2010 RT Wiring Options & Ideas

[43883]

I'm just looking for ideas and options before I dive into providing different power options to my 2010 R1200RT. I've read the threads that I found on this forum and others but any additional ideas or help will be greatly appreciated.

Objectives (current & near future): Power 660 Zumo, AmpliRider, charging socket in tank bag used for both iPod and phone, XM radio power, and maybe a radar detector power connection.

Issues discovered so far: Need both steady 12V power and switched 12V power, hearing engine noise at high volume levels, Placement of all the stuff, and of course making it all look clean. Converted iPod files loaded on the Zumo don't sound nearly as good as what's on the iPod. Converting files is a bit of a PITA. Connecting the USB charger creates a lot of noise on the iPod. Normally charge when I am stopped only.

What I have so far: Zumo 660 directly wired to battery but with a switch in the tank bag, AmpliRider connected to the same switch, a charging socket directly wired to the battery (always hot) where I use a USB plug for both cell phone and iPod charging. Purchased but have not installed a noise filter - N-700 (it's kind of big but offers both passive & active filtration). Plan to buy the FuzeBlock to connect everything to.

Planning to do: N-700 to battery, Fuzeblock to N-700, run all wires under tupperware to front of bike (fork area). The Zumo is mounted on the fork with a Ram mount. Plan to run switched and unswitched power into a tank bag. I have an old RKA (very small size) that I am currently using for holding phone, iPod, manual switch.

Ok, finally for the questions...
1) is the N-700 only for the amp or the entire circuit?
2) are the expensive powered tankbags worth the cost (>$300!)?
3) what's a neat way to keep all the wires together?
4) does somebody make a nice waterproof way of disconnecting some of this items to make it possible to service other parts of the bike? I am thinking of taking this bike to the dealer for the next 3 years and don't want them to cut or bitch about all the wires under the seat. BTDT with my prior Honda.
5) Kind of related to #2 but is there a nice looking option for a tank bag? My current bag is perhaps a bit too small, run the wires into the zipper, and does not hold a standard size/folded map.

Sorry for being so long but I want to do it right the first time and I'm just back to BMW after going Honda 2 times, BMW 2 times, Honda 2 times, and now back to BMW.

Thanks in advance,
tsp
2010 R1200RT

 

[Theo]

Regarding the expensive, powered tank bags:

Powerlet have a nifty set of Luggage Electrix connectors that provide a weather-sealed SAE plug entry into any bag.

As far as the other connections/wiring goes, there is a lot posted about folks' various methods for power distribution and wiring. Also, most BMW dealers seem to be much more tolerant of well done wiring (especially when it avoids Canbus connections) than other bike dealers. If you are friendly with your BMW dealer and their service department, you might want to stop by and show the tech what you have done to make sure they are aware of it and have a chance to inspect for problem areas.

You might also want to consider the relative merits of the FuzeBlock, Centech, and the Eastern Beaver PC-8 products for power distribution. I've seen all three and read a lot about each on the boards.

Everyone will have different set-up and opinions so I'll throw my tuppence in. Connected to my battery, I have a the RT's harness, a standard SAE connector, and an EB PC-8 power center. I use the standard SAE connector to attach a battery tender when the bike is put up and, when riding, an SAE extension cable that plugs into my tank bag.

Currently, I am using only the switched circuits of the PC-8 and have my Garmin Nuvi 550 and my Hyperlights connected to it. Soon there will be a set of front conspicuity lights connected as well.

There is also an unused plug on the '09 and earlier RTs near the fork stem into which the BMW Navigators plug for power and speed sensing. I'll bet it's there on the 2010 as well. You can also use this (switched) connection to power your Zumo. You'll need to purchase a "repair plug" to connect to it. BTW -- your Zumo will not need the speed sense signal.

As far a routing wires, there's no magic here. Just take off the tupperware and see where BMW have routed their cable bundles and follow along.

HTH,

 

[jstrube]

I'm going through some of the same ideas now. I would like to hard wire everything. Right now, though, I am afraid I will need to get an adapter so I can charge for the Rally. Wasn't there a "local option" power outlet adapter available from Napa or Radio Shack to plug into my BMW socket? I am an hour from the dealer & finding it hard to get up there before the rally.

For the long term, what I wish I had was a regulator box with each wire for my devices coming out of it. hard wire that into my bag & I would be set. I should learn some electronics...