Hyperlites for R12RT

[KCBeemer]

Hey out there....

Hyperlite's website states they have a unit that does not interfere with the CANBUS on the RT's. The local dealer says this is not so. Has anyone had any experience either way?

 

Thanks

[keithb]

I have had Hyper Lites on my 05 RT for 2 years and it does affect it one bit. H.L. is one of the first accessories I put on a new bike because people see them when they pull up behind you.

[CruisinCruzan]

I have a set of the dual function lights on my license plate, a second set on my top box and a set of the amber lights acting as additional turn signals under my mirrors, absolutely no issues ('06 RT)

[onedae]

Dealer is wrong. no problem on my 07 RT

[pokorskij]

I have the dual function 16 light Hyperlites on my 05 R1200RT for two to three years without any problems.

 

Have to wonder how much experience knowledge that dealer employee has if you ask me.

 

The Hyperlights and lack of associated problems is quote a no brainer in my opinion.

[HenWin]

Hey out there....

Hyperlite's website states they have a unit that does not interfere with the CANBUS on the RT's. The local dealer says this is not so. Has anyone had any experience either way?

Thanks

 

Why would you believe a local dealer and not the manufacturer? Did you ask the dealer how much experience they have with the units?

[JHP]

Perfect install and function on a 2007 1200RT. In fact, I bought single function, and it behaves dual function!

 

Not to mention great support from Hyperlites on an install question.

[Burt]

I have the dual function 16 light Hyperlites on my 05 R1200RT for two to three years without any problems.

I have the same lights on mine with no problems. I bought them from our local dealer. They recommended them.

[SteveMc]

I installed the Hyperlites, no problems with Canbus. At the BMWMOA rally in West Bend this summer I noticed one bank of lights wasn't working. Hyperlites was at the rally, I told them my problem and they gave me a new set on the spot. Nice people.

[bimmers]

No problem dealer is dead wrong. I wired them to the rear socket power suppply and they work dual function.

 

h

[Dave_zoom_zoom]

I have the dual function 16 light Hyperlites on my 05 R1200RT for two to three years without any problems.

 

Have to wonder how much experience knowledge that dealer employee has if you ask me.

 

The Hyperlights and lack of associated problems is quote a no brainer in my opinion.

 

+1 Work great! Many good comments from those that have been behind!

[99Roadster]

Like the others; I have installed the dual-function ones with no issues whatsoever.

 

Major improvement!

[malcolmblalock]

Took a set of dual-function lights off my Vstrom and installed on 1200 RT with NO problems at all. Wired to auxiliary power plug wire.

[Mr H]

I just installed the dual function 16 LED modules as runnng lights/flashing brake lights on my 2005 1200 RT and they work fine. I did have a concern with attaching the Hyper Lite gray wire (hot wire) to the green with white stripe bike wire---you have to release the bundle of wires under the passenger seat to get to it---but it works. Follow the other hyper lite instructions with the posi-tap connectors and it's a snap.

 

Ol Grits

[JohnTena]

Hey out there....

Hyperlite's website states they have a unit that does not interfere with the CANBUS on the RT's. The local dealer says this is not so. Has anyone had any experience either way?

 

Thanks

 

This should help:

I've not had any trouble with Hyperlites.

[Mdcruiser]

OK, so thanks to these great postings I bought the dual function Hyper-Lites, R1200RT model, at Cycle Gadgets. Took them to Battleys (Gaithersburg) for what the tech told me would be a quick and likely free installation. Then he phones me at home to tell me that the instruction sheet advises that for CANBUS installations a 'fuse block with ignition switched relay' must be installed, and they don't sell Fuse Blocks. The tech told me I would likely get all sorts of error messages unless I installed said fuse block.

 

Picked up the bike (sans Hyper lites) and, sure enough, it does say that on the instruction sheet. What gives? [PS Electricity is Greek to me.]

[Motodan]

I just spoke to Hyper-Lite yesterday. I did so because the kit I bought had connectors that wouldn't fit my '08 spades. They told me BMW had changed their connection design three times in the last 18 months...go figure. Anyway we did discuss a fuse box as a recommendation only, because we BMW folks add numerous extras and I'd probably eventually get/need one. However, it was only a recommendation. Otherwise they suggested the typical hookup to a switched lead as under the seat or the parking lamp lead. Check those instructions to see if the fuse box is only a suggested option and not a "must". They are shipping me a new lead set so I can finish the installation.

