For some time i've wanted to install a volt meter but did not know where to hide it. After looking at many installs, I decided to try to hide it behind the mirror (I guess I'm one of the few who like the OEM boots). In prep I lucked into an OEM replacement mirror for $22 so to the bench I went.
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The heat from the lights softened up the housing. I used a plastic paint scraper to get behind the mirror and pop it out of the housing.
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I used a dremel and a right angle to scrub off the back
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I snaked the wire through the boot
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The wire was run along the harness and to the battery box
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Wire exited by the right side stay, where I drilled through the nose cone and windshield
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I ground down the spacer so that the wire would bury itself behind the boot.
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And the final shot. Overall not too hard to do. I used urethane to stick the volt meter to the back of the mirror. Holds like a charm. At least it has 65 days to fully cure........ sad.gif
Great job! That looks like it came from the factory with a Volt Meter. Those are the Mods I like to see. Now, if only my Radar Detector didn't have a Voltmeter in it. Great looking Mod. I like it a lot.
Looks awesome. I have a Datel volt meter just sitting in my garage as I just have not found the perfect place to mount it until this thread biggrin.gif
The only thing I think I would like to try is to refinish the back of the mirror in a similar fashion to a two way mirror and place the LED behind it so that with the power off you don't even know it is there. Not sure if that is possible but, I would like to try. The LED numbers should show through still and maybe it won't be as obvious and possibly distracting. Just a thought.....
rjstaaf, Jan 1 2006, 05:49 PM The only thing I think I would like to try is to refinish the back of the mirror in a similar fashion to a two way mirror and place the LED behind it so that with the power off you don't even know it is there.
I too looked into the LED model. The draw with the LCD was about 3ma where the LED was between 13-15. Not sure if that would draw down the battery if not ridden regulary. The LCD unit I used is a Lascar Electronics 4-40v meter. Cost was about $25 shipped.
I'm really hoping you hooked up a 9v battery to the voltmeter so you could show the display and that your bike's battery is resting comfortably on the battery tender on the workbench?
That's very cool and I might do something similar to mine. Thanks.
I'm really hoping you hooked up a 9v battery to the voltmeter so you could show the display and that your bike's battery is resting comfortably on the battery tender on the workbench?
That's very cool and I might do something similar to mine. Thanks.
Yeah, 9v for testing. And how did you know the battery is being tended to on the bench?........
dutchinterceptor, Jan 1 2006, 07:23 PMThat is super nice. Forgive a dumb question but how did you remove the coating on the mirror?
Funny you should ask. I practiced on a couple of boneyard OEM mirrors until I thought I got it right. The first two mirrors (They are a little convex as I found out...) I was able to use a precision tool, razor blade, to scrape the coating off the back. I could not use these because the business sides were all scratched up.
I did get a hold a third mirror and found that Mother Honda changed the coating formula. So, to the dremel with outstanding results. Only problem, this is the one I found out about the convex shape....
On to the fourth mirror, the one I lucked onto. And yet, a third formula of coating and this is the one you see. Took a lot of buffing w/ compound with the hardest buffing attachment, looks like a bullet and is very solid.
sa1713, Jan 1 2006, 06:31 PMFunny you should ask. I practiced on a couple of boneyard OEM mirrors until I thought I got it right. The first two mirrors (They are a little convex as I found out...) I was able to use a precision tool, razor blade, to scrape the coating off the back. I could not use these because the business sides were all scratched up.
I did get a hold a third mirror and found that Mother Honda changed the coating formula. So, to the dremel with outstanding results. Only problem, this is the one I found out about the convex shape....
On to the fourth mirror, the one I lucked onto. And yet, a third formula of coating and this is the one you see. Took a lot of buffing w/ compound with the hardest buffing attachment, looks like a bullet and is very solid.
Jim
Thanks for expounding! Sounds like you had fun.
Sorry Veefer800, I was greedy and wanted more info than just a photo.
wera803, Jan 1 2006, 03:26 PMLooks good. I did a similar thing a couple of years ago to my VTR with a V1 remote display. [image: user posted image]
Ooh, I like that! I have a V1 and remote display in my cage, and have just been using the V1 on a suction-cup mount screwed about an inch below the top of my stock windscreen on the VFR. That position is the most visible while riding, and probably the best for radar/laser reception, but is not real stealthy or weather resistant. I've considered remote mounting, but don't want to lose significant range ahead or behind. It the whole V1 electronics and antennas could be integrated into a mirror housing, that'd be pretty slick!
