How to shorten the stock CBR1100XX rear signals. - Discuss How to shorten the stock CBR1100XX rear signals. on CBRXX, the ultimate on-line community for Honda motorcyclists. Read it in Honda CBR XX Resource Center. (Technical Articles, Tips, Tricks, How-To's and other useful resources for the Honda CBR 1100 XX Super Blackbird. You cannot post new threads in this forum. Threads containing useful Tips, Tricks, and How-To's will be moved here by Staff as needed.)

ConqSoft · 01-17-2007, 7:59 PM

I did this so that the signals could be kept in place when using my Givi WingRack, but some people do it just to streamline the rear a little more than stock.

The goal is to separate the signal at the point shown by the arrows, which will remove over an inch from the length.
xx_short_signals 001.jpg

To separate it, you'll need a skinny phillips head screwdriver. It needs to fit down the tube beside the wiring. Remove the screw and it should come right apart.
xx_short_signals 002.jpg xx_short_signals 003.jpg xx_short_signals 004.jpg

You'll be left with this. You'll need to find a screw that fits into that same hole, but it has to be long enough to reach through the rear fender as well. (See next step.)
xx_short_signals 005.jpg

Then, to re-install, use the stock "plate" as shown, and the screw mentioned in the previous step. Be sure the screw fits well enough to hold the signal firmly in place, and make sure you don't over-tighten and strip out the hole. Then just route the wiring back the same as stock, and plug it back in.
xx_short_signals 006.jpg

That's all there is to it.
xx_short_signals 007.jpg xx_short_signals 008.jpg

Venus97 · 01-17-2007, 8:55 PM

Perfect, this was my winter project. You just made it a whole lot easier. Thanks.

davesxx01 · 01-17-2007, 9:16 PM

Or, for less than $20 just get the 600RR ruber peice. It's half the length of the 'Bird one and a perfect fit while providing some flex.

ConqSoft · 01-17-2007, 9:17 PM

You've used that with the Givi WingRack? I don't think there's enough room for it to fit...

HERBXX · 01-26-2007, 9:18 AM

I used a more complicated method to achieve the same result that is a little stronger but more invasive . I took the signals apart as show. Then cut the metal plate with the tube and stud in in out of the rubber. I brazed a couple of metal screws on back side of it pointing away from the stud. I then took the refector and bulb out of the case . Then grind down the edges of the plate to fit inside the end of the plastic case stalk . I then secured the plate inside the case using marglass(glass reinforced bodyfill) . I actually inserted a tube to make a passage for the wires and filled the rest of the space up in the stock with the marglass.

When you are done the signal bolts on like stock.

Its a bit or work , but I liked the results.

Herb

pnelson32 · 01-26-2007, 11:16 PM

I'm doin' it. The rubber flimsy crap is gone.

I never looked at my rear signals so much until I read this thread, but, Dude, they come out quite a bit! Bringing them in an inch on each side would look better I think! They seem to in Ba-Da-Bing's pics!

Venus97 · 01-27-2007, 5:21 PM

I just did this today. It took a little longer than I thought, having to remove the rear cowl, then remove splices that were installed as part of the alarm, but the end results was worth it.

It really cleaned up the rear, in my opinion. (I was going to go aftermarket, but I think the stock turn signals have more light and keep the original look)

I used some black silicone when re-installing to prevent slippage when complete. That is my only concern it that if not tight enough or loosen due to vibration, they could spin.

YO-XX · 01-28-2007, 5:20 AM

Nice tutorial Conqsoft.

OZDave · 01-28-2007, 5:23 AM

Good one. The pictures helped a lot. Thanks.

bad_dog · 01-29-2007, 6:20 AM

Good write up, looks like a weekend project for me

matd · 01-29-2007, 12:13 PM

Thanks again for the guide ConqSoft. I used the original screws with a washer and left the original nut in place. Its worked perfectly. :-)

ravi · 02-03-2007, 11:10 PM

thanks - wish i'd heard this a couple of months earlier... recently picked up the wingrack II 140 with the extra indicators for travel use... this would have saved me the pain of reconnecting the originals everytime i takethe rack off... though i guess the givi indicators have a huge advantage as regards visibility.

P.G.A · 05-13-2007, 6:07 PM

nice info
especially for those who love panniers.....

birdxxx · 05-14-2007, 12:03 PM

i wouldnt bother shortening the stock lights they are a bit bulky for my liking.
there are plenty of aftermarket lights available, i have tear drop lights for the rear with LED lights, very bright and noticable

XXCESS · 06-18-2007, 6:42 AM

My 01 bird with the standard indicators has no trouble fitting with the wingrack
<tho these are the Aussie euro style>

jjmcjames · 06-20-2007, 11:28 AM

Nice write up to be sure. I used the stock screws with some flat washers behind the stock plate...much cleaner look.