[Mdcruiser]

I just spoke to Hyper-Lite yesterday. I did so because the kit I bought had connectors that wouldn't fit my '08 spades. They told me BMW had changed their connection design three times in the last 18 months...go figure. Anyway we did discuss a fuse box as a recommendation only, because we BMW folks add numerous extras and I'd probably eventually get/need one. However, it was only a recommendation. Otherwise they suggested the typical hookup to a switched lead as under the seat or the parking lamp lead. Check those instructions to see if the fuse box is only a suggested option and not a "must". They are shipping me a new lead set so I can finish the installation.

 

Hmmm. Yes, the installation guide states, right at the top and in boldface, "To simplify installation and operation, we ENCOURAGE [my emphasis] all CAN Bus owners to install a fuse block with ignition switched relay. This allows removal of all accessories, including Hyper-Lites, from the CAN Bus system."

 

That warning was enough to scare off the techs at Battleys, I'm afraid. As for me, I already have a Garmin 2730 installed (independent switch -- no fuse block) as well as Autocom. So is this now too much -- is a fuse block (aka a fuse box) now mandatory?

[Motodan]

My take on my conversation with Hyper-Lite fits the "encourage" on the instructions you have. They encourage, but it is NOT a requirement. Their point was, as you are an example, that many of us have multiple add-ons and it simply makes it easier to go with a fuse box than several assorted leads through out the bike or from the battery. I think you could consider a $50.00 Cen-Tech [or the like] and a fused relay as a worthwhile investment considering your multiple gadgets. However, I do believe, if you call them Monday, they would echo those instruction comments as a recommendation and not a requirement with regard to adding a fuse box. Good luck.

[kcscout]

Nothing to add - just wanted to extend a welcome to KCBeemer - from one Kansas Citian to another.

[Exploreinman]

I've got a set on my '05RT and no problems whatsoever. They work great!

[JonM]

I recently installed regular-function (not dual) Hyperlites on my 07 R12RT. They worked perfectly fine, but they function like dual function (reduced intensity running lights all the time + flash/full bright under braking). This wasn't what I ordered or wanted even though it was a free feature.

 

I called Hyperlites and they sent me another flasher module, on the chance I had received the wrong part. Same result: dual function Hyperlites. They sent me a third module and I'm going to try it in the next few days.

 

Does anyone have single-function Hyperlites working on an 07?

[Survived-til-now]

Hi

 

Sorry to be so dense but, do I understand from all the replies about fuse blocks etc that the Hyperlight are switched to brake light mode by some means other than just being wired into the brake light circuit?

 

How do they connect to the bike's rear and brake light function?

 

Thanks

 

Andy

[Ken H.]

Most of the confusion around this issue (any aftermarket supplemental LED brake or tail light) is because of changes BMW has made in the hexheads to the software that controls the brake and tail lights. Even within model. Even within year. Even within a specific bike if the software gets updated. That last one especially in the 2005 (US) models.

 

The most current scheme is that any bulb, regardless of function, brake or tail is lit at partial brightness by a square-wave sent to it, i.e. not a continuous voltage when only partial brightness is desired. Such as the tail light function. Then the width of which is increased when it is desired that the bulb be brighter. E.g. when braking, or when one of the others is burned out. This is true even in single bulb, dual-filament, single bulb configurations like the 12GS. Both filaments are used all the time. In electronics parlance it’s called Pulse Code Modulation.

 

Many aftermarket lights, in particular LED type, are not designed to cope with this. So unusual flashing, brightness, going out, etc., effects happen. And it is further compounded by the several software changes BMW has made as they attempt to ‘refine’ their algorithm. Making matters even worse, a aftermarket manufacture uses one bike to design and test their products, then a different customer’s bike has different software and the product doesn’t behave as expected. And why one person post “works fine on my bike”, and yet another has problems.

[KCBeemer]

Thanks for the welcome Sam.

 

Gary

[hopz]

I am sure that the technical discussion helped most of you understand things better.

 

I just want to reiterate that they worked- out of the box, following the dealer instructions, with no relay, on my '05 R12RT and that if there had been a problem the dealer was there to help and offer advice.

 

I had hyperlites on two previous bikes and had great support and assistance.

 

So,feel safe. Go forth and blink....

[Got2Greys]

I have a 2005 R1200RT and I purchased the 16 light, dual function HyperLites at the 2006 VT Rally. I installed them myself, by tapping into the rear accessory outlet wire. The HyperLites remain lit for about 10 seconds after I turn off the ignition key. I have not experienced any CANBUS problem with this installation, since installing the lights in August 2006.

[Mdcruiser]

Well, my Dual Function Hyperlites are installed (thanks so much to my neighbor and fellow bike club member "Henwin" for his help) and I thought I would describe the process.

 

I didn't buy the Centch/fuse block. The "encouragement" to do so was superfluous. We merely found the alarm circuit connector (it's underneath the rear seat, and has a white and green striped wire) and tapped the Hyerlite wire into it. Everything works perfectly. The Hyperlite instructions cover the contingency of not having a fuse block, by the way.

