Thanks for all the comments and advice folks......I've duly ordered some R&G in-line LED resistors to slow the flashing via Amazon (less than a tenner) and no doubt I'll post an update when I get around to fitting them...stay tuned!
If I remember right when I changed my lights to LEDs I fitted a ballast or flasher relay as I fitted four indicators, so if you decide to change the front to LEDS, a ballast/relay would be better??, or, I guess you can fit two more inline resistors as you have gone down that route. I'm guessing, but if the resistor plays up, all four indicators go daft, if one inline resistor packs up, only one indicator plays up?- needs confirmation from someone who understands electrickery-I bleedin hate it.
Great work. Just beware though that UK MoT regulations require a rear reflector , mounted centrally, and perpendicular to the road; you can cover the manufacturer logo with a self adhesive reflector one and job done. (Oxford make good ones, I've used them) 👍
Get a LED flasher relay, don't use a resistor they get hot and kind of defeats the the power saving advantage of LEDs -- www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=LED+flasher+relay&i=automotive&ref=nb_sb_noss
Shame on you R&G! What a badly thought out kit. In order to use it, you have to render the original cluster useless and can never re-install it if you want to sell the bike in the future. No R&G for me! It should have come as a plug and play kit.
EU Bike Dude I use both. Liquid tape to ensure a good water tight seal and then shrink tubing over top of that to provide mechanical stiffness and abrasion resistance.
I think for £82,,RG could have made a wiring harness just to plug straight in with any chopping,,,then at least you could switch back without any more faff..
When you test the indicators at the end, they work the opposite to the way you said you were checking! Hope you misspoke rather than wired it up wrong. I can't remember a single time when I've attempted a "simple job" hasn't turned into a ballache of some kind. Glad I'm not alone!
It’s like there a built in traps for the non mechanical guys. E.g. Removing Barkbusters, if you loosen the end screw too much the nut falls off and disappears down onto the handlebars. Much faffing with wire taped to geomag magnet then ensues....
I have a Z900rs and looked at the R&G tail tidy. Ended up with a Jtech one for under half the price which was completely plug and play with new plugs and wiring for indicators included (unlike the R&G, to me R&G just aren't worth the money... for that money it should be completely plug and play and if they supply led indicators for a bike that doesn't have them as standard a new relay wouldn't go astray.... but good job and well done for perseverring , I would have smashed it up and posted it back to them long before that 😂👍
Me personally like the standard set up better, better rear visibility, plus the new indicators have "brewers droop" I would have to level them up at least, but if you're happy bud that's all that matters!
one of my front indicators on my mito has a bit of a droop to it, but thats because the previous owner smoothed over the fairing for some reason and I had to re-drill the holes, not quite sure how to fix it
I had an R&G tail tidy on an old street triple, awful quality, vague instructions and it looked like a school metal work project. Swapped it out for an Evotech tail tidy. Beautifully made and well thought out design and fitting.
Your a perfectionist I think. I bet your not entirely happy with the direction of the indicators. But hats off to you for posting. Shows integrity which can only be good for your channel.
What an honest man you are TMF,i think most of us would admit to at least this level of faffery on occasion. I once forgot to clean out the crankcase of an old suzuki stroker after it holed a piston. Re-bore,piston kit,gaskets whooppee back on the road! For fifty yards when bits of the old piston mangled my shiny new cylinder and rings.
Looking very svelte Mr. Flyer. Both bike and man. Diet worked a treat. The only down side to a tail tidy is your back gets covered in whatever you ride through.
TheMissendenFlyer You will go through phases where you will think you have the cravings under control then they will return. Like the ex-alcoholic, we are in recovery; never cured. Trouble is; we are going against a million years of evolution, that has bred into us the desire to eat because hard times may be just around the corner. Every day sticking to the plan is a good day.
Too good! This is what always happens to me but I would never think of filming - too many expletives. When you got to the point that the indicators were reversed, I was thinking that if it were me - well it's just muscle memory, I can learn to push right when I mean left. Thanks for the smiles!
Well done TMFster. Worth the effort despite all those hiccups you ran into. Looks very nice. Recently I’ve been ordering cheap and cheerful stuff for my bikes from those wacky sites like AliExpress and Banggood. Such fun... because by my very nature I tend to be a bit of a cheapskate but also I’m a DIY disciple. More often than not things I’ve ordered arrive not working, wrong size or just plain banged up from that 3 month long container ship journey. But anyway, it does ensure me endless DIY fun bodging it to make it finally work. I have all the fun..times two. A double whammy. Thank you Shenzhen! All I need now is to find me a linguist to help make sense of those Chinese to English translations in the included instructions 😂
R&G have always been a real faf to use.The instructions are never like EvoTech. Really cheap equipment the R&G compared to EvoTech. When i bought my Aprilia RSV 4 the guy gave me a R&G tail tidy brand new in the box. I asked why he didn't add it on, he replied "You'll see". The instructions were diabolical !!!! Yes, you had to cut wires as well!!! That was in 2016, & I can't believe in todays age R&G are still doing that! EvoTech is light years ahead of R&G. So much better looking as well. Thanks Mr Flyer for the vid, its re-instated the same thoughts I had of R&G years ago. Cheap quality, & ridiculous instructions. Don't beat yourself up either Mr Flyer about cocking up the install. It would've been R&G's instructions for sure that ran you around the block before you realising. Not your fault at all Mr Flyer. Good job in the end. Cheers groover ;-)
Thanks for an honest experience. Looked at R&G and Evotech for my sled and the evo is plug and play where the r&g state soldering so no brainier for me.
Just watched this, having just woken up, cup of tea in bed, highly entertaining. Even the wife looked across at the bit when you cut the wires. We have all been there, lol. And yes a relay needed for those LED's
When I saw that a new vid was up, I thought, nah boring ... Well, it wasn't! I watched the whole lot although I don't own a CRF. As always, you have a way to keep us amused and informed.