Dufflad · 09-25-2007, 8:38 PM

Thanks for the writeup Conqsoft. My Oxford soft panniers sit nicely strapped under my seat now, where before they fouled the 'droopy dawg' rear indicators. The only thing I added was a thin strip of rubber to hopefully damp out the vibes from our s****y rough NZ roads.

Cheers
A

97Bird · 10-16-2007, 2:40 PM

Nice tutorial, the price is right too

I went one step further, in the quest to clean up the rear of the bike for free. I removed the rear reflectors, moved the license plate and light up, then trimmed the rear fender.

I think it looks way better, no need for an undertail/aftermarket lights for me

I do need to get a hugger though.

ConqSoft · 10-16-2007, 3:22 PM

Wait until you ride it in the rain now.

The stock rear fender is barely adequate to control the fling; shortening it has devastating results.

97Bird · 10-16-2007, 4:32 PM

Yep, I have found that out - that's why I will be buying a hugger, hopefully that will help a little.

If I didn't ride in the rain, I wouldn't get out much!

Thanks again for posting that - I like easy, do it yourself mods

blackbird11xx · 10-16-2007, 5:32 PM

You may want to try this also..

I originally did the mod nicely laid out by CongSoft, but after adding the bags and rebuilding the indicators to fit on the mounts supplied with the mounting kit. It just took removing the bags once and walking behind the bike to know they had to go.

So 20 mins later 2 Super Bright LED button indicators were installed as license plate bolts/indicators.

The group I normally ride with say they can see these much better especially in the bright sun light. Plus it looks good with the bags either on or off the bike.

Johns68 · 11-17-2007, 11:52 PM

Funny, I first did this mod on my FJ in the mid 80's ... have done it to every road bike I've owned since, and have never bought a custom turn signal (though I replaced the lenses on the Harleys with flat ones) ... it's tomorrow's project on the new (to me) 'bird.

I'll also try and eliminate the tag light altogether, and mount the license plate as high as possible, as it appears blackbird11xx has. Why is there a seperate tag light on these bikes anyway? The tail light lens has the usual window in the bottom to illuminate the plate ... I'll cut out the opaque filler in the window, and bond in a piece of clear lexan, unless anyone has a better idea?

XXCESS · 11-18-2007, 7:19 PM

Looks good but you would not get away with that in oz, indicators must be 12" apart if not they will sticker your bike & it's off the road

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackbird11xx

You may want to try this also..

I originally did the mod nicely laid out by CongSoft, but after adding the bags and rebuilding the indicators to fit on the mounts supplied with the mounting kit. It just took removing the bags once and walking behind the bike to know they had to go.

So 20 mins later 2 Super Bright LED button indicators were installed as license plate bolts/indicators.

The group I normally ride with say they can see these much better especially in the bright sun light. Plus it looks good with the bags either on or off the bike.

blackbird11xx · 11-18-2007, 10:15 PM

John68,

I did exactly what you are looking to do with the tag light. There is an actual cut out in the lens at the bottom of the tail light and after scoring the clue holding the Opague plate in I was able to pry it out clean. I using it as a template I then laser cut a white piece of plexiglass an popped it back in. (I originally was going to use clear but it created funky shadows over the plate, the white defussed the light evenly).

Its a simple modification, and could be achieved with a dremel and file if you need too to fashion the lens.

XXFirefighter · 11-24-2007, 7:12 PM

Both are LED's MUCH brighter...
Put those Rizzo's on the BMW

ccriderXX · 12-19-2007, 3:04 PM

I like those Rizoma LED lights. Here is a link:

Rizoma Zero LED Turn Signals
PJs Parts

Hog-Sniper · 01-08-2008, 3:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XXFirefighter

Both are LED's MUCH brighter...
Put those Rizzo's on the BMW

Are there any major modifications, or do these Rizzos fit right in the stock turn signal hole?

hornet · 01-11-2008, 12:14 PM

pimpbike.com

makes led integrated undertails from what i hear.....

eliminate the tree hanger all together...

choppershop makes relocating kits for a license plate....heck almost every company does....might be something to look into

01-17-2007, 8:55 PM	#2
Venus97 Join Date: Nov 24 2006 Location: Greensboro, NC Age: 45 Posts: 441	Re: How to shorten the stock CBR1100XX rear signals. Perfect, this was my winter project. You just made it a whole lot easier. Thanks.

