PIAA/s install

[ratorino2004]

I'm finally going to install the PIAA's and Auto Switch wifey gave me for Christmas. Hopefully this weekend.. I've read all the threads on it and have review the instructions but since I'm slightly challenged I do have a couple of questions....

1) Since they come with their own relay is it OK to connect the +/- leads directly to the battery? Also where is a convenient spot to secure the relay.

2) Since I'm connecting to an auto switch I assume it's ok to remove the plug in switch that comes with the PIAA harness.

Since this is the first time I'll be taking the tupperware off is there anything I should look for in the way of preventive maintainance or repair??

Thanks...

[cfell]

That's a huge question, Rich...

I "recommend" you use the "autoswitch" for control of the PIAA relay. Since I don't know what "kit" you have, I wouldn't want to hazard a guess about the wiring. Pictures worth 1k words.. if you can include them.. for sure you don't want to run the PIAA power directly off the "autoswitch".

A$$-u-ming you only have the PIAA's, relay and harness, I would mount the relay somewhere close to the battery.. (I wiretied mine to the frame). That way you can put the fuse under the seat, right from the battery where you can easily access and debug problems. Wires "rarely" fail, so running them carefully next to the existing "bundles". Secure wiring to existing bundles watching carefully for binding/chafing points. Label wiring where it "enters" and "exits" the wiring bundles.. so you know which wire goes where...

While you have things apart, add another "power" relay, or run additional labeled wires from the bow to under the seat and secure... you may want to add a "farkle" in the future and you would be able to do it much easier...

I don't know what else your bike may need.. but if you are removing the fuel tank you might consider replacing the Air Filter while you are in there... (if close to your maintenance cycle.

[tarheel_rider]

#1 - that's the way I did it, but you always have the option of tapping in somewhere else so that they are only enabled to be turned on with the bike turned on and are turned off when you turn off the ignition. The problem with off the battery is you have to remember to cycle the lights off when (preferably before) you turn off the ignition. I've left mine on accidently during the day over lunch and miraculously the bike still started, but I still forget to turn them off until I get off the bike and see them. One of these days I'll figure out how to wire it to an existing source that is powered only when the ignition is turned on.
#2 - Yep, got that as a spare wiring gizmo sitting in my garage. I keep all those pieces and parts because you never know when you need a spare switch or wires to do some other project.

I'll let the experts chime in on the PM stuff. I can't think of anything outside of the normal PM intervals.

By the way, this is common sense, but make sure you have enough play in the wire for the auto switch (able to turn the handlebars lock to lock without binding the wire). Sometimes I get fixated on wire tying everything in place to make it look neat and forget some things actually need some slack.

Easy enough project, but it'll take some time. Good luck.

[cfell]

RE: #1....from Joel.. he is correct.. your "relay" activation power must be from a "switched" source... the power itself coming directly from the battery to the relay to feed the lights themselves. That way when bike is shut off the relay will "drop" and turn off the lights. Been working like that for 2 years on my bike..

[ratorino2004]

Channing & Joel,
Thanks for your input... It's my understanding that if I connect the "white" signal wire from the harness to the autoswitch that when the key is turned off the autoswitch defaults to off and therefore opens the relay. The lights stay off until the key is back on and the autoswitch turned on again... When the relay is open there should be no drain on the battery.. Now this assumes that I connect the autoswitch correctly.

I don't have anything else planned for the time being but I like the idea of running as set of labeled wires while everything is apart.


Hey Joe (messenger13) I read one of your posts about picking up the signal wire for the autoswitch up under the nose cone instead of in the handle bars... Was it the same color code??? Brown/White I think...