fred_jb
Registered user
In a recent thread I described how on a recent long tour I had become so irritated by the multicontroller wheel obstructing access to the indicator switch and getting operated accidentally, that I removed it, even though this meant having to buy and fit a different heated grip. The improvement for me was immense and it won't be going back to having the wheel in its standard position. Details here: http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php/462586-Removal-of-Multicontroller-a-k-a-Wonderwheel
However, I have now succeeded in re-fitting the wheel in an alternative position inboard of the switch cluster. I can still operate it with my thumb without letting go of the bar, but there is no way it will now get operated accidentally. I used nylon bolts fitted through the three holes which are normally used to secure the wheel to the grip to hold the wheel together and the washers under the nuts intrude slightly into the central space the bar passes through, which give a tight friction fit of the wheel to the bar. I rewired the wheel to fit a longer cable and take its six connecting wires out of the other side, and soldered them to the original small connector which connects the wheel to the switch cluster. I also made a small plastic cover to protect the wiring which now comes out of the left side of the wheel. The first attempt at fitting worked, but meant that I would have to remove the wheel whenever the grip is removed, due to its connector plugging into the inside of the switch cluster and being inaccessible without removing the grip and switch cluster first.
For the mk II version I decided to put a connector inline with the wheel cable so that it could be easily disconnected, but have found it incredibly difficult to find a small waterproof 6 way plug and socket - all the automotive miniature types, similar to the original one which I have re-used to plug into the switch cluster, seem to be only available in minimum quantities of 2500 or more! If anyone knows of a source please let me know. The one I have fitted for now is massive, as you can see from the photo below, though it tucks away under the clutch assembly so is not obvious. The second picture shows the wheel fitted and fully operational in its new position.
Even in its new position, I am still not convinced that the wheel is the best way to provide these functions, so I am also working on an alternative arrangement which will either use a simple miniature joystick, or more likely a four way navigation pad like those found on some remote controls. I am not really totally mad - I just enjoy the challenge!
Fred
However, I have now succeeded in re-fitting the wheel in an alternative position inboard of the switch cluster. I can still operate it with my thumb without letting go of the bar, but there is no way it will now get operated accidentally. I used nylon bolts fitted through the three holes which are normally used to secure the wheel to the grip to hold the wheel together and the washers under the nuts intrude slightly into the central space the bar passes through, which give a tight friction fit of the wheel to the bar. I rewired the wheel to fit a longer cable and take its six connecting wires out of the other side, and soldered them to the original small connector which connects the wheel to the switch cluster. I also made a small plastic cover to protect the wiring which now comes out of the left side of the wheel. The first attempt at fitting worked, but meant that I would have to remove the wheel whenever the grip is removed, due to its connector plugging into the inside of the switch cluster and being inaccessible without removing the grip and switch cluster first.
For the mk II version I decided to put a connector inline with the wheel cable so that it could be easily disconnected, but have found it incredibly difficult to find a small waterproof 6 way plug and socket - all the automotive miniature types, similar to the original one which I have re-used to plug into the switch cluster, seem to be only available in minimum quantities of 2500 or more! If anyone knows of a source please let me know. The one I have fitted for now is massive, as you can see from the photo below, though it tucks away under the clutch assembly so is not obvious. The second picture shows the wheel fitted and fully operational in its new position.
Even in its new position, I am still not convinced that the wheel is the best way to provide these functions, so I am also working on an alternative arrangement which will either use a simple miniature joystick, or more likely a four way navigation pad like those found on some remote controls. I am not really totally mad - I just enjoy the challenge!
Fred
