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How to Wire a GPS on a Motorcycle

by Kyle McBride

  • Overview

    Global Positioning System (GPS) units provide useful information to a motorcycle rider. Modern GPS units that are made for road travel come with road maps programmed into them. A series of geo-synchronous satellites transmit precisely timed pulses of information, which is picked up by the receiver (GPS unit). The receiving GPS can then display your current position on the road map, as well as latitude and longitude, elevation and speed. Accurate to within 30 feet or less, this information can be invaluable for rescue purposes and to avoid becoming lost in unfamiliar areas.
 

  • Step 1

    Remove the motorcycle's fuel tank to expose the backbone of the frame and the bikes wiring harness. Lay the GPS wiring harness along the frame and determine if the wires will reach from the battery posts forward along the frame and up to the desired mounting position.

  • Step 2

    Extend the GPS power leads (red and black) if they are not long enough to reach. Insert each power lead into a 16 to 18 gauge butt-splice and crimp it with the terminal crimper. Measure out enough 16-18 gauge wire to complete the circuit and strip 3/8 inch of insulation from each end of the extensions. Insert an extension into each butt-splice and crimp the splice securely. Wrap each butt-splice with electrical tape and lap the tape onto the wires to provide extra strain relief and some weatherproofing.

  • Step 3

    Insert the ends of the GPS power leads into 16 to 18 gauge ring terminals. Crimp the terminal securely onto each power lead. Lay the GPW wiring harness along the bikes wiring harness and zip-tie the GPS harness to the frame.

  • Step 4

    Remove the battery negative cable first and the positive cable second with a 10 millimeter wrench. Insert the positive battery bolt through the positive GPS power lead and the bike's positive cable and reinstall it onto the battery post. Repeat this process for the negative cable.

  • Step 5

    Clamp the GPS unit bracket onto the handlebars or the windshield support, whichever is convenient or desired. Place the GPS unit into its bracket and plug the wiring harness plug into the GPS socket. Power-up the GPS to insure that the power leads are good an that the unit is functioning properly. Reinstall the fuel tank.
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  • Mechanic's tools GPS unit GPS wiring harness Ring terminals (2) Terminal crimper Zip-ties 10 mm wrench
  • Mechanic's tools
  • GPS unit
  • GPS wiring harness
  • Ring terminals (2)
  • Terminal crimper
  • Zip-ties
  • 10 mm wrench
  • This is a direct connection to the battery. Power to the GPS will not be interrupted by turning the key off. This circuit will be protected solely by the GPS wiring harness in-line fuse.
  • This is a direct connection to the battery. Power to the GPS will not be interrupted by turning the key off. This circuit will be protected solely by the GPS wiring harness in-line fuse.
     
     
 
 

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