Thanks for uploading that, it reminds me of many of my own jobs. I’m just about the replace a screen on my bike... nothing can possibly go wrong... he said confidently...
I admire your attempt, personally I agree with some of the comments, R and G should have provided a plug and play loom! The rapid indicator flash is easy to resolve with a flasher relay as you’ve seen :) - personally i don’t bother with tail tidies as I don’t like cutting into factory wiring, you can bet a replacement OEM light unit from mr Honda will be more than the the R and G tail tidy But thank you for making content for us to enjoy and watch :) :)
I'm not sure that was worth the effort. The new LED indicators look like they're bending downwards? I'd have liked to hear your colourful language when you cut the wire wrong! That made me chuckle.
They're actually angled downwards AND backwards because he couldn't use the original mounts for them which would have them angled properly, so he had to drill new holes on the side plates that are themselves angled backwards and downwards. So the indicators are mounted perpendicular to the side plates, but since the side plates are angled so are the indicators.
loved the video and as always a straight forwards job in THEORY is a little nightmare, I could feel the pent up rage as you closed the video and imagined you turning off the camera and kicking the cat as you made your way to the fridge for a well earned beer lol:)
Great video TMF,glad its not just me that attempts a supposedly simple job,but ends up taking hours to do it. Looks so much better,now to do the front indicators.👍🏻
As others have said, don't be afraid to use heat-shrink sleeving (that wont wobble free) as part of the soldering process. A small heat gun completes the work. You then have a job that an inspector would sign off on your aircraft where a short circuit in a harsh environment might be more serious!
I hate the sticky mess insulation tape leaves on you fingers when you take it off for future work. And you'll never find that roll you have in your toolbox till after you buy another one to get your job done.
More patience than me. I would have put the hammer through the lot when you had to re solder the wires. But i have zero DIY skills. Wife does all the D.I.Y in the house, bike's. I just pass her the tools and hold other end of the tape measure. Well done for staying with it.👏👏👏👏👏
Now I’m a avid fan of you and your films, but to be honest I’m not convinced about this tail tidier it’s looked bettter before....sorry😐 It looks like it’s flashing fast as if there was a bulb blown to me. But I’m no expert. It put a smile on my face anyway. 😂😂
I own a bought from new 2004 R12000GS and have had battles with companies that were adamant their products fitted my bike, to the extent I had to send videos proving they didn't.... Glad it's not just me.
Good entertainment, cutting the wrong wire I’ve done that not funny at the time but something to look back on, life’s a learning curve as they say, look forward to your next diy.
Going down to the garage to install the Evotech tail tidy on my XSR900. Crossing fingers!! I'd go with adjustable flasher for the led signals, especially if you're still running incandescent up front. Works great on my XSR and can fine tune the speed with a potentiometer on the flasher. Flasher cost about $2 at aliexpress.
Credit to you TMF for showing the full and frank version - others might have been more vain in the editing. We've all been there. Time to change the front indicators too?
Much better to watch then Britain’s got talent... entertaining to say the least. But you got there in the end and it looks so much better. As others have said resistors are the answer that way it will a pass any future MOT’s
I never have understood the "tail tidy" movement. They never look much different to me, at least not for the effort, and besides, I rarely look at the back end of the bike anyways. There must have been a lot of colourful language left on the editing room floor.... lol
I just installed a 701 R&G kit and it was 100% plug and play.. you sure you didn't cut when you didn't need too? But.. we did reuse the 701 indicators as they are already LED so perhaps that's how we avoided it..
Sadly, the butchery was required - had I known that I probably wouldn't have embarked on this whole sorry exercise! major faff and still not done 'cos of that flashing issue....
Hey TMF. Best way to sort out hyperflash is with an aftermarket flasher relay. You can find a plug and play one for a CRF250L or a CBR250R. I tried resistors but they get way too hot if you're sitting at lights or stuck with the hazards on.
Nicely done TMF. I had a recent faux pas whilst fitting heated grips and managed to fire superglue up between the throttle tube and handlebar causing the throttle to stick. A costly uplift and repair by a man who can and I'm back on the road. Think I'll stick to my cleaning OCD in future.
At 12:10 approx your indicators look like they are the wrong way round ..ie you say left and right indicator flashes and vice versa..or am I being thick?
A braver man than me. I've had an EvoTech tail tidy for my bike for 6 months and I've still not fitted it. I'm truly not that fussed and the instructions are a a bit crap so it's just gathering dust.
As has, no doubt, been mentioned several times in the comment feed below, using heat shrink is , by far, a better solution than insulating tape for cable splicing. Handy compartmented boxes of assorted sized heat shrink can be sourced via Amazon for relatively modest sums. I think I paid about about £8 for a 200-250 piece assortment which contained sizes, in sufficient quantity, which would have easily enabled you to (forward planning required here!) cover not only the individual joints, but also the complete loom section as a whole, ensuring no water ingress which, using tape in this particular location, is a virtual certainty somewhere down the line.
If the rear are flashing and they are LED indicators, you will need an indicator LED relay indicator and you will need to change the front for the same too .hope it helps. I did it on my xsr900.
Another great vid TMF! Looks so much smarter with the tail tidy, and new TMF sticker 😉. More of a motocross look. Fast flashing can be fixed with either a new relay (designed for led indicators) or by putting the correct size resistor in line with each indicator. A relay is probably the easier job for someone with less experience of electronics. Look forward to seeing some more vids out on this bike! Keep up the good work 👍🏻 Craig.
