Tuiroo

Ghost bikes have excellent communications, fast postage and good prices for an online shop.

However, I would recommend what I do. Based on reviews choose the kit you want. Then go try it on and buy it from a real shop (supporting your local etc...). I tend to find that they will knock down the price if you know you can get it cheaper online. I am picking up my new textiles on Monday and still can't believe the price I got at the shop (though I did haggle) + they have thrown in some free CE hip armour. I can't find an online price even close to it.

Also, as first set of gear maybe don't spend too much. Just get stuff that is safe and will last a year or two. After a year or so you will know exactly what you want/like and don't need/want. Then you can splash your cash on decent textiles/leathers/helmet etc... You will also have a spare set for a mate, in case you have an off or they get soaked through and need a couple of days to dry out.

Hope that helped

I used a tail pack (Oxford) for about a year. It did the job but as it strapped under the seat and then bungied down for stability but it ended up scratching my paint. I used it everyday for commuting though. I now have a top box (Givi). Best addition to my bike by far. I just clip it on and go. No hassle, no worries and I can leave it on my bike and know that whatever is inside (usually helmet and gloves) is safe when I am off my bike.

If you use it regularly then get a top box. If it is just sometimes then a tail bag will do.

A few months back Ride did a review of Bluetooth intercoms. It was amazing how many were rubbish. Have a hunt through some back issues for the article. I subscribe as it saves me money getting the right kit at the right price, first time. So often before I got stuff that said it would do the job but didn't in real world conditions. Good luck mate

I picked up a couple of sets from Lidl. They have random motorbike stuff sometimes. The base layers are excellent for keeping a regulated body temp. If it gets hot then it wicks away sweat, I have never been to cold in them. I would recommend them as I have had mine for 18 months and they are still good as new. I never go on a long ride without them and once they are on you don't notice them at all, they act as a second skin. Really cheap too, just a few quid for the top and bottoms.

Hey all,

I have just ordered the above after I went in to get a set of rst paragon 3's. The Adventures just caught my eye and seemed to offer so much for the money (particularly after haggling 20% off + free CE hip armour). They were very comfy too but didn't have my size in the colour I wanted.

Anyone got some? Would appreciate your thoughts on whether you rate them or slate them (and why).

Thanks

Hey all,

I just want to say a big thank you to all of you that have contributed to this thread. I am blown away by all of you giving your time and sharing your knowledge.

I will have to update you all when I get it done and how it all worked out. I am really looking forward to more time tinkering with my bike.

Thanks

No worries. It has a 15A inline fuse

 

It need to be as close to the battery as possible so if you use a relay you will need to put one closer to the battery before the relay

Thanks Stu

If you decide to go for the relay its very easy. All you need is to connect it in the following method. It will look like this:

http://www.r1200gs.info/howto/images/relay-1.jpg

And as a circuit diagram this:

http://www.r1200gs.info/howto/images/Schematic.gif

Connect terminal 1 to your tail light power wire, 2 can go on to the tail light if its in series. So its mounted inline basically.

Terminal 3 is connected to the battery and terminal 5 is connected to the USB chargers.

When you turn the switch the ignition on you will light the tailight, which will power the relays terminal 1 and thus cause the switch to flick on and allow the battery power to travel directly to the chargers.

Im going to do a proper thread on this as a guide soon me thinks

 

This might be useful too:

http://www.bcae1.com/relays.htm

Will think about it as that is my preferred option. Maybe I need start basic though and then look at going down the relay route later. I am learning a whole new skill set so it is very much baby steps for me. Once I actually look at the wiring on my bike I will get a better sense of what I am comfortable with.

Thanks for the very clear instructions though. Just what I need as makes it less daunting.

You MUST put a fuse between the battery and relay, your call but if you don't and it goes down to earth have a fire extinguisher to hand.

No worries. It has a 15A inline fuse

Hi, I would go direct to the battery via an inline fuse, if you need to switch the circuit then do so by connecting via a relay. I tried to connect my intercom system supply into a switch circuit of the wiring loom and it caused all sorts of problems. For a USB charger better to get as pure a DC supply as possible and go straight on the battery, some of the switched circuits on the bike can be AC. After running out of options on my bike connecting sat nav, heated grips and intercom l came across this gem brilliant bit of kit for those into fitting gadgets.

shttp://www.pashnit.com/product/fuzeblo ... locks.html

This page might be of use

http://www.ripper1.com/tech/wiring.php

Hi Chrissb6,

Yip! I think I am going to try out a direct battery connection for my first attempt at this. If it seems to continuously drain my battery I will start to look at other more sophisticated solutions.

