Here Comes the Beaver

[britman]

I am giving the R3 the Eastern Beaver H4 headlight relay for Christmas. I don't really do that much night riding, but no more ignition switch replacement would be a great benefit. I read the instructions on the website about a dozen times, increasing the size of my bald spot substantially from WTF is he talking about head scratching, then I did a search here. Seems to be a pretty straight forward install thanks to "tdragger" and others who took the time to really explain the procedure and post pictures. I know it has been said before, but one more time won't hurt. R3owners.net is best site around for information exchange and members that go above and beyond to help fellow Captains out. Thanks again all and I am really looking forward to the arrival of the Beaver......

 

[DRMD421]

I knew nothing of the ignition issue until I saw it here. Does that also include the 2010 Touring? If so, I might just get a kit for mine also and do a video on the installation too. I haven't had a problem out of it yet for it's 8500 mile life as of yet.

 

[tdragger]

Hey Britman, when you get ready to install the EB kit, give me a call and I'll come supervise, drink your beer and generally laugh at your flailings.

Dr, I'm not 100% sure but I think that the R3T also has the headlight circuit routed through the ignition switch. It seems that other R3T owners have had ignition switch problems as well. I would install the kit if I were you. If you need help selecting the right kit, let me know.

 

[HansO]

Hey Britman, when you get ready to install the EB kit, give me a call and I'll come supervise, drink your beer and generally laugh at your flailings.

Dr, I'm not 100% sure but I think that the R3T also has the headlight circuit routed through the ignition switch. It seems that other R3T owners have had ignition switch problems as well. I would install the kit if I were you. If you need help selecting the right kit, let me know.

Aww your a good bloke offering to drink his beer for him, I usually end up taking over co I can't help myself when a technly challenge person starts to flounder

 

[Ygransom]

DR the R3T has the power for the headlight going the ignition switch like teh other models. There have been fewer problems with the R3T than others but a few have had switch issues (at worst possible time). With only 1 bulb your not drawing as much power but its cheap insurance. I did not notice much difference in light out put from my 08 but others have said it gave a visable difference in amount of light. Perhaps they were on verge of switch failure and losing a lot of power thru poor connections.

You have several choices of kits. You can either get short leads for the relays and put everything in headlight shell or get the longer leads and put relays under tank.

 

[DRMD421]

I actually have 3 if you include the driving lights which I run all the time here in Dallas to polong my life on earth if you know what I mean...lol.

I'm guessing you are removing the 12v from going directly to the headlights through the switch, and using it instead to activate a 12v relay, with leads going from the battery to the lights, to keep the heat from building in the switch contacts?

 

[tdragger]

I actually have 3 if you include the driving lights which I run all the time here in Dallas to polong my life on earth if you know what I mean...lol.

I'm guessing you are removing the 12v from going directly to the headlights through the switch, and using it instead to activate a 12v relay, with leads going from the battery to the lights, to keep the heat from building in the switch contacts?

The outside driving lights are not on the same circuit as I understand it. (somebody else should verify this)

You are correct in that the 12v load is being moved from going through the ignition switch to the relay.

Use this link and then scroll to the bottom of the page for information on the R3T install. Link Removed

 

[Captain Bob]

I knew nothing of the ignition issue until I saw it here. Does that also include the 2010 Touring? If so, I might just get a kit for mine also and do a video on the installation too. I haven't had a problem out of it yet for it's 8500 mile life as of yet.

I have a 2008 R3T and had the ignition switch problem. It is definitely prevelant in the R3T's. I put the EB headlight relay kit in my bike and recommend you do the same. My ignition switch went south around 9500 miles on the bike. It first started showing itself as intermittent. You turn the key the first time and nothing happens, you turn the key the second time and it starts. It will fail hard however, and potentially leave you stranded on the side of the road. This happened to me and has happened to others.

The kit is very easy to install. I took one look at the parts and immediately figured it out. You do not need directions. DO yourself a favor. Put the kit in now while the ignition switch is working. You will not regret it. BTW, you will notice a brighter headlight as well.

 

[DRMD421]

Thanks for the info guys. I'm gonna order a new battery for my Lil Scooter first and next on the list is the relay kit. Gonna need a new front tire soon, too.....Sure glad it's Christmas time!

 

[mexican]

Got to get me one of those animals!!