R12S signal repeaters (emblem type) interest

[sirius815]

I'm sure many of you have seen the emblem add-ons that place led lights under the emblem as either running lights or signal repeaters such as the one pictured here.



I have noticed that the emblems are not nearly bright enough for anything really useable, so I'm building my own. The catch is the quantity of plexiglass discs I need to order to get a good price, so I thought I would see if there is any interest on the forum for some. I'll have 9 sets available and can do different ones (I'll just need to order the appropriate LEDs). I'll be using 3W chip leds that you can wire into your harness for daytime running lights or signal repeaters, or both (obviously I'd have some circuitry to go with).

The sets I build will likely not have as good a build quality as the other sets sold online for ~$100-150, but would you buy a set for $30 if you also had to splice in the wires (current intention)? What would pay if I included a harness? I'm not looking to make any money here, just cover costs to where a set is reasonably priced for me and provide a much brighter and cheaper alternative to the dim, costly ones on the market currently.

I'll be working on this project over the next month - waiting on the plexiglass is the hard part.

Update 2FEB2019:
Connected up some LEDs and running 420mA (210ma per LED branch) and took some pics and videos (see post below). I did frost the inside of one disc for comparison. I think I like it. I don't want to frost any heavier for fear of reducing light output though I can easily bump it a bit more as each LED should easily handle 350-400mA intermittent (indicator operation). I also looked at the $100+ kit some more. They provide double sided tape for the emblem to stick and just wire taps for the signal, so they are NOT plug and play either. I'll be doing some research on the correct turn signal connectors so that wire taps are no longer needed, but again, price would increase. I don't know if the plugs between the R12S and R11S are the same, however research says that the emblems are the same size and there for the discs will fit them as well Let me know your thoughts.

[jduke]

I'm interested, but no splicing.

[maxjett]

Sure thing

[sirius815]

Got the plexiglass pieces in today. They are a slightly (~.1mm smaller in diameter than the competitor), but smoother. I'll be able to place eight, yes eight! 3W leds in here. With them only working as side markers, I'll limit current to ~350-400mA, no heatsink required due to duty cycle.

I'll be working on the initial mock up for the LEDs this weekend, but have not yet ordered in the epoxy. I'll try one set full clear and another set frosted - likely just scuff up the outer surface with some 2000 grit wet/dry sandpaper. Thoughts so far?

[Groceryrun]

How about using a pre- made bi-pin g4 led disc ?

https://www.superbrightleds.com/search/led-products/led+disc/

https://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/landscape-bulbs/g4-led-landscape-light-bulb-40-watt-equivalent-bi-pin-led-disc-40-watt-equivalent-350-lumens/2698/

[sirius815]

Definitely thought about that, however I'd be concerned with the amount of light being pushed out. I wanted it to be much more visible. Once my prototype is built I'll mock it up on the bike and see if the rider's vision is affected from the lights.

[sirius815]

I also just realized that the R11S emblem size is also 70mm so these could be used on them as well. 😀

[sirius815]

Clear:




Frosted inside:




Initial brightness setting: https://youtu.be/axy7bh9MJ-A

Comparison: https://youtu.be/W2EZkWo_2ow

[sirius815]

Annual ( ) update!! Sorry it's taken SO LONG!

I've been working on this project for the past year (life happens), and am finally to the point where I can ship out my first two sets as evaluation pieces for FREE! These are a direct fit for the R1200S and but can be adapted to any other BMW that uses the same emblem. These plug directly into the turn signal circuit (plug and play) and let you keep the stock turn signals, though it is advised to go to LED bulbs for the front indicators of you haven't already just due to the additional current draw. Each puck had eight, yes eight, 3W LEDs, though I'm limiting power to approximately 1-1.5W each due to heat buildup in the small space, however this still means 8-12W of LED power per puck! These are NOT the same as similar LED pucks sold on eBay, AliExpress, etc. These are hand-built in house and actually produce LIGHT!

