Anyone ever install a quad-lock hard wired charging head?

GhenghisKen

GhenghisKen

Joined
Sep 19, 2023
Messages
51
Age
56
Location
Bobcaygeon, ON, Canada
Bike
2008 ST1300a
Got one for fathers day and the install video recommends connecting the wiring to "auxiliary power" (which looks like two wires coming from a white box on the Ducati test bike).

Anyone know of a diagram or video for installing one of these on a 2008 ST1300A?
 
Hey neighbour, I haven’t seen a video on the ST but we would normally connect it to the aux harness that was an option on the 1300 (if I recall correctly). On a bike without a dedicated auxiliary, we usually look for a switched 12V supply.

And if we’re installing a distribution unit, then we can use a dedicated fee on that.

Lots of options!
 
If you are going to use the q-lock for an iphone you might consider the anti-vibration accessory they sell. Motorcycle vibrations can upset the image stabilization hardware inside the phone requiring an expensive and not covered by insurance repair. I've read some guys don't trust this anti vibe gadget and won't put their phone in any holder on their bike. Other folks have said their phone is happy in the q-lock. Since then new phones cost a significant fraction of what an ST costs decide for yourself.

I'm not sure if the latest iphones use an electronic (software) mod to stabilize the image, in which case even a cocktail shaker should not permanently damage said phone (it might give it a headache, tho). Android phones? I don't know how they stabilize the image.
 
^ ^ ^ THIS ^ ^ ^
Early on, I nearly trashed a new Android phone trying this, so I won't again. I have other options, including a dedicated GPS.
I've read a lot about this on several bike forums, and my takeaway is sometimes it works great, and sometimes an expensive phone is wrecked.
In the immortal words of my good friend Clint Eastwood, ..."Do you feel lucky, ...p*nk?"
Good luck.
 
I've been using the quadlock with their anti vibration adapter for years with no issues with the camera.

Just recently I got a carpuride as I saw one on @beemerphile 's bike and I like the size. The RT has wireless phone charger and fan built into one of the small lockable compartments so I'll use that there and just a usb charger in the top box on the GS.
 
I've got the mag charger head and anti vibration thing. Both seem to work well, although I'd likely never know regarding the anti vibration... I've never used it with previous mounts with no issues to the camera functions.

My bike had a quartet type aux harness already installed so I used that. Anything that ties into a switched ignition circuit so the charger isn't on when the key is off will work well. I believe it draws 2 amps.
 
I've been riding with the quad-lock and anti vibration attachment for a couple of seasons now, no issues there. What concerns me is the level of expertise that appears to be required to wire in the charging head to the "quartet" thing....not sure I am ready for fairing removal and poking around with the electrical system.
 
GhenghisKen said:
What concerns me is the level of expertise that appears to be required to wire in the charging head to the "quartet" thing....not sure I am ready for fairing removal and poking around with the electrical system
Click to expand...
It's easier than you think.
Even I did it with the quartet harness, and I didn't blow anything up or wreck anything. The information on the Q-harness is (or was) in the Articles.
(What I should say for accuracy is, I added a USB charger, not an actual Quadlock, but DC voltage is still DC.)
If you don't want to mess with it, or your bike doesn't have one (I bought s new one for about $15, as my 2008 didn't come with one), you can wire it directly to the battery, as I'm sure it comes with an online fuse.
I'm no wiring wizard, so I am confident you can do it.
 
Sadlsor said:
It's easier than you think.
Even I did it with the quartet harness, and I didn't blow anything up or wreck anything. The information on the Q-harness is (or was) in the Articles.
(What I should say for accuracy is, I added a USB charger, not an actual Quadlock, but DC voltage is still DC.)
If you don't want to mess with it, or your bike doesn't have one (I bought s new one for about $15, as my 2008 didn't come with one), you can wire it directly to the battery, as I'm sure it comes with an online fuse.
I'm no wiring wizard, so I am confident you can do it.
Click to expand...
It does not include an online fuse, and will always draw some power if not on a switched circuit. It should be tied into an ignition circuit that can handle 2 amps, or use a relay to give power from the battery with the ignition source running the switch.
 
Willsmotorcycle said:
https://www.st-owners.com/forums/threads/st1300-quartet-harness-farkle-wiring-guide.26091/

I have the Quadlock hooked to the 12v switched from the quartet, you can wire to the nine pin if you don't have one. thanks @Mellow
Click to expand...

That would be great I know what "wire it into the 9-pin" actualy meant. do I stick the red wire into the 9-pin (where) and the black wire too? (also where). If I remove the panel and find this quartet harness thing (the 4 pin blocks is what I think you mean) is the 12v switched power item clear to find?
 
