Trystan Casey
Connecting electrical accessories to a motorcycle can greatly improve the riding experience, making it safer, more comfortable, and more enjoyable. However, it is important to do so correctly to avoid electrical issues, battery drain, and overloading the electrical system. This can be achieved by using high-quality wires and connectors, ensuring accessories are only powered when the ignition is on, and monitoring power draw with a voltmeter.
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What You'll Learn
Using a switched live connector
To use a switched live connector, you need to find a live (positive) wire on your bike that only has power when the ignition is on. Taillight circuits are a good option for this. Once you've located the wire, use the supplied connector to bridge into it. Then, connect this to the designated wire on your accessory, such as the white wire on the ThunderBox. This will allow your electrical accessories to power on only when the ignition is on.
It's important to note that you should not connect accessories directly to your motorcycle's battery. This can lead to issues such as accessories drawing power until they are manually turned off, which can drain your battery. Instead, consider using a distribution block to keep your wiring organised and centralise the power supply for your accessories.
When installing electrical accessories, it's crucial to use high-quality wires and connectors to prevent electrical issues. Ensure that your bike's charging system can handle the additional load of the accessories. Verify the health of your battery and calculate the total power drain of your accessories to ensure you don't exceed the limits of your bike's electrical system.
By following these steps and using a switched live connector, you can safely and effectively add electrical accessories to your motorcycle, enhancing your riding experience, safety, and comfort.
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Connecting to the ignition circuit
Connecting electrical accessories to the ignition circuit of a motorcycle can be a convenient way to power accessories such as GPS units, phone chargers, or auxiliary lights. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to safely connect electrical accessories to your motorcycle's ignition circuit:
Locate the Ignition Switch:
The first step is to locate your motorcycle's ignition switch. The ignition switch is typically located near the steering head, under the fuel tank, or on the side of the motorcycle. It's the switch you use to start your motorcycle. Once you've located the ignition switch, you'll need to identify the wires coming out of it. There should be at least three wires: one for the ignition, one for the accessory, and one for the ground.
Identify the Ignition Wire:
To identify the ignition wire, you can use a voltage tester or a multimeter. With the key out of the ignition, set your voltage tester to the DC voltage setting and touch the probe to each wire coming out of the ignition switch. The wire that shows voltage is the ignition wire. If you're using a multimeter, set it to the appropriate voltage setting and place the probes on each wire to identify the ignition wire.
Connect to the Ignition Wire:
Once you've identified the ignition wire, you'll need to decide how to connect your accessory. You can either splice into the wire or use a fuse tap. If you're splicing into the wire, make sure to use a soldering iron and heat-shrink tubing to create a secure and waterproof connection. It is recommended to use a fuse tap as it is safer and easier. A fuse tap connects to the ignition wire and provides a fuse-protected output for your accessory. This helps protect your motorcycle's electrical system and your accessory in case of a short circuit.
Connect the Accessory:
Now, you can connect your accessory to the other end of the fuse tap or the spliced wire. Make sure your accessory is properly grounded to the motorcycle's frame or a common ground. If your accessory has a power wire and a ground wire, connect the power wire to the output of the fuse tap or the spliced wire. Ensure that all connections are insulated with heat-shrink tubing or electrical tape to prevent short circuits.
Test the Connection:
Once you've made all the connections, it's time to test. Turn the key to the ignition position and check if your accessory turns on. If it doesn't work, recheck your connections and ensure that your accessory is functioning properly. If it works, congratulations! You've successfully connected an electrical accessory to your motorcycle's ignition circuit.
Remember to take all necessary safety precautions when working with your motorcycle's electrical system. Always use fuses and fuse taps to protect your bike's electrical system and your accessories. If you're unsure about any part of the process, consult a professional or a knowledgeable motorcycle electrician.
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Using a power distribution box
Connecting multiple electrical accessories directly to a motorcycle battery can be problematic. If you hook up multiple accessories, the top of your battery can end up looking like a tangled mess of wires. This can affect the reliability of your bike's electrical system.
A power distribution box is a great solution to this problem. It allows you to hook up multiple electrical accessories in one place of your choosing, keeping your wiring neat and tidy. The distribution box typically runs directly off the battery, with the relay getting its power from a running light or another switched source.
The relay will power the entire distribution block and its accessories at once, and then power them down as soon as you turn the key off, preventing accidental battery discharge. This is similar to how a car's electrical system works: turn off the car, and the radio turns off.
When installing a power distribution box, you will need to splice into a running light and the corresponding wire (often blue) by squeezing them together with a pair of pliers. Then, clip on a plug to attach this wire to the relay. Place an inline fuse as close to the battery as possible, soldering it to the power wire, or using a solder-less clip. Finally, attach the power wire to the relay, and you are ready to attach your accessories.
