Well, it’s taken me longer than I would have liked, and it’s still going on while I wait for my air compressor. However I wanted to provide an update. In part I I was able to wire in a switched +12v line and a -bat line and route it to the front of the bike.

In this second part, I have been able to complete the wiring for both the USB charger and the grip heaters. The wires are still a bit messy, but that will be taken care of in part III when I am finally able to put in the grip heaters under the grips.

As you can see from the picture I have faux mounted the hardwired cigarette lighter USB charger adapter to the left cable stays. If you look toward the bottom you will also see a switch. This is the metal toggle switch that came with the grip heater kit. I have currently mounted it using the horn bolt and an old wrench that came with an assemble-it-yourself piece of furniture from IKEA. I have done this because I am reluctant to drill holes in the fairing.

In progress view of adding an USB charger and grip heaters to an FZ1

In the picture you will also notice that I have soldered an in-line fuse for both the USB charger and the grip heaters. I used a 2-amp fuse for the USB charger and a 5-amp fuse for the grip heaters, all purchased at my local Radio Shack. You will also notice my left over Harley-Davidson house key that I bought at the Home Depot. (How many more company names can I drop?)

I have tried out both the USB charger and the grip heaters and both work. This means that my digits will be toasty and by battery will be full while I ride around in the frigid north. I am really excited about both. It makes me want to ride even more than I already do.

Come back for part III where I will chronicle the final installation of the grip heaters.

Thanks for reading and happy riding.