Nashcat
Site Supporter
Since I’ve picked up a 2006 ST1300 with sidecar, I decided to look under the plastic to see what changes were made and to take the time to correct some factory wiring problems before they arise. The wiring problems relate to bad grounds, causing all sorts of problems such as non-start and lights staying on after the ignition has been switched off. I’ve done these repairs on 3 bikes now, mt first ST1300, as well as 2 others, owned by @seawalker and @Indian Express .
First, I’ll start on things I found. Under the seat, I found a PIAA lighting relay. Hmmm. I walked around to the front of the sidecar and found that both lights are PIAA halogen. Nice to have, but look like a pain when I have to change bulbs.
Then, laying behind the battery was a 5 circuit fuse block. Nice to have, but not the ideal location, since it would see water and road grime. It’s been removed and will be replaced by a 12 circuit fuse block under the rear seat. I didn’t really care for the metal cover of the first one. Too close to the wiring.
Next, I started pulling all (well almost all) the plastic. Since a couple of the sidecar mounts run through the cowling, I’m trying to move the plastic out far enough to work.
I’ll be adding additional ground wire jumpers to the 24 pin connector under the left upper cowling and to the yellow grounding block, behind the right headlight.
While I’m under the hood, I’ll be removing a headlight modulator as well as replacing stock headlamps with LED’s.
At some point there’s the Audiovox electronic cruise to install.
Stay tuned, that’s all can handle for today. Did I mention that I’m working on the floor. The hack is too big for my lift table.
John
First, I’ll start on things I found. Under the seat, I found a PIAA lighting relay. Hmmm. I walked around to the front of the sidecar and found that both lights are PIAA halogen. Nice to have, but look like a pain when I have to change bulbs.
Then, laying behind the battery was a 5 circuit fuse block. Nice to have, but not the ideal location, since it would see water and road grime. It’s been removed and will be replaced by a 12 circuit fuse block under the rear seat. I didn’t really care for the metal cover of the first one. Too close to the wiring.
Next, I started pulling all (well almost all) the plastic. Since a couple of the sidecar mounts run through the cowling, I’m trying to move the plastic out far enough to work.
I’ll be adding additional ground wire jumpers to the 24 pin connector under the left upper cowling and to the yellow grounding block, behind the right headlight.
While I’m under the hood, I’ll be removing a headlight modulator as well as replacing stock headlamps with LED’s.
At some point there’s the Audiovox electronic cruise to install.
Stay tuned, that’s all can handle for today. Did I mention that I’m working on the floor. The hack is too big for my lift table.
John
