Triumph Thruxton mods - suggestions?

[whoa]

I've wanted to get some metal skills going for a while now, so I'm starting with a steel seat cowl and number plates to replace the original plastic parts. I've a few questions for now, and I know there will be more as I get deeper.

The idea is to go from the cafe stock look
to something a little more like this:



I'll go with a darker paint. I've already built the rails and installed a seat from a Daytona 675.


I built a buck for the cowl. I'm glad I did because already I want to change the shape of the cowl.

[whoa]

Before I start shaping metal, I'd like to consider installing an LED tail and stop lamp. Either integrate the light into the cowl, or if I find one more low profile, install just below the cowl. I can do research and find some options, but my experience buying LED so far has been bad.

If you know of a particular style that would work, or at least a vendor that produces an LED tail lamp that produces good lighting, I'd love to hear from you.

A low profile lamp could go at the frame, which would not require me to cut up the cowl for lighting. This is my preference. My first inclination was to use the stock lamp and build it into the cowl, but you can see the light is pretty large, and I'm hoping to get something even more visible installed than the stock option.



The second concern I have is in welding on the frame. I've ready the extreme tales, but most comments have said if my ground source is near my weld, there should be no worries on electrics. The welding will be at the very rear, and around the battery box.

I'd like to hear from anyone that's done this and has a feel for how sensitive the electronics are.

[hizzo3]

How about using some truflex led at the bottom edge of the rear fender? It would keep the lines clean. Other than that, I think you might have to go custom on the led tail/ turn. Its not that difficult. Just depends on your skill level.

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[Patrick]

If you weld on the frame take a few precautions; remove the fuel tank, disconnect and remove the battery, remove the ecm.

[budzrex]

Hey my bud in Austin has done some custom led moulded in taillights he will be out at the Harvest Classic on Saturday if we run into each other or I can get you his info. He also has some good metalworking skills

[whoa]

Since the setup from the tank back is all custom, I can consider a lot of options. Thanks for the replies. Bud, that'd be great to see what your friend found.

[bjhughes]

I recently "awarded" my 2010 Thruxton to my son. I had done several mods, but nothing compared to what he has done. Lots of custom parts readily available through several companies (British Customs, TPUSA, etc).

Go here and look around: http://www.triumphrat.net/forum.php

[bjhughes]

And a pic of mine before it left...(w/ BC LED tail light)

[hizzo3]

Another option I saw this morning would be running turn signals as both turns and brake. Either all in red or use the 2 color led rings. You could also do a stylized wedge on each side to fit the curves if the turn signal isn't your thing. Personally I prefer the wedges as it would keep the clean look of the bike. Lastly, you could do flush mount vertical lines right in the curve of the fender, probably right on the edge of the stripe.

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[whoa]

Originally Posted by bjhughes

And a pic of mine before it left...(w/ BC LED tail light)

How happy were you with the light? Many of the sites selling the LED taillight only show mixed reviews. I'm only interested in a complete assembly light rather than a conversion to LED with the assumption the lights and lense are made to give the best results.

I'll keep the turn signals separate from the taillight, and incorporate mounting tabs after I cut the frame down.

[bjhughes]

Originally Posted by whoa

How happy were you with the light? Many of the sites selling the LED taillight only show mixed reviews. I'm only interested in a complete assembly light rather than a conversion to LED with the assumption the lights and lense are made to give the best results.

I'll keep the turn signals separate from the taillight, and incorporate mounting tabs after I cut the frame down.

The light looks and works great. Very bright. It is the British Customs clear lens with red led lights. The turn signals are mounted to the inside of the upper rear shocks (kind of hard to see in the picture).

Maybe better to see in this later picture:

[whoa]

Originally Posted by bjhughes

The light looks and works great. Very bright. It is the British Customs clear lens with red led lights.

The question on brightness is subjective which makes this difficult to answer. Well, that and the fact most of us don't have the opportunity to see our lights in different conditions.

Now to see if I can get just the light from BC.

Thanks for the reply.

[hizzo3]

Use a luxmeter.

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[budzrex]

Originally Posted by whoa

The question on brightness is subjective which makes this difficult to answer. Well, that and the fact most of us don't have the opportunity to see our lights in different conditions.

Now to see if I can get just the light from BC.

Thanks for the reply.

Missed you at the Harvest Classic, hey if you want to stop by Lee's and check out his LED taillight just give me a call or PM and I will get you his number

[whoa]

Originally Posted by budzrex

Missed you at the Harvest Classic,

Sorry I missed you as well. PM sent, and thanks.