Zeta XC Flasher Handguards

So I got the Zeta XC's from http://www.wheelingcyclesupply.com but didn't realize the armor handguard didn't come with, so I've ordered those. Before they arrive I'll need to borrow some tools from a buddy and am wondering what I'll need besides the basics.

My questions for the folks that have installed these are:
1. Do you have to rewire anything?
2. Do you have to drill/tap holes in the armour guards to install the XC's?
3. Will I need a soldering gun or anything like that to complete this install?
4. Is there any danger to the electrical system if I don't put in a relay?

I searched the forum and saw that YamWow has these installed with the relay, but I didn't want to hyjack that 'blinkers' thread for specific questions on the Zetas.

Thanks!

Those are nice flashers, I have them on mine.

In response to your questions,

1: You don't have to rewire anything. You can either solder on spade or bullet connectors so make them work, or you can use the existing plug ends that came with the OEM stock (that's what I did). Simply put plug ends on the XC's and then again on the wires to the bike, connect and you're set. Just be aware that you will have an extra wire for the front set of flashers because one is for thr running lights, which the XC's don't have, so in effect you will have 3 coming off each side on the front flashers where the XC's will only have 2. Simply tape the loose wire to another one and then shrink tube it in with whatever wire you just soldered.

2: The aluminum barkbusters come pre-drilled, so you don't have to worry about that.

3: It's best to solder your connections together for a better electrical contact. Or others have twisted them together and taped them. Personally I'd solder the wires, then shrink tube over top of that to keep the water out.

4: You won't run into a problem without a relay. I don't have one on mine. All the relay does is slow the rate of flash down, so it's all a matter of preference. If you want to keep the stock blink rate, get a relay, otherwise it's not needed.

Is there a difference between the "bend" or 'straight" style in terms of fit or function with regards to the WR's?

They both mount the same way. I think it's rider preference as to which one you want. I went with the bend for a little more wiggle room with my hands/fingers when clutching and braking.

Same here. I was worried about digit claustrophobia, but the bent ones give one a lot of room to grab levers.

Thanks. Makes sense.

i went with the bent as well. state 1 complete...grip ends chopped off, handguards installed, relay installed (have rear LED already installed and it put the blinkers back to about 1 blink/second) now I just need to wire up the front XC blinkers and remove the stock ones! i'll post photos when the mod is complete.
thanks shewolf for the service manual...found that relay quickly using the wiring diagram
thanks yamwow for the link to the relay...plug and play is great!

I finally found the time to take some photos of the finished product. Easy install except for the fact that there are two wires on the XC kit and three on the wiring harness. Reading another forum I figured out that the blue wire is the constant/running light so I just capped that off and tucked it away. Pretty nice so far...but haven't gotten off pavement with them yet.

Just got a set of the Zeta handguards and Zeta flashers from Wheeling Cycle Supply. So far, I've only mounted the aluminum handguards. The way they mount to the bars does not seem to be the sturdiest mount, seems like they would likely rotate in a get-off....can anyone testify to the "solidity" of the mount? Also, the strange "expanding" mount for the bar ends seems a likely weak point.

Also, I'm not at home right now so I can't look, but I didn't see any holes pre-drilled in the aluminum guards to mount the flashers/plastic guards...are they hidden under a sticker or something?

The holes are under the stickers on the aluminum bars. I agree that the mounting doesn't feel super solid as the brackets don't match the angle of the bars perfectly, but I haven't tested them out yet so I don't know if they'll rotate as you predict.

Mine seem to be holding up just fine. None of my get-offs have been terribly hard, but my Zeta's seem to be doing their job so far

Well, Krabill, I hope not to have any get-offs worse than in your pics , so if they'll hold up to that much punishment, that's more than I can hope for! Thanks!

I had a pretty hard wipeout and the left size handguard rotated by at least 90 degrees. That crash ruined the stock bars, so I've gone to Pro Taper EVO's and when I mount the handguards back up I'm going to try and fab up an extra brace to the handlebar mounts or triple tree.

So if the Zeta's aren't the best, what is ? Who makes the best / strongest hand guards ?

I am using the Cyrca CRM mounts and they seem to be working great...

I took a few spills that look very similar to Krabill's photos and my XC's held up well. Because of the way they mount they'll rotate a bit depending on how you hit 'em, but a quick 5mm and 4mm hex wrench and you can straighten them out on the trail. If there were rock solid and never moved your handlebars would absorb all of that force and bend more readily. The XC's get my vote so far...oh and the bend was key, never banged my hands on the guards during any get offs.

SheWolf wrote:

Those are nice flashers, I have them on mine.

In response to your questions,

1: You don't have to rewire anything. You can either solder on spade or bullet connectors so make them work, or you can use the existing plug ends that came with the OEM stock (that's what I did). Simply put plug ends on the XC's and then again on the wires to the bike, connect and you're set. Just be aware that you will have an extra wire for the front set of flashers because one is for thr running lights, which the XC's don't have, so in effect you will have 3 coming off each side on the front flashers where the XC's will only have 2. Simply tape the loose wire to another one and then shrink tube it in with whatever wire you just soldered.

2: The aluminum barkbusters come pre-drilled, so you don't have to worry about that.

3: It's best to solder your connections together for a better electrical contact. Or others have twisted them together and taped them. Personally I'd solder the wires, then shrink tube over top of that to keep the water out.

4: You won't run into a problem without a relay. I don't have one on mine. All the relay does is slow the rate of flash down, so it's all a matter of preference. If you want to keep the stock blink rate, get a relay, otherwise it's not needed.

Sorry if I need the painfully obvious pointed out to me, but here goes. I just installed the Zeta handguards with flashers and now I want to remove the stock flashers and connect the Zeta flashers. The directions that came with the flashers must have been written by a Japanese engineer for a Japanese engineer because even the english section didn't make sense. Do I need to cut the wires to connect the new? Cutting the wires would seem kinda hillbilly, but then again i am from Idaho. I have very little experience with bikes and even less with electrical. SheWolf's explenation is great, but if someone could explain this like they were talking to a 5 year old or a blind semi-deaf senior citizen that would be great.

Thanks

I could not quickly find any other way to install mine other than cutting the wires. I bought some simple crimp-on snap connectors and then used electrical tape to seal the connections up tight. I've only had mine for about 500 miles now but they are holding up nicely.

Just ordered a set with white guards and blue aluminum guard. First day I owned bike, tipped over in snow and bent front brake lever

Just got my Zeta flasher guards, and was wondering if anyone has used them in conjunction with the stock flashers? I like the idea of having running lights, so it would be nice to at least have those still hooked up. Ideas?

I'm gonna ask a noob question about these, but do you have to trim the levers for these to fit?

nope

I got mine installed this weekend, and jsut wired them up to the originals. Now I have an extra pair of flashers in the front, and the marker lights are functional. Looks pretty cool when they're flashing too!

I guess the question that begs to be asked is ....... Are the Zeta Flashers legal and will my bike pass inspection (in MA) with them???

Not sure if they are where you are, but they are here in Canuckistan.