Kawasaki Concours Forum
The C10, aka Kawasaki Concours - The Original => Accessories and Modifications - C10 => Topic started by: Texanrider on May 17, 2011, 08:07:09 AM
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Sorry for posting this but I am not the sharpest when it comes to electrical farkles.
I want to add 2 12V accessory outlets to my connie, one on the top left panel (next to the instrument cluster) and one on the left side panel about knee high next to the tank. The top outlet would be set up for powering my GPS and the bottom outlet would be to plug and charge anything in my tank bag like cell phone, ipod, etc.
My questions:
What power outlets should I purchase?
Any advice on wiring and routing electrical cables?
Is there anything I am not taking into consideration?
Thanks!
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I mounted a weather-proof (has a rubber cap) cigarette outlet in my left fairing pocket. It is connected to the original accessory leads (10A?) just below the pocket inside the fairing. They are "hot" all the time. I use it to plug my GPS into and just close the door back over the cord. There is enough flex so it doesn't hurt it. I also carry a splitter under the seat I got from Walmart that will plug into it if I need two outlats at anytime. Keep in mind that You should only use this for low amp draws. If you want to run a compressor, you should probably be pulling straight off the battery. Don't plug heated gear in here either.
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Murph has the sockets http://www.murphskits.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=1_92&products_id=259 (http://www.murphskits.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=1_92&products_id=259) , and I also used the accessory leads under the left fairing pocket, but installed a relay triggered by the left front running light so the socket was only on when the ignition is on. I have a second outlet under the seat that is always "hot", I can charge my phone while riding and it is still in range of my bluetooth helmet communications (Sena SMH-10).
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If you mount it at the top left of the fairing (or anyplace else for that matter that you have to remove something) be careful you do not hardwire the outlet. In my case the PO hardwired it and I am unable to remove that part of the fairing without redoing the wire. I haven't wanted to do that yet, but soon.
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Anybody here use an Eklipes? Seems pretty foolproof and flexible as far as location...
http://www.eklipes.com/ (http://www.eklipes.com/)
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True that Tim!
I like the plugs from Murph cause they have that quick disconnect. I went ahead and bought a couple today. Can's wait to test them out!
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I mounted a weather-proof (has a rubber cap) cigarette outlet in my left fairing pocket. It is connected to the original accessory leads (10A?) just below the pocket inside the fairing. They are "hot" all the time. I use it to plug my GPS into and just close the door back over the cord. There is enough flex so it doesn't hurt it. I also carry a splitter under the seat I got from Walmart that will plug into it if I need two outlats at anytime. Keep in mind that You should only use this for low amp draws. If you want to run a compressor, you should probably be pulling straight off the battery. Don't plug heated gear in here either.
Which leads are the accessory leads?
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There are two sets. One set is under the seat near the black box mounted on the fender, the other is under the left side inner fairing panel, sort of where the bottom of the fairing pocket would be. They both have clear connectors on the end and are kind of secured together (at least on my bike). Mine are female bullet connectors (I think they all are).
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Can you tell me which color wire is positive & negative and what kind of connectors do you need to "plug in" to the leads?
~Rick~
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I used the standard sized (if there is such a thing) bullet connectors. They will push right in. I can't open the bike up and look at the moment, but from the wiring diagram in the repair manual, the wire coming from the (+) on the battery is listed as W/R, meaning white with a red stripe. I believe that black with a yellow stripe is usually the ground wire on the Concours. Of course use a test light to verify this so you don't burn anything up.
The diagram also shows a W/BL (White with blue stripe) near it in the picture, maybe this is the rear (+) one?
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Thanks. I took a look at mine last night and you are right about the colors. It looks like there are 2 holes for bullet connectors on each wire. Is that true or does mine have a different type of connector?
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I think mine had that, but I can't remember, I haven't been in there for a while.
Just becareful what you power off of this connection. Regular chargers for phones and GPS are fine. Do not run an air compressor from this or you will probably burn up the wires in the harness. Also, it is "hot" all the time, so don't let it kill your battery.
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you have the correct connector. Each one has two connections.
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If you want a very clean look - go with the Power-lets that Murph sells, or buy them direct - either way. If you want to plucg in a normal auto cigarette lighter - you'll have to go in a diofferen direction.
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RFH87_Connie I'm just using this to charge a cell phone or power the GPS.
Snarf - thanks. I guess that you could run 2 accessories from these leads. I'm only using one so I'll plug one bullet connector into the positive and negative leads and let the 2nd hole open.
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RFH87_Connie I'm just using this to charge a cell phone or power the GPS.
Snarf - thanks. I guess that you could run 2 accessories from these leads. I'm only using one so I'll plug one bullet connector into the positive and negative leads and let the 2nd hole open.
Go back and read the second post from the top if you haven't already.
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http://c10mods.blogspot.com/2011/07/adding-power-outlet-to-dash.html (http://c10mods.blogspot.com/2011/07/adding-power-outlet-to-dash.html)
I am surprised you did not find the links I did when looking into this idea. So here's my two cents worth on the 12v accessory outlet project, complete with pictures.
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I read it and re-read it. Thanks.
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OK - I'm the master of the cheap mod I admit, but found a weatherproof 12v outlet at walmart for $8 or so :)
Has a nice springloaded cap, and mount. Used zipties to mount it to the triple tree right next to the ignition. Worked like a champ, and can't beat the price.
Another alternative if you want to flush mount something in a plastic panel - Harley (don't shoot me) has one for $20 in dealerships that is designed for their touring models. Works like a charm, and a piece of electrical tape easily covers that pesky logo on the cap!
Edit - I have a C14, just noticed this was related to the C10. May still apply though, just need different mounting location I suspect... My apologies
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I used dual stainless steel and plastic cigar lighters with waterproof caps, West Marine $18
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I think what Snarf meant was that there are two bullets for each location.
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I found a cheap socket at radio shack and mounted it in my topcase so I can charge my phone on the fly and itll be safe and soundi nside the case. I drilled a tiny hole in the case, added a grommet and made the wires quick disconnect so I can still remove the case easy (not like I ever remove the case anyway).
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The previous owner evidently tapped into and existing wire set to connect the outlet on my fairing, but it is hard mounted so I cannot easily remove the fairing. I can only remove it partially. Eventually I will fix that by using the twist connectors (brain fart, I can't remember the name). Then I can easily remove the fairing, or at least easier.
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twist connectors (brain fart, I can't remember the name).
I hope you're not talking about wire nuts!? Buy some propper insulated male/female crimp connectors or a pair of SAE connectors and solder and shrink wrap them in.
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Where is a good place to buy the SAE connectors? Most of the ones I see on eBay, etc. are quite small wire gauge like 16 - 18. I would like to get some with beefier wires, although I'm not sure what the current rating for the actual connectors is. Anybody know?
Dave
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I would just check the local auto parts store, or even a department store with a decent auto section. NAPA has several in the trailer towing section of their catalog, part # NW 784640, it's also 18ga. There are a few others as well.