from the injection relay (35)
The switching transistors (probably Mosfets) are close coupled to a grounded Heat Sink for better cooling.

[kingoffleece]

We worked for over an hour trying to work around the CanBus for an aux brake light.  Never found a way.