Leaderboard

OK, the BMW shock came in last night and Tom buttoned it all up today. Huge thanks, TNTMO. Afterwards, we stepped out for a bite to eat and told many, many lies about our riding prowess.

The 890 ADV R in my garage belongs to a friend, and it is befarkled with the very nice Cyclops LED turn signals that just plug and play. The signals also have DRL in the front, and that kinda cool night rider fading signal like fancy cars, instead of just flashing. The rears also do some added braking lighting which is really nice. Multi Function Cyclops LED Turn Signals $140ish So anyway those cyclops signals are like $140, knowing that I would be willing to pay that, I decided to see just how close I could get with the cheap stuff especially since many people like to say things like "It's just the same as the amazon stuff with a brand name on it" etc. So I bought the $18 amazon blinkers that appeared to have all the same functionality and ok reviews... and... even have a flexible mounting. Key differences at first glance: Pro's: Lots Cheaper even with buying load resistors, connectors, etc. Cons: Not as bright The flexible base will allow moisture in to the light The cover will allow moisture in to the led board The LED board does not appear to be silicone sealed Have to supply own load resistor if not replacing oem led's No quick disconnects everything needs to be wired After the first glance results above, I decided I will need two load resistors, and have a couple options. Sickass has these really nice ones, or there is these from the Amazon (So this option can be anywhere from $10 to $49 shipped). I also decided that I will need some silicone spray to seal the LED lights under the plastic cover to protect them from moisture ($9). I am currently waiting on the really thin resistors, but this morning I did go out and piggy back the lights off the OEM signals so that I could see the night rider style light function of the turn signal, and the DRL. Total cost of the cheap option if you get the cheapo resistors, silicone, and do all the wiring DIY (no quick disconnectors): $37 +s&h Total cost of the cheap option if you get the silicone, sickass resistors that have plug and play connectors: $66 +s&h Conclusion: As we all regularly learn over and over again, you do get what you pay for. The Cyclops ones on the bike next to mine in the garage are a little brighter, plug and play, very nifty resistor block included, and they also seem to be much better sealed for weather. The ones I bought require other small purchases, manual wiring, and weather sealing, BUT are quite a bit cheaper option. I will wire up my cheapo setup and run it a while - ultimately the decider will be brightness and visibility of the signals to other riders etc - if they are the same or more effective than the stock OG Bulbs my 690 has, I am happy, but if they aren't even hitting that mark, the cyclops units are really nice. - Nick

@Rjg967 and I are planning on riding there to explore. I’ll be on my 790. Not very familiar with that place, I’ve been there once. Anyone want to join us? Will be meeting at Circle K and Willow rd. We are working on a meeting time. I’ll update shortly meeting time is 8:30, hope to see some people join us

It's at the entrance of the campground.

You can get the Pio Pico gate lock combo from the entry booth at Pio Pico.

Dude, your skills were much appreciated. Though my BMW mechanic buddy was greatly saddened that you didn’t read the manual or watch the videos he sent…🙄

I am in. first dirt on the new to me bike.

Thanks Nick for the thoughtful discussion. Reminds me of the days of a teenage tuner, when cost controlled every decision. One of the luxuries of being old and over the horizon of a working career, is to use the best quality short of bling. Some of my friends love a deal no mater what their resources. We all push the button that works for us. These bikes are a never ending puzzle that demands our attention.

Going for HAM technician licensing tomorrow!

Friday I adjusted the handlebars down as close to the tank as I could get them without hitting at full lock, to make my reach as short as possible. Boy it sure felt good to sit on the bike after 8 weeks away. Pavement only. La Mesa - Ramona - Julian - Lake Cuyamaca - home. Not a big loop, but big enough to find out I can reach and manage the bars and bike without too much trouble. Actually most of the trouble is coming from my Physical Therapist (also known as "wife"). She strongly recommends a few more weeks of sitting by the pool, but I'm kinda over that. A little stop here to rest ... And a few minutes at Inspiration Point, which is far more inspiring at sunset then mid day. But hey, I like it there. It's so very awesome to be able to ride great bike roads and trails, so close to my door in spite of the thriving metropolis around us. Life here is so good that even when it's bad, it's good. Salute!

Thank you for this. Don’t tell anyone, but there’s a very slight chance that someone may have been using his radio without being properly trained and licensed!