Triumphrat

Kevin955i · 10-19-2008, 07:32 PM

Hello Kevin here, an englishman on a Triumph. I've been riding almost 20 years now on a VFR750, a CBR900RR, a Mille RSV Factory and now a 2002 955i. I've been in the US 2 years now and have been using the Daytona for commuting mainly, about 110 miles a day. I managed to find a standard bike with a few extras thrown for a good price. Been really pleased with it and love the neutral handling.
Now for the question. I've just installed some "Hotgrips" heated grips to make the morning commute more pleasurable. I've wired them in by using a 12 volt relay taking the relay switch voltage from the cooling fan outlet from the fusebox and the power for the grips directly from the battery. Both the grips and the relay are grounded through the frame. After a ride of about 25 miles the grips work fine but after stopping the bike the battery has enough power to turn the engine over but not enough to start the bike. I've checked the relay when the ignition is off and there is no power getting to the grips. I don't think there is a problem with the wiring and am wondering if the battery is past it's best. I haven't checked the charge rate as I'm not sure what it should be. Does anyone see any problems with the way I've wired the grips and does anyone know the charge rate. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Lehbs · 10-19-2008, 11:22 PM

Don't know why it wouldn't start the second time after running. One thing though I believe that the cooling fan is on a circuit to always be hot. That way if you get off the bike after riding it for an hour in 35 celcius it will continue to run for a bit after shutting down.

Kevin955i · 10-20-2008, 08:51 PM

Thanks for the reply Lehbs. I checked the cooling fan circuit in and out of the fusebox with the ignition on and off and it didn't appear to be a permanently hot circuit and you can hear the relay click in and out when the ignition is operated. Unfortunately the accessory socket is a permanently hot circuit so it's not ideal using for something like this which is a shame.

Lehbs · 10-20-2008, 09:32 PM

Wierd then that you aren't able to go after a short run. I checked the website, and the hot grips only draw 36 watts for both if on high. I do know that the excess electrical on these bikes is very limited but my glove liners draw 28 and I have no problems.

Kevin955i · 10-21-2008, 12:35 PM

Yeah it does seem weird as you say. I'm wondering if the charging circuit is OK as the bike has always seemed a llittle sluggish firing up but it's never been a problem starting. I have a friend back in the UK whose R1 has just had to have a new alternator and that wasn't much older than my Daytona. Will get an amp clamp from work and see what's going back to the battery. Was thinking of wiring in a heated vest but now I think I will get a battery powered one

GearHd6 · 10-21-2008, 07:09 PM

Kevin955i, I see your location is CT. Thats for Connecticut i'd assume? Where in CT are you?

Kevin955i · 10-21-2008, 10:15 PM

I live in New Fairfield on Candlewood Lake which is western edge of Connecticut, whereabouts are you.

GearHd6 · 10-23-2008, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevin955i

I live in New Fairfield on Candlewood Lake which is western edge of Connecticut, whereabouts are you.

I'm in the northeast part of the state, sort of near where RT84 goes into Mass.

DEcosse · 10-23-2008, 07:09 PM

For the 'low' side of the grips relay, tap off the headlight cut relay - that relay does exactly that - cuts power to the headlights for improved starting. That will at least get them out of circuit while the starter button is engaged.
(It removes the '-ve' return from the lights, not the power)

Next - do this mod. (go to the second page for my preferred connection method)

It may well be your battery is past its best however but those suggestions will stand you in good stead regardless.

Kevin955i · 10-24-2008, 08:25 AM

Thanks for that suggestion. I measured the volts across the battery yesterday with the bike running and it only 12.3 volts at the most. Going to get the dealer to do a diagnostic check tomorrow on the regulator and the alternator. I will definitely read all of this mod and depending on what they find tomorrow will decide what to do.as you say the mod is very easy. Thanks very much for that info.