A power distribution box is a simple and effective way to add electrical accessories to your motorcycle without the risk of damaging your bike's electrical system or draining your battery.
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Wiring accessories to a motorcycle without an accessory circuit
If your motorcycle does not have an accessory circuit, you can still wire accessories to it. However, you should be mindful of your motorcycle's battery before adding electrical equipment, as they might draw too much power from your motorcycle's charging system.
Firstly, you should get a copy of your bike's wiring diagram and find a non-critical circuit. Ensure that the circuit is suited to your power needs. The wattage that your accessories draw should be well below the power limit of the circuit. For example, if the circuit has a 5-amp fuse, make sure you are using considerably less than 60 watts.
You can then add an SAE connector to your bike. The SAE connector has two plugs that fit into each other. One has insulation all around it, and the other does not. This is useful because if your motorcycle's frame is grounded to the battery, you can create a short circuit if a stray positive wire touches the frame. However, if you wire the insulated end of the SAE connector to power, you do not need to worry about this.
Finally, you can add an accessory. Just add an SAE end to the accessory and plug it in. Since the power output from your motorcycle's power system is on the insulated pin of the connector, the power input to your accessory must be on the uninsulated pin of the connector.
To prevent electrical issues, make sure to use high-quality wires and connectors. You can also seal the new connection with heat shrink, which is a longer-lasting and more water-resistant solution than electrical tape.
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Preventing electrical issues
Use High-Quality Wires and Connectors: One of the most important aspects of preventing electrical issues is to use high-quality wires and connectors. This ensures that the electrical system can handle the power demands of the accessories and reduces the risk of short circuits.
Opt for Solid Relays: Solid relays are more expensive than mechanical relays, but they draw less power, increasing the life and performance of your battery. This can help prevent electrical issues stemming from excessive power draw.
Properly Manage Power Draw: Aftermarket electrical accessories can draw too much power from your motorcycle's charging system, leading to a dead battery. It is important to be mindful of your motorcycle's battery capacity and not overload it with too many power-hungry accessories. Consider using a ThunderBox, which manages power delivery and ensures that accessories only draw power when the engine is running.
Prevent Corrosion: Corrosion is a common issue that can lead to electrical problems. To prevent corrosion, make sure to use anti-corrosion grease or spray on your plugs, joins, and terminations. This will help stop the vicious cycle of corrosion causing increased heat and further corrosion.
Choose Reliable Accessories: Opt for factory-made accessories from well-known brands instead of cheap aftermarket ones. Cheap accessories may be poorly made, leading to electrical issues. Additionally, consider getting a switched live connector, which only powers accessories when the ignition is on, preventing accidental battery drainage.
Regular Maintenance and Troubleshooting: Electrical issues can often be prevented through regular maintenance and troubleshooting. Check your wires for rust or poor insulation, ensure proper wire placement, and keep them clean and free from moisture. Familiarize yourself with common electrical issues and their solutions, and don't hesitate to seek professional help if needed.
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Frequently asked questions
Electrical accessories can make riding safer, more comfortable, and enjoyable. Some examples include strobing brake lights, phone charging ports, stereo systems, speakers, auxiliary lights, GPS, heated vests and grips, and MP3 players.
There are several issues to be mindful of when connecting electrical accessories to your motorcycle. Firstly, electrical accessories can draw too much power from your motorcycle's charging system, leading to a dead battery. Secondly, electrical malfunctions can occur due to poorly insulated wires, loose connections, or wires placed near hot motorcycle parts. Lastly, adding multiple circuits can create a tangled mess of wires, further increasing the risk of electrical issues.
To avoid draining your motorcycle's battery, use factory-made accessories from reputable brands instead of cheap aftermarket options. Additionally, consider using a splitter or OEM sockets to safely distribute power without overloading the battery. You can also opt for a switched live connection, which only powers accessories when the ignition is on.
A switched live connection is a connector built into the motorcycle specifically for adding electrical accessories. It remains inactive until you turn on the ignition, at which point it delivers power to the accessories. This prevents accessories from running continuously and draining the battery.
Here are some quick tips for wiring electrical accessories to your motorcycle:
- Consult your bike's wiring diagram to identify a suitable non-critical circuit for powering accessories.
- Ensure the circuit can handle the power requirements of the accessories by calculating the total wattage draw.
- Use high-quality wires and connectors to prevent electrical issues and short circuits.
- Consider using a power distribution box or a voltmeter to monitor power draw and simplify wiring.
