Wiring lights into the GS can-bus system

[MikeT]

In the essence of full disclosure let me say that I'm a noob to the GS, I've had mine for just under 24 hours... Another strike against me is that I lack the gene that allows me to be comfortable with electrical mods.

Despite this I wish to add caliper mounted motolights to my bike and my local BMW dealer has advised me that it is a 3 to 4 hours install by their techs. This is due to the can bus system. The "how-to's" I've seen here and at advrider make installing lights appear to be not too complicated. My question is who's right?

[Joel]

I'm so tired of all the CANbus fearmongering I could just spit.

Nobody needs to mess with the CANbus to make electrical mods. I did my own aux lights (not Motolights, however) and some other electrical mods by myself, and I'm no wizard. Connecting a fuse block with a relay to your battery is the way to start. Most of what I needed to know I found right here:

http://www.r1200gs.info/howto/relay.html

You can find other info over on advrider.com or bmwst.com, especially if you look through Jim von Baden's posts. He's done a nice diagram that shows a flexible way to power up your gear.

If I did it, I bet you can too.

P.S. Look here at Ken's post, too.

n00b, interested in purchasing a 1200 GS, questions about electronics

[kook]

Thought i'd post a pic of my setup.

I installed a Centec AP1 fuse block where the stock tool kit goes.
I run my Hella HID's, Volt meter, Gerbings vest, and 2 auxillary 12V outlets.
My HID's are wired to switched power also, you can see by the Blue wire.

Centec

Here's one of my 12V auxillary outlets installed


Adios

Bobby

[Time Traveller]

Kook;

Very nice and sanitary install! Is that an aluminum plate that you have the Centec attached to?

Time Traveller

[kook]

Thanks Time Traveller. Yes, it is Alum... I hard mounted the Centec to the Alum. plate, then i used velcro along the thin edge of the recess.

kook

[marc]

Well, it can take a lot of time depending upon how you route the wiring. I probably took a half a day getting it the way I wanted it. Details here. Oh, that also included the time to re-route some other wiring I'd done for GPS and radar detector. I wanted all wiring to go under the tank.

// marc

[MikeT]

Thanks guys for all your responses. Based upon these responses and reading other boards I'm going to see about upgrading my comfort and skill level to make this mod myself.

[bmwinva]

hey there. i'm new on board so please excuse any format errors.

ok, i work with/for motolights and have my own comapny installing farkels, since most people fear electrical modifications. playing with the can bus is very easy once you know where to go for your power.

email me at bmwinva@comcast.net and i'll tell you more.

later

roger

[JimVonBaden]

Here is my wiring diagram for my Centech fuse box. I also added a second set of lights as well. (this diagram was originally designed for a Blue Seas box, but works fine for any fuse box)


Here is the Centech box all wired in.




All my lights on.

I also have it wired for Gerbings, GPS and a Steibel horn, which are currently installed.

It was a simple job that just took a little patience, and a little time.

No need to be afraid of the canbus system. Just work around it.

Jim

[GelStra]

Hey, Jim, K.C. Int'l just called. They need some back-up lighting on 23R.