[Sampson572]

Ok, this Yoshimura fender eliminator seems like a pretty straightforward and easy install, except for one thing, cutting the factory wires and splicing them to accept the new light for the plate. Ugh I do not want to do that. I’ve done lots of parts swapping on bikes - rotors and brakes, foot controls, handlebars, etc. but no cutting of factory wires yet. I’ve cut and spliced wires together for things like a home stereo, but nothing like this, and really really do not want to F it up. And all the how-to videos for this fender eliminator show every step EXCEPT how they cut and splice the wires together for it. At most they just show them cut the wire and then show the guy using a lighter on it, that’s it, no other directions on that part. Is there any other option to cutting these wires? Any help would be appreciated. Forgive the noob. 😐

 

[Billy Red]

I bought the Vagabond brand and there was no wire cutting but if you already bought the Yoshamura brand you will need to learn to splice wires or get help. There’s probably a ton of You Tube videos about it along with soldering. It won’t be hard but you may have to spend a small amount on basic tools going this route.

 

[Duckman]

What's a Posi-Tap?

If you open any of our DENALI Electronics kits, you will find a variety of materials to help install your new lights, horn, or other electrical devices. Our wiring harnesses are a fairly straight forward plug-n-play style. Many of the kits utilize Posi-Tap connectors to tap into switched 12v...

twistedthrottle.com

 

[Sampson572]

What's a Posi-Tap?

If you open any of our DENALI Electronics kits, you will find a variety of materials to help install your new lights, horn, or other electrical devices. Our wiring harnesses are a fairly straight forward plug-n-play style. Many of the kits utilize Posi-Tap connectors to tap into switched 12v...

twistedthrottle.com

OK I read that, so the Posi tap still involves stripping the wires, just does not involve the flame/soldiering part?
And I’m not really opposed to doing the splicing/soldering thing, it even seems like several of these videos the guy is using a lighter to finish it off, I just would like to see exactly how it’s done on this bike with these wires, then I would just try to replicate it. I’m sure it’s not incredibly difficult, but not seeing how it is done I’m a bit nervous to try it myself thinking “maybe this is how it’s done”. I install home light fixtures and outlets all the time, but this is still different electrical stuff.

 

[deaf0ne]

OK I read that, so the Posi tap still involves stripping the wires, just does not involve the flame/soldiering part?
And I’m not really opposed to doing the splicing/soldering thing, it even seems like several of these videos the guy is using a lighter to finish it off, I just would like to see exactly how it’s done on this bike with these wires, then I would just try to replicate it. I’m sure it’s not incredibly difficult, but not seeing how it is done I’m a bit nervous to try it myself thinking “maybe this is how it’s done”. I install home light fixtures and outlets all the time, but this is still different electrical stuff.

I promise you it's not that different at all. I do electronics stuff all the time, diy and for work, it's not what you're working it up to be. If you're doing A/C power work at home, which is FAR mare dangerous, you'll be fine wiring in this low voltage light.

Just take your time, be deliberate with your actions (I know you can do this), and it'll be fine.
Gather everything you'll need before you do it, or you'll be spending more time finding things than the job will take to do.

Cut the wires, but give yourself enough room to work. So as near the old plug as possible.
Either crimp on connectors so you can have a disconnect (youtube is your friend), or strip-and-twist the wires together (again, youtube is your friend) and check that it works before you put it all back together. Otherwise, you'll have to take it back apart just to swap the wires. (I have to that all the time) XD Then apply enough electrical tape to suffocate any hope of water getting in there, and tuck those wires under the seat!

Oh, and don't worry about finding someone putting in a tail-light in the youtube videos. Harness work is pretty much universal, it's getting the process down that's important.

Then enjoy your new eliminator!

I want to get the yoshi eliminator too, I've got their slip-on

 

[Baxter]

I'll throw in a spare comment. The use of a lighter is if you've soldered the wires and used shrink-wrap on them. Most hardware stores sell little shrink-wrap tubes that you slide over the wires before joining them (in a straight line, not like a pigtail). You solder the wires together then slide the tube over the joint, applying heat to make the tube shrink and become water resistant. There are useful soldering videos on YouTube. They might not all be motorcycle specific, but vids on how to solder wires on a boat would also be relevant for waterproofing.

 

[Duckman]

OK I read that, so the Posi tap still involves stripping the wires, just does not involve the flame/soldiering part?
And I’m not really opposed to doing the splicing/soldering thing, it even seems like several of these videos the guy is using a lighter to finish it off, I just would like to see exactly how it’s done on this bike with these wires, then I would just try to replicate it. I’m sure it’s not incredibly difficult, but not seeing how it is done I’m a bit nervous to try it myself thinking “maybe this is how it’s done”. I install home light fixtures and outlets all the time, but this is still different electrical stuff.

With a Posi-tap there’s no need to cut and strip the wire. No solder or shrink wrap. It simply lets you join the new wire with existing wire with a simple screw on joint. Seriously, it doesn’t get any more simple.

 

[misnblu]

 

[Sampson572]

Ok great, thanks for the info everybody. Will be digging into it this week. Or next.
So far have ridden it for two minutes, can’t wait to get more in. Work/weather not cooperating.