Switched Accessory Power

Hello, Thanks again to all who helped me wire in my accessories. As discussed at January's Electro-Shock Tech Day, I've posted a few photos and will now attempt to link to them here. But first a little background on the project. . .

My mission was to install a new GPS and Autocom on my '02 BMW R1150GS Adventure. I wanted the power switched so that the accessories would run only when the ignition is on (the Zumo GPS has a built-in battery, so I can choose to keep it on when I turn off the bike).

With the help of many others at BMWBMW, BMWMOA and ADVRIDER, I learned to use a relay and a power terminal. I considered using a fuse block (Centech, BlueSea) but those items would not fit as easily in the space I wanted to use. I also considered Touratech's CanBus helper but I wanted separate fuses for each accessory. Also, those items were not immediately available and I'm totally compulsive.

I chose to mount the relay, power block and autocom all under my seat (aftermarket seat from Sargent, tall version). To house these items I dug up an old VHS box and cut it here and there to allow wires to pass through (also a hole or two to let water out, if it should ever find its way in).

The schematic attached below is the final version. Many prior versions were modified based on input from others (thanks!). As a rookie wrencher, I did as much set-up on my own as possible, but the tricky stuff was done at Tech Day.

If you have read this far, then thanks. I hope this helps you out. Now for the photos (I hope!).

The schematic

At Tech Day - thanks!

At Tech Day - thanks again!

After Tech Day - The view from above, most work is done, still need to set up autocom.

Close-up view of relay (to the left of the autocom, lower item) and accessory power terminal (to the left of the autocom, upper item). Note the relay's green trigger wire running off the horn fuse).

View with covers on fuse box and accessory power box closed. Touratech sticker added to increase value of bike

Not directly related to the wiring project, but here is how the GPS is mounted. To mount the RAM arm, I used a replacement handlebar bolt and cool angled RAM ball instead of the u-clamp that came with the Zumo (Touratech # GCMXB, GRAB9). I also replaced the easy-turning RAM arm screw with a security screw (Touratech # GCSEC2 - I wonder when I'll lose the special little wrench?).

I finished mounting the GPS late one COLD January night. No good option for a test ride, but I did turn her on to check out the new night-time look of the controls. The photo is a little fuzzy, but aren't we all from time to time?