Yes, I am surprised that R&G didn’t supply a flasher relay as part of the “kit” if it was supplied direct by them? Still a great vid of the install - extremely useful information for people who haven’t done it before 👍🏻👍🏻
This is great stuff TMF! So refreshing to see it's not just me that cuts the wrong bit sometimes!! Should be more 'real' vids like this available. CRF looking really good. Who's the top box rack supplier? Looks great. Sturdy and tidy. Nice one.
Considering R & G sell this as a kit, I'm surprised they don't include the electrical connectors, so a) it makes the conversion simpler and b) you can retrofit the original if required. Also, those indicators appear to be 'drooping'....Nice to see the community have mentioned to you about LED resistors, again, these should really have been included in the 'kit'...IMHO
Probably best to stick a flex or seal the rear light brake light to seal it from water. I have had 2 now from water ingress. Good for you soldering. I just used quick release connectors. Makes it easy to change after a crash.
This was one of those "it wont take me too long" type projects lol I fitted an R&G tail tidy to my GSXS and apart from the nightmare of getting to the connectors it was all plug and play, although I imagine that's because I was re-using the standard indicators. I doubt things would have gone smoothly for me either if it involved chopping and soldering 😂 Does look much much better once its done though!
Hmmm, title change. I don't think you thought this through too well. This is at least a three cup of tea job. Always make a brew before taking any irrecoverable action, namely cutting or drilling. Gives you time to consider each step before committing to a course of action. The indicators were always going to be drooping down because that rear bracket side is not vertical but slopes inwards. A brew, a chin rub and a mechanical dry fit would have prevented that. I reckon the indicator wires are now exposed behind the bracket just in the place where the bike will gather a load of road dirt and mud and make cleaning around there a nightmare. I can't see into the future but I reckon you'll be taking this off again, heat shrinking instead of taping the connections and repositioning the indicators. Or change the whole thing. Or suffer sleepless nights.
Looks way better TMF - so glad I’m not the only one who only manages these jobs with a lot of head scratching and some cursing! It just needs resistors to slow those indicators down. This will also be a faff so get the kettle on...
I agree that for the money they should include a plug and play connectors rather than splicing and soldering. Looks better and more compact but being solid metal and no rubber bushes or washers it may shake the lights and number plate loose over time
Hi Andy, Having read the title of your ‘how to’ video I was expecting to be amused...and you didn’t disappoint...the wonders of the ‘five minute’ job but fair play for trying and posting. ‼️ Somehow the indicators don’t look ‘level’, I presume the flange you chose to mount them on is angled. ? Anyhow top marks for a valiant effort and I look forward to your vlog regarding the ‘flashing’ issue. All the best, Anthony.
My local MOT tester tells me that a number plate light is not required by law, but a rear reflector is. No size or shape specified for the reflector so it can be as small as you like. Worth checking though
Only mopeds can't have a number plate light. HOWEVER, it doesn't state that it must be white - hence we get away with generic lights on dirt bikes etc. You are correct about the rear reflector, I generally have a little round or oval one stuck on my number plate. 4.7.1 Presence, condition and operation You must inspect all motorcycles fitted with front and rear position lamps. The rear registration plate must be lit. Most motorcycles will light the registration plate with a rear position lamp, but some will use a separate registration plate lamp. Some registration plate lamps may be fitted behind the number plate. Some mopeds might not have a registration plate lamp.
I came a bit late to the party so I'll not sure if its been answered but you need to fit a resistor to the indicators to slow the flashing. Good video though, I love watching other people solve problems, usually the boot is on the other foot and people are relying on me to come up with the answers.
Good on you for trying, a relay specific for Leds should sort the flashing speed out, always a good idea to have heat shrink in your tool kit, also one can buy conduit yo cover all the crap up, looks much bettet you mechanic you 👍👍👍😎
Hey, get one of these "2012-2018 Honda CRF250L. 12oclock LabsFixed Rate Turn Signal Flasher Relay” Have to apologise for laughing at your expense, was a very enjoyable video. It must suck to do while not being terribly technically adept, but also know anything like that is always a 'right cockup'. The only difference is when you have done lots of technical stuff you expect it to be.
I’ve stripped my CRF down a bit now I was fed up with breaking the mirrors and indicators when it hits something or goes over. The previous owner had made an excellent bodge job of cheap Chinese indicators and wiring less hassle now and less to break!!
Heat shrink much better than Black electric tape and better seal. I been there myself many years ago simple job turns bad but you learn as you try more :)
Great video . Nearly feel off my seat when the electric drill came out . Cordless drills are the way to go :) Very entertaining like all your vids . NICE ONE !
Bought that exact R&G tail tidy, it's a massive pain in the arse. We managed to save the stock parts though which was good. Worth it for the looks! A shame there a gap just above the light between the plastic that's shoody design.
The indicator flashing thing is a resistance problem, like when you only have one not working. Personally, in hindsight, I think I'd have learned to live with the old styling. Probably could have stripped out the engine and rebuilt it in the same time??😄
Mr TMF, you need a bench drill and a big box of drill bits. Cheaper that you think. A little hobby bench drill from screw fix start from £50. I have a clarke CDP5DD. You'll use it a lot more than you think. Will change your life :D
Relay is the issue. AndManCam had a similar experience. Given the new tidy is bike specific a bit remiss of the supplier to not mention and provide for the relay issue in the kit?
This is the problem with r&g tail tidies. They're crap basically. For what they cost they could easily include a small wiring connector to just plug and play. If evotech can do it, r&g should be able to.
Regarding the speed of the flashing: LEDs draw much less current than incandescent bulbs, therefore the flasher unit which is designed to operate at the correct speed for 4 incandescent bulbs and by introducing 2 LED bulbs the current draw will be less and that is responsible for the increase in the flasher speed. You will probably need to fit some resisters to get the correct speed. Might be best to speak to whoever supplied the indicators and see what value is needed for the correct operation.
