Kisan headlight modulator problem

[ka5ysy]

Hi All:

Just a quick heads-up on a problem with the Kisan headlight modulator that is listed for the R12R.

This modulator is listed as a "Plug and Play" setup with the proper plug/socket to allow it to be inserted between the incoming wire harness and the socket on the back of the headlight housing. It is a good idea, however the additional length, about 1 inch total, is too much to work properly.

The extra length has an interference with the charcoal canister on the trial fit, and would not allow full lock turn to the left side. So, I removed the canister to see if that would work. That solved one problem, however the hydraulic hose for the clutch runs down that same area and cannot be easily relocated. This causes the headlight low beam to not function when the bars are centered or turned left, because the hose causes the plug assembly to unplug itself.

Plan B is to hard wire the module into the wiring harness itself, inside the headlight housing. I will report on the progress.

For now, Kisan has some redesign to do on this setup. Not ready for prime time on the R12R.

Doug

[mcooperstein]

uhhhh...say what? what does the headlight modulator which plugs into the headlight socket have to do with a charcoal cannister?

[OlyVR]

mcooperstein, I assume you don't have an R1200R, because unlike on other models, such as the R12GS for example, the carbon canister on the R12R is located by the steering neck.

[ka5ysy]

Yes, I have the R1200R...

Yes, the canister is in front of the steering neck directly behind the light housing connector. Go find an R12R and look at it.

The assembled light plug, modulator plug, and wiring harness plugin is too long mechanically to fit properly with the canister in place. Even with the canister removed, the hydraulic hose interferes with the plug when turned left.

[deilenberger]

Doug - while that's the one they list - they also suggested to me the one that is internal to the headlight housing made for H9 bulbs (which use basically the same plug/base.

The one you want is: http://www.kisantech.com/popup/multiima ... t=P115W-A2 - and you want it with the CAN-BUS modification. If you get any strange responses to that - ask to talk to Andy in tech support and tell him I suggested calling. Make really certain they understand the CAN-BUS mod - or you'll be driven nuts by a bulb warning flashing in place of your odometer.

[celticus]

Doug , Are you using this modulator yourself?
Mark

[mcooperstein]

My bad!!! Doug, you are right, I don't own a R1200R. I have an R1150R which has the charcoal cannister on the right rear side of bike. Now I understand! I do have the Kissan headlight modulator, hence my confusion. If you get the right model, it should just plug inside of the headlight housing. The charcoal cannister isn't there is it? If it is...sheesh..what is BMW thinking?

Anyway..I have mixed feelings about a modulator. After being hit head on by a pickup truck in 1978 on my R90/6 (the a*sshole swore he never saw me, I had my lights on, full fairing, go figure..he was drinking too) I swore if I ever rode again I'd do whatever it took to make sure that I was 'noticed'. That included loud Fiamm horns, and the Kissan pathBlazer headlight modulator. After having the Kissan for 4 years now I'm not sure it's efficacious (my medical training coming through with that word!!). For one thing, it seems to confuse some cagers. I've had people stop their cars and get out of them, walk back to me on the bike to ask me if I knew my headlights were 'flashing'?? On several occaisions!! Also, on the highway, I notice that if I leave them on that very often people will slow down when they see me coming in their rear view mirror. They hit the brakes, sort of like what you expect when you look in your rear view and see the flashing lights of a police car. And, I've been told on more then one time that it annoys the hell out of other bikers that are in front of me, so when I ride in a group *and* I'm not leading I always turn them off!

I really wish someone would do a thesis on whether these things are really effective or not. Cause if they really are, then all bikes should have them mandatory. Hows that for an opionion!!

Mark
----------------------
member #3

[ka5ysy]

Don:

thanks for the information. Actually, since I have the thing, and am comfortable with electronic doohickies, I will probably just hard-wire the one I have in hand. It is not a big deal, and the circuit does not upset the Canbus


Mark:

I have some experience with the effects on car drivers you mentioned. We had a lead bike in a group ride we did last weekend running his modulator, and I was amused to see several cars actually pull off the road, probably thinking that there was a police unit behind them. I definitely would not run with the modulator operating while behind a group of bikers due to the distraction factor.

