Ducati Monster Forum

I ordered a smoked LED Tail Light, which alledgedly integrated indicator lights. I took my S4R to the local dealer for installation. They called me the next day to tell me I could swing by and take a look at the job. No need to say how disappointed/surprised I was to find my stock turn signals sitting right next to my new LED tail light (we'd also done a tail chop).

The smoked LED just looked amazing, beautiful. However, it only has 3 cables sticking out of the box. I know zilch about wiring, but their head mechanic tells me the tail light has no turn signals. The running light and brake light work perfectly. I ordered it off of www.ducatisaarland.de (they've got Google's translator tool) and they only have integrated tail lights which makes this really strange. I'm still hoping this guy just doesn't get how to plug it in right. I already wrote the shop about it, but they sometimes delay to reply. Can anybody shed some light here?

I had also asked them to install my new Zard full exhaust system. You can imagine this experience defined bitter-sweet...  :-\

Sounds like he only wired your bake light wires to the unit. It's likely he just didn't wire in the signals to the integrated board.
I installed and integrated board on my moto and IIRC there were only 3 (maybe four?) wires.

I'm sure someone here will be a little more helpful than I.  :-\

I picked up my bike late this afternoon. I noticed that it seems like some of the LEDs aren't lighting up. As if those were indicators. I peeked underneath threw the license plate light (underneath) and it looks like when the brake light comes on the lit ones shine brighter, but those stay off. However, it's tricky since the others make it hard to say which are lit and which aren't... that is, they all LOOK lit.

A tail light with integrated turn signals will have at least 5 wires.

Running light
Brake light
Left Signal
Right Signal
Ground

Now that makes me wanna drive my Monster right off a cliff!!! Can you imagine I spent about 240 Euros on integrated LED mirrors and tail light. With the mirrors, they pictured the Ducati Performance ones (now I know) and shipped me cheap (not so cheap, rather) knockoffs. I can't believe I got screwed with the tail light too. [bang] I was about to order the genuine DP mirrors, but now I might have to get turn signals for the back so the front would look odd without a pair.

I sure hope somebody knows how to get turn signals outta 3 cables...

Did you talk to the tech yet? Maybe there were 5 but be cut a couple. I could have sworn mine didn't have that many. But I have been wrong in the past. I'll go out and check at lunch.

I'd appreciate that. Nothing's been cut.

It looks like you bought the Clear Alternatives Brake light yes?

Mine also only brought 3 wires. One that you plug into the socket where the old bulb goes into, and two small yellow ones.

You are to connect the negative terminals of the blinkers to these, and just tape up the positive ones.

I was a little put off by this situation as well, but it worked out perfectly.

Pm me if you want pics and more info.

With these things, is it safe for the light/rider to just plug/unplug until it works kinda like the DVD player? Is there any risk to toast the LEDs or myself?

That's the way I did it... I've had mine on for 10 k miles and going strong...

+1 me too.

3 wires - trial and error.  [thumbsup]

Was the switch on during the plugging/unplugging?

I don't think so. I would plug then try.

Is there a way to tell positive from negative end on the stock signal cables?

Negative = dark

Positive = light

Uh oooh... I checked out the stock signal connections and they aren't like the blades on the new light. The are kinda like one cylindrical jumble of cables fits into a set of hollow rounded clamps. If that seems clear...

This I do remember.

The wires on the CA integrated light had no connectors but the stock ones did. I cut them off and just spliced them in with butt connectors.

Yep, my worst fear (regarding my bike, excluding totaling it) came true. The LED tail light I ordered doesn't include indicator lights, and thus some shop in Germany screwed me twice. I am posting a link to the page because I just need to put it out there. I ordered the black tail light (item 3434). The description says it has integrated indicator lights. WTF!!! [bang] Doesn't that make anybody wanna crack some skulls? Even more so considering I shelled out $80 for the thing and waited around a month 'cause that wrote my address wrong.

The site is in German and I used the translator tool they provide themselves (from Google). It's a shame cuz they've got all sorts of neat things, but my experience was so bad I'll never buy there again (or overseas for that matter) and nobody I know will either. I re-mention that they sent me knock off DP mirrors too, then said the description says "figure is similar." Well, if their descriptions are so damn accurate then why is this item "missing" its turn signals!!!!! [bang] Sorry, 'bout the earfull... Thanks for hearing me out. I feel better now. At least the brake light works and its very nice.

Note: While on the page, use the links all the way at the bottom. The top ones don't work on the translated page.

http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ducati-saarland.de&langpair=de%7Cen&hl=de&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&prev=%2Flanguage_tools