Always enjoy your CRF videos, did you ever look at the DRC edge tail tidy, it comes with a bottom plate to keep the wiring clean and pre drilled holes for the indicators and is around £50 on Ebay.
That looks high up on the faff scale to me. Honestly don't like having to chop the original plug off the old rear end, not so easy to put back to standard when you sell. Also if the kit has LED indicators surly you would expect the resistor to be included that stops the lights flashing so quick. Could almost feel the anxiety when you took the cutters to that cable 👍👍👍
Yeah a bit rubbish that I didn't get in-line resistors or relays with the "plug and play" kit....luckily a quick search on Amazon reveals I can get some for less than a tenner. ...and "sell the bike"?! Never gonna happen!!
To slow the indicators flash you can add some resistors (more soldering) or I believe there are dirt cheap 'dedicated' Flasher Units/Relays (for DIY'ers that have changed over to LED's) which have built-in resistors (no soldering just a simple swap out) - most bikes have this aftermarket option; Just a couple of quid off eBay. *They often have an adjustable screw to set the timing.
Great video TMF you should have kept the colourful language in.. I fitted the DRC edge 2 tail tidy to my 2019 CRF250L and 250 Rally.Totally plug and play and the bracket comes with mounting holes for both OEM and aftermarket indicators. I actually left the original indictors on both bikes as they look ok. The DRC cost £59.
TheMissendenFlyer Only by about £25 if you add the aftermarket indicators, but the fitting was much easier 😉 I got my 250L new in January then started seeing all the 250 Rally vids..bought a 2nd hand 250 Rally with 180 miles on it, FMF slip on, tail tidy and rear carrier already added now I’ve got them side by side in the garage. The wife doesn’t mind either so every cloud..keep up the great vids.
Hiya TMF, you need to put some shrink rap on those solder joints as the tape will get wet and move, also to alter the speed of your indicators you need a couple of resistors (ebay), fit them when you re joint your wiring. ian (electrician HR Wallingford)
Thanks for all the comments and advice folks......I've duly ordered some R&G in-line LED resistors to slow the flashing via Amazon (less than a tenner) and no doubt I'll post an update when I get around to fitting them...stay tuned!
TheMissendenFlyer see if you can get an LED flasher relay. Much easier.
If I remember right when I changed my lights to LEDs I fitted a ballast or flasher relay as I fitted four indicators, so if you decide to change the front to LEDS, a ballast/relay would be better??, or, I guess you can fit two more inline resistors as you have gone down that route.
I'm guessing, but if the resistor plays up, all four indicators go daft, if one inline resistor packs up, only one indicator plays up?- needs confirmation from someone who understands electrickery-I bleedin hate it.
Great work. Just beware though that UK MoT regulations require a rear reflector , mounted centrally, and perpendicular to the road; you can cover the manufacturer logo with a self adhesive reflector one and job done. (Oxford make good ones, I've used them) 👍
@@pauljohnson3573 he cant, causse he still has bulbs on the front....
Get a LED flasher relay, don't use a resistor they get hot and kind of defeats the the power saving advantage of LEDs -- www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=LED+flasher+relay&i=automotive&ref=nb_sb_noss
Shame on you R&G!
What a badly thought out kit.
In order to use it, you have to render the original cluster useless and can never re-install it if you want to sell the bike in the future.
No R&G for me!
It should have come as a plug and play kit.
Or go to your local breakers to get a trashed set.
My thoughts exactly. A very chintzy product at best.
What Would Grant Do Universal is sales speak for “fits nothing.”
In my experience, all of R&G's products are under-engineered and way overpriced. Not worth the money or effort.
Evotech tail tidies include everything and just work. Similar prices to r&g rubbish.
Heat shrink is much better than tape for the electrical connections
Agreed - or a bottle of liquid tape is brilliant for this and so many other things.
Self Amalgamating Tape.
Tough, waterproof and vibration resistant.
@@eubikedude Liquid tape? Didn't know about that. I'll have a look, thanks!
@@simonthomas5367 I didnt either, will be looking at that! I was thinking I would prefer to shrink tube rather than tape...
EU Bike Dude I use both. Liquid tape to ensure a good water tight seal and then shrink tubing over top of that to provide mechanical stiffness and abrasion resistance.
What I love about TMF’s videos are that they are down to earth, relatable and not pretentious. Great job and great viewing.
Thank you Grant....
I think for £82,,RG could have made a wiring harness just to plug straight in with any chopping,,,then at least you could switch back without any more faff..
I couldn't agree more, RG have done a poor job there.
Exactly what I was thinking!
You wouldn't get that with Evotech...
Fair play for having a go and sharing with us. 👍🏼🍺
Nice to know I’m not the only one who runs into trouble working on my bike. Thanks for sharing and nice troubleshooting.
...it always happens to me...you are not alone...
When you test the indicators at the end, they work the opposite to the way you said you were checking! Hope you misspoke rather than wired it up wrong.
I can't remember a single time when I've attempted a "simple job" hasn't turned into a ballache of some kind. Glad I'm not alone!
You and me both Iain, there's no such thing as a "quick" and/or "simple" job when it comes to motorbike DIY!
Agreed Iain, their idea of simple, never matches mine.
It’s like there a built in traps for the non mechanical guys. E.g. Removing Barkbusters, if you loosen the end screw too much the nut falls off and disappears down onto the handlebars. Much faffing with wire taped to geomag magnet then ensues....
I have a Z900rs and looked at the R&G tail tidy. Ended up with a Jtech one for under half the price which was completely plug and play with new plugs and wiring for indicators included (unlike the R&G, to me R&G just aren't worth the money... for that money it should be completely plug and play and if they supply led indicators for a bike that doesn't have them as standard a new relay wouldn't go astray.... but good job and well done for perseverring , I would have smashed it up and posted it back to them long before that 😂👍
Me personally like the standard set up better, better rear visibility, plus the new indicators have "brewers droop" I would have to level them up at least, but if you're happy bud that's all that matters!
one of my front indicators on my mito has a bit of a droop to it, but thats because the previous owner smoothed over the fairing for some reason and I had to re-drill the holes, not quite sure how to fix it
The brewers droop reference made me just spill my coffee. hahaha
Most relatable video I've seen in a while.
