Do I HAVE to take my gas tank off????

[BamaDrifter64]

Need to install a 12v power outlet for GPS on my I/S fairing and thinking about installing a battery meter as well - need the battery meter wired to turn off with the key, but not the outlet.  Last time I did this to my other I/S, I had it apart so it wasn't any trouble running the wires.  Now, I really don't want to take off the tank and disconnect everything I'd have to to get the tank off to run the wires.  Anybody have a better idea on connecting the wiring or running the wires so I don't have to take the tank off?

Dave

[Joe Hummer]

I would say for the volt meter, just about any circuit in the fairing will work.  Everything up there should be switched.  The power outlet is another matter.  You really want to run that back to a relay (or the aux lead under the right cover).  The only way to really get the wire where it needs to be is to take the tank off...or at least lift it a little. 

Joe

[Grandpot]

I added a 12V socket and voltmeter just like you want to do and just fished the wires under the tank.  The next time I have the tank off I will use wire ties to secure the wires under the tank.  For now, everything works fine and you can not see the wires. 

[Madmike]

As the good Dr has suggested you can bundle the wires in some automotive loom and then fish them through with haywire, the loom will protect the wires short term and then you can tie them up later when you have the tank off.  You may want to leave some extra on the wires to ensure that you have enough for when you finally route them and then just reterminate them to tidy up the install.

Here is a link to some power taps that you may want to consider, if you decide to go the SAE style there are pigtails available that you can adapt your accessories to.  There is also some FAQ's at this link that give some food for thought on the pros/cons of various styles of connectors.

http://www.manicsalamander.com/mounted_connector.htm


http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a-store/item/CON-321/2-CONDUCTOR-WATERPROOF-CONNECTOR-AWG-10/-/1.html

http://www.solarseller.com/low_voltage_dc_pumps__lvm__teel__accessories__plugs_and_extensions.htm

Another option, good for high draw
http://www.minnkotamotors.com/products/accessories/marine/quick_connect_plug.aspx

[JimL]

When I installed my 12V outlet on the inner fairing I did not remove the gas tank, but I did remove the two bolts in order to loosen it.  I simply raised and tilted the tank in order to run the wires.  Obviously it helps if there is not much fuel in the tank, I also had someone holding the tank while it was tilted.  It worked fine.

[Rocketman]

I find it easier to pull the tank than fight with it.  Is there a reason ya'll would rather fish wires?

[Madmike]

I find it easier to pull the tank than fight with it.  Is there a reason ya'll would rather fish wires?

............................ hmmmm....... builds character perhaps ??????.............

PS .. sorry.......haywire is now a politically incorrest term.. new age term is "mechanics wire"......

[Udo]

If it´s really only for a GPS...that doesn´t need a lot of Juice, i would hardwire it to a circuit in the headlight along with the voltage monitor. But i would never connect a power outlet to the headlight. You never know, what will be connected to the outlet in the future.....

[DeathWishBikerDude]

Remove the tank and do the job right.
I have a pingel petcock and a quick disconnect fuel line kit($20).
Makes removing the tank a 5 minute job.
You should change your air filter while the tank is off.

A dirty air filter causes faster oil contamination,which results in engine deposits.

[Daniel Meyer]

Re: Do I HAVE to take my gas tank off????

Well, yeah!

The answer is always "yes".

Heck, I've been known to take the tank off to add air to the front tire! It's all connected ya know!

(It's a 5 minute job, I've found I spend way more time trying to work around something than just removing it like I should have in the first place).

Wanna change the front left blinker bulb?

Step 1: Remove tank...