SmartSwitch

[Bone]

Today I installed the SmartSwitch I purchased from Bon Shaw. It's nice to make an improvement to
the factory design and get improvements to other components. I bought the switch to help reduce the
load on the starter switch seldom riding after dark the lighting improvement might increase my visibility
during the day.
The kit was very well made and packaged. I bought the Single (SSH41) model. The light was so much
brighter on a non running bike, the battery showed 13.5 volts. I replaced the bulb 2 years ago the
1998 factory bulb was real tired now the 2 year old bulb lights up the garage.

[mark81]

always like to hear reviews on products, especially ones that are currently available for the valk.  glad you like it,  looking at it it doesn't seem like too difficult of an install. how long did it take you?

[Bone]

Installation doesn't take long less than an hour if your not removing or raising the tank. Previously I ran some speaker wires along the left side of the frame (under the tank) so I tried to follow that route.

I snipped off approx. 3' of ground wire from a piece of electrical wire to use as a snake. Took two attempts and I had the snake at the neck of the frame.

The cable that comes with the switch is the exact length needed. The cable is covered and wire ends installed.
In the future I'm going to try and copy that cable when I do my own wiring it was suitable to be used in a space shuttle!

Very pleased with the kit.

The bike has been put to sleep for the winter I'm north of you near the Mich/Ohio state line so I didn't start the bike. Just using the bike battery the light was so much brighter. Can't wait to try it on the roads.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Installation doesn't take long less than an hour if your not removing or raising the tank. Previously I ran some speaker wires along the left side of the frame (under the tank) so I tried to follow that route.

I snipped off approx. 3' of ground wire from a piece of electrical wire to use as a snake. Took two attempts and I had the snake at the neck of the frame.

The cable that comes with the switch is the exact length needed. The cable is covered and wire ends installed.
In the future I'm going to try and copy that cable when I do my own wiring it was suitable to be used in a space shuttle!

Very pleased with the kit.

The bike has been put to sleep for the winter I'm north of you near the Mich/Ohio state line so I didn't start the bike. Just using the bike battery the light was so much brighter. Can't wait to try it on the roads.

I'm not surprised at the quality and effectiveness . Bon does some good stuff.  I think a Christmas present to myself is in my near future. 

[sdv003]

It wasnt much more than an hour, even with the tank removal, since I finally bought the tools to reconnect the hoses to the bottom of the tank.  The biggest problem I had was fitting the headlight back into the canister, as there are a lot of wires in there with the extras I've added.  Bon does make good stuff.  Both the Digisync and the SmartSwitch are of very high quality.

[DK]

Today I installed the SmartSwitch I purchased from Bon Shaw. It's nice to make an improvement to
the factory design and get improvements to other components. I bought the switch to help reduce the
load on the starter switch seldom riding after dark the lighting improvement might increase my visibility
during the day.
The kit was very well made and packaged. I bought the Single (SSH41) model. The light was so much
brighter on a non running bike, the battery showed 13.5 volts. I replaced the bulb 2 years ago the
1998 factory bulb was real tired now the 2 year old bulb lights up the garage.

+ 1

Dan

[BonS]

Thanks for the mention and feedback all! It's great to know that the SmartSwitch installed well and you're pleased with the design, quality and outcome.

[Kunkies]

OK, I'll bite....what SmartSwitch?   ???

Also, many have advocated using a relay whilst installing a set of Cobra Driving lights, I agree.  Does anyone have the Bosch relay part number?  Preparing for my winter projects.

Thanks in advance for any information/advice folks can share.

Kindest regards,

[Bone]

Look above all the posts there are ads for some of our sponsers.
SmartSwitch and Digisync is what you want to read about.

http://thedigisync.com/smartswitch-top-page.html

[pocobubba]

+++++++

[Kunkies]

Thanks for posting the link, I agree Bon makes great stuff (have a digisync).

QQ:  after installing the SmartSwitch, does the headlight(s) shut off whilst starting?  We all know and appreciate how much draw starting our Valk's can take.

Thanks in advance for the clarification.

[Fazer]

Can I power the smart switch thru the aux fuse panel I have installed in lieu of directly to the battery?

Greg

[BonS]

Thanks for posting the link, I agree Bon makes great stuff (have a digisync).

QQ:  after installing the SmartSwitch, does the headlight(s) shut off whilst starting?  We all know and appreciate how much draw starting our Valk's can take.

Thanks in advance for the clarification.

Yes it does. It behaves exactly like OEM except the high current through your handlebar switches and your headlight is brighter.

Can I power the smart switch thru the aux fuse panel I have installed in lieu of directly to the battery?

