K11 Owners Group

Howard64180 · Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2012 4:44 pm Post subject: Wiring, a conundrum

Hi, sorry if this is a bit long winded but it's a long story. Those who have followed my newbie efforts on 'Campfire' may remember that on my K1100rs I have no power input to the parking light fuse and have used a fused ignition powered live wire to power the front parking light and rear light.

Using a voltmeter (and reading Tim's post on ignition switches), I have since discovered that the parking light power is indeed disappearing north of the connector block, i.e, at the ignition switch or through its wiring. So I thought that a replacement or repaired switch/wiring would mean that I could, over time, put everything back to standard.

Then I remembered: as a bulb monitor is not currently fitted, I have joined the grey/yellow, grey/green and grey red wires for the brake light. Also, the grey/black, grey/white and green/black (live) wires for the parking/tail lights. The puzzle is that the brake light would not work until the green/black wire was joined to the parking/tail light wires. I think that the brake light should be getting power through its switches. My son said 'it works, why worry?', so I stopped worrying. However, if I reinstate the power to the parking light wires and remove the green/black wire from the picture, what will happen to the brake light if the lights are not switched on? At the time I was doing this work, an led brake light bulb was fitted (now removed, not bright enough). I have no idea whether this would have an effect or not. Any thoughts please?

With regard to the ignition switch, I have pulled some of its extended loom from under the tank and cable tied it to the forks, so the wires no longer flex at the switch when turning the handlebars. This will hopefully save the wires that are still intact. The missing switch grub screw has been ordered! Thanks for reading.

Howard64180 · Posted: Sun Jul 22, 2012 5:17 am Post subject:

Update: a second hand ignition switch restored power to the parking light fuse (and got rid of several potential shorts, as the original switch had no plastic cover on the bottom and, until recently, no grub screw holding it in).

When I cut the wire that I had been using to power the parking/rear lights, everything then worked perfectly! Previously, without this wire the brake light would not work. No idea what the difference is, or was. Now all I need to do is re-install the bulb monitor. Opinions on whether this is a worthwhile move are welcome.

Ernie-NH · Posted: Sun Jul 22, 2012 8:42 am Post subject:

Good morning Howard...

First: Where are you located ?? (( ie: sig info )

Second: do you have and are you using a, model specific wiring schematic ?

Third: re:""Opinions on whether this is a worthwhile move are welcome."" Yes !!

Good luck.........// Ernie in NH
_________________
AMA,, American Deaf Bikers
Airhead Beemers Club
'11 G650gs
'95 K1100LT
'76 R100/7

Howard64180 · Posted: Sun Jul 22, 2012 11:59 am Post subject:

Hello Ernie, I'm in Cumbria (Askam in Furness) near the Lake District. I have been using (formerly) a printed, model specific wiring diagram from the internet and more recently exactly the same diagram from a Clymer manual. I have actually got the wiring sorted now and the BM should be easy to fit, probably next weekend.

I'll get onto the sig info now!

Ernie-NH · Posted: Sun Jul 22, 2012 2:34 pm Post subject:

Hello Howard...

Just as a matter of reference, IMO the very best site on the internet to support our "K" bikes is a German one:

<<< http://k-technik.pytalhost.com/ >>>

The host language is German, BUT I and many others here can help you translate if you need to delve deeper than just schematics. You can also use GOOGLE_Translate, but be aware that Google does not have many of the very specific words or proper automotive terms. The electrical schematics on the "k-technik" site are invaluable !!

Have fun, ride safe...........// Ernie in NH (( ie: USA ))
_________________
AMA,, American Deaf Bikers
Airhead Beemers Club
'11 G650gs
'95 K1100LT
'76 R100/7

Howard64180 · Posted: Sun Jul 22, 2012 3:33 pm Post subject:

Thanks Ernie (in USA) - clearly you noticed I hadn't caught on to that one. Too many thoughts of jobs to do on the K flying round in what's left of my brain.

The German site does look good - and Google provides some interesting translations. Laughing

I reckon the only way I'll have time to do all the bike related activities (research, repairs and riding) I would like to do is to retire NOW. Maybe not too long to go if things play out as planned.

Thanks again for the info, Howard.