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General Category => Modifications => Topic started by: Pat Conlon on February 09, 2013, 11:20:13 AM

Title: Electrical question: Do I need a Ground path thru handlebars?
Post by: Pat Conlon on February 09, 2013, 11:20:13 AM
I'm doing a mod on my top triple clamp (FZR1000USD) I'm going to install some rubber bushings under my handle bar clamps for vibration isolation.

Question: Will I have to worry about a grounding path for and handle bar switches? I looked at the wiring schematic, but I am unclear.

I'm asking, 'cause I recall a couple of years ago, Jon Cain posted about running a ground wire to his top triple clamp so the electrical ground path did not have to travel thru the steering neck bearings....

Thanks folks  Pat
Title: Re: Electrical question: Do I need a Ground path thru handlebars?
Post by: racerman_27410 on February 09, 2013, 11:43:43 AM

Pat,

I dont think the switchgear needs grounding.... maybe if your gauges were mounted to the bars/triples but not for just the switches

KOokaloo!


Frank
Title: Re: Electrical question: Do I need a Ground path thru handlebars?
Post by: FJmonkey on February 09, 2013, 11:46:20 AM
Pat, after having the switches apart and seeing that they have a ground wire I think the answer is NO. But if there were a current running through any bearings it will kill the bearings faster than normal use. VFD motors have this problem and require a grounding device from the shaft to the frame.
Title: Re: Electrical question: Do I need a Ground path thru handlebars?
Post by: JCainFJ on February 09, 2013, 05:40:53 PM
Pat,
I still recomend the ground. A ground wire is cheep and easy, while new bearings are hard to do and expensive!
It was a recall when I was a BMW techo.
Title: Re: Electrical question: Do I need a Ground path thru handlebars?
Post by: Pat Conlon on February 09, 2013, 07:50:58 PM
Ok thanks guys...
Title: Re: Electrical question: Do I need a Ground path thru handlebars?
Post by: SlowOldGuy on February 09, 2013, 07:55:11 PM
I think the engine kill switch works by grounding the ignition through the handlebar.  The horn may also work this way.  I know the horn button is on the ground path side of the circuit.

Besides, why would ANYONE question advice from Jon Cain?????

DavidR.
Title: Re: Electrical question: Do I need a Ground path thru handlebars?
Post by: rktmanfj on February 09, 2013, 08:20:10 PM
Quote from: SlowOldGuy on February 09, 2013, 07:55:11 PM
I think the engine kill switch works by grounding the ignition through the handlebar.  The horn may also work this way.  I know the horn button is on the ground path side of the circuit.

Besides, why would ANYONE question advice from Jon Cain?????

DavidR.

Beats me.      :unknown:

Them old hippie guys know their shit.     :good:


Title: Re: Electrical question: Do I need a Ground path thru handlebars?
Post by: JCainFJ on February 11, 2013, 08:46:59 AM
HOLD ON! I question advice from Jon Cain all the time! If I know anything about bikes it's only because I'm standing on a huge pile of broken parts.
Title: Re: Electrical question: Do I need a Ground path thru handlebars?
Post by: Mark Olson on February 11, 2013, 09:46:56 AM
Quote from: JCainFJ on February 11, 2013, 08:46:59 AM
HOLD ON! I question advice from Jon Cain all the time! If I know anything about bikes it's only because I'm standing on a huge pile of broken parts.

your been there, done that ratio is very high , makes you an authority on fj's.  :good:
Title: Re: Electrical question: Do I need a Ground path thru handlebars?
Post by: Pat Conlon on February 11, 2013, 10:34:59 AM
Quote from: JCainFJ on February 11, 2013, 08:46:59 AM
HOLD ON! I question advice from Jon Cain all the time!
If I know anything about bikes it's only because I'm standing on a huge pile of broken parts.

Ahhh grasshopper, a smart man learns from his mistakes....but, a wise man learns from the mistakes of others.

Jon, we are very fortunate to have you with us on this forum.