PLEASE, do a whole rewhire on your house, should make an entertaining video, could even go viral !
dont get him ideas!
Yep & 23 Acacia Avenue, Missenden becomes the first Borg ship on Earth with a working tail tidy : )
REWIRE , just to let people know I can spell, he's looking good ,got to give him credit like a younger thinner Phil Mitchell.
Ooh bit harsh 😅😅
@@hatsan334 , Phil Mitchell, sorry meant to say Winston Churchill. I do apologise to Mr flyer.
I had an R&G tail tidy on an old street triple, awful quality, vague instructions and it looked like a school metal work project.
Swapped it out for an Evotech tail tidy. Beautifully made and well thought out design and fitting.
Your a perfectionist I think. I bet your not entirely happy with the direction of the indicators. But hats off to you for posting. Shows integrity which can only be good for your channel.
Agree :)
Thank you Mark - I must admit I'd be hap[pier if they were straight, but for now....life's too short...
12:09 you say indicator left and flash right. Then you say indicator right and flash left. Wrong wiring again?
Respect for the honest upload. I'm another one for the original look, but it isn't my bike.
What an honest man you are TMF,i think most of us would admit to at least this level of faffery on occasion. I once forgot to clean out the crankcase of an old suzuki stroker after it holed a piston. Re-bore,piston kit,gaskets whooppee back on the road! For fifty yards when bits of the old piston mangled my shiny new cylinder and rings.
Oops!
Looking very svelte Mr. Flyer. Both bike and man. Diet worked a treat. The only down side to a tail tidy is your back gets covered in whatever you ride through.
Cheers Tucker! Glad you noticed!! (I’ve been hungry for months!!)
TheMissendenFlyer You will go through phases where you will think you have the cravings under control then they will return. Like the ex-alcoholic, we are in recovery; never cured. Trouble is; we are going against a million years of evolution, that has bred into us the desire to eat because hard times may be just around the corner.
Every day sticking to the plan is a good day.
Too good! This is what always happens to me but I would never think of filming - too many expletives. When you got to the point that the indicators were reversed, I was thinking that if it were me - well it's just muscle memory, I can learn to push right when I mean left. Thanks for the smiles!
Always good to hear from you Daniel!
Well done TMFster. Worth the effort despite all those hiccups you ran into. Looks very nice. Recently I’ve been ordering cheap and cheerful stuff for my bikes from those wacky sites like AliExpress and Banggood. Such fun... because by my very nature I tend to be a bit of a cheapskate but also I’m a DIY disciple. More often than not things I’ve ordered arrive not working, wrong size or just plain banged up from that 3 month long container ship journey. But anyway, it does ensure me endless DIY fun bodging it to make it finally work. I have all the fun..times two. A double whammy. Thank you Shenzhen! All I need now is to find me a linguist to help make sense of those Chinese to English translations in the included instructions 😂
R&G have always been a real faf to use.The instructions are never like EvoTech. Really cheap equipment the R&G compared to EvoTech. When i bought my Aprilia RSV 4 the guy gave me a R&G tail tidy brand new in the box. I asked why he didn't add it on, he replied "You'll see". The instructions were diabolical !!!! Yes, you had to cut wires as well!!! That was in 2016, & I can't believe in todays age R&G are still doing that! EvoTech is light years ahead of R&G. So much better looking as well. Thanks Mr Flyer for the vid, its re-instated the same thoughts I had of R&G years ago. Cheap quality, & ridiculous instructions. Don't beat yourself up either Mr Flyer about cocking up the install. It would've been R&G's instructions for sure that ran you around the block before you realising. Not your fault at all Mr Flyer. Good job in the end. Cheers groover ;-)
Got to admire your honesty. I'm convinced most of these installation videos edit out any cock ups to make the job look simpler than it is!
I hoe so because whenever I do the easiest of jobs it seems to take forever!
Just wanted to say thanks for your other video on flashing led indicators, helped me out so much
Glad to help!
No problems, just solutions. Tidy installation Mr Flyer.
Thanks for an honest experience. Looked at R&G and Evotech for my sled and the evo is plug and play where the r&g state soldering so no brainier for me.
Enjoyed the vid TMF, nice to see you having a go like us all.
"Like us all"? I'm no different to you Thumper!
Just watched this, having just woken up, cup of tea in bed, highly entertaining. Even the wife looked across at the bit when you cut the wires. We have all been there, lol.
And yes a relay needed for those LED's
Hmmm, so much for plug and play eh?
When I saw that a new vid was up, I thought, nah boring ... Well, it wasn't! I watched the whole lot although I don't own a CRF. As always, you have a way to keep us amused and informed.
Thank you Spiros - I try and make the sort of videos I'd like to watch, glad you found it of interest!
Lol great to see that others face similar issues - liked the old tail more except for the indicators - cheers
Thanks for uploading that, it reminds me of many of my own jobs. I’m just about the replace a screen on my bike... nothing can possibly go wrong... he said confidently...
...I love the way we all start out so confidently on these little jobs....
I admire your attempt, personally I agree with some of the comments, R and G should have provided a plug and play loom! The rapid indicator flash is easy to resolve with a flasher relay as you’ve seen :) - personally i don’t bother with tail tidies as I don’t like cutting into factory wiring, you can bet a replacement OEM light unit from mr Honda will be more than the the R and G tail tidy But thank you for making content for us to enjoy and watch :) :)
I'm not sure that was worth the effort. The new LED indicators look like they're bending downwards? I'd have liked to hear your colourful language when you cut the wire wrong! That made me chuckle.
