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Tourer
Posts: 307
Columbia, SC | 1) Is this splice ok to use? . . . [url]http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3004023
Going to use it just to tap into a light cable to activate a relay.
2) Could I use ANY momentary switch for the garage door opener mod? Or is it really necessary to find and use a waterproof switch? I see some momentary switches that are pretty nice, and I'm (to be honest) fairly impatient and I'm wondering if I can just use some rubber or silicone to seal where the switch gets connected to the console, or if the whole switch (button included) needs to be waterproof.
3) When exactly is dielectric grease needed? I've never used it before and wondering if it's just for connections that can be exposted directly to water or all parts (as in connecting a powerlet to the available adaptor under the console).
4) What's with the slow starting up? I press and hold the starter button and it takes like 5 seconds for it to start unless I slightly turn the right handgrip. Pardon me, but I'm not motorcycle savvy, and I remember my very recent Yamaha FJR, and slightly older 919 and C50 not taking that long to start. And not having to turn the handgrip to start it. Is this normal?
In my bike's defense, it normally only happens first start of the day, which is 0600 when it's about 30 degrees or less out (and probably cold all night).
5) and lastly, my bike came with a battery tender. Worth putting in every night? Or don't even bother unless I'm not gonna ride for a few days/weeks? Never had one before and I have no idea what it's normal use is.
Alexi
PS - Thanks for all the help so far. Still thinking about how to set up the bike and working on my small mods here and there. Nothing crazy, just hoping to have some basic stuff done by middle of next year. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 60
not far from hustler wisconsin | sounds kind of normal on a cold start, but i would check and see if you aren't losing a bit of gas somewhere. next cold morning turn your key on for a few seconds then off, then on for a few seconds then off, then n and hit the starter. if i pops right off then. you might have a tiny fuel leak that is depressurizing your fi manifold. i never had this happen on a victory, but had it happen in an older mazda i once owned. |
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Visionary
Posts: 2118
Pitt Meadows, BC Canada | ALWAYS bring the bike upright (off it's sidestand) before trying to start it. Just a tip .... there ARE reasons for this that I will leave for you 'experts' to discuss.
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Tourer
Posts: 307
Columbia, SC | donetracey - 2010-12-11 10:07 PM
ALWAYS bring the bike upright (off it's sidestand) before trying to start it. Just a tip .... there ARE reasons for this that I will leave for you 'experts' to discuss.
Out of curiousity, does this have anything to do with the fact that the bike sputtered and shut down last week cause there wasn't enough gas for it to run on the sidestand? I had to straighten it up to start it, and get to a gas station QUICK!
Alexi |
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Cruiser
Posts: 156
Bluff Park, Alabama - God's Country! 2011 PW VV | donetracey - 2010-12-11 9:07 PM
ALWAYS bring the bike upright (off it's sidestand) before trying to start it. Just a tip .... there ARE reasons for this that I will leave for you 'experts' to discuss.
???????? |
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Cruiser
Posts: 208
Wichita, Kansas | 1. Although they are popular, it's not a good idea to use those on something you plan to have for a while. The inner blade cuts through the insulation to grip the wire. This opens the wire to the elements and can speed corrosion, causing a hot spot on the wire, which speeds corrosion, etc. The best place is the connector for mounting a powerlet plug on the console. It accepts a 1/4" blade terminal and is fused for 20 Amps. No cutting, works great. My VV had two powerlet connectors so one is my accessory tap.
2. Use a waterproof switch if it is going to be exposed. The life of non-waterproofs will be short and the failure mode is to short. 3. I only use it to lubricate the seals on the bulb holders. For contact corrosion protection I use military grade electronic corrosion preventives used on the F-16. 4. Mine does the same thing but always starts. 5. The computer is always on drawing power, so if you are leaving it more then three days, I'd put the tender on it.
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Tourer
Posts: 307
Columbia, SC | KansasGuardsman - 2010-12-11 10:34 PM
1.? Although they are popular, it's not a good idea to use those on something you plan to have for a while.? The inner blade cuts through the insulation to grip the wire.? This opens the wire to the elements and can speed corrosion, causing a hot spot on the wire, which speeds corrosion, etc.? The best place is the connector for mounting a powerlet plug on the console. It accepts a 1/4" blade terminal and is fused for 20 Amps.? No cutting, works great. My VV had two powerlet connectors so one is my accessory tap. I took off my console and only saw one gray connector for a powerlet. I'll look around for a second (the one in the back will be used for a powerlet as well), and if I don't, maybe I'll just wedge a wire in there with the powerlet connector and add it to the relay. The relay won't be drawing power, but it'll at least know when to turn on.
Alexi |
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Cruiser
Posts: 126
Meadow, Texas | For any electrical connections that might be exposed to the elements I go to my local electronics store and get "Red GLPT". Basically a great insulating varnish but if you need somthing in a pinch, use some old fingernail polish that has thickened a little.
And when I have used the polish, I make sure it is some bizarre color, so I know it is on there.
As for any connections - avoid the bladed connectors like the plague, like KansasGuardsman stated. Those will only lead to problems and you can be sure if you are making a good connection or not. Use standard butt-connectors with wires stripped and wound together if possible. Or if you can - grab a small soldering pen and do it that way. Lot less problems in the future and much better connection.
Dielectric grease - good for areas that have high moisture but silicone can do the same.
Cold starts - I agree just turn it on for a little bit then off then hit it again. But I'm about to hook up my battery tender this year although I didn't use it at all last year.
Or you could bring it into the house if #1 doesn't mind too much. Granted mine just gave me the look and it still stays in the cold garage.
Best of luck with everything. |
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Visionary
Posts: 3006
San Antonio, TX | To tap into a wire Songfan wrote...
Posi-Taps - http://customdynamics.com/posilock_connectors.htm Scroll down until you see the Posi-Tap 20-22 gauge Line Tap, pack of 4 for $3.40. You may want to go ahead and get two packs just in case you feel motivated to try other mods later on. Bookmark this page because the Posi-Locks and Posi-Twists are also very nice to have around. They also have a Posi-Lock fuseholder that is very cool near the bottom of the page.
http://www.posi-lock.com/posiplug.html
Great stuff! |
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A few electrical questions and what's with the slow starting up?