R1 tail light installation help

[tripleb]

I'm going to do a fenderectomy and install a R1 tailight from a '98 R1.  I have 2 questions.

1. Will a '98 light fit on my '90 GS?  I've done a search and think it will fit, but I haven't seen any actual years in any posts so I'm not positive.

2. How do I rewire the new tail light to work as the brake light as well?  Can I just connect the wires from the old tail light to the new R1 light?

[Jay_wolf]

Scott PA , Ben2Go , Use Standerd Ones , I USed a LED r1 Like Off A 00' , Im going to modify it To Fit Cleaner

[ben2go]

The light doesn't require a rewire.Use your GS sockets and bulbs.There is a little nub on the socket that needs to be trimmed off.It's just a little bump.The 00-01 lights fit better.All you need is some sheet metal screws.The GS light has nuts,the R1 has screws.Here's a pick of mine.It's an 00-01 R1 Clear Alternatives.Thats an 89GS with an 04 tank and 89 seat.

[tripleb]

since I'm getting rid of the brake light can I just splice the wires from the brake light to the new tail light?

[scottpA_GS]

since I'm getting rid of the brake light can I just splice the wires from the brake light to the new tail light?

Getting rid of the brake light? but installing a new tail light? I think I am missing something... 

Anyway... As Ben is saying, when you remove your GS "Tail Light" you have to first "unplug" or remove the sockets that hold the bulbs into the housing. Once you do that you un-bolt the GS (housing/lens/brake/tail whatever/) and screw on the R1 (housing/lens/brake/tail whatever/) . then Plug the sockets w/ bulbs back in. thats it. There is no need to cut any wires or anything.

The "tail light" and "brake light" are the same. Unless you are talking about making it an "integrated" light wherein you are removing your turn signals.



Mine 

[tripleb]

I may have this completely wrong but I'm calling the tail light the upper light in the back and the brake light the lower light.  In the second pic Ben posted you can only see what I'm calling the tail light, but my bike also has another light that sits below the license plate.

On second thought, I think I may have incorrectly connected the wiring when I replaced the throttle assembly because neither light gets brighter when I apply the brakes and if both lights get brighter than this will be a non-issue.  Should both lights get brighter when I apply the brakes?

[scottpA_GS]

In the second pic Ben posted you can only see what I'm calling the tail light, but my bike also has another light that sits below the license plate.

Well, if you have another light there than its not factory. If you can, post a pic 

[Jay_wolf]

Yep ,both lights should ,if im correct ,your using the Gs 500 bulbs and wiring , so it would light up both

I used a LED so i didnt use the old bulbs

[tripleb]

as you can see I have two rear lights.  one above the license plate and one below.  it looks like a factory setup from what I can tell.

[ben2go]

Your light should have dual filament bulbs.Mine are 1157 bulbs.All auto parts stores have them for around 3$ a pair.You should have a dim light and bright lights when the lever or pedal is pushed down.Try both to insure that you don't have a fault switch.I have seen other GS's with a third light below the licesnse plate.I do not know if it's a third brake light or a parking light.That light is an add on.

[scottpA_GS]

Hmm... crazy  I never saw one of those. I say remove it  Or buy 2 R1 lights and install em both 

[ben2go]

Hmm... crazy  I never saw one of those. I say remove it  Or buy 2 R1 lights and install em both 

It's one of those cheap trailer lights.Bought some for a dune buggy from Norther Tool. 

[ben2go]

as you can see I have two rear lights.  one above the license plate and one below.  it looks like a factory setup from what I can tell.

Where are you located?If you're close I maybe able to help.

[tripleb]

I'm in Florida between Orlando and Tampa.

[CndnMax]

i would remove the 2nd taillight and hook up some bright bolt leds to the license plate, of just cap off the wires.

[ben2go]

I'm in Florida between Orlando and Tampa.

I'm up in Souf Car lina aka SC