Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[ESokoloff]

I'm adding several accessories on my 2016 DSR & I took the front turn indicators as well as the display loose. 
I then noticed a thin gauge wire that looks to be a ground wire that must be attached to the top fork clamp assembuly.

I'm concerned with this as it's my understanding that bearings should never be subjected to electrical current no mater how low it is. 

Does anyone know what the ground wire is for & are the steering bearings somehow insulated (doubtful) or is there a ground wire connecting the steering assembly to the bikes main frame (perhaps that what this wire is)?

TIA

[Shadow]

Previous thread about this: Loose ground wire ? (http://electricmotorcycleforum.com/boards/index.php?topic=7151)

[ESokoloff]

Ok, so it's a known mystery.   

I still don't like the idea of current (albeit  minuscule) passing through bearings.

Oh, and it's steering not stearing (how did I come up with that??)

[ESokoloff]

Just broke out the VOM & it looks to me that this mystery ground wire is a bearing jumper I.E. this electrically ties the front end to the chassis so any unbalanced potential travels through this wire rather then the bearings.

So yes, your bike will electrically function just fine  with this wire disconnected but at the expense of your steering bearings. 

[Doug S]

Just broke out the VOM & it looks to me that this mystery ground wire is a bearing jumper I.E. this electrically ties the front end to the chassis so any unbalanced potential travels through this wire rather then the bearings.

So yes, your bike will electrically function just fine  with this wire disconnected but at the expense of your steering bearings.

Nailed it. As you pointed out yourself, you don't want bearings making the ground connection.