How easy it REALLY is to install EzCan/CanSmart

[knight2f6]

Hi folks,
a question for those who have either EzCan or CanSmart. I have a '23 1250RT. the bike runs great but I feel like there is not enough light for visibility in the back. I like to add something to enhance it, especially when breaking. After research, it looks like I can get one of these to connect to CanBus on the bike to program the lights. I AM NOT currently looking to add any new auxiliary lights, but just to improve visibility given what is already on the bike.
Every video that I have looked at shows me how "easy" it is to hook up the EzCan to the canBus, plug into the battery, and bam, the lights can be programmed. Looking at some other videos, it is implied that you have to rewire all your connections through your EzCan. Which is a significant task, for me at least. So, I have a few questions for you:

a- why is it that 99% of all how-to instructions are for GS models and none for RT? Is there an easier/different way to programming RTs?
b- Is connecting the EzCan to the CanBus sufficient for you to be able to program existing lights and auxiliary devices, or does one need to rewire everything through EzCan and basically throw away all the current wiring for front and back lights, horn, and auxiliary, etc. (I know horn keeps its current wire but requires an additional wire to be added)
c- lastly, is there a better way to do this, that I am missing?

thanks for your help

Kayvon

[EasyRider]

Its all plug and play into the RDC which is just under the rear luggage rack.
Then just the + & - to connect to the battery. No coding by BMW needed.
They are both made by Hex and have a built in trip fuse for each plug.
All you need is a laptop to set the ezcan or cansmart up for what you are adding to it.
Running the new wires to the lights is the hardest part.
I have both the ezcan and cansmart fitted together and am using all 8 plugs to run all my add-ons.
Both the ezcan and cansmart have loads of setting for how you want the lights to work.
I have 6 extra lights fitted to the front.
Top pair only come on on high beam, and flash when i press the horn. (using 2 plugs)
Middle Pair are on all the time set to 30% as DRL and 100% high beam. (using 1 plug)
Lower pair are on all the time set to 30% as DRL and 100% high beam. (using 1 plug)
I also have 2 extra brake lights fitted. (using 1 plug)
My Zumo XL is connected and turns off after 5 sec once bike is turned off (using 1 plug)
my Innovv K7 is connected and turns off after 30 sec once the bike is turned off ( using 1 plug)
You can set the accessories in the ezcan or cansmart to turn off from 0 sec to 60 seconds.
I also have a Denali SB horn fitted (using 1 plug)

[knight2f6]

Thanks for the confirmation

[Capt Sisko]

b- Is connecting the EzCan to the CanBus sufficient for you to be able to program existing lights and auxiliary devices, or does one need to rewire everything through EzCan and basically throw away all the current wiring for front and back lights, horn, and auxiliary, etc. (I know horn keeps its current wire but requires an additional wire to be added)

No, the EzCan works in harmony with existing lights, but you can't program them through it. By in harmony I mean that you can for example alter the brightness of auxillary lights depending whether its night or day or high & low beam, but not the OEM ones You can make the extra brake light flash and do other stuff, but again not the OEM one. Similarly you can make auxillary lights strobe with the hazzards or horn. The OEM lights will all work just a before and all the OEM wiring is both retained & connected as before.

I put a EzCan on my '18 R1250RT about two years ago, it lives in the small space behind rear seat and I've never had a single issue with it or the Denali lights etc I've wired through it. In fact their wiring looms are well made, males & females click together and whilst the whole set up isn't cheap, you are buying quality.