Help installing Zumo 660

[Kottbullar]

Cucho:

+1 on the FZ-1. I just added the Powerlet dual sockets down by the shock adjuster yesterday. Very easy.

BTW, if you are going to use the RAM arm with your RAM ball for the 660 mount, get a longer arm than you think you will need. It helps to not have to look down too much. I am 6'2" with the 4" arm. Wish I had put on the longer one ...

 

[Cucho]

Carlos, if you're thinking of installing very many more electrical devices the FZ1 fuzeblock is the way to go IMO. Its slick. It allows 6 devices that can all be changed from switched to constant by simply moving the fuse over a space. A very handy design especially when you're not sure how you want to set things up, like maybe for a TPMS or GPS. Other reasons too. Installing it now is very little added effort and could save you lots of time in the future.

I didn't think I'd need the space for 6 new gadgets but I seemed to have filled it. GPS, heated grips, heated clothes, fork lights, mirror lights, TPMS.

I expect you know alll about the great resources in the Articles section, but just in case here's a start ...

Curt Gran's Farkle-Accessory-Wiring-Primer Definitely worth a read - or 2 (Thx again Curt for all your guidance and inspiration)

ARTICLE ST1300-Fuse-Block-Install-(FZ-1) One idea.

I had a quad harness on my ST. At the time choosing it over a fuse block seemed like the better option although I'm not sure why now that I`ve had both setups.

One more thing - If you do the fuseblock thing I'd suggest a visit to Princess Auto (Cdn version of Harbor Freight for our US friends). They have colour coded spools of automotive wiring in several gauges. I also picked up some large heat shrink tube (3/8" I think) to run my wiring in. Feed several wires thru each tube as added protection for the wires and a nice clean install, -- don't shrink the tube. Looks just like a factory install. ;-)

Oh ... and isn't raising the tank on an ST needed periodically anyway? The air filter is in there IIRC. That's the way to go IMO. Raising the tank is simple. Honda even gives a you prop rod. Still got yours?

Anyway ... if you need some hands-on help I'm sure one or more of us would be happy to be there for you. Just ask. We could even have an impromptu tech day somewhere. Several others will need things done too, I expect.

Cheers,

Hi Jeff,
Thank you for the feedback.

I'm torn between the quarter harness, using Mellow's method (https://www.st-owners.com/forums/showthread.php?56085-ST1300-Switched-Power-Tap), or the fuseblock. Mellow's method seems the easiest at least to get the GPS connected. Now, I do plan to put riding lights not sure about heated gear though. As I said, I'm electrically challenged so if I buy the fuseblock I have no idea how to install so definitely will need help. If you think is the best option, then I'll order it. It's a $91.00 at Motrocycle Innovations.

 

[Jeff F]

Hey Carlos

Well sir as you can see there are lots of answers to the same question. None of them wrong.

The FZ1 or most any fuse block is a good option if you have plans to install a number of electrical farkles. If not, its a waste of $.

A fuse block is easy to add later if you begin to accumulate gadgets.

 

[TRICKYRIC5474]

I have the quartet harness and power my after market grip heaters off the same connector the oem ones would use. For my gps power ( was a Zumo 550..doa, now a BMW Navigator V) I am connected to my aux fuse block located under the passenger seat. I have run the power and ground wires up the left side under the fuel tank, just inside the frame rails...between the frame rails and the air box. Of course they are inside a protective loom to protect them from damage and shorts. One thing to consider on where to power and ground from....I also run a bike powered Autocom communications hub to which I can connect a two way radio, radar detector, iPod, and the gps. To avoid unwanted ground loop noise if at all possible it is best to power all connected items to the same source. Mine are, all to poles on the aux fuse block which is powered off the battery and grounded to the battery. My sounds are so clean I don't need to use any ground loop filters...just a thought.
My gps is mounted on a Ram mount with the longest arm on my left handlebar at the clutch resovior bolts. It is is easy view, like the ones at the top of the dash...but more easily touched by my left hand without the need to reach into the middle of the bike....think how close your hand is while on the hand grip...yup, just a few inches change to touch the gps.

Btw, www.EasternBeaver.com is a good location to view and purchase different fuse block options...along with wiring harnesses and connectors of many types. Also, most aux fuse blocks are not appropriate power sources for aftermarket air horns..like the Stebel I use...or high amp aux lighting....too many amps for most of them to handle. But, the aux fuse blocks are a great unified location to power AND ground things like radios, communications hubs, 12v Bluetooth modules, gps, radar detectors and such other low amp items. Heated apparel pretty much always should be powered directly off the battery poles...lots of amps when in use...would fry aux fuse blocks.

Yeah, I'm a shameless farkles addict/geek...