Where did you mount your Centech AP1 ?

[wit61]

My Centech AP1 is on the way, and I would like to see where/how you mounted yours. Is the tool tray the preferred location ? Pics are highly appreciated. TIA.

07 R1200GS

[wsteinborn]

On my R1200RT it is velcroed to the top of the rear wheel well, below the passenger seat.

I need better pics some day:

http://www.dustyjacket.com/mc/r1200rt/centech.jpg

[Burnszilla]

I put my Blue Sea fuse box in the tail. All my wires are zip tied to the inside frame and are unnoticeable. Most tool box installs I've seen look like a box of spaghetti. JMO. I know it will be a small pain to get at the fuses, but how often do you blow a fuse?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/burnszilla/sets/72157594480069388/
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/162/357790010_e5625472db.jpg

[deilenberger]

R1200R:

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l100/deilenberger/centech%20fuse%20box/CentechFusePanel011.jpg

The feed has a 30A fuse in line - that is centered between the two transverse frame rails for protection and ease of access. The coiled wiring is excess wire for my built-in Heatroller.

[downhillhunter]

CAN I REWIRE THE BRAKE/TAIL LIGHT THROUGH IT TO GET MY LED "BRAKE!" FLASHING BRAKE LIGHT TO WORK?

CURRENTLY WHEN I HOOK IT UP, THE SYSTEM SEES IT AS A BURNT OUT BULB.

OR WILL THE SYSTEM STILL SEE IT AS A BURNT OUT BULB?

#%@* IT!

DOWNHILL HUNTER

I'm thinking of making outrigger skis for my 1200. Cold I can handle. Suprise doughnuts at 60 MPH..I can't.

[deilenberger]

CAN I REWIRE THE BRAKE/TAIL LIGHT THROUGH IT TO GET MY LED "BRAKE!" FLASHING BRAKE LIGHT TO WORK?

CURRENTLY WHEN I HOOK IT UP, THE SYSTEM SEES IT AS A BURNT OUT BULB.

OR WILL THE SYSTEM STILL SEE IT AS A BURNT OUT BULB?

#%@* IT!

DOWNHILL HUNTER

Dear Downhill Hunter - please don't YELL when posting to the forums. It just isn't considered good netiquite..

To answer your question. No. I can't imagine any way to do what you want.

There are other options for flashing brake lights which won't cause bulb-out warnings.

Kisan has a new unit that is CANBUS compatible - supposed to be out, or out soon http://www.kisantech.com/index.php?cat_id=3 - note the "Z" option. That's what you want. RunNLites also has TailBlazer and Light-Buddies http://www.run-n-lites.com/products.asp which won't trigger a warning light.

The reason your "BRAKE" LED light triggers this warning is it doesn't draw enough current. The brake-light monitoring system expects to see a certain amount of current drawn - equal to the draw from a filament bulb (usually several "AMPS") an LED light only draws a small fraction of the current so the ZFE thinks your bulb is burned out.

The Kisan device adds a resistive load - that is large enough to draw the current required so the monitoring circuit doesn't think the bulb is burned out when the Kisan devices "blinks" the brake light.

The RunNLite products are used in addition to your normal bulb - so the monitoring system sees enough current being drawn and doesn't trigger the warning. That's the solution I went with - and it works well.

One note - you didn't mention what Hexhead you own. Some models use a single tail-light bulb that is run at different intensity depending on what the ZFE thinks it should be used for. As a "running" light it's run at partial intensity, as a brake light - full intensity. Bikes with a single tail bulb aren't really good candidates for a flashing brake light since the bulb is always receiving current. I believe there is one manufacturer who now makes a system to work with this design, but the name excapes me - I'm sure someone will know.

HTH, and please turn the caps-lock key off..

[wvcajun]

I can't find anywhere that shows exactly which wire to tap into(for my somewhat remedial-level DIY aspirations). I have a 2006 12GS that I added aux lights to. I have them wired directly to the battery - they can be turned on whether the ignition is ON or OFF. I want to wire it to a switched source, but everyone that has tried to help always writes something like - "Just tap into the headlight circuit or the accessory plug circuit." That would be helpful if I knew how to correctly "tap into" and if I knew which circuits those were. Please help (with pics;) ;) ).

Thanks for allowing the small hijack.

wvcajun

[deilenberger]

I can't find anywhere that shows exactly which wire to tap into(for my somewhat remedial-level DIY aspirations). I have a 2006 12GS that I added aux lights to. I have them wired directly to the battery - they can be turned on whether the ignition is ON or OFF. I want to wire it to a switched source, but everyone that has tried to help always writes something like - "Just tap into the headlight circuit or the accessory plug circuit." That would be helpful if I knew how to correctly "tap into" and if I knew which circuits those were. Please help (with pics;) ;) ).

Thanks for allowing the small hijack.

wvcajunIdeally what you want to do is switch the power feeding the coil side of the relay that powers the lights (they are going through a relay right?)