I think they are bending down because he has them on the wrong sides.
Turn them around and they tilt up.
They're actually angled downwards AND backwards because he couldn't use the original mounts for them which would have them angled properly, so he had to drill new holes on the side plates that are themselves angled backwards and downwards. So the indicators are mounted perpendicular to the side plates, but since the side plates are angled so are the indicators.
Agreed. Not really much of a difference and the indicators look worse, all lopsided bent down.
Awesome! Did a DRC (slightly different but very much the same) conversion myself, hope to see you smashing the green lanes again soon!
Glad to see I'm not the only one who's 20min job takes 3hrs and tears of frustration. 🙄🙄🙄
I'm with you there Michael!
Admire your patience. I would have chucked it up the garden by now.👍
loved the video and as always a straight forwards job in THEORY is a little nightmare, I could feel the pent up rage as you closed the video and imagined you turning off the camera and kicking the cat as you made your way to the fridge for a well earned beer lol:)
Nice work, I like your never quit attitude!
Cheers Pete! Sometimes I'm tempted when I read some of the comments I must admit (although not in your case of course!)....
Great video TMF,glad its not just me that attempts a supposedly simple job,but ends up taking hours to do it.
Looks so much better,now to do the front indicators.👍🏻
Cheers Barry....
As others have said, don't be afraid to use heat-shrink sleeving (that wont wobble free) as part of the soldering process. A small heat gun completes the work.
You then have a job that an inspector would sign off on your aircraft where a short circuit in a harsh environment might be more serious!
I hate the sticky mess insulation tape leaves on you fingers when you take it off for future work. And you'll never find that roll you have in your toolbox till after you buy another one to get your job done.
More patience than me. I would have put the hammer through the lot when you had to re solder the wires. But i have zero DIY skills. Wife does all the D.I.Y in the house, bike's. I just pass her the tools and hold other end of the tape measure. Well done for staying with it.👏👏👏👏👏
Nice video TMF. This does note bode well for me as I have an R&G tail tidy for my CB650R.
Good luck with that!
Now I’m a avid fan of you and your films, but to be honest I’m not convinced about this tail tidier it’s looked bettter before....sorry😐
It looks like it’s flashing fast as if there was a bulb blown to me. But I’m no expert.
It put a smile on my face anyway. 😂😂
Well done looks better. "Never know if you don't have a go"
Good number plate too.
I own a bought from new 2004 R12000GS and have had battles with companies that were adamant their products fitted my bike, to the extent I had to send videos proving they didn't.... Glad it's not just me.
If this was a comedy skit, well done. It is hilariously funny!
Glad you enjoyed it G - I aim to please!
Good entertainment, cutting the wrong wire I’ve done that not funny at the time but something to look back on, life’s a learning curve as they say, look forward to your next diy.
Going down to the garage to install the Evotech tail tidy on my XSR900. Crossing fingers!! I'd go with adjustable flasher for the led signals, especially if you're still running incandescent up front. Works great on my XSR and can fine tune the speed with a potentiometer on the flasher. Flasher cost about $2 at aliexpress.
Love your vids like this, learning as you go with a bit of (unintended) comedy.
Good to see you cocking something up lol. Thought you were the master of biking DIY. Have to say it does look much better. Cheers..
Whatever gave you the idea I know what I'm doing! Thanks for watching - TMF
Certainly looks a lot better now. I eagerly await the next episode of "numptys bike wiring ". Not that I'm any better.........
Credit to you TMF for showing the full and frank version - others might have been more vain in the editing. We've all been there. Time to change the front indicators too?
I think “warts an’ all” makes for better viewing!
Much better to watch then Britain’s got talent... entertaining to say the least. But you got there in the end and it looks so much better.
As others have said resistors are the answer that way it will a pass any future MOT’s
glad youre showing us where you cocked up
Actually I took out some parts!!!
I never have understood the "tail tidy" movement. They never look much different to me, at least not for the effort, and besides, I rarely look at the back end of the bike anyways. There must have been a lot of colourful language left on the editing room floor.... lol
What me swear? Never....
At last I've found someone with the same sentiments as me.
@@leanatale7251 Some tail tidies make no sense to me, this one for example. But if you see bikes like the KTM Duke 390, they start to make sense.
@@AGMTB. guess I'm just a philistine.
Glad it's not just me who finds these things frustrating! However, there's a sense of achievement once its done, and it certainly looks better.
I just installed a 701 R&G kit and it was 100% plug and play.. you sure you didn't cut when you didn't need too? But.. we did reuse the 701 indicators as they are already LED so perhaps that's how we avoided it..
Sadly, the butchery was required - had I known that I probably wouldn't have embarked on this whole sorry exercise! major faff and still not done 'cos of that flashing issue....
Nice job! That was far trickier than it first appeared.
Hey TMF. Best way to sort out hyperflash is with an aftermarket flasher relay. You can find a plug and play one for a CRF250L or a CBR250R. I tried resistors but they get way too hot if you're sitting at lights or stuck with the hazards on.
I've ordered one from Amazon so we'll see what happens....stay tuned!
Nice job! Really honest of you not to just edit out the faffery 👍👍
Nicely done TMF. I had a recent faux pas whilst fitting heated grips and managed to fire superglue up between the throttle tube and handlebar causing the throttle to stick. A costly uplift and repair by a man who can and I'm back on the road. Think I'll stick to my cleaning OCD in future.
Oops!
At 12:10 approx your indicators look like they are the wrong way round ..ie you say left and right indicator flashes and vice versa..or am I being thick?
I was thinking that as well,glad I wasn’t the only one.