In current production, I have two evaluation sets ready to go. These have a few minor blemishes and are FREE (+ shipping if your OCONUS). All I ask is for a true evaluation and feedback of them. Feel free to post reviews anywhere you choose as long as I can get a copy. I will have 5 additional sets available in a few weeks that I will sell AT COST for further review!

If there is enough interest in the community, I will produce more at a cost much less than the competition (~$70 CONUS). Again, these are plug and play. The ONLY modification required is a ~10mm hole behind the badge to run the wiring. All hardware is included (custom die cut adhesive, wiring, connectors) to install including pins to ensure proper alignment!

For those that are interested, please contact me through here or through the R1100S/R1200S forum on pelican parts (sirius815). If you have other bikes, these fit anything that utilizes the 70mm emblem on plastic panels (sorry R9T and S1k owners) (PN 51147721222), however they may not be directly plug and play due to wire lengths and connector differences. If you are interested in trying these out for another model, definitely get a hold of me and we'll work a deal!

More pictures coming as soon as I get my panel back on! 😁

https://youtu.be/RxY1GuVTPVc

[BikerMiker]

If you are looking for interest I would hope you are posting at other (busier) forums like adv or something.

That said, they are pretty cool.

[sirius815]

Very true. I have six sets right now in the works that I'll be selling at cost and wanted them to go to our community first, because let's face it, we don't get much aftermarket support anyway. If I decide to start producing them for profit, then I'll definitely branch out. 👍

[Ridgetopboy]

If you are at all interested in having these signal repeaters on your ride, do not hesitate they are OEM quality.

Ben sent me over a pair of his signal repeaters and I have to say he did a top notch job, they are beautifully made. He sent everything necessary; clear instructions (not that we read them, LOL), the repeaters themselves, connectors, nicely die cut industrial strength double stick adhesive to stick the repeaters to the tupperware and a set for the emblem to the repeater, guide pins (nice touch!) so you get everything aligned properly when you stick it all together. Impressive.

I'm still trying to figure out the connection to my R11S's turn signals. i want to make it as clean as possible and I wasn't able to find the toolI need to push the pins out of the signals molex connectors so I'll have to track one down before I get it buttoned up. Can't wait to see them in action on my bike! Thank you, Ben!

I'll post some pictures when I get them connected.

[GDM]

Ridgetopboy, Try Aerostitch for the tool.
https://www.aerostich.com/molex-pin-removers.html

[R1100S2000]

Nice work. I love unique custom stuff.

[fraktv]

I'm interested if you are still making these. Put me down for 2 orders.

[sirius815]

Originally Posted by fraktv

I'm interested if you are still making these. Put me down for 2 orders.

I am working on getting the last five sets made, but am waiting on a new connector. From one trial set review, one wire came dislodged too easily, so I'm going with a different company and part. I'm hoping to have them in hand in a few weeks. If you don't want to wait, I can certainly make up two sets with the current connectors, I am running them on my bike with no issues.

[jayskerdoo]

I'll take a set, these are awesome!

[jayskerdoo]

Also, you should throw this up on the [extremely active] facebook group: "BMW R1100S Motorcycle". If you are not on the group send me a message with the best contact information and what you want to post and I'll repeat it there. I'm positive there will be a many interested folks there.

[D.Flynn]

I am interested. These look great. Put me down for a set.

[sirius815]

Hey folks, I'm sorry it has taken this long, but I do have the last of my run ready to go. There are a total of five sets available. These have some improvements over the two I sent out for evaluation with better connection between the bike side and the puck with a water-resistant plug. No more worries about reverse polarity either thanks to indexed plugs and reverse protection on the driver. The driver has also been moved to the puck to make things simpler. Each set has been tested on my bike to make sure they are good to go.

I looking to get $60 a set, which includes shipping within the US. I'm barely breaking even at that point due to the limited run, but it's been a neat little project to do. I've definitely enjoyed it!

If you are interested, DM me and I'll get you my PayPal info.