BMW R1200RT/R1250RT Forum

Hi all - the top case connector on my recently acquired bike is clipped just beneath the box rather than under the passenger seat as shown in the manual. Presumably it’s like this to make removal quicker, but I’m planning to leave it fitted most of the time, especially with high-mounted stop light fitted. I can’t (with a gentle tug) persuade any greater harness length from the top case. Before I dismantle it completely does anyone know if I’m likely do find more length tucked away in the base of the box? TIA.

Thats an interesting way of doing it!

I have been contemplating doing something similar but by adding a connector

Anyway looking at the pics I suspect that its been shortened

There's not really anywhere it can hide in the box I don't think

I can see why someone may have done that. The connector under the seat slows down top box fitting or removal. But to be fair how often is that?

I would suspect the connector gets a bit of dirt and water off the back wheel. Best left under the seat maybe.

David and Sally wrote: ↑Thu Sep 29, 2022 9:40 am I can see why someone may have done that. The connector under the seat slows down top box fitting or removal. But to be fair how often is that?

I would suspect the connector gets a bit of dirt and water off the back wheel. Best left under the seat maybe.

Yep, that’s what I thought - looks like mine has been modified at some point then.

It looks like the backshell is missing off the socket... The wires and interconnecting hardware shouldn't be open to the weather/road grime like that.
Also a bit worrying seeing pvc electrical tape used on a motorcycle. It is usually a sign that the job has been rushed, performed by a layperson, or both.
When wrapping motorcycle wiring looms if possible use vulcanizing rubber tabe rather than pvc tape as it doesnt turn into a sticky mess over time but turns into a solid rubber sheath.
Just make sure the rubber tape is the fully insulative variety as it is also available in semi-conducting type.
Also get some dual-wall glue-lined heatshrink to keep your electrics weatherproof and a heat gun, hot-air tipped gas soldering iron to shrink the tubing.
As in all things, reliable electrics rely on quality components!
Best of luck with the redesign.

Marvin2Shoes wrote: ↑Sat Oct 08, 2022 5:34 am It looks like the backshell is missing off the socket... The wires and interconnecting hardware shouldn't be open to the weather/road grime like that.

That’s my concern somewhat. Does anyone have a picture of what the topcase part of the connector should look like?

Myveetwin wrote: ↑Mon Oct 10, 2022 11:27 am

Marvin2Shoes wrote: ↑Sat Oct 08, 2022 5:34 am It looks like the backshell is missing off the socket... The wires and interconnecting hardware shouldn't be open to the weather/road grime like that.

That’s my concern somewhat. Does anyone have a picture of what the topcase part of the connector should look like?

What you see is what you get but it should be under the seat

Yours has been shortened at the top box side and moved to under the rack to make it easier to remove

sakm wrote: ↑Mon Oct 10, 2022 11:34 am

Myveetwin wrote: ↑Mon Oct 10, 2022 11:27 am

Marvin2Shoes wrote: ↑Sat Oct 08, 2022 5:34 am It looks like the backshell is missing off the socket... The wires and interconnecting hardware shouldn't be open to the weather/road grime like that.

That’s my concern somewhat. Does anyone have a picture of what the topcase part of the connector should look like?

What you see is what you get but it should be under the seat

Yours has been shortened at the top box side and moved to under the rack to make it easier to remove

Thanks - wasn’t sure what Marvin2Shoes was referring to as the missing “backshell”, images I’ve found of the connector look like mine (with a longer cable).

Myveetwin wrote: ↑Mon Oct 10, 2022 2:38 pm

sakm wrote: ↑Mon Oct 10, 2022 11:34 am

Myveetwin wrote: ↑Mon Oct 10, 2022 11:27 am

That’s my concern somewhat. Does anyone have a picture of what the topcase part of the connector should look like?

What you see is what you get but it should be under the seat

Yours has been shortened at the top box side and moved to under the rack to make it easier to remove

Thanks - wasn’t sure what Marvin2Shoes was referring to as the missing “backshell”, images I’ve found of the connector look like mine (with a longer cable).

Yes that did throw me a bit too! but mine looks exactly like yours but just under the seat

Personally I would look at putting it back there by extending the cable back.

I'm not sure if you can buy the loom separately so its back to OEM

A backshell is a cover that usually provides strain relief to the wiring harness at point of entry and weather-proofing to the connections where the stripped wires meet the termination hardware of the plug/socket.
If you view a Deutsch connector backshell you will see that each wire enters the back of the connector sealed by a rubber seal on each individual wire. This is industry best practice. https://www.deutschconnector.com/produc ... onnectors/

The fact that a BMW connector is shown without this weatherproofing in a location that is open to the weather suggests it needs bringing up to standard or putting back under the seat out of the weather.
Just an observation that will save hassles in the long term.
I can't help being a wiring Nazi... It comes with the exposure to poor wiring practices over the last forty years.

Marvin2Shoes wrote: ↑Tue Oct 11, 2022 1:15 am A backshell is a cover that usually provides strain relief to the wiring harness at point of entry and weather-proofing to the connections where the stripped wires meet the termination hardware of the plug/socket.
If you view a Deutsch connector backshell you will see that each wire enters the back of the connector sealed by a rubber seal on each individual wire. This is industry best practice. https://www.deutschconnector.com/produc ... onnectors/

The fact that a BMW connector is shown without this weatherproofing in a location that is open to the weather suggests it needs bringing up to standard or putting back under the seat out of the weather.
Just an observation that will save hassles in the long term.
I can't help being a wiring Nazi... It comes with the exposure to poor wiring practices over the last forty years.

There is waterproofing on each wire as it enters the connector

I will try and get a pic of mine for you

And one for @Myveetwin

This is where it is supposed to be located if you haven't seen a pic of it yet

I stand corrected on the weatherproofing... and I'm impressed!
BMW wiring harnesses really aren't like Ducati wiring harness huh?!
It's still missing any strain-relief which is a must for protecting wiring when it is in a location that the wiring is able to be disturbed / moved. This could be easily mitigated by wrapping the loom in vulcanizing rubber tabe (or pvc tape) over the exposed wiring and continued all the way onto the back of the connector then back over itself.
On a completely different subject, I was amazed today when I walked into a Jaycar store here (electronics supplies) and was able to buy one of the Euro 12VDC plugs to connect a mini compressor to the RT via its standard DC port/socket. I wish our plugs were so well made. Is this the European standard or just a BMW thing?

The BMW(Bosch) plug I've only seen used on one other manufacturer and that was Volvo trucks. In the UK we had the usual type that fitted into the cigarette lighter. Now days is mostly been taken over by USB sockets as this has been the norm since cars don't come with ashtrays or ciggy lighters.
The Bosch plug and socket is much better than the standard Ciggy equivalent as it has more contacts for the earthing. This plug also holds it more strongly into the socket.

So you have the rubbish cigarette lighter plug/socket too. My condolences