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Convert R18TC into bagger

  • <i class="fa--xf fal fa-check "><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" role="img" aria-hidden="true" ><use href="/data/local/icons/light.svg?v=1789222567#check"></use></svg></i> Discussion starter Discussion starter denis13
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Maybe you can utilize the license plate bracket and install the third brake light; I've seen LED license plate brake lights for sale.

Also, I recall seeing an option within the GS-911 menu to add a third brake light; perhaps in your case, that box is already checked for a TC model, and all you have to do is unselect it..

Below is a concept...

Screenshot_20250531-162151.png
 
Thanks for the info. I went the easy, inexpensive way. Found a Harley front directional bullet with a red lens. Bolted right on the seat bolt and works perfectly! Cost $10.
 
So, for those of you ahead of me ...

I've decided to remove the top case from my TC. Like some of the earlier posts, I'll put it back on for longer trips but for daily rides I'm finding I don't really use it, and removal might improve the handling a little. I'm going to keep the TC rear rack, for those odd trips where I just need a quick "bag on the back" solution.

So here's the question, I'd like mount a smallish rear LED brake-tail light on the rear bar of the rack (or in place of the seat bolt, maybe). Anyone got any hints about preferred tail-brake solutions, wiring connectors, etc? I figure a few of you will have done this already - anyone got any photos?

Thanks.
 
I’d like to see photos of completed job / type of light purchased as well. In about 4 days collecting a 2023 Transcontinental. Also removing Topbox and brackets which will be listed for sale. Topbox has been wrapped in white since bike purchase date ( Manhattan original colour ). Photos to be forwarded.
 
I had a 2022 TC four years ago this month. IRemoved the top box which made the bike quite a bit lighter, even noticeable when setting it upright off the side stand.
Initially I got a yellow warning light, so went to local Kawasaki dealer and bought a $15 LED brake light. Had to fashion a thin aluminum bracket that attached to the rear seat bolt. Problem solved. The excess wire was just shoved under the seat.
It is easy to go from TC to Bagger but can't go from Bagger to TC. The guy that bought my top box learned that the core wire harness on the Bagger is not designed to allow a brake light on the top box. The wiring is fundamentally different between the two bikes.
 
BER18 100 said:
I had a 2022 TC four years ago this month. IRemoved the top box which made the bike quite a bit lighter, even noticeable when setting it upright off the side stand.
Initially I got a yellow warning light, so went to local Kawasaki dealer and bought a $15 LED brake light. Had to fashion a thin aluminum bracket that attached to the rear seat bolt. Problem solved. The excess wire was just shoved under the seat.
It is easy to go from TC to Bagger but can't go from Bagger to TC. The guy that bought my top box learned that the core wire harness on the Bagger is not designed to allow a brake light on the top box. The wiring is fundamentally different between the two bikes.
Click to expand...
Thanks BER18 100. Interesting to hear it confirmed - removing the top box makes the bike quite a bit lighter. Was handling better, or just different?
 
Hadn't thought about it before, but were there any issues with central locking? When I lock the bike the panniers and the top box lock as well.
 
KAus said:
Hadn't thought about it before, but were there any issues with central locking? When I lock the bike the panniers and the top box lock as well.
Click to expand...
No issues with central locking. Actually the TC was very nimble on the highway even with the top box. Getting it up off the side stand was noticeably easier with box off.

Side note.....I have owned a lot of bikes over the last 40 some years and the TC had the best wind management of any, including the HD RoadGlide with lowers. I'm no spring chicken, so I sold the TC as it was a lot of bike, but great bike.

One of the regrets of aging is gradual loss of physical power. If I was 10 years younger, I would get this beauty.

dragonfly red.jpg
 
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