 

One tiny hole needed to be drilled above the tag. This makes for a very clean installation -- no wires are visible at all.

 

There's no need to bypass the CAN. The power draw is infinitesimal.

 

We took our time, and it took about 70 minutes to do the installation.

[aciurczak]

They work fine; no need for fuseblock or anything else. That's my '05 12RT on the hyperlites website:

 

http://www.hyperlites.com/r1200rtpics.html

[Motodan]

Not a lot of detail, but thanks for the pictures. Different model years can make a difference. Be it the wiring and/or software, what may be ok on a 2005 model may not work so well on a 2007. Especially if certain areas are tapped for power leads that cause other areas not to work as designed. One example; tapping a power socket lead then wanting to use the Canbus battery charger.

[Dobe66]

Just installed them on my '05 RT and they work without any problems at all. Like several other posts, I didn't order the dual function running and brake light but that's what I received. Guess I'll just leave it that way for now and rely on feedback from my riding buddies.

[KCBeemer]

Feedback for anyone else thinking about Hyperlite/Canbus issues. I finally installed the 16 module units on my 07RT, there are no issues with Canbus at all. The installation instructions were very concise. My LED's behave as dual function as well.

 

If anyone else is thinking about this safety product......Just do it.

[DMilan]

Feedback for anyone else thinking about Hyperlite/Canbus issues. I finally installed the 16 module units on my 07RT, there are no issues with Canbus at all. The installation instructions were very concise. My LED's behave as dual function as well.

 

If anyone else is thinking about this safety product......Just do it.

 

Thanks for the encouragement.

Where did you mount the light blocks?

Did you drill a hole in the rear fender to wire em up or just leave them outside of the fender?

Pix?

 

Thanks

DMilan

[stubble!]

Mounting.... On the KS, there's no good place to mount the lights, but HyperLites provides a little bracket with ears to mount behind your license plate. The lights would then be vertical on either side of the plate.

 

I cut this bracket in half, drilled two new holes, and mounted each piece vertically behind the plate. The lights are horizontal above the plate. Looks great. You could easily make the same thing from scrap metal. The wires follow the OEM plate light wire into the tail.

[bt2]

Sorry to be so dense but, do I understand from all the replies about fuse blocks etc that the Hyperlight are switched to brake light mode by some means other than just being wired into the brake light circuit?

 

How do they connect to the bike's rear and brake light function?

 

Someone above asked this question and I was hoping to find a response. Appreciate a response from knowledgeable folks.

 

I just ordered my hyperlites (with bracket for convenient mounting). In the future I see myself adding Givi brake lights and an Autocomm system. From what I read here, it helps immensely to have a Centech fuse block. From all responses here it is clear that the hyperlites work with or without the fuse block. I can see how tapping into the exisiting brakelight wiring helps the hyperlites get their power and signal. I am curious how they would get that brake signal when I plug the hyperlite wires into a centcom fuse block.

[AZgman]

There are two "power" leads for the Hyperlites. One triggers the brake circuit and one is an "on" power source. When the hyperlite module senses the "on" voltage and no "brake" voltage they act as running lights (well the dual function ones do) and when the brake voltage is also detected then the lights flash. In your scenario, the "on" voltage would come from the switched fuse block.

[majordad]

hope to buy mine tomorrow, if I remember. I keep putting it off. can someone post a message reminding me?

[medic319]

Thanks for the encouragement.

Where did you mount the light blocks?

Did you drill a hole in the rear fender to wire em up or just leave them outside of the fender?

Pix?

 

Thanks

DMilan

 

 

I mounted mine to the underside of the turn signal. They are mounted about 2/3 of the way out on the black housing. I had to drill a 1/8" hole in the underside of the black portion of the housing. I liked the looks there WAY better than the place (vertical by the license plate) recommended by the instructions. Even though the tun signals are bright, you can still see the hyperlights very well! BTW...No problems with mine. I bought them from Mathias BMW in New Philadelphia, Ohio. They had a kit just for the R1200RT, complete with instructions with photos for the R1200RT.

[alexp]

Steve

Can you post some pics? I'm very interested...

Thanks

[medic319]

 

Here you go. I tried the lights in several places, holding them with rubber bands to see how they would look before actually mounting them. I have had a few people comment on how visible they are. These things are visible anywhere, but I just liked the looks where I put them. Sorry for the poor quality photo. I only have a cell phone camera here at work, and I had to use my rainsuit to kill the glare from the license plate.

[hopz]

Now you have me thinking... is there room to put them inside the lenses of the turn signals?