GhenghisKen said:
That would be great I know what "wire it into the 9-pin" actualy meant. do I stick the red wire into the 9-pin (where) and the black wire too? (also where). If I remove the panel and find this quartet harness thing (the 4 pin blocks is what I think you mean) is the 12v switched power item clear to find?
Click to expand...
The quartet harness plug (9 pin) is taped (black tape so it is hard to find) to the subframe under the front cowl. Translation into english - remove the left middle cowl - the huge plastic fairing piece on the left side of the bike (rider's left). To do this you also have to remove the plastic in front of the radiator and other assorted pieces up front. Then, with a flashlight look up and forward from a low vantage point (you on your knees or sitting on a mechanic's rolling seat). The subframe is the assembly made up of thin tubes under the front plastic. The quartet harness plug is taped to one of those lower metal tubes. You won't find the quartet harness itself unless a prev. owner installed one - they have been discontinued by Honda

The quartet harness plug is a 9 pin plug. Honda's accessory (the quartet harness itself) has a mating 9 pin plug and i think three more plugs on short wiring whips. You can call it a 'breakout harness' - it separates the power into switched, not switched, etc as described in Will's link.

You cannot 'stick the wire into the 9 pin' you will have to either make up your own quartet harness using the info in Will's linked article or use positaps to connect to the wires that go into that 9 pin connector.
 
GhenghisKen said:
That would be great I know what "wire it into the 9-pin" actualy meant. do I stick the red wire into the 9-pin (where) and the black wire too? (also where). If I remove the panel and find this quartet harness thing (the 4 pin blocks is what I think you mean) is the 12v switched power item clear to find?
Click to expand...
That's a fair point sir, the 9 pin is easy find after you pull the L middle cowl. "9 pin" is in reference to the connectors size, they are sometimes called Hitachi connectors.

Here is a link to a popular supplier I, and others, have used. https://www.cycleterminal.com/110-connectors.html

Image 6-21-26 at 11.41 PM.jpeg

I don't think there is an easy way to give you switched power with out pulling plastics or installing "equipment". Lets see if we can shed some light.

This article is the color code for the wires. https://www.st-owners.com/forums/threads/st1300-quartet-harness-pinout.7682/

9-Pin Clear Connector at bike for quartet harness
Harness Side Color ------ Bike Side Color Signal/Function
Red/Green --------------- Red/Green Constant 12V
Light Green/Black ------- Red/Green Switched 12V + ACC 12V
Orange ------------------ Orange Left Turn Signal
Light Blue -------------- Light Blue Right Turn Signal
Red/Black --------------- White/Green Switched 12V
Green ------------------- Green Ground

IMG_1474.jpeg

As SMSW said the accessory harness, AKA Quartet Harness is out of production. I have found them on Ebay more than once. The connection point for the OEM harness is the only unused connector inside the cover, noted with arrow. there are more pictures in this article;
https://www.st-owners.com/forums/threads/st1300-quartet-harness-farkle-wiring-guide.26091/

If previous owner had one installed the easy way to do this is wire taps, if not, the easiest way is wire taps. these are the not known to fail;

1782100627861.png The wire size you are working with is 18-24

Going back to the 9 pin, you would connect the black wire from the Quadlock to the Green wire(ground), and the red wire from the Quadlock to the Red/Black wire.

This will be happening on the wires before the connector, obviously. I had mine wired direct with a connector to the Quartet and my side failed, @Mellow had a couple of posi taps and we cut out my connector and used Posi taps to go behind the OEM connector. Works like a champ!

I hope this helps.
 
GhenghisKen said:
What concerns me is the level of expertise that appears to be required to wire in the charging head to the "quartet" thing....not sure I am ready for fairing removal and poking around with the electrical system.
Click to expand...
If you prefer not to attempt this yourself go for a ride to Gil's (@GGely) place. I don't know if he is still doing it (You will have to ask him) but he used to make and install wiring harnesses for motorcycles. Better yet you can have him put in an accessory fuse box for you and you will be all set for any electrical items that you might want to add in the future.
 
Andrew Shadow said:
If you prefer not to attempt this yourself go for a ride to Gil's (@GGely) place. I don't know if he is still doing it (You will have to ask him) but he used to make and install wiring harnesses for motorcycles. Better yet you can have him put in an accessory fuse box for you and you will be all set for any electrical items that you might want to add in the future.
Click to expand...

Actually Gil was the first to respond above. I'm looking at maybe adding the Oxford Junction Box - 12V with Fused Power Outlets - EL112, instead and maybe see if that is easier for a noobie to wire in.
Click to expand...
 
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