A braver man than me. I've had an EvoTech tail tidy for my bike for 6 months and I've still not fitted it. I'm truly not that fussed and the instructions are a a bit crap so it's just gathering dust.
I know that feeling!
As has, no doubt, been mentioned several times in the comment feed below, using heat shrink is , by far, a better solution than insulating tape for cable splicing.
Handy compartmented boxes of assorted sized heat shrink can be sourced via Amazon for relatively modest sums. I think I paid about about £8 for a 200-250 piece assortment which contained sizes, in sufficient quantity, which would have easily enabled you to (forward planning required here!) cover not only the individual joints, but also the complete loom section as a whole, ensuring no water ingress which, using tape in this particular location, is a virtual certainty somewhere down the line.
I even have one of those sets fromAmazon!
If the rear are flashing and they are LED indicators, you will need an indicator LED relay indicator and you will need to change the front for the same too .hope it helps. I did it on my xsr900.
New relay on order!
Another great vid TMF!
Looks so much smarter with the tail tidy, and new TMF sticker 😉. More of a motocross look.
Fast flashing can be fixed with either a new relay (designed for led indicators) or by putting the correct size resistor in line with each indicator. A relay is probably the easier job for someone with less experience of electronics.
Look forward to seeing some more vids out on this bike!
Keep up the good work 👍🏻
Craig.
Yes it looks so much better 😃
So much for plug and play eh!?
Yes, I am surprised that R&G didn’t supply a flasher relay as part of the “kit” if it was supplied direct by them?
Still a great vid of the install - extremely useful information for people who haven’t done it before 👍🏻👍🏻
This is great stuff TMF! So refreshing to see it's not just me that cuts the wrong bit sometimes!! Should be more 'real' vids like this available. CRF looking really good. Who's the top box rack supplier? Looks great. Sturdy and tidy. Nice one.
It was just an E-Bay special.....don't have a link unfortunately....
@@TheMissendenFlyer No problem. Thanks again.
Considering R & G sell this as a kit, I'm surprised they don't include the electrical connectors, so a) it makes the conversion simpler and b) you can retrofit the original if required. Also, those indicators appear to be 'drooping'....Nice to see the community have mentioned to you about LED resistors, again, these should really have been included in the 'kit'...IMHO
I agree Rob....
Probably best to stick a flex or seal the rear light brake light to seal it from water. I have had 2 now from water ingress. Good for you soldering. I just used quick release connectors. Makes it easy to change after a crash.
Great video - worts an all ! - we all make exactly the same mistakes as you do ( but not all of us will admit it ! ) 👍🏻
I think it makes for a fun video when you show the rubbish bits!
This was one of those "it wont take me too long" type projects lol I fitted an R&G tail tidy to my GSXS and apart from the nightmare of getting to the connectors it was all plug and play, although I imagine that's because I was re-using the standard indicators. I doubt things would have gone smoothly for me either if it involved chopping and soldering 😂 Does look much much better once its done though!
Hmmm, title change.
I don't think you thought this through too well. This is at least a three cup of tea job. Always make a brew before taking any irrecoverable action, namely cutting or drilling. Gives you time to consider each step before committing to a course of action. The indicators were always going to be drooping down because that rear bracket side is not vertical but slopes inwards. A brew, a chin rub and a mechanical dry fit would have prevented that.
I reckon the indicator wires are now exposed behind the bracket just in the place where the bike will gather a load of road dirt and mud and make cleaning around there a nightmare.
I can't see into the future but I reckon you'll be taking this off again, heat shrinking instead of taping the connections and repositioning the indicators.
Or change the whole thing.
Or suffer sleepless nights.
.... and unmatching indicators front and rear, more sleepless nights.
Looks like the kit should have a) better instructions and b) maybe a P&P loom included.
Good video tmf . Buy a new Led regulator don't cost much. Had same problem with my mt10 tail tidy so your not the only one tmf .thanks danny
Just ordered some R&G in-line resistors from Amazon...stay tuned for an update soon!
Looks way better TMF - so glad I’m not the only one who only manages these jobs with a lot of head scratching and some cursing! It just needs resistors to slow those indicators down. This will also be a faff so get the kettle on...
Yes I fear it so - they're in order, will let you know how it goes...
I agree that for the money they should include a plug and play connectors rather than splicing and soldering.
Looks better and more compact but being solid metal and no rubber bushes or washers it may shake the lights and number plate loose over time
Hi Andy,
Having read the title of your ‘how to’ video I was expecting to be amused...and you didn’t disappoint...the wonders of the ‘five minute’ job but fair play for trying and posting. ‼️
Somehow the indicators don’t look ‘level’, I presume the flange you chose to mount them on is angled. ?
Anyhow top marks for a valiant effort and I look forward to your vlog regarding the ‘flashing’ issue. All the best, Anthony.
Correct the "flange" wasn't quite at 90 degrees......!!
Thank you for your usual straight up (not angled!) and honest reply. ‼️
My local MOT tester tells me that a number plate light is not required by law, but a rear reflector is. No size or shape specified for the reflector so it can be as small as you like. Worth checking though
Only mopeds can't have a number plate light.
HOWEVER, it doesn't state that it must be white - hence we get away with generic lights on dirt bikes etc.
You are correct about the rear reflector, I generally have a little round or oval one stuck on my number plate.
4.7.1 Presence, condition and operation
You must inspect all motorcycles fitted with front and rear position lamps.
The rear registration plate must be lit. Most motorcycles will light the registration plate with a rear position lamp, but some will use a separate registration plate lamp.
Some registration plate lamps may be fitted behind the number plate.
Some mopeds might not have a registration plate lamp.
Thanks for the clarification
@@waynedl99 . . . and rear reflecters maybe any shape except triangle - ( which is for trailers only).