The second link you sent seems to be about what I need to get my head around this - thanks. I could not open the first link for some reason.

Thanks for your help

I have more than once, I'm an electrical engineer by day 9 years at uni, 21 years in the field, qualified to degree level.

Fairly well versed with auto electrics too, I build custom looms for my own business.

Thanks Mrbarry,

So you fancy a ride up to Edinburgh this weekend? I have job (read: paid in beer) for you...lol

Cheers

careful sticking Relays in there without a protection diode connected in reverse bias.

The back EMF when the coil discharges can cause all sorts of problems!

Hey Joeman,

I think I will skip the relay. Do you think I could hook it up on the same line as my heated grips or best just to go directly to the battery?

Cheers

Out of curiosity what does the op want to hook up to this USB charger?

I ran the calculations for my bikes lighting circuit and as he has the closest relative of my bike and a quick search shows the same lighting circuit I can say with certainty both cable and fuse can take it with a good amount to spare. But only satnav/phone chargers etc.

NOT heated grips. They say 4amps but can be over and that would be a stress on the system.

More than one way to skin a cat!

Ive run relays on a couple of bikes but if its just small stuff your powering may as well just use the tail light.

Hi Fozzie,

There are two USB plugs. For one I was going to run my iPhone 4S for Sat Nav and music on longer trips and weekend rides and the other my Drift HD camera. Again just for rides and trips. I commute daily but won't be using the USB during the week as only a 10mile commute.

I already have heated grips an they only come on with the ignition. I am not sure how they are wired as they were already on the bike when I bought it.

Hope that helps

Thanks

Positive wire goes to a power line, earth goes to earth (random bolt on the frame should do) it does not really get any simpler?

Red is power, black is earth, not a lot more to say really?

 

Thanks Weebl -is that not connecting it to the battery though or do I splice it into the brake/horn wire? Would prefer if it turned off when ignition off.

 

You connect it to a power line. If you want it on the horn line find the power line going to that and connect it there. Don't inline it unless you have to, odds on that one of the power connections for something like the horn will be a terminal screwed on, screw it on there with the existing line.

Don't stick it on anything like the lights, ancilliary stuff like the horn is OK but don't mess with a power draw that is fundamental to the bike.

Realistically, you are best off getting a mate who knows wiggly amps to help you out, if you really are clueless with electrics, you should not mess with them, at least until he has shown you some basics.

Yip! I really am that clueless - time to phone a friend. Thanks for the tip on not going via lights, they are kind of fundamental. You have been a great help.

I would connect it through a relay as you dont know the current draw of any existing wiring already and the last thing you want is a bike on fire while riding down the road

Or a popped fuse and no rear lights!

Thanks Stu. It has an inline fuse so will that prevent any disasters? Also (and I apologise for being so thick), what is a relay?

Positive wire goes to a power line, earth goes to earth (random bolt on the frame should do) it does not really get any simpler?

Red is power, black is earth, not a lot more to say really?

Thanks Weebl -is that not connecting it to the battery though or do I splice it into the brake/horn wire? Would prefer if it turned off when ignition off.

Hi all,

I was wondering if anyone can help me out. I have just bought myself a USB charger for my motorbike (Honda CBF600S) and need to fit it. Can someone please give me a step-by-step guide to installing it or if they know of a decent YouTube clip, send me the link. Ideally I would like to attach it to the brake or horn wiring as that will mean when the ignition is off it can't draw any juice from my battery.

It should be exactly the same as fitting 12v cigaret lighter so instructions for that would be fine. Pic below if that helps.

Oh! Any help needs to be in a 'for dummies' format as I have never tried anything like this before.

Thanks

USB charger

USB charger pic 2

Thanks guys - some great suggestions. Looking forward to hitting the road. Might do the Nth Loch Tay route on a seperate run.

Hey,

I am thinking of heading up (from Edinburgh) to visit a friend in Pitlochry. Going to take the M90 then A9 to get there without much fuss (looks a bit dull though). I was thinking about enjoying the ride back and taking the A924 then A93 over to Blairgowrie. Does anyone know this road? Anything to watch out for? Was then going to follow the A93 to Perth then back on the motorway for the last bit home. Any suggestions for alternative "must ride" routes in the area?

Cheers

I think I might just have to trundle along. Have not been before. Is it better on Sat or Sun or does it not matter either way?

Cheers

I'm new to the forum and based in Edinburgh