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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: gs500ew_uk on June 23, 2009, 09:47:23 AM

Title: Weatherproofing wires - now with pics!
Post by: gs500ew_uk on June 23, 2009, 09:47:23 AM
Okay, New Streetfighter II dual headlight arived today - quick test and works fine. BUT......  as the standard headlight housing will be removed, what does anybody suggest to cover the remaining wiring against our great English (i.e. Wet) weather.

This is the headlight in case anybody else has fitted one.....

http--www.mandp.co.uk-netalogue-photos-large-500203.jpg
Title: Re: Weatherproofing wires
Post by: qwertydude on June 23, 2009, 10:19:35 AM
If you're willing to remove the whole length of wiring, a good long length of heat shrink tubing will weatherproof it. But wiring is already insulated so what I would worry more about is the connections. Dielectric grease on the connections will help prevent corrosion.
Title: Re: Weatherproofing wires
Post by: gs500ew_uk on June 23, 2009, 10:22:37 AM
Thanks - yes it is more the connectors that are worrying me rather than the wiring itself.
Title: Re: Weatherproofing wires
Post by: Cal Price on June 23, 2009, 10:27:36 AM
I recently shifted my rear indicators to accomodate hard luggage, on the GSF650 I used bullet connectors and a crimping tool from homebase, or was it Halfords, and tightly wrapped the pair of wires an bullets with ordinary insulating tape. I am pretty sure it will be OK. I did the same when i fitted a new headlamp to my old Yamaha project some time back and it is still good, not mine anymore but still good.
Title: Re: Weatherproofing wires
Post by: intergalactic on June 23, 2009, 11:30:43 AM
You can get silicone like grease for connectors. 'dielectric grease' is the name here stateside. I pay under $6 for a tube. Probably 80 grams.

Works pretty well for exposed connectors.

Make drip loops so the connector isn't on the bottom and won't fill full of water, too.


HTH

ig


Quote from: gs500ew_uk on June 23, 2009, 10:22:37 AM
Thanks - yes it is more the connectors that are worrying me rather than the wiring itself.
Title: Re: Weatherproofing wires
Post by: sledge on June 23, 2009, 12:39:57 PM
Take a trip down to your nearest Maplin and get some of this.........

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=4099
Title: Re: Weatherproofing wires - now with pics
Post by: gs500ew_uk on June 27, 2009, 09:31:47 AM
Headlight now fitted - bit of a "streetfighter look on a budget" bike. Headlight was £20, brand new. Add in a couple of £s for some electrical spade connectors and shorter mounting bolts and hey presto:

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss177/trebor69er/GS500E/Photo-0023.jpg

No modification required. Removed old headlight, removed side mounting brackets and turned them upside down - this gave me the exact space to match the new headlight!

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss177/trebor69er/GS500E/Photo-0025.jpg

Just need to tidy up area under light now. Have kept original indicator mounts for now, but can see that may change.....

Light came with 3 wires attached so just added spade connectors to them so it connects directly to the standard headlight connector. That way it can be reverted to "normal" without any major trouble. Bottom light is dip, top is main, both for Pass/Flash

Well, I'm dead pleased with it anyway - K&N Lunchbox and new jets arriving next week.......  Jack up kit possibly on order too....