Battery And Accessory Connections, Etc.

[mrclubike]

Like Bob said The Eager Beaver stuff is fantastic
This would be perfect to use
http://www.easternbeaver.com/Main/Wiring_Kits/Fuseboxes/Wiring_Kits/wiring_kits.html

[mrclubike]

Thanks for the details!  Those pins are ridiculous and if I am looking at the correct switch it's $99?!?!?!  I found a generic one a while back that almost fits that spot but not exactly because of the "point" there.  I do like the idea of using the correct parts that fit.  I'll have to see if I can stomach the price on Motobins.  Until then, probably my rigged version.

It looks like the plug is 61 13 1 243 674 - CIRCULAR CONNECTOR - BLUE, is that correct?

How many positions are on that switch?  From reading your wiring description above, you have High and Low beam?  Is there an Off position as well?

 No the factory switch is just on and off
It does have a back position that is momentary  on but goes to off when the toggle is let go

Yes that is the blue conector

The blue connector has a high and low beam wire it is just a connector not a switch connector you have to build a harness to hook to it   going to the various components

You would use the low beam wire to trigger fog lights and the High beam circuit to trigger driving lights

[mrclubike]

Here is the switch from MOTO BINS
Not priced to bad if you need some other stuff to cut down on shipping

[BPT]

Ok, I think I am understanding a little more clearly now.  Sorry, I thought that you meant that was how you were using the plug (High/Low/Etc.).  I have some LED's that I am going to put on the sidecar, I'm guessing similar to your driving lights (but not as nice!).  So simple on/off is all I need for that.

I have just received an order from Motobins yesterday (naturally).  But I guess it doesn't take much effort to put together another one with more things that I "need".  I'll have to consider those switches, I like the integrated look.

Thanks for all of the answers - especially being specific and making things simple.  Much appreciated.

[BPT]

Almost forgot - when you said that the wiring harness above would be perfect, did you mean as a horn relay?

[mrclubike]

Almost forgot - when you said that the wiring harness above would be perfect, did you mean as a horn relay?

Yes that type of set up can be used to power anything,
It would be used to take the amp load  off of the existing switches  and related wiring.
I have a total of nine relays  
The only switch that is still carrying the original load is the "kill switch"

[BPT]

Wow, nine?  Did you add these because you've added extra or more powerful stuff?  Or you just want to improve on the original system?

And related to my original question, other than your blue plug, do you have any other type of fuse box or block to make your connections?  Or is the blue plug and battery enough for you?

[georgesgiralt]

There is a problem reducing load on the original switches.
They where designed to carry the load they see on an OEM bike.
If you reduce this load too much, they will fail. The load "cleans" them at every switch operation. If the current is reduced this cleaning is not done and oxidation increase the switch resistance up to a failure.
Contacts for low voltage/low current switches  are quite different (and very often gold plated).
If, on the other hand, the relay you install do not have a diode across the coil, the cleaning function could still be present because of the current spike seen when de-energizing the relay.
hope  this  helps.

[BPT]

Umm, not sure if that helps or not George?  Are you saying that you shouldn't reduce the load then?  I'm guessing you mean only reduce if you are adding something that would increase it (therefore making it "even")?

[montmil]

Like Bob said The Eager Beaver stuff is fantastic
This would be perfect to use
http://www.easternbeaver.com/Main/Wiring_Kits/Fuseboxes/Wiring_Kits/wiring_kits.html

Read on the BMW Airlist that Eastern Beaver has ceased operations.  

[BPT]

Really?!?  I was just on their website looking to prepare an order.  Did it say if that was very recent?

[Bob_Roller]

Can't tell by their website, as to whether they are still in business .

I think I'd hold off on placing an order with them .

It was a one man operation, maybe medical / health issues .

You may want to start looking for parts to make up your own harness .

Here's a link to the companies email .

http://www.easternbeaver.com/Main/Company/Contact/contact.html

[BPT]

A harness I figure I can do (with some help from you all here).  I'd need help with types of relays and stuff but I can put it together myself.  I was already planning to order some other things from there - pieces and parts - for some other projects.  Just a coincidence that we were talking about EB here.

I knew it was a one man shop so it doesn't take much to cause a problem.  But as you saw with the website, there's no indication there.

That's a shame.  He had a good rep and looked to supply quality stuff with good prices.  Lots of good info there also.

[Bob_Roller]

I've seen 12VDC 30A relays at Radio Shack, if you have any near you .

The chain type auto parts usually carry them as well .

Fry's Electronics also has a selection of 12VDC relays, if there are any in your area .

[BPT]

I have some Radio Shacks around although I wasn't sure what the remaining ones still stock.  Also have a Fry's near work and there are a few others (Altex, maybe?  and we have Mauser in the area).  If nothing else I can always order online.  

For me, it would be a matter of needing to know which to buy and where it would need to go.  When it came time to put one together I was planning to ask you all here.  But thought that I might go ahead and get some to have on hand for the future if I was going to order some other stuff from EB.  As I said about the horn, I still have to weenie single one, adding a bigger, better one will be in the future but no plans for that yet.