front fender installation

My attempt to install emergency blinkers on my Yamaha XT250 turned out to be a tremendous challenge.  My mind could not wrap itself around the many cables required for the installation.  The local Yamaha service shop suggested using a Custom Dynamics 4-Way Hazard Kit.  I started my day early and after studying, watching videos, reading on how to do it, the overwhelming task became obvious that I need help for this installation.  I've been seeking someone that will guide me through the electrical procedure so that I can learn how to fix it during my world tour if something were to go wrong.  Or, if I had to replace it again or the blinker relay.

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I decided to enlist the help from my nephew, Sergio.  He is a certified auto mechanic for Honda.  He is an avid motorcycle stunt rider and loves the mechanical challenges presented.  Upon his visit, he studied the wiring and the main component missing is Yamaha's wiring schematics of the bike. The instructions provided with the wiring kit refers to it quite often.  I am surprised that Yamaha does not provide something as important in the manual.  All of my other bike provide it, well with the exception of my small Chinese 50cc scooter.  If the schematic were available my nephew would have attempted the installation.  He said, "Madeleine, I have to decline performing this installation because I need more information in order to be successful."  At that moment, my heart sank and I felt doomed.  While he was in my home, he helped me install the front fender replacement.

During the installation, my other nephew showed up.  His name is Luis (Sergios's older brother).  He became the hold the flashlight helper.  Luis has a very sad story.  3 years ago, he suffered a tremendous motorcycle accident while fixing a small dirt bike and trying to start it while not wearing a helmet.  He was in a coma at the intensive care unit in Worcester Massachusetts for several weeks.  He survived the ordeal but in order for them to keep him alive, they had to do major brain surgery which resulted in a large part being removed.  He has little mobility, lost his vision on his left eye, hearing on his left ear, speech is blurred (he had to learn to talk) and has lost his eye and hand coordination.   Whenever he learns that his brother is working on a motorcycle, he is always there to hold the flashlight.  Very sad story.

It was wonderful spending the day with them both while Sergio installed the front fender.  A simple install, took us a little over 3 hours.

The front fender I purchased was not a good fit.  We had to put a little labor and love into drilling new holes, cutting it down and filing it to size.  All fun stuff of course.

Nothing that a little sand paper cannot fix.  Yamaha places a nice little sticker with the specifications and VIN number on the frame of the bike.  The sticker says things like air pressure recommendation, tire sizes and all sorts of other things I already know.  We tried very had to clear the fender so that it was not rubbing as much.  We succeeded but the fender does not look great.  I will smooth it out with a buffing pad as time allows and put my personal stickers.

I am happy with the new fender as it will protect me from the rain.  I might get a little mud stuck where we sanded, but it is an easy wipe versus that fender Yamaha installs on this bike.  Now, to work on the rest of the bike.  I am in the market for someone to install the emergency blinkers :-((((