A few concerns....

[bigdogtech01]

Let me first say I'm sorry to bring this up now and not have sooner.
There are a few reasons why I have not brought this up till now. One being I'm crazy busy with the new shop. Another being after I was done wrong by one of the guys in Sweden, I felt as if my free services on here should be cut back some. Sad that this world has so many taking advantage of others...
That being said. The members of this forum should not be left in the dark with any known problems with products that supposedly will work with the Big dogs.
I will first state that what I am telling is 100% legit and saw it first hand.
The KMW RIP kits were a complete nightmare while trying to install them for the guys in Sweden this year. They purchased 10 kits total and not a one was correct. The wring for the turn signals was all flip flopped, in wrong pin location. Along with the harness itself being too long for the model. The wires and connectors are almost all different colors than stock. It is NOT a true plug and play system. I spent nearly 2 days working on these harnesses for the guys, able to get a couple bikes up and running after having to cut and solder wires. There are no labels or instructions with the kit. All wires come blank. To top it all off, the customer service was terrible. We called and emailed several times only to have Matt and Jason talk to me like I was an idiot. They stated that this was a first time they had heard of a problem, and the bikes must be setup with European wire harnesses. Keep in mind, the customers sent in all VIN numbers to KMW before the RIP kits were made and sent over. I know for a fact that ALL the bikes that the kits were to go on were all from the States, not Europe.
Another fact, these RIP kits are nothing more than a Thunderheart micro harness controller kit with JST connectors installed.
I can not state if this is true or not, but have heard from a few people that the KMW bikes themselves are not reliable. I would have hoped that the one gentleman who purchased one here in the States would have confessed to this. Why keep secrets of known problems from the members of this forum?? Because they are friends? It just makes no sense at all.:loony:
Sorry for my rant, but the truth must come out...just sucks I had to be the one to give it. Love me or hate me, I am who I am :flag:

 

[Mr. Wright]

The truth would have come out sooner or later. Better sooner, so things can be made right before they get worse.
Thanks Andrew

 

[pknowles]

I bought one as a spare for my07 K9. It's supposed to be plug and play. If it isn't, I'll be flying out to see the boys that sold it to me.

 

[Brew]

I'm glad that this came out and we know a little more about the issues that may be going on. I've seen a couple mentions in threads where the wires were crossed on a couple of kits but thought nothing of it.

I have installed a similar system that I bought from another vendor and I can honestly say, it is a true plug and play system! I've had the system installed since this past winter and have nearly 2000 miles on the scoot (05 Ridgeback) with no issues since I've installed it. The kit came with all instructions and a schematic with labeled wiring connections to include wire color call-outs. It was very easy to install and anyone can do it. :2thumbs:

I'm just commenting to this thread to let everyone know there are choices out there and I'm not going to bash anyone trying to make our scoots more enjoyable. Just asking to please provide acurate feedback on products being sold to keep our scoots going... :2thumbs:

Kudos to you Andrew for giving us feedback on this product...

 

[sonny615]

I put one on my 06 k9 , with no troubles at all. Maybe they got better doing the harness now.

 

[bigdogtech01]

It just makes me shake my head when forum members talk it up about products, convincing others to buy, only to end up with major problems down the road. For example, Wire Plus...what a joke :loony: Hands down, the OEM EHC is the best product out there IMO. And I'm not a sales guy, not selling any products, just telling from my expertise and experience.

 

[Nukeranger]

:2thumbs: Thanks for sharing this info. Maybe you just have to be lucky! My wire plus works fine where my EHC was probably too sensitive to something in my electrical system. Most likely my ignition switch but it was so random. When my EHC left me stranded at work 3 times during a 100 day long outage of straight nights, I put in the wire plus. If I am still getting an intermittent quick open in my ignition switch, my WP is too slow to be affected by it. I do have another ignition switch in case it does cause issues.

 

[330-DAN]

This is the kind of stuff we need to know about so that we can determine the best route to go when we need to make a change or repairs.
Thanks on this end for the info Andrew.

 

[Fibersnake]

Thanks for posting your experience and possibly helping some members out down the road when they are trying to figure if they are going to spend money on something. I find your experience interesting with the RIP kit and though it may be just your experience, it does help confirm my idea that if my PDM goes out, it will be old skol. No need to keep throwing money chasing what is supposed to be newest and greatest to only have real world long testing show otherwise.