I came a bit late to the party so I'll not sure if its been answered but you need to fit a resistor to the indicators to slow the flashing. Good video though, I love watching other people solve problems, usually the boot is on the other foot and people are relying on me to come up with the answers.
Good on you for trying, a relay specific for Leds should sort the flashing speed out, always a good idea to have heat shrink in your tool kit, also one can buy conduit yo cover all the crap up, looks much bettet you mechanic you 👍👍👍😎
Yes just ordered some R&G in-line resistors from Amazon - less than a tenner! So much for "plug and play"!
@@TheMissendenFlyer next ti.e look on eBay, always cheaper & usual no P& P👍👍😎
Hey, get one of these "2012-2018 Honda CRF250L. 12oclock LabsFixed Rate Turn Signal Flasher Relay”
Have to apologise for laughing at your expense, was a very enjoyable video. It must suck to do while not being terribly technically adept, but also know anything like that is always a 'right cockup'. The only difference is when you have done lots of technical stuff you expect it to be.
I meant the video to be entertaining so glad it gave you a laugh!
@@TheMissendenFlyer you are braver than me. It would be a laugh for me to bake a cake on screen, but that is something that will never happen!
I’ve stripped my CRF down a bit now I was fed up with breaking the mirrors and indicators when it hits something or goes over. The previous owner had made an excellent bodge job of cheap Chinese indicators and wiring less hassle now and less to break!!
Classic! I'm sure we've all done that
Love your vids TMF but I always cringe when you attempt anything with the tools. I just end up laughing!
Glad to provide some amusement for you!
Heat shrink much better than Black electric tape and better seal. I been there myself many years ago simple job turns bad but you learn as you try more :)
"...the plastic monstrosity that's there at the moment." There is simply no substitute on this planet for British hyperbole! Made me chuckle out loud.
Great video . Nearly feel off my seat when the electric drill came out . Cordless drills are the way to go :) Very entertaining like all your vids . NICE ONE !
You can get inline resistors to slow down the flashing
Bought that exact R&G tail tidy, it's a massive pain in the arse. We managed to save the stock parts though which was good. Worth it for the looks! A shame there a gap just above the light between the plastic that's shoody design.
Yes that gap annoys me too....
@@TheMissendenFlyer I also bought an FMF pipe because I'd seen yours and it's mint. A bit loud but still, mint
The indicator flashing thing is a resistance problem, like when you only have one not working.
Personally, in hindsight, I think I'd have learned to live with the old styling. Probably could have stripped out the engine and rebuilt it in the same time??😄
Well I couldn't have (clearly!).....
Mr TMF, you need a bench drill and a big box of drill bits. Cheaper that you think. A little hobby bench drill from screw fix start from £50. I have a clarke CDP5DD. You'll use it a lot more than you think. Will change your life :D
Relay is the issue. AndManCam had a similar experience. Given the new tidy is bike specific a bit remiss of the supplier to not mention and provide for the relay issue in the kit?
Yes it’s supposed to be plug and play!
This is the problem with r&g tail tidies. They're crap basically. For what they cost they could easily include a small wiring connector to just plug and play. If evotech can do it, r&g should be able to.
Regarding the speed of the flashing: LEDs draw much less current than incandescent bulbs, therefore the flasher unit which is designed to operate at the correct speed for 4 incandescent bulbs and by introducing 2 LED bulbs the current draw will be less and that is responsible for the increase in the flasher speed. You will probably need to fit some resisters to get the correct speed. Might be best to speak to whoever supplied the indicators and see what value is needed for the correct operation.
Always enjoy your CRF videos, did you ever look at the DRC edge tail tidy, it comes with a bottom plate to keep the wiring clean and pre drilled holes for the indicators and is around £50 on Ebay.
No - I wish I had!
I'd have given up after five min and gone out on the Ducati for the rest of the day👍
Heath Robinson springs to mind!
Thank you David!
That looks high up on the faff scale to me. Honestly don't like having to chop the original plug off the old rear end, not so easy to put back to standard when you sell. Also if the kit has LED indicators surly you would expect the resistor to be included that stops the lights flashing so quick. Could almost feel the anxiety when you took the cutters to that cable 👍👍👍
Yeah a bit rubbish that I didn't get in-line resistors or relays with the "plug and play" kit....luckily a quick search on Amazon reveals I can get some for less than a tenner. ...and "sell the bike"?! Never gonna happen!!
@@TheMissendenFlyer arr I forgot, you are a bike collector 👌
Correct!
To slow the indicators flash you can add some resistors (more soldering) or I believe there are dirt cheap 'dedicated' Flasher Units/Relays (for DIY'ers that have changed over to LED's) which have built-in resistors (no soldering just a simple swap out) - most bikes have this aftermarket option; Just a couple of quid off eBay.
*They often have an adjustable screw to set the timing.
Great video TMF you should have kept the colourful language in.. I fitted the DRC edge 2 tail tidy to my 2019 CRF250L and 250 Rally.Totally plug and play and the bracket comes with mounting holes for both OEM and aftermarket indicators. I actually left the original indictors on both bikes as they look ok. The DRC cost £59.
Seems like a better deal by far!
TheMissendenFlyer Only by about £25 if you add the aftermarket indicators, but the fitting was much easier 😉 I got my 250L new in January then started seeing all the 250 Rally vids..bought a 2nd hand 250 Rally with 180 miles on it, FMF slip on, tail tidy and rear carrier already added now I’ve got them side by side in the garage. The wife doesn’t mind either so every cloud..keep up the great vids.
Hiya TMF, you need to put some shrink rap on those solder joints as the tape will get wet and move, also to alter the speed of your indicators you need a couple of resistors (ebay), fit them when you re joint your wiring. ian (electrician HR Wallingford)
Cheers Ian - I've ordered both some resistors and a LED relay from Amazon, I'll see what looks easiest when they turn up!