My usage is simply because the Baton Rouge area is actually the third most dangerous place to ride in the country, both accident-wise, and M/C fatalities. Mostly it is the motorcycle drivers causing their own problems, but we have an astounding number of idiots in cars/trucks with/without drivers licenses and usually with cellphones attached to their ears driving around ignoring everything on the roads.

Anything that gets some of our drivers' attention is a good thing.

I also purchased the Kisan Trailblazer 20W-D taillight unit. This replaces the standard bayonet bulb with a module that plugs in a halogen bulb. On applicaiton of the brakes, the light rapidly flashes and decays to a constant on brake light. This module works nicely with Canbus and does not get a lamp warning when flashing. Additionally, I originally installed the Hyper-Lites dual 16-LED flashers each side of my license plate, and they are set for constant flash.

This setup really catches attention of following drivers, and it amazed me how far back cars stopped as opposed to the "before" stock brake light setup.

[deilenberger]

I really wish someone would do a thesis on whether these things are really effective or not. Cause if they really are, then all bikes should have them mandatory. Hows that for an opionion!!

Mark
----------------------
member #3

The fact that people have come back to tell you the light is blinking, or pulled over/slowed down on the highway indicates one thing - they SAW you. I've been riding for about 10 years using headlight modulators - and while they aren't a save-all - they DO make a difference. I know *I* see other bikes with modulators a lot quicker, and I look for bikes unlike most cage drivers (distracted with texting, makeup, coffee, smoking, iPoding.. etc..) Anything that gives you an edge is a GOOD THING.

[deilenberger]

Don:

thanks for the information. Actually, since I have the thing, and am comfortable with electronic doohickies, I will probably just hard-wire the one I have in hand. It is not a big deal, and the circuit does not upset the Canbus

You must have bought it fairly recently. I was the test-bike to solve the CAN-BUS problem.. which was solved by adding a resistive load that switches in as the bulb is switched out - so the FZE sees a fairly constant current draw.

Good to hear it's working 'cause I'm recommending them in an article for the MOA-ON..

Anything that gets some of our drivers' attention is a good thing.

I also purchased the Kisan Trailblazer 20W-D taillight unit. This replaces the standard bayonet bulb with a module that plugs in a halogen bulb. On applicaiton of the brakes, the light rapidly flashes and decays to a constant on brake light. This module works nicely with Canbus and does not get a lamp warning when flashing. Additionally, I originally installed the Hyper-Lites dual 16-LED flashers each side of my license plate, and they are set for constant flash.

This setup really catches attention of following drivers, and it amazed me how far back cars stopped as opposed to the "before" stock brake light setup.

I'm using RunNLites TailBlazer - mounts below the plate with 3 sets of 6 LEDs - does the same sort of decaying flashing when the brake is applied. I'm also running Klaus's LED turnsignal replacements, which added a row of red LEDs down the center of the rear turnsignals. These - used with a clear lens - are very noticeable.. and yup.. people stop further back - which is a good thing (I was tail-ended once at a light, and would rather not repeat it.. as the dude got outta his SUV, he said into his cell phone "Gotta hang up now.. I just ran over a motorcycle..")

[NoRRmad]

I used to flash my headlights when I saw somebody about to pull onto the road in front of me until I read (here!) that flashing the lights was a signal to the other driver that said "I see you, pull right out!" Or in the case of them wanting to do a left turn in front of me, "I see you, go ahead and turn."

Didn't seem right to me, but that's what people said.

[BigEasy]

Don, How does one get in touch with Klaus? and Thanks for all of the information that you volunteer.

[deilenberger]

Don, How does one get in touch with Klaus? and Thanks for all of the information that you volunteer.

Easiest way: http://www.epmperf.com/ or email: [email protected] or call him on the phone. He's very responsive and always helpful.

Oh - thanks. I always worry about it as diarrhea of the keyboard.. but glad someone finds it useful.

