VTX 1800 Accessory Power Lead
Posted by Bare | Last Updated September 23, 2013This is a walk-through for finding and using the accessory power lead on the VTX 1800. This lead does not exist on the VTX 1300 or 05+ VTX 1800 R, S, and T models. This is a switched 12 volt power source, which means that it goes on and off with the key on the bike. When you turn the key on, this wire (and any accessory you attach to it) gets power. When you turn the key off, it loses power. This wire comes straight from the battery and is fused with a 30A fuse, but it also runs most of the electronics on the bike (after the key) so don’t put accessories on this lead that pull a lot of power or else you’ll start blowing fuses. I recommend using it for less than 10 amps of continuous draw but I have used it for as much as 20 amps of brief momentary draw (like an air horn). This wire can also be used for triggering a relay to run larger accessories. As with all mods, you do this at your own risk.
I want to thank Todd from the VTXOA who helped push me to finally finish this write-up.
Required Tools/Materials
- Tools to remove your seat
- Assorted electrical tools, wire, connectors, etc – this will vary depending on the accessory you are adding
Process
Read this entire process in advance so you know what you’re dealing with – if you understand this process and know what accessory you want to add in advance you can plan for the proper materials to make your connections. This helps prevent multiple trips to the auto store for wire or connectors you may not have laying around the garage.
Remove the seat from the bike. With the seat off, find the black cover shown in the picture below and slide it back to find the wire harnesses inside:
Ignore the fact that I have the ECU unplugged in the picture above dig through that wire bundle until you find this plug:
If you look at the plug you will see that one side (left side in this pic) has 4 wires coming into it and the other side (right side in this pic) only has 3 wires coming into it. This is where you’re going to get your power.
Separate the plug:
You can now see the plug on the left has 4 connectors to coincide with its 4 wires and the right plug has 3 connectors for its 3 wires. In the pic you can actually see the empty spot where there is no plug on the right. If you can find a good “spade” type connector like the OEM ones, you can actually put it into the stock plug and it will look like the bike came from the factory this way. You can sometimes find these plugs at an auto store, but sometimes you may have to dig a little further. Some dealerships will have a few laying in the shop, and you might be able to coax them out of one, or you can buy them on the web. I’ve got some part numbers listed on my Handy Tools page or you can try Googling them. If all else fails, you can just remove the other end from the plug and work with what you have.
That’s it – you’re done – congratulations!
Afterthoughts
So that’s it. Now you know where there is a switched power source on your bike and how to hook into it. Now you just need to find an accessory you want to use and wire it up. I find that little details like this help the bike look nicer, rather than tying a wire directly to the battery – plus since this is a switched power source you don’t have to worry about forgetting to turn the accessory off when you turn the bike off. This means no waking up to a dead battery and that is always a good thing.
Actually, my 2005 1800R has the switched accessory lead as shown. I have it wired up to a terminal strip under the left side cover.
Is the accessory source as described above powered on when the key is turned on or when the engine is running only. I would like the have the accessories turn on only after the engine is running.
3rd sentence in:
“This is a switched 12 volt power source, which means that it goes on and off with the key on the bike. When you turn the key on, this wire (and any accessory you attach to it) gets power. When you turn the key off, it loses power.”
There is no way to make stuff turn on strictly after the motor is running, but there are some other options. Join the forum and ask there if you want more guidance.
My 2005 1800N has this connection and I used it to activate my Fuzeblock .. thanks for the tip .. very helpful and looks professional.
[…] Of course you have Mike's website that informs you how to find the accessory wire on the 1800 […]
Just what I was needing to hook up a Bluetooth amp! It has a 5A fuse so it should be safe to use with that connector. In fact I might use it to trigger a relay for that and some other things as well later. Thanx, Bro!~
06 Vtx 1800. Well I got to digging and wouldn’t you know it, I found that plug. Living proof that it is good to be wrong sometimes. You have no idea how grateful I am to have your site to refer too. Can’t even begin to repeat the choice words I spewed when I went to your site to refresh my memory, and the ether said you were gone. If it wasn’t for being off work for the last couple months , I’d drop a check your way to show my appreciation, the union gets done politicking with the company , I’ll keep you in mind. I’ve done my fair share of wrenching ,mini bikes ,Yamaha Honda’s,,harley’s and that’s just the 2wheel stuff. Had I a site like this, I could of saved a fortune and had more time to ride.
Been planning and replanning on adding a few accessories ,. The charging port has been installed 3 times now, all clean installs, just awkward location and or looking for the right parts to install a keyed power source. Diving back into the electrical tonight, for air horn install and rerouting the power port, I decided to chase down a power source , and buried in the middle of the rats nest it was there. Not to mention, I’ve burned way to much fuel chasing thru traffic to parts stores that ,,Dont have the pieces and parts ,I’m looking for ,to do with a factory install look, ( insert non-juryrigging profectionist, ie..crimp.didn’t allow the wire to run smooth and leave the fuse laying flat against the toolbox door from the battery, cut it off and tried again ,,twice ) This is where I point out to the skimmers to your site , to slow down, look around…I did, and noticed the link for OEM QUALITY electrical ,all in one dang place. And again with the ,,,could of been riding the river route up the mountain and thru the trees. When I’m done with this mini book, I’m going back to finish my shopping list and place the order, for all those factory looking custom pieces ,I’ve been wasting life and money not finding.. I’m really sick of pulling the seat and battery cover. Although, all the electric plugs have been cleaned ,inspected, treated with some dielectric grease and rerouted to lay together like a deck of cards. Sorta like the various lines and harness that got the same treatment after the Pair,( fabricated my own plates , 2 hours start to mirror finish with basic hand tools ) desmog, and secondary air mods and a snugging up of the valves. Membership to your site would be worth every penny. Wait a couple months ,,please ,,,I have the clutch and 3 other projects to get too,,,my bank account is tapped, and surveillance is ongoing for the most productive drug dealers for wealth redistribution .
And thanks to your site I can say that my HONDA was built in the USA, ” Deciphering your VIN ” ARTICLE up at the top.
Did I say Thank You yet? ………THANKS!!
Ps. Sending pics of my valve adjustment Kit. Good for a laugh.
Thanks!!!
9/9/20. Relays for lights and GPS. Thank You.
Perfect solution! Thank You!