Electrical connections
Moderator: Moderators
Electrical connections
What is out there as far electrical connections for accessories? Are there OEM outlets for accessories or is there aftermarket items that are best. What accessories are considered ok and how many are to many. I don't want to look like a dork out there. I am new to this. Thanks in advance for your help....
2 choices for power. Direct from the battery or the accessory plug.
Many devices have BMW accessory plugs, and there is even a accessory plug adapter that converts into a cigarette lighter plug. This is good for charging cellphones, etc while riding.
Direct to battery requires removing or at least lifting the gas tank.
The bike can run a lot of stuff while riding. I use a XM radio (direct) and a GPS or Gerbing heated clothes. (accessory)
What types of accessories are you considering?
Many devices have BMW accessory plugs, and there is even a accessory plug adapter that converts into a cigarette lighter plug. This is good for charging cellphones, etc while riding.
Direct to battery requires removing or at least lifting the gas tank.
The bike can run a lot of stuff while riding. I use a XM radio (direct) and a GPS or Gerbing heated clothes. (accessory)
What types of accessories are you considering?
Freedom is dangerous. Those in power that steal freedom are more dangerous.
-
iowabeakster
- Quadruple Lifer
- Posts: 1962
- Joined: Mon Mar 21, 2005 5:43 am
- Location: iowa city, ia
Mike another choice would be to run your accessories from a new circuit on the fuse box using a cool little gadget called an "Add A Circuit", made by Littlefuse.
You remove a fuse, let's say one that controls a circuit like the grip heaters (so it goes off when you power down the bike). You insert the Add a Fuse in its place, and insert your removed grip heater fuse in the fuse slot in the Add A Fuse. From the bottom this device looks like a regular fuse (with 2 regular blades that go into a fuse slot), but from the top it kinda looks like 2 fuses. It it has a positive lead on it you would use to power a device. The lead goes to one of the fuses, and of course your original fuse controls the original circuit you've tapped into. In this pic it's installed in Slot 46.
I used this set up on my RR with no problems.
You remove a fuse, let's say one that controls a circuit like the grip heaters (so it goes off when you power down the bike). You insert the Add a Fuse in its place, and insert your removed grip heater fuse in the fuse slot in the Add A Fuse. From the bottom this device looks like a regular fuse (with 2 regular blades that go into a fuse slot), but from the top it kinda looks like 2 fuses. It it has a positive lead on it you would use to power a device. The lead goes to one of the fuses, and of course your original fuse controls the original circuit you've tapped into. In this pic it's installed in Slot 46.
I used this set up on my RR with no problems.
Tony
Lifetime #156
2013 K1600GT
Lifetime #156
2013 K1600GT
Mike, still another options, I was running three different taps right off of the battery, lights, a gps and a line for a heated liner. Dont know if those mucked up my battery, but after about 4 months, my battery developed problems. I really think it was just age, but it got me thinking that I should clean up the mess a bit. I got a Centech fuse panel from cycel gadets and just installed it today. Now I have just two leads off of each battery terminal, and a fuse panel to handle all of my add ons. It is a tight fit on the R, if you dont have ABS, would fit no problem. But with ABS, it is tight. Should make it easier for the shop guys though when they are into the bike.
Aux electrics
We've also gone the Centech AP-1 aux fusebox route... after all, they do advertise in the Owners News!
Sillyjax's R1150R Centech install has worked well since last season, though we had an e-gremlin that pulled down the battery charge over the winter... seems ok now though.
My Centech AP-1 needs to be installed this week in the Rockster, if I want all my e-gizmos to work during the Memorial Day road trip. Will tackle the project in the next couple days and take some pics.
Sweatmark & Sillyjax
Oregon
His & Hers R1150Rs
Sillyjax's R1150R Centech install has worked well since last season, though we had an e-gremlin that pulled down the battery charge over the winter... seems ok now though.
My Centech AP-1 needs to be installed this week in the Rockster, if I want all my e-gizmos to work during the Memorial Day road trip. Will tackle the project in the next couple days and take some pics.
Sweatmark & Sillyjax
Oregon
His & Hers R1150Rs
Like sweatmark says, the Centech fuse panels are nice. I bought a cheap-o fuse panel from my local auto parts store and used a relay to supply power to it from the battery. The relay is switched from the tail light (not the brakelight!!) and works great. I hid the relay and fuse panel under the left rear side panel on the bike.
This is a picture of it when I was replacing/upgrading my GPS and adding an I-Pod adapter:
This is a picture of it when I was replacing/upgrading my GPS and adding an I-Pod adapter:
John
Member 293 (I think)
'17 Triumph Tiger 1200 XRX
Member 293 (I think)
'17 Triumph Tiger 1200 XRX