[medic319]

The hyperlights are mounted only to the black portion of the housing, the part that stays on the bike, so they are not very thick. I do not know if there is room inside the lens or not, but the problem would be that the turn signal lens will filter out most of the light emitted by the red LEDs. It would be a cool effect if not for the problem I mentioned.

[Killian]

I have 'em on my 08 RT and they work pretty good but they just don't seem to be as bright as the ones that I had on my 99 RT.

 

The funny thing is, on my 99 I had the 6 LED and on my 08 I have the 12 LED set. Has anyone noticed a difference?

 

Also, I'm curious about mounting positions on the 12RT. Did you guys follow the suggested install position on the side reflectors or did you get creative and put them elsewhere? It seems they'd fit in lots of other spots.

 

I sort of did like medic319 but I put mine on top of the turn signals. I must have sat there for an hour trying to figure out where I wanted to mount them.

[AZgman]

I have 'em on my 08 RT and they work pretty good but they just don't seem to be as bright as the ones that I had on my 99 RT.

 

The funny thing is, on my 99 I had the 6 LED and on my 08 I have the 12 LED set. Has anyone noticed a difference?

 

Also, I'm curious about mounting positions on the 12RT. Did you guys follow the suggested install position on the side reflectors or did you get creative and put them elsewhere? It seems they'd fit in lots of other spots.

 

I sort of did like medic319 but I put mine on top of the turn signals. I must have sat there for an hour trying to figure out where I wanted to mount them.

 

 

+1 on both the choice of mounting location and deliberation!

[wsearl]

 

 

Also, I'm curious about mounting positions on the 12RT. Did you guys follow the suggested install position on the side reflectors or did you get creative and put them elsewhere? It seems they'd fit in lots of other spots.

 

I mounted mine horizontally above the rear light assembly, right under the luggage rack. The wiring to this position is easy and not visible and I have had many positive comments from friends following me.

[AZgman]

Something like this?

[lthj75]

Something like this?

 

Too close to the turn signals for my liking. You don't want the hyperlights to take away from the turn signals and you also don't want dumb cagers thinking they are turn signals. I mounted them down along side my license plate (attached to my helmet guardian). Just my $0.02.

[bt2]

I ordered and received my Hyper-lites. Promptly proceeded to install the unit, but it appears the instructions (yes they are for the r12RT) don't match how things look under my rear seat. I had the bmw anti-theft alarm installed but the instructions that came with hyper-lites assume you don't have that installed. So I am unable to locate the white with green stripe wire that would have been leading into a red connector. The red connector was supposed to be replaced by a posi-tap connector which connected the hyper-lite GRAY wire to the White with Green stripe wire.

 

In the attached picture,the red arrow points to the anti-theft alarm unit, the green arrow points to the only connector in the vicinity, and the blue arrow points to the latch used to hold the rear seat. This picture is that of the storage compartment under the rear seat.

 

Any idea which of these wires I should connect to hyper-lites gray wire? Even if I know which wire to connect to the HL gray wire, not clear how I should connect it? If I yank it out of this connector and connect it to the HL gray wire, what about the anti-theft alarm? Where would it gets its ignition key activation from?

 

Edit: The third wire, one I can't locate, is the power wire. Not the activation wire as I suggested above. What are the other two wires in the right corner of the attached picture?

[AZgman]

I ordered and received my Hyper-lites. Promptly proceeded to install the unit, but it appears the instructions (yes they are for the r12RT) don't match how things look under my rear seat. I had the bmw anti-theft alarm installed but the instructions that came with hyper-lites assume you don't have that installed. So I am unable to locate the white with green stripe wire that would have been leading into a red connector. The red connector was supposed to be replaced by a posi-tap connector which connected the hyper-lite GRAY wire to the White with Green stripe wire.

 

In the attached picture,the red arrow points to the anti-theft alarm unit, the green arrow points to the only connector in the vicinity, and the blue arrow points to the latch used to hold the rear seat. This picture is that of the storage compartment under the rear seat.

 

Any idea which of these wires I should connect to hyper-lites gray wire? Even if I know which wire to connect to the HL gray wire, not clear how I should connect it? If I yank it out of this connector and connect it to the HL gray wire, what about the anti-theft alarm? Where would it gets its ignition key activation from?

 

Edit: The third wire, one I can't locate, is the power wire. Not the activation wire as I suggested above. What are the other two wires in the right corner of the attached picture?

 

You need to connect to the Green and White wire that is plugged into the alarm. The Brown wire is a ground, but I am not sure about the Green and Red wire.

[wsearl]

This is where I mounted them - well inboard of the indicators.

 

 

In operation

 

In operation with indicator on