01-17-2007, 9:16 PM	#3
davesxx01 Join Date: Oct 17 2006 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 285	Re: How to shorten the stock CBR1100XX rear signals. Or, for less than $20 just get the 600RR ruber peice. It's half the length of the 'Bird one and a perfect fit while providing some flex. __________________ http://www.cyclefarkle.com '01 Redbird (sold) '07 ST1300 '08 Yamaha Raider "S"

01-17-2007, 9:17 PM	#4
ConqSoft Ba-Da-Bing Join Date: Sep 15 2006 Location: Raleigh, NC Age: 37 Posts: 1,097	Re: How to shorten the stock CBR1100XX rear signals. You've used that with the Givi WingRack? I don't think there's enough room for it to fit... __________________ My Blog GPS Discussion Forum

01-26-2007, 9:18 AM	#5
HERBXX Join Date: Nov 01 2006 Location: Guelph Ontario Canada Posts: 77	Re: How to shorten the stock CBR1100XX rear signals. I used a more complicated method to achieve the same result that is a little stronger but more invasive . I took the signals apart as show. Then cut the metal plate with the tube and stud in in out of the rubber. I brazed a couple of metal screws on back side of it pointing away from the stud. I then took the refector and bulb out of the case . Then grind down the edges of the plate to fit inside the end of the plastic case stalk . I then secured the plate inside the case using marglass(glass reinforced bodyfill) . I actually inserted a tube to make a passage for the wires and filled the rest of the space up in the stock with the marglass. When you are done the signal bolts on like stock. Its a bit or work , but I liked the results. Herb

01-26-2007, 11:16 PM	#6
pnelson32 Join Date: Dec 15 2006 Location: Dallas, Texas, USA Age: 31 Posts: 83	Re: How to shorten the stock CBR1100XX rear signals. I'm doin' it. The rubber flimsy crap is gone. I never looked at my rear signals so much until I read this thread, but, Dude, they come out quite a bit! Bringing them in an inch on each side would look better I think! They seem to in Ba-Da-Bing's pics! __________________ -Paul in Dallas

01-27-2007, 5:21 PM	#7
Venus97 Join Date: Nov 24 2006 Location: Greensboro, NC Age: 45 Posts: 441	Re: How to shorten the stock CBR1100XX rear signals. I just did this today. It took a little longer than I thought, having to remove the rear cowl, then remove splices that were installed as part of the alarm, but the end results was worth it. It really cleaned up the rear, in my opinion. (I was going to go aftermarket, but I think the stock turn signals have more light and keep the original look) I used some black silicone when re-installing to prevent slippage when complete. That is my only concern it that if not tight enough or loosen due to vibration, they could spin.

01-28-2007, 5:20 AM	#8
YO-XX www.blackbirdownersclub.e u Join Date: Nov 14 2006 Location: Lisse/Doetinchem The Netherlands Age: 52 Posts: 239	Re: How to shorten the stock CBR1100XX rear signals. Nice tutorial Conqsoft.

01-28-2007, 5:23 AM	#9
OZDave Join Date: Oct 16 2006 Location: Brisbane, Australia Posts: 808	Re: How to shorten the stock CBR1100XX rear signals. Good one. The pictures helped a lot. Thanks. __________________ Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me!

01-29-2007, 6:20 AM	#10
bad_dog Join Date: Oct 20 2006 Location: Tasmania, Australia Posts: 14	Re: How to shorten the stock CBR1100XX rear signals. Good write up, looks like a weekend project for me __________________ Mick 1997 CBR1100XX (Black)

01-29-2007, 12:13 PM	#11
matd Join Date: Jan 13 2007 Location: UK Age: 35 Posts: 46	Re: How to shorten the stock CBR1100XX rear signals. Thanks again for the guide ConqSoft. I used the original screws with a washer and left the original nut in place. Its worked perfectly. :-)

02-03-2007, 11:10 PM	#12
ravi Join Date: Nov 16 2006 Location: Bombay, India Posts: 83	Re: How to shorten the stock CBR1100XX rear signals. thanks - wish i'd heard this a couple of months earlier... recently picked up the wingrack II 140 with the extra indicators for travel use... this would have saved me the pain of reconnecting the originals everytime i takethe rack off... though i guess the givi indicators have a huge advantage as regards visibility.

05-13-2007, 6:07 PM	#13
P.G.A Join Date: May 13 2007 Location: Patras Greece Posts: 12	Re: How to shorten the stock CBR1100XX rear signals. nice info especially for those who love panniers.....

