Electrical question: Do I need a Ground path thru handlebars?

[Pat Conlon]

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

[racerman_27410]

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

[FJmonkey]

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.

[JCainFJ]

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.

[Pat Conlon]

Ok thanks guys...

[SlowOldGuy]

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.

[rktmanfj]

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.     

Them old hippie guys know their shit.     

[JCainFJ]

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.

[Mark Olson]

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. 

[Pat Conlon]

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.