Greg

Yes you can. Wiring direct to the battery will guarantee that you get maximum voltage to your headlight for maximum brightness though. If you wire to an aux power block then just make sure that you have a healthy wire running from your battery to the aux power block and you should be just fine. How big a wire depends upon how much load you have running from the power block. I'd say 12 gauge is a good start for headlights and other light loads. If you're running your headlight + fog lights + running lights + heated clothes for two, then I'd be thinking 8-10 gauge. You get the idea.

[Fazer]

Thanks, Bon.  Just placed my Smartswitch order. 

Unless I run across someone local that has one, I will eventually by buying your DigiSync as well.  Have heard nothing but good about them.  With only 20,000 miles my 98 Tourer it is running great.  Just did the desmog a couple of weeks ago, and no evidence of any other issues.

Greg

[Valkpilot]

OK, I'll bite....what SmartSwitch?   ???

Also, many have advocated using a relay whilst installing a set of Cobra Driving lights, I agree.  Does anyone have the Bosch relay part number?  Preparing for my winter projects.

Thanks in advance for any information/advice folks can share.

Kindest regards,

My recommendation would be to go the SmartSwitch route rather than the relays, if you don't already have relays installed.

Relays aren't that hard to do, but the SmartSwitch is sound engineering and looks awfully convenient, and therefore worth the extra bucks to me if I were in a position to need it.

BTW, you need to install one (either relay or SmartSwitch) in the headlight circuit (unless you have an Interstate) as well as for driving lights.

[Kunkies]

   Convinced, this is awesome.  Ordered both the single headlight SmartSwitch and Drivinglight/Foglight to {finally} install my Cobra driving lights too.

Given the use of two SmartSwitches, do I have to install directly to the terminals on my battery, or can I use a power distribution module to avoid installing yet another accessory directly to the positive/negative posts?

[BonS]

 Convinced, this is awesome.  Ordered both the single headlight SmartSwitch and Drivinglight/Foglight to {finally} install my Cobra driving lights too.

Given the use of two SmartSwitches, do I have to install directly to the terminals on my battery, or can I use a power distribution module to avoid installing yet another accessory directly to the positive/negative posts?

Thank you! This quote is my advice on your wiring:

Yes you can. Wiring direct to the battery will guarantee that you get maximum voltage to your headlight for maximum brightness though. If you wire to an aux power block then just make sure that you have a healthy wire running from your battery to the aux power block and you should be just fine. How big a wire depends upon how much load you have running from the power block. I'd say 12 gauge is a good start for headlights and other light loads. If you're running your headlight + fog lights + running lights + heated clothes for two, then I'd be thinking 8-10 gauge. You get the idea.

[larswlvs]

After adding a smart switch should I remove the relays that are already installed.  Will it hurt to leave them in place and would I gain anything in removing them?

[indybobm]

Bon, is the Smart Switch still available and if not, will they be available again? I bought two headlight units some time back but would like to have the one for driving lights.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Bon, is the Smart Switch still available and if not, will they be available again? I bought two headlight units some time back but would like to have the one for driving lights.

I don't think he has been on here in quite a while. He was talking about retiring and moving to South Korea. Maybe try his email.

[indybobm]

I know, did not notice the year of the post. It popped up as if it was recent.

[The emperor has no clothes]

I know, did not notice the year of the post. It popped up as if it was recent.

yeah, some of these old resurrections seem current 

[indybobm]

After adding a smart switch should I remove the relays that are already installed.  Will it hurt to leave them in place and would I gain anything in removing them?

The output of the relays are probably just providing the trigger for the Smart Switch. Doesn't hurt but you probably do not need them.

[gordonv]

After adding a smart switch should I remove the relays that are already installed.  Will it hurt to leave them in place and would I gain anything in removing them?

There has been no mention of removing the relays.

I thought it was only the IS model that had a head light relay?

[indybobm]

Gordon, before the Smart Switch, people would install a relay to protect the start button. Sounded like that had been done to his bike at some point and then later he installed the Smart Switch. Post #17

[ValkStrom]

Easternbeaver makes really nice headlight relay kits and power blocks as well, I have several of Jims products on my V-Strom.

[Bambam650]

You can DIY the headlight mod.  Here is the link from the Shop Talk page.

http://www.valkyrieriders.com/shoptalk/headlightmod.htm

[nogrey]

Bon, is the Smart Switch still available and if not, will they be available again? I bought two headlight units some time back but would like to have the one for driving lights.

If I remember correctly, BonS sold his last two smart switches. He told him then that he was not going to make them any longer. Too bad. It was a very nice product at a reasonable price. Like everything Bon did.