05-14-2007, 12:03 PM	#14
birdxxx Join Date: May 12 2007 Location: adelaide south australia Posts: 40	Re: How to shorten the stock CBR1100XX rear signals. i wouldnt bother shortening the stock lights they are a bit bulky for my liking. there are plenty of aftermarket lights available, i have tear drop lights for the rear with LED lights, very bright and noticable

06-18-2007, 6:42 AM	#15
XXCESS Join Date: Nov 18 2006 Location: Perth, Westralia Age: 53 Posts: 132	Re: How to shorten the stock CBR1100XX rear signals. My 01 bird with the standard indicators has no trouble fitting with the wingrack <tho these are the Aussie euro style> __________________ Noel

06-20-2007, 11:28 AM	#16
jjmcjames Join Date: May 09 2007 Location: Middle Tennessee Age: 51 Posts: 245	Re: How to shorten the stock CBR1100XX rear signals. Nice write up to be sure. I used the stock screws with some flat washers behind the stock plate...much cleaner look.

09-25-2007, 8:38 PM	#17
Dufflad Join Date: Mar 17 2007 Location: Christchurch, New Zealand Age: 27 Posts: 10	Re: How to shorten the stock CBR1100XX rear signals. Thanks for the writeup Conqsoft. My Oxford soft panniers sit nicely strapped under my seat now, where before they fouled the 'droopy dawg' rear indicators. The only thing I added was a thin strip of rubber to hopefully damp out the vibes from our s****y rough NZ roads. Cheers A

10-16-2007, 3:22 PM	#19
ConqSoft Ba-Da-Bing Join Date: Sep 15 2006 Location: Raleigh, NC Age: 37 Posts: 1,097	Re: How to shorten the stock CBR1100XX rear signals. Wait until you ride it in the rain now. The stock rear fender is barely adequate to control the fling; shortening it has devastating results. __________________ My Blog GPS Discussion Forum

10-16-2007, 4:32 PM	#20
97Bird Now rockin' a 99, FI Bird! Join Date: May 13 2007 Location: Puyallup, WA Age: 44 Posts: 140	Re: How to shorten the stock CBR1100XX rear signals. Yep, I have found that out - that's why I will be buying a hugger, hopefully that will help a little. If I didn't ride in the rain, I wouldn't get out much! Thanks again for posting that - I like easy, do it yourself mods __________________ If you're not going over 100 miles and at least 100 mph, you're not riding Gary

11-17-2007, 11:52 PM	#22
Johns68 Join Date: Nov 16 2007 Location: Marysville, CA Posts: 12	Re: How to shorten the stock CBR1100XX rear signals. Funny, I first did this mod on my FJ in the mid 80's ... have done it to every road bike I've owned since, and have never bought a custom turn signal (though I replaced the lenses on the Harleys with flat ones) ... it's tomorrow's project on the new (to me) 'bird. I'll also try and eliminate the tag light altogether, and mount the license plate as high as possible, as it appears blackbird11xx has. Why is there a seperate tag light on these bikes anyway? The tail light lens has the usual window in the bottom to illuminate the plate ... I'll cut out the opaque filler in the window, and bond in a piece of clear lexan, unless anyone has a better idea?

11-18-2007, 10:15 PM	#24
blackbird11xx Join Date: Jul 10 2007 Location: West Palm FL Posts: 21	Re: How to shorten the stock CBR1100XX rear signals. John68, I did exactly what you are looking to do with the tag light. There is an actual cut out in the lens at the bottom of the tail light and after scoring the clue holding the Opague plate in I was able to pry it out clean. I using it as a template I then laser cut a white piece of plexiglass an popped it back in. (I originally was going to use clear but it created funky shadows over the plate, the white defussed the light evenly). Its a simple modification, and could be achieved with a dremel and file if you need too to fashion the lens.

12-19-2007, 3:04 PM	#26
ccriderXX Join Date: Oct 21 2006 Location: Pacific NW Posts: 130	Re: How to shorten the stock CBR1100XX rear signals. I like those Rizoma LED lights. Here is a link: Rizoma Zero LED Turn Signals PJs Parts

01-11-2008, 12:14 PM	#28
hornet Join Date: Jan 07 2008 Location: houston Posts: 66	Re: How to shorten the stock CBR1100XX rear signals. pimpbike.com makes led integrated undertails from what i hear..... eliminate the tree hanger all together... choppershop makes relocating kits for a license plate....heck almost every company does....might be something to look into

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