Taillight Modulator Install

At long last, I finally decided to install the Brake Light Signal Module from Signal Dynamics that I removed from a previous bike. With the small taillight on the V-Strom, I figured it would help give it some needed attention at the rear. I had installed a set of sidecases, but they are bolted on rather than quick-release, and I had put off installing the modulator, not wanting to have to tear the frames off and create a lot of extra work for myself. Luckily, it was simply a matter of removing the top rack and two screws in the rear fender to swing it rearward a bit, giving just enough room to install the modulator, made simple with a wiring harness from Eastern Beaver. And everything worked just like it should. I love it when a plan comes together.

 

Easy access

 

Plug-and-play harness from Eastern Beaver

Everything tucked away nicely

Rear Brake Issue

I had an odd issue with my rear brake on my V-Strom. The brake was a bit weak, but that didn't bother me as much as the this; when stopped on an uphill, if I released the front brake, the bike would slide rearward a bit and then sort of clunk to a stop, rather than gradually as if I applied more pressure to the rear brake.

It was puzzling, but the Stromtroopers helped sort out the cause; when I changed the brake pads all around, I misaligned the rear brake caliper. the caliper keyway was not aligned to the notch on the rear swingarm, it sat above it, and would rotate forward and back with the axle a bit. A quick disassembly and correct reassembly resolved the issue.

Rear Brake Issue - Stromtrooper Forum
Rear brake goes "clack" - Stromtrooper Forum