Suzuki Bandit :: Rear fender removal
To clean out the back of the Bandit a little I removed the rear fender as well as the stock turn signals. In addition, the dealer (plastic) license plate frame was replaced by a nicer, subtile metal one.
Since the turn signals had to go, I installed a "Trailer light converter", which makes the brake lights work also as the turn signals. The Bandit has two bulbs in the rear light assembly. So the right or left bulb are blinking for turn indication, and both lights are still turning on when braking - NICE! :). All you need is a "Treailer light converter" module, you can get it at Kragen in the US for about $15
Update: Since then I have replaced the trailer light convertor with a specific Tail light integrator. With the new integrator the running light turns completely off when blinking making it far more visible. The new module also flashes the brake light when braking.
Here's how you can do it:
(Click on the thumbnails to view the picture larger)
Remove the tail section of the Bandit
Take the seat off. Remove the two screws towards the front of the tail section. Remove the Grabrail by unscrewing the cargo strap bolts and the two screws covered with a small black cover. Also remove the two remaining cargo strap bolts. There are six small plastic clips attaching the underside of the tail section to the fender. Take a small allan wrench to press the center of the clips in, then pull them out. Now carefully pull the tail section back a little and up. Don't break it :). While you pull it back, disconnect the taillight.
Rear fender removal
Unplug the turn signals. Pull on the cable under the fender to find the connector behind the fuse box on top. Pull the cables out. Remove the turn signals.
Remove the license plate and the license plate holder. Take the license plate holder bracket, turn it upside down and hold against the top of the fender, where you want it to be. Then mark the holes and draw a line right under it onto the fender where you want to cut it. Make the line all the way around.
Now, some people suggest to use a Dremel or similar powertool to cut away the fender - I disagree. The power tool melts the fender more than it cuts. Take the blade of a metal hacksaw (just the blade) and saw it by hand. It worked great for me! Now take some sandpaper and smooth out the edges.
Click on the picture to the left for the result.
Drill the holes for the license plate holder and screw it back on. You can also put the license plate and the frame back on.
Turn signal/brake light integration
First, cut the plugs off the removed turn signals. If you use the plugs you don't have to cut the wires on the Bandit side, in case you ever want to go back to original.
The wiring of the trailer light module is pretty simple. Ignore the ground and tail light wires. Just hook up the positive wire (Check with a Voltmeter, or the blinker bulb :)) of the blinker plugs to the inputs on the trailer module. Then cut the two brake light wires on the tail sections light assembly (once again, do not cut on the Bandit side!). Place connectors on the brake wires right behind the plug, and two connectors on the wires going to the brake lights. Now connect the brake lights to the trailer side, and the brake light wire coming from the plug to the car side of the module.
Remove the cover off the double sided tape on the underside of the module and glue it down right next to the fuse box (see pictures).
Wrapping up
Make sure to test the functionality before you put it all back together. Carefully slide the tail section back on and connect all the wires.
Check out the pictures for the result!
Enjoy!
