Method for locating switched circuit for accessory

razzanrohr · 04-19-2009, 1:18 PM

First, I have a 2001 929. I also have a Garmin Zumo GPS that I would like to wire up.

Can someone recommend the best way to:

1. Locate a switch circuit that I can power this device from.

2. What sort of method I would use to tap into that circuit.

Thanks in advance for your help on this.

Good riding!

derf · 04-21-2009, 11:17 PM

Here is a writeup I did on adding a power outlet on my 900rr for another site.

This is the LINK to the original post

So a few weeks ago I started another thread here about adding some power adapters to my bike. So far I added one, with plans to add one more under my rear seat. The plan was to tap into the stock electrical system as little as possible, in fact there is just one connection to the stock system, at the horn power wire (the horn wont mess with any other systems, thanks Phenix_Rider), the rest of the system is a complete stand alone wire harness.

Here is the scematic that I followed. Plus I added a fuse between the battery and the fuse box.

http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/905/n...icalsystem.png

Anyway here is the start of the bracket that holds the power outlet and the volt/clock. this was actually the 3rd attempt, the first 2 I had issues with stuff rubbing and or getting in the way of either the handlebars or the clutch cable. I wound up deciding to put the power outlet out the side vs up or in the center, this looks like it will work the best.

http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/7916/wires002.jpg

Here is a picture of the almost finished product where the power outlet plugs in the side.

http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/9395/wires003.jpg

This is the power system under the seat. I made a bracket to move the CPU over and hold the electrical box. Notice the relay switch above the fuse box, and the main fuse to the left of the fuse box.

http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/1008/wires004e.jpg

This is the finished Dash, notice the key is in the off position and all the LED's aren't lit.

http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/5971/wires006q.jpg

This is the finished Dash, notice the key is in the on position and all the LED's are lit. SUCESS!!!

http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/4434/wires007.jpg

razzanrohr · 04-23-2009, 4:36 PM

Thanks derf. Very well done.

What I am trying to do is find the best source for the switched bike power.

The upper left-hand point in your diagram:

http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/905/n...icalsystem.png

Where did you make your connection? Was it in the stock fuse block?

thelastosirus · 04-24-2009, 7:26 AM

Just tap into the low beam wire. It's switched, can handle another 1 amp, and you don't have to disassemble your bike to get to it.

razzanrohr · 04-24-2009, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thelastosirus

Just tap into the low beam wire. It's switched, can handle another 1 amp, and you don't have to disassemble your bike to get to it.

Excellent! Now we're making progress!

Now I am sure that I will be able to locate this wire. Suggestions on how to tap into it? I've been told those snap tap devices suck. Someone mentioned "ringing" the wire?

thelastosirus · 04-24-2009, 2:20 PM

If you get the 3M brand of those t-taps, then you shouldn't have any problems. They are still hands-down the easiest way to tap into a wire, although not the most secure method. I use them often enough, and I am critical about my electrical installations. If you wrap electrical tape around the taps, you'll have a good, long lasting, trouble-free connection.

Easiest way to find the wire is to trace it back starting directly at the bulb. Make sure you don't mix up + and (-).

razzanrohr · 04-24-2009, 2:25 PM

And you think it's OK to do the headlight wire? I would think that's a pretty critical connection to be tapping into. I don't mind taking my bike apart, I've done it a hundred times. What about wiring directly to the fuse box?

thelastosirus · 04-30-2009, 9:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by razzanrohr

And you think it's OK to do the headlight wire? I would think that's a pretty critical connection to be tapping into. I don't mind taking my bike apart, I've done it a hundred times. What about wiring directly to the fuse box?

I have done a dozen connections to the headlight wires of bikes. No problems on any. I have my heated grips (uses 4A) tapped into my low beam wire on my Blade now. Sure you can go into the fuse box, but I thought the point was an easy connection?

razzanrohr · 05-03-2009, 7:21 PM

What about the right front running light wire? These jumped right out at me when I took my cover off.

I have the blue wire, which is the running light, the blue/white wire, which is the turn signal wire and the green ground. The blue/white reports 10.8 volts when I put a multi meter to the blue and green wires.

What do you think?

thelastosirus · 05-04-2009, 5:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by razzanrohr

What about the right front running light wire? These jumped right out at me when I took my cover off.

I have the blue wire, which is the running light, the blue/white wire, which is the turn signal wire and the green ground. The blue/white reports 10.8 volts when I put a multi meter to the blue and green wires.

What do you think?

You probably can, but I don't know if the running lights are on a separate fuse.(if it is, you might have to increase the fuse rating by 1 or 2 amps) Shouldn't be a problem though. What I would check is your battery voltage... 10.8 is a pretty low. You must not have rode in awhile. You need to charge it.