Trail Tech Vapor (love & hate)

[billie_morini]

My used KDX 220 came with a Trail Tech Vapor speedo + "kitchen sink functions." Since my previous post about internal condensation, I've installed the black plastic unit within an aluminum shell that provides muy protection. But, it's still a love -- hate relationship.

I like (can't really say love ):
1. ACCURACY!
2. Water temperature (thermocouple)
3. Aluminum protection shell (from Trail Tech)
4. Light weight
5. Sleek design
6. Long (watch) battery life

I hate (yup, hate ):
1. Complexity (!!!!!)
2. My favorite screen is #2 and it must be accessed every time I want to ride (If forum member knows how to make this screen the Default, then please help this Old Man that hates computers but likes wrenches)
3 . Tremendously wimpy speedometer wires (broke again!)
4. Three finger salute to get into settings only works 33% of the time (hmmm...3 fingers, 33%, 1/3...something to this?
5. Very short reaction time when making settings (must re-read printed instructions in hand before every step)
6. Tiny letters for TT, RT, ART, etc. (must view using magnifying lens -- literally [Old Man])

There. Rant concluded.

[MoonStomper]

All the reasons I won’t own one are listed above. They look cool and that’s where it ends for me.

[billie_morini]

Confirrmed today by knowlegeable & resposive Trail Tech vendor rep: Default screen is screen 1 and there is no way to change this.

Thank you to rep Justin Yancy.

[Tyl3r]

I had questions answered by Justin also, definitely a good guy over there.

I had the Vapor on an old bike and didn't care for it much either. Mainly only got it as an easy way to add a speedometer so I could pass state inspection. I have a Vapor Pro on my KTM and I am in process of adding a docking station for it on my KDX, much much better. Easier to see screen, buttons way easier to press, GPS speedo, GPS display and tracking, easy to load maps, yadda yadda

[billie_morini]

Tyl3r, I kinda like the idea of map & GPS. Is Trail Tech product actually called Voyager? How will you power it on your KDX? billie

[Tyl3r]

haha yea I did mean Voyager Pro, not Vapor! Sorry about that.

For power, I upgraded the electricals last winter. Did a trailtech regulator/rectifier, floated the ground, and added a battery. Taking it slow, but want to eventually put a rewound stator on for more power and put on a nicer LED headlight. Wired it like the first example here: chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://cdn1.polaris.com/globalassets/t ... v=8351f534

I haven't gotten to mess with the wiring yet, just whipped up a quick mounting plate.

20221119_195126.jpg (2.56 MiB) Viewed 4878 times

[billie_morini]

Tyl3r, thank you for answering my questions and providing hyperlink. From what you shared in notes and photo, it seems like you are making a super nice moto!

[Tyl3r]

No problem, and thanks! I "finished" this bike about 5 or 6 years ago but keep finding things to do with it, they are never actually done lol

I'll post some pics in my build thread about how I re-wired everything and set up the gps when I finish it up.

[billie_morini]

Tyl3r, I'd like to know more about the hydraulic front brake line in your photo above. The one that came with my used KDX goes up real high and comes down across the left side of the headlight-number plate on it's way to the caliper. It looks like your brake line goes below the TRail TEch instrument and downward. It is shorter than OEM?

[Tyl3r]

Billie, the bike is a hybrid, its an 05 KX125 and thats a stock length brake line for that bike. I dont see why you couldnt swap a KDX one for a KX one, the ends should the same, but it might get hung up on the headlight when the suspension goes up and down. Since i added a headlight to this bike, i notice the brake line kind of gets hung up on it sometimes and I was wondering how to stop that from happening. You just gave me a good idea....i bet a longer, KDX front brake line would work even better!

[billie_morini]

Tyl3r, sorry been away for surgery followed by business trip. I'll share a photo or two this weekend so you can see how the OEM brake line looks.

[Tyl3r]

No worries, I have one on hand. Thank you though, hope the surgery went well.

[billie_morini]

In case this is helpful to anyone. This photo shows the front brake line on my KDX. This KDX has suspension shortened by 50 mm (2 in), both front and rear. The brake line is OEM. With the shortened suspension, the standard length brake line makes a larger loop above the handlebars. You may notice a piece of brazing rod zip tied and coiled around this brake line. This brazing rod positions the brake line slightly forward to provide a clear view of the Trail Tech digital gauge. You can see the aluminum digital gauge protective housing just above the number plate.

[Tyl3r]

I have a new Galfer stainless steel front brake line for a KX125 that might be better for you if you are interested. I accidentally bought one and can't return it so I was saving it as a backup. I just ordered a new KDX line, I can let you know the difference in length in the two if you want.

[billie_morini]

hi Tyl3r, please let me about the lengths of the 2 cables. Maybe it is possible for me to switch. billie

[Tyl3r]

The 05 KX125 stainless brake line that I have is 4" shorter than the stock KDX brake line

[billie_morini]

Thanks, Tyl3r. I'll get into garage during the next 2 days. This will allow me to see how the KX 125 line may route & look.

[Tyl3r]

Sounds good. When my new one comes in and I get it on, I'll share some pics so you can get a better idea on the length difference.

[billie_morini]

Tyl3r, see private msg transmitted 1/29/2023.