 

[c.c.rider]

Thanks for posting your experience and possibly helping some members out down the road when they are trying to figure if they are going to spend money on something. I find your experience interesting with the RIP kit and though it may be just your experience, it does help confirm my idea that if my PDM goes out, it will be old skol. No need to keep throwing money chasing what is supposed to be newest and greatest to only have real world long testing show otherwise.

Totally agree Fibersnake

 

[BadDawg Bill]

Thanks for posting your experience and possibly helping some members out down the road when they are trying to figure if they are going to spend money on something. I find your experience interesting with the RIP kit and though it may be just your experience, it does help confirm my idea that if my PDM goes out, it will be old skol. No need to keep throwing money chasing what is supposed to be newest and greatest to only have real world long testing show otherwise.

Well said. I was trying to help the members out too by pointing that out but got flamed. I'm glad someone else has the guts to come out and say it.

Thanks to Bigdogtech, Fibersnake and Brew for their honesty. :up: I wish someone was that honest about the WP system before I threw over $1,000 away.

 

[Little-Boo]

Thanks Andrew and all the rest for your comments regarding what works and what doesn't or what will or may not work when it comes to the wiring system on our bikes. I am not promoting anyone or rocking the boat either, but my EHC or should I say after 3 of them and my bike continuing to shut down on the freeway at 70 mph, I decided I was going to go to a different system before I got run over. In 2008 I installed a WP and have not had one issue with electrical gremlins. Don't take me wrong, I appreciate all the comments. However, the decision one makes to replace or not replace the EHC or which system we choose could bite us in the ass or again it could solve the problem. The decision and choice I made the right one thus far.

Carlos

 

[francoblay1]

I has taken you long enough to publicly share your experiences/thoughts....

Thank you Andrew :2thumbs::2thumbs:

 

[KaptinAmerika]

Sounds like you now have a personal issue with KMW.

 

[bigdogtech01]

Sounds like you now have a personal issue with KMW.

I have an issue with their products and the way they handle problems yes.

a) You do not talk down to customers
b) You do anything and everything you can to help the customer and correct the problem.
c) Even if it means sending them 10 corrected products and having the other sent back, shipping provided.

I have pictures I could share if needed. The same ones I had sent to you in an email back when I was still in Sweden.

 

[Guillaume]

Andrew
Thanks to know that because I am in progress to buy a rip , I dont know what to do now ,and Drew what is the product what you have let us know its inportant for all off us .
And the truth comes always above its sooner or later, but better sooner.
:2thumbs:

 

[Fibersnake]

Sounds like you now have a personal issue with KMW.

If he had 10 out 10 that had problems, I think anyone would have a personal issue with them.

Wasn't there but even if it was 1 out 10, that is pretty bad rate-you have to admit.

Maybe it was just bad luck of the draw, but without too much feedback from owners of the RIP kit or for that matter KMW, does raise a legit question.

 

[KaptinAmerika]

Can't argue that point

I sell the kit and back it
I have sold a dozen to date with one minor issue that I re the customer.

Andrew raises some valid points most definitely.
Based on my experience, the kits are well assembled, durable, well labeled and easy to install. KMW does seem to be lacking in the customer service area, QC and availability of clear instructions though. I have communicated these issues to them and can only hope that communication and feedback from this forum will help them along their way.

The kit Brew is referring to is made by Deadonecustoms.
If I'm not mistaken its the same setup that KMW is doing just packaged differently and priced slightly higher.
As Brew stated, I have no personal experience with the kit, it came with clear instructions and a wiring schematic.

I do agree with Andrew in regards to the OEM EHC, 08 and newer, being the best choice.

 

[Fibersnake]

Can't argue that point

I sell the kit and back it
I have sold a dozen to date with one minor issue that I resolved for the customer.

Andrew raises some valid points most definitely.
Based on my experience, the kits are well assembled, durable, well labeled and easy to install. KMW does seem to be lacking in the customer service area, QC and availability of clear instructions though. I have communicated these issues to them and can only hope that communication and feedback from this forum will help them along their way.

It is good to know that you are backing it and shows your good customer service which always help. On KMW, have not dealt with them and if they are lacking in the areas you mentioned, hopefully with your communications they will address such and help all to resolve any issue that may arise the same that we all would expect from any vendor.

Just know when and if the PDM fails or acts up, for me will get just go old school and back to basic with good wiring, relays and simplified controls.

Best to you

 

[07bigdog]

Sorry to hear about your bad experiences with the R.I.P. kit Andrew. I recently purchased one, but haven't installed it yet. Mine was purchased from WSW and I was assured that the harness is checked out before being shipped out to the customer. I hope I don't have any problems like you had.