[ka5ysy]

For the solution and photos in color, Look HERE:


http://www.dualsportridersoflouisiana.c ... #post38039

Doug

[mcooperstein]

wow! Doug, you da man!

Mark
---------------------
member #3

[ka5ysy]

An interesting problem has developed: I took the bike outside this afternoon to set the sensitivity on the Kisan headlight modulator, and now the Canbus is getting upset.

I am calling Kisan Tech Support and see what gives... It was working fine in the workshop. Hmmmmm

I also have noted that the module I received has 3 wires, and the photo shown in the Kisan website has 4 wires ! Wonder if I got shorted a wire ? (no pun intended):shock:


More to follow...

[deilenberger]

An interesting problem has developed: I took the bike outside this afternoon to set the sensitivity on the Kisan headlight modulator, and now the Canbus is getting upset.

I am calling Kisan Tech Support and see what gives... It was working fine in the workshop. Hmmmmm

I also have noted that the module I received has 3 wires, and the photo shown in the Kisan website has 4 wires ! Wonder if I got shorted a wire ? (no pun intended):shock:


More to follow...

Was it modulating in the workshop?

What are the symptoms?

You'll want to talk to Andy in tech support - 1-888-464-5472. If it's a flashing warning light on the left side of the cluster and the odometer alternates with "Lamp Warning" - they DO have a fix, but it may not be the one you bought.

Shame you cut the wires.. I suspect that will make it non-returnable. It only needs 3 wires to perform it's function. One for ground, then one passthrough for the low beam circuit and one for the modulated high-beam circuit.

[ka5ysy]

Impressively, I just received a callback from Kisan tech support as I was typing this and advised them of my installation procedures. I was assured that they would call back tomorrow after discussing the canbus indicators with the engineers. This is great tech support !

In about five minutes after the last call noted, I received another call from Kisan and have been instructed to remove the module and ship it back to them for exchange with a "Z" model. They are also going to try a low profile plug for me to avoid the interference problems previously discussed.

I advised Fulke in customer service that I have cut off the plug, and they still say return for exchange. I even offered to pay for the plug.

KISAN HAS THE BEST CUSTOMER RESPONSE I HAVE SEEN IN YEARS ! WOW!!:D

Everyone please do business with them. Companies like this need to be nurtured and supported by the users. They are very few and far between.

HEY MOTORCYCLE COMPANIES.... YOU GUYS LISTENING TO THIS ?????

[ka5ysy]

Hi All:

The new Kisan modulator with the BMW "Z" option to avoid the problem with the canbus getting upset has arrived and is installed.

Report and photos are here

http://www.dualsportridersoflouisiana.c ... #post38773


Doug

[deilenberger]

Doug - looks like they did the same on the production unit as they did on my beta.. the ballast bulb. Last time I spoke with Andy (tech support) at that time they were working on having a resistor ballast instead of the bulb. I suspect the 20W resistor needed may be a bit large, making that impractical.

Question - besides possibly having weather related problems (besides corrosion of the plug connector - hot bulbs don't survive water hitting them) - doesn't the flashing of the ballast bulb bother you?

The one I used goes inside the headlight housing. The bulb is protected from the weather and it flashing inside the housing isn't bothersome since I can't see it. Not to denigrate what you've done - but for other R1200R owners - I'd suggest this is a better solution. It's really plug and play - no cutting, solder skills or splicing required.

I have photos of it that will be included in an article in the BMW-MOA Owners news.. a preview and photos can be found on my website at: http://www.eilenberger.net/R1200R_Roads ... or_fix.htm

The internal one is the one they list for the H9 bulbs (which have the same pin pattern as the H11 bulbs) - http://www.kisantech.com/view_product.p ... t=P115W-A2 - but with the ballast bulb. The ONLY modification required to the bike is enlarging the drain hole in the bottom of the headlight housing to allow passing the connector for the light sensor through. Easy to do since the housing is plastic.

If anyone is going to order one - I'd suggest talking to Andy BEFORE ordering it to make certain you get one with the ballast bulb.