Forum

[MickB]

I have bought a sat nav for my EFI and would like to hard wire the external power supply cable into the system. The manual says to connect directly to the battery but to save a lot of work removing the tank etc, I would prefer to take a live feed from inside the headlamp shell. Two questions: 1) has anyone done this and if so, where is the best place to take the live feed from and 2) there is a large in-line choke on the wire measuring 7cms by 2.5cms. Is this really neccessary or can I take it off or replace it with a smaller one. Thank you in advance. Mick.

[Norm]

Mick it always concerns me when people who are unsure start messing with wiring, in particular on these EFI where the wiring is dodgy at best and when things turn ugly it can be difficult to rectify. I would think an auto elec is your safest bet

[MickB]

Norm, you've probably remembered my last wiring mishap... I will get it done at Harley Davidson when I take the bike in for its 6k service. It would be nice to know if the live can be taken from the headlight shell rather than the battery before it goes in so I'm not persuaded to pay more for work that is not necessary.

[PeteF]

I wouldn't change that choke (if that's all it is) The unit is going to be very voltage sensitive whereas the bike electrics will be fairly inaccurate. If that's the size they fit then its probably needed. That's also probably why they advise wiring direct to the battery where the voltage will at least be fairly stable if not accurate. Do the EFIs earth back through the head bearings like most bikes? If so, the voltage could well be all over the place in the headlamp shell. OK for lamps, horns and such but not for electronics like a sat-nav.
I always fit an earth strap round the head bearings on all my bikes.

[Scalyback]

Pole with hand, bike go bang.



Confused -us

[Scalyback]

Was supposed to be "poke"

[Les]

I would check if the satnav you have continues to charge when switched off before you connect it direct to the battery also does it have a fuse if it is still live when off you will have to remove it when the bike is not running

[Gwilly]

Mick check the sat nav for voltage required on data panel, some like Garmins require 5vdc... cut off the "choke" and wire to 12volts turns it into a toaster..

If you must wire to ignition then tap into the supply live to the front brake switch, connector in headlight..

I have an optimate cable permanently connected to the battery, fused as standard, with a water proof plug in the tool box.

They do accessory plug in adaptors, ie cigar lighters which are waterproof, also extension leads which could be used to power the sat nav and be unplugged and removed for security reasons if the bike is left parked on the street...


http://www.optimate.co.uk/sae76.htm

[Norm]

Mick, I now recall something about a wiring mishap. Last place I would take any bike would be to a Harley place unless you feel the need to be ripped off. Pulling the tank off to run a couple of wires for it is the least of the problems

[Leon Novello]

Just get a bracket made at your local metal workshop to take a cigarette lighter housing. You can then wire into a live from the battery, fit a fuse if you like. Then you can remove the cable from the socket when you park. Mine is mounted under the seat, onto one of the seat studs.
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