If so - TwistedThrottle sells a "CANBUS Adaptor" that will do what you want. It plugs into the socket for the parking light in the headlight, and then the parking light bulb plugs into it and goes back into the headlight. It has a wire coming off it that is then switched power with the ignition..

That might be a simple enough route for you.. hard to screw it up.

[downhillhunter]

Sorry about the caps, Don.

I didn't know that you read these threads outloud!

Actually, I was posting on a computer at work and it's limited to "CAPS ONLY", unless I cut and paste.

Thanks for the info.

BTW, what does HTH stand for?

Downhill Hunter

[deilenberger]

Sorry about the caps, Don.

I didn't know that you read these threads outloud!
If it's all in caps - my lips move so much they hurt.. :dance

Actually, I was posting on a computer at work and it's limited to "CAPS ONLY", unless I cut and paste.

Thanks for the info.

BTW, what does HTH stand for?

Downhill HunterHTH = hope that helps

Best,

[The_Veg]

Ideally what you want to do is switch the power feeding the coil side of the relay that powers the lights (they are going through a relay right?)

If so - TwistedThrottle sells a "CANBUS Adaptor" that will do what you want. It plugs into the socket for the parking light in the headlight, and then the parking light bulb plugs into it and goes back into the headlight. It has a wire coming off it that is then switched power with the ignition..

That might be a simple enough route for you.. hard to screw it up.

Or he can just tap into the green wire that goes to the diagnostic-plug under the seat.

More info: http://www.r1200gs.info/howto/relay.html

[JimVonBaden1]

Here is what I did:

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b238/JimVonBaden2000/R1200GS/Blue%20seas%20wiring/PB123016.jpg

In the tool tray with the fuse box and relays.

The following are some useful wiring diagrams:

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b238/JimVonBaden2000/R1200GS/Blue%20seas%20wiring/FuseBoxRelayWiringDiagram.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b238/JimVonBaden2000/R1200GS/Blue%20seas%20wiring/Auxlightwirediagram.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b238/JimVonBaden2000/R1200GS/Blue%20seas%20wiring/Fuse-wiring-diagram.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b238/JimVonBaden2000/R1200GS/Blue%20seas%20wiring/01-Fuse-block-tap.jpg
Where I tapped for activating the relay. The blue/green wire on the diagnostic plug. No issues on 38K miles. No fault codes.

Or the Blue Seas installed:

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b238/JimVonBaden2000/R1200GS/Blue%20seas%20wiring/01-Fuse-block-whole1.jpg

Jim :brow

[deilenberger]

Or he can just tap into the green wire that goes to the diagnostic-plug under the seat.

More info: http://www.r1200gs.info/howto/relay.htmlTrue - but some people under warranty are hesitant to touch the wiring harness. Not without good reason actually since it can provide an excuse for non-warranty coverage.

[JimVonBaden1]

True - but some people under warranty are hesitant to touch the wiring harness. Not without good reason actually since it can provide an excuse for non-warranty coverage.

Might be an excuse, but the law provides that they have to PROVE you caused the issue because of your modification.

Some dealers are ignorant enough to try to scare owners like that.

After the issues I have seen with people using their accessory plug, I would avoid that one. I have yet to hear of anyone having an issue with their diagnostic wire, or any dealers that denied a warranty issue becuase of it.

If you are nervous, a better place would be to tap the running light with a spade plug buddy. Easily removable, and no splicing into wires, and as effective as the diagnostic plug, if more dificult to do.

Jim :brow

[deilenberger]

Might be an excuse, but the law provides that they have to PROVE you caused the issue because of your modification.

Some dealers are ignorant enough to try to scare owners like that.
Hi Jim!

Actually - someone posted here (or elsewhere) that BMW has sent down a SIB to the dealers telling them to deny electrical warranty service to CANBUS bikes where the harness has been modified.

I actually can understand this to some extent since adding accessories right across the harness wiring also adds them right across the signal-bus for the CANBUS (which uses the same wires the electrical components get power from.)

The wrong load on them, or worse - something that puts digital noise on the harness could raise heck with CANBUS functionality. This is not at ALL unknown in the auto world.. there is one iPod adapter for BMW cars that is known to cause all sorts of oddball things to start happening due to digital crap it puts on the control bus.

I suspect they also want to avoid having to deal with harnesses that were damaged by things like "Scotch-Lok" tap/connectors (I hate these with a passion after having to replace two harnesses due to damage done by them..)
After the issues I have seen with people using their accessory plug, I would avoid that one. I have yet to hear of anyone having an issue with their diagnostic wire, or any dealers that denied a warranty issue becuase of it.
Operative word is "yet".. best to simply avoid it.
If you are nervous, a better place would be to tap the running light with a spade plug buddy. Easily removable, and no splicing into wires, and as effective as the diagnostic plug, if more dificult to do.
Jim :browThat may be possible on the GS - but on the R1200R - the running light socket is directly attached to the wiring harness - nowhere to put a spade-plug-buddy. I suspect the same is true of the GS since that was where the CANBUS helper was originally targeted.