Nice, very nice. I fitted flush mount LED turn indicators close to the headlight on my 5th gen. If I had known how to open the mirrors I would very seriously have considered fitting them inside the mirror spats. I am also grateful for this because one of my mirrors is a bit loose & shifts under wind-load. I considered epoxying the head in a fixed position but now I see how to get inside and I also know that there is a spring with screw & nut inside there that needs tightening up a little. I also did not uderstand what you had done with the Dremel & square.
tok tokkie, Jan 2 2006, 05:27 AMNice, very nice. I fitted flush mount LED turn indicators close to the headlight on my 5th gen. If I had known how to open the mirrors I would very seriously have considered fitting them inside the mirror spats. I am also grateful for this because one of my mirrors is a bit loose & shifts under wind-load. I considered epoxying the head in a fixed position but now I see how to get inside and I also know that there is a spring with screw & nut inside there that needs tightening up a little. I also did not uderstand what you had done with the Dremel & square.
TT, your idea of placing the turn signals is excellent. I now have another mod to start looking at. beer.gif
A trick I used in heating up the housing was to let the dual 500 w halogens heat for about 10 minutes. You'll know you are close when you can pinch the ends together and the sides bow open. Work the glass from the long sides toward the outer edge side, the one opposite from the arm. It is narrower and the arm mount side will just pop out. Keep the heat on as you work it out. Placement back is easier. Heat for 5-6 minutes and gently place the glass back in its slot with the arm mount side going in first. Gently press the sides in until you get to the outer edge. It will pop in. Tie the longs sides tight with a cloth string as it will help get its shape back.
As far as the dremel & square, the square kept the dremel from going where it wanted to go, a jig to keep the lines straight. It also allowed me to take off small amounts of material without gouging the job.
I think the point that was missed with the dremel tool by some is that you are removing the reflective finish that is on this inside of the glass with a buffing tool.
I just bought a whistler remote radar detector that has a voltage display included, havent figured out a place the display yet but that mirror option looks interesting. I have the y2k mirrors though might be tricky.
HispanicSlammer, Jan 2 2006, 09:29 AMI just bought a whistler remote radar detector that has a voltage display included, havent figured out a place the display yet but that mirror option looks interesting. I have the y2k mirrors though might be tricky.
You could run the wiring up through the center of the mirror base, after drilling a hole, of course, and then run it underneath the mirror stalk through some black sheathing, attached with teeny-tiny black zip ties. Not the split-loom, that stuff looks crappy, but the black plastic sheathing that protects the OE wiring in places. Then through the mirror housing, etc.
HispanicSlammer, Jan 2 2006, 11:29 AMI just bought a whistler remote radar detector that has a voltage display included, havent figured out a place the display yet but that mirror option looks interesting. I have the y2k mirrors though might be tricky.
Two words: Shrink Tubing.
Now I'm going to HAVE to get a voltmeter. That mod is _*RIGHT*_ up my alley!
I really enjoyed this post and all of the responses. This is my first post here. I hope it will display as intended. You have me thinking about a mirror installation.
It is nice to know there are other modification nut cases out there like me. For us, it is all a part of the joy of motorcycling. I have enjoyed researching and installing a V1, XM and a mixer/amp. They worked great during the past riding season.
I had a little intermittent issue with my regulator/rectifier last summer. Of course, it happened as I was on the north side of Lake Superior out of cell range, solo, and far from help. Without test equipment or a schematic, it was a little tough to make a confident diagnosis while on the road. I stopped at a small town Radio Shack for a cheap DMM, and used it to monitor my system voltage. At least I could determine when to stop for a battery charge as I made my way south toward Duluth. As I traveled at slow pace, I was able to catch the fault in the act and determine that the regulator was unreliable. The dealer in Duluth was very helpful to air freight the part so I could complete the repair. In retrospect, the experience became a part of the adventure of travel. Several nice Canadian and Minnesota folks helped me out along the way. I will try to add a picture from that trip of my not-so-glamorous installation of the volt meter that a fine motorcycle ought to have.
I really enjoyed this post and all of the responses. This is my first post here. I hope it will display as intended. You have me thinking about a mirror installation.
It is nice to know there are other modification nut cases out there like me. For us, it is all a part of the joy of motorcycling. I have enjoyed researching and installing a V1, XM and a mixer/amp. They worked great during the past riding season.
I had a little intermittent issue with my regulator/rectifier last summer. Of course, it happened as I was on the north side of Lake Superior out of cell range, solo, and far from help. Without test equipment or a schematic, it was a little tough to make a confident diagnosis while on the road. I stopped at a small town Radio Shack for a cheap DMM, and used it to monitor my system voltage. At least I could determine when to stop for a battery charge as I made my way south toward Duluth. As I traveled at slow pace, I was able to catch the fault in the act and determine that the regulator was unreliable. The dealer in Duluth was very helpful to air freight the part so I could complete the repair. In retrospect, the experience became a part of the adventure of travel. Several nice Canadian and Minnesota folks helped me out along the way. I will try to add a picture from that trip of my not-so-glamorous installation of the volt meter that a fine motorcycle ought to have.
Thanks again for sharing your project. Nice work.
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End of thread · 36 posts recoveredWayback Machine snapshot 21 Feb 2006