| Author | Message | ||
     X1_rider |
I started looking into a short tail setup for my 2002 X1W and decided that I'd mount the license plate/running light/brake light on the side to keep the rear clean (I'm also going to cancel the signal lights). I started with this LED light I got off eBay for $15, shipping included.  I decided to mount the bracket on the right side, where the rear footpeg is located on my CrossRoads rearset (easier for the wiring because there are already wires going to the brake light switch). I already had an aluminum plate backing that I used for my StreetGlide in the past.  So I started with the light mount, cut it out of an aluminum sheet, did the first cut with a plasma cutter, then grinded and filed it to the final shape.      I welded two 3/16" plates together, drilled and tapped them to accept the 1/2-20 threads of the screw.   Welded the whole thing together.    Quick test fit.   I'm not sure I'll need the next part, but depending on the space I'll have left underneath the seat with the short tail, I relocated the rear brake fluid container. I "tried" to do a small guard with a design that would match the CrossRoads design (not easy when you try to do it with a plasma cutter).   I also painted the lights to black the whole thing out.  Finished product (off course I'll round a few edges, I still have some finishing to do and I'll powdercoat the whole thing the same flat black as the rearset).     If I see I absolutely need to relocate the rear brake fluid container, I just might weld the guard directly to the plate holder, then I can remove one bracket and clean things up a bit. | ||
| Eshardball |
Nice part.Are you planning on using an integrated tail light to clean up the tail? We can't run our plate vertically without risking a ticket here in the People's Republic. I had to do a fair amount of grinding also when using the plasma cutter on Aluminum | ||
| X1_rider |
Actually, with the short tail, the side mount will be the tail light, there will be no other light on the tail. We're not really allowed vertical plates here either but I've had one on my FatBoy for many years with no issues. Yes, there is a fair amount of slag to grind off when using the plasma cutter on aluminum. | ||
| Hybridmomentspass |
very nice! | ||
| Huck_farley |
Did you run the bike yet, does it vibrate like hell? I'm thinking you may need a gusset or reinforcing bar between the License plate backing plate and the plate it's welded to | ||
| X1_rider |
True, the corner weld may not be enough, I haven't run the bike yet. Another idea I had was to maybe put a polypropylene bushing between the rearset mount and the plate bracket to absorb some of the vibrations. |
