Wanting DIY Idiot Light Information

tenshots1

New Member
I looking to get rid of the huge gauge cluster on my GS550e, so I purchased a mini tach to replace it. To go along with the tach, I would like to install a few LED lights to act as new idiot lights. Nothing intense, but simply a turn signal light, neutral light, and oil pressure. I have been looking all over the internet for some write ups of these modifications since i figure a ton of people have done them when making cafe conversions, but I pretty much struck out on finding information besides a couple images of finished products.

So, along with a request for a write up or any information on the subject matter, I have these general questions:

1) If I unplug the factory gauges, will my turn signals continue to work? I am thinking they wont. What would be the easiest way to make them work if I decided to simply skip the LED light? Also, it is a substantial amount of work to add the light?

2) Would it make more sense to take off my gauge cluster and install all new parts, or should i look to take the thing apart and modify it for my needs? Obviously it would be nice to be able to take off the cluster and sell in one piece since its in good condition, but i want to have an easy time arriving at functionality.

3) What are any tips for a person going about this for the first time? I used to do some electrical work on my jeep and am handy with a soldering iron, but motorcycles are pretty new for me.


Here is an example of what I am trying to do with the indicator lights, although im sure mine wont look as clean:
http://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/2012/06/ducati-900-supersport-cafe-racer.html

And Here are some LEDs that I went ahead and purchased online, although im not sure if they are the best option for my application:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/5pcs-6mm-red-blue-green-yellow-white-12V-LED-indicator-lights-pilot-dash-lamp-/121405131697?hash=item1c444f4bb1&vxp=mtr

Thanks for the help guys!
GT
 
Are you replacing the gauges as well? Or just the idiot lights. Yes your turns will still work if you yank the gauges

The lights are pretty easy to wire up. One wire to ground the other to the appropriate switch wire. Except for the turn indicator. Because there is only one, you will need to put in two diodes one for right and one for left and then tie them together.


Yeah Son!
 
Are you replacing the gauges as well? Or just the idiot lights. Yes your turns will still work if you yank the gauges

The lights are pretty easy to wire up. One wire to ground the other to the appropriate switch wire. Except for the turn indicator. Because there is only one, you will need to put in two diodes one for right and one for left and then tie them together.


Yeah Son!
 
Loctite77 said:
Are you replacing the gauges as well? Or just the idiot lights. Yes your turns will still work if you yank the gauges

The lights are pretty easy to wire up. One wire to ground the other to the appropriate switch wire. Except for the turn indicator. Because there is only one, you will need to put in two diodes one for right and one for left and then tie them together.


Yeah Son!

Thanks for the reply loctite. Sounds like this will be easier than i thought. I did know about the diode issue from searching around the web and used diodes on my jeep's turn signals, so i am familiar with them. I have purchased

THIS GAUGE
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mini-Tach-Universal-Black-Motorcycle-Mechanical-12K-RPM-Tachometer-Gauge-1-4-/151466709496?hash=item23441e91f8&vxp=mtr

And these mini leds
http://www.ebay.com/itm/5pcs-6mm-red-blue-green-yellow-white-12V-LED-indicator-lights-pilot-dash-lamp-/121405131697?hash=item1c444f4bb1&vxp=mtr


So, it sounds like i simply need to unplug my current gauge cluster, then install the new one to the old power and ground, then connect some LED lights to the old indicator wires. Not bad!

My next project will probably be fabbing a nice little bracket for the lights to rest.
 
Yep. Find yourself a wiring diagram. Just google it. Will have the indicator lights on there and will make it much easier.


Yeah Son!
 
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