BTW - on the R1200R - strangely different from the R1200GS - the accessory plug isn't switched.. someone else spotted this and asked me to check mine, so I plugged in my BMW accessory light - and sure enough - it's hot all the time.

[JimVonBaden1]

Hi Jim!

Actually - someone posted here (or elsewhere) that BMW has sent down a SIB to the dealers telling them to deny electrical warranty service to CANBUS bikes where the harness has been modified.

They can try, but it would be illegal and not stand up in court without proof that the mod damaged the failed component.

I actually can understand this to some extent since adding accessories right across the harness wiring also adds them right across the signal-bus for the CANBUS (which uses the same wires the electrical components get power from.)

The wrong load on them, or worse - something that puts digital noise on the harness could raise heck with CANBUS functionality. This is not at ALL unknown in the auto world.. there is one iPod adapter for BMW cars that is known to cause all sorts of oddball things to start happening due to digital crap it puts on the control bus.

I suspect they also want to avoid having to deal with harnesses that were damaged by things like "Scotch-Lok" tap/connectors (I hate these with a passion after having to replace two harnesses due to damage done by them..)
Operative word is "yet".. best to simply avoid it.That may be possible on the GS - but on the R1200R - the running light socket is directly attached to the wiring harness - nowhere to put a spade-plug-buddy. I suspect the same is true of the GS since that was where the CANBUS helper was originally targeted.

You know what, I am wrong on that, the plug is hard wired into the harness. Low beam instead. Works that way as well.

BTW - on the R1200R - strangely different from the R1200GS - the accessory plug isn't switched.. someone else spotted this and asked me to check mine, so I plugged in my BMW accessory light - and sure enough - it's hot all the time.

Interesting! I wonder what the load rating is then? It must still be "fused" by the ZFE. Better design though, if you ask me.

Thanks for the info.

Jim :brow

[Burnszilla]

Just use the GPS power socket on the steering column. It has switched power. Buy the adapter for it at the dealer for $24.

[Hotspice]

Another vote for the tool tray. I loom as much of the wiring as possible and have a fuse up by the + feed.

http://hotspice.smugmug.com/photos/243862181-M.jpg

[Burnszilla]

Where do you guys keep your tools? Do you ride with side cases all the time?

[FredRydr]

Where do you guys keep your tools? Do you ride with side cases all the time?

I do not like riding with side cases. My tools are carefully selected to fit in two places, though I am always adding and culling. The first place is the original tool pouch, which is filled with much more than the original OEM tools. I also have a zipped pouch that fits in the space below the pillion part of the seat. I always have my soft topcase for my sundries, including a small zipped pouch stuffed with spare bits and pieces and the tire repair tools.

Fred
'07 R1200R

P.S. What's this about a steering column?

[Hotspice]

Where do you guys keep your tools? Do you ride with side cases all the time?

:nod

I'd say that on occasion I'll take the side cases off around town but that's a very rare occasion.

The Stock GS kit is a joke so I don't know how useful it would even be in an emergency. I have my tool roll, compressor, patch kit, and a few other items that are always in my saddle bag. I do keep my spare fuses under the seat with me at all times so that I don't have to worry about them.

[henwin]

Ideally what you want to do is switch the power feeding the coil side of the relay that powers the lights (they are going through a relay right?)If so - TwistedThrottle sells a "CANBUS Adaptor" that will do what you want. It plugs into the socket for the parking light in the headlight, and then the parking light bulb plugs into it and goes back into the headlight. It has a wire coming off it that is then switched power with the ignition.That might be a simple enough route for you.. hard to screw it up.

There's actually an even easier way--not to mention, cheaper--than the thing you can buy from twistedthrottel. I'm assuming here that the GS is wired like an 2007 RT--in which case you simply tap into either of the 2 blue/white wires going into the headligh plug. These are hot when the ignition is on. I use them to turn on my Centech AP-2 fuse panel.

Henry Winokur
2007 R1200RT

[JimVonBaden1]

Where do you guys keep your tools? Do you ride with side cases all the time?

I ride with my cases on all the time, but on those rare occasions when I do not, I simply do not carry any. No need, as I have only once needed to use them on the road in 40K miles, and that was a simple adjustment to the mirror.

Jim :brow

[deilenberger]

Correcting myself here:

I actually can understand this to some extent since adding accessories right across the harness wiring also adds them right across the signal-bus for the CANBUS (which uses the same wires the electrical components get power from.)

Thanks to Earl Towson who PM'd me to inform me I'm full of beans on that (he phrased it much nicer than that.. and I appreciate it..) Earl (who has worked on these systems for longer than I've been riding BMWs - a long time..) explained that the Hexhead CANBUS is a two-wire twisted pair network, that is quite resistant to digital noise. IMHO - that means BMW has less of an excuse to try to deny warranty coverage when they spot electrical modifications on a bike.

Thanks to Earl! :thumb :drink

[BigAdv]

Heres where I put mine (07 RT) Switched off the running light (bu/wt) at the headlamp connector.

Earl