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Tech => Tech Help => Topic started by: flynnstig82r on April 08, 2021, 04:52:38 AM

Title: Finding the SAE and Sumitomo connectors on a 2017 Zero with Charge Tank
Post by: flynnstig82r on April 08, 2021, 04:52:38 AM
So I took off the tank plastics to try to hook up an SAE-based usb port and fix the non-working horn, but it looked like I might have to unbolt and remove the actual tank internals in order to access these. This seems like a big job that I'd rather avoid, so I thought I'd ask here if there's something I'm missing.

The first pic shows the bike with the seat and plastics off. Second are a couple of connectors on the left hand side. Third and fourth are a connector that I don't recognize (maybe the aux port?).

Do I need to remove the entire tank to access the 12V system? If so, is it just a matter of removing the six hex-head bolts, or do I also need to disconnect any electrical connectors to get it out of the way? If the latter, are any of them live and require high levels of caution or only when charging is engaged?

Thank you!
Title: Re: Finding the SAE and Sumitomo connectors on a 2017 Zero with Charge Tank
Post by: Crissa on April 08, 2021, 10:25:24 AM
There should be a 12v tap just in front of the tank underneath by the forks.  It's usually hidden in the wire-wrapping with the turn signal relay.

The photos are from the wrong angle to see it.

-Crissa
Title: Re: Finding the SAE and Sumitomo connectors on a 2017 Zero with Charge Tank
Post by: flynnstig82r on April 08, 2021, 10:59:38 AM
OK, I wondered if I should go digging in there. The unofficial manual mentioned the helmet lock which is part of the storage tank so I thought maybe the connectors were underneath the charging unit. Are they (easily) accessible without having to take off the plastics again?

Thanks for the help!
Title: Re: Finding the SAE and Sumitomo connectors on a 2017 Zero with Charge Tank
Post by: DonTom on April 08, 2021, 11:42:05 AM
Do I need to remove the entire tank to access the 12V system?
I ran my own wires from the 12  volt fuse for all my 12 volt stuff, including the horn.

The frame is not grounded for  the 12VDC, so do not let that confuse you.

For the negative side of my 12V wiring, I used the headlamp low.

In fact,  you can get your 12 volts from the headlight as well, but I didn't want to do such because I  added a light switch to both my Zeros.

You will have to run two wires for the 12 volts, as neither are  grounded to the  frame.


-Don-  Auburn, CA
Title: Re: Finding the SAE and Sumitomo connectors on a 2017 Zero with Charge Tank
Post by: Crissa on April 08, 2021, 01:41:23 PM
Yes, never ground to the frame.

I can reach my 12v accessory plug without taking the plastics off, but only because I know where it is.

-Crissa
Title: Re: Finding the SAE and Sumitomo connectors on a 2017 Zero with Charge Tank
Post by: flynnstig82r on April 09, 2021, 12:09:42 AM
Thanks for the tips! I'll pop the plastics off again and go fishing for the connectors near the forks. The previous owner added some auxiliary lights and heated grips, but I'm hoping he didn't use both the SAE and Sumitomo for those already. I'll go digging on Saturday if I don't get a "hangover" from the vaccine shot.

I ran my own wires from the 12  volt fuse for all my 12 volt stuff, including the horn.

The frame is not grounded for  the 12VDC, so do not let that confuse you.

For the negative side of my 12V wiring, I used the headlamp low.

In fact,  you can get your 12 volts from the headlight as well, but I didn't want to do such because I  added a light switch to both my Zeros.

You will have to run two wires for the 12 volts, as neither are  grounded to the  frame.


-Don-  Auburn, CA
If the previous owner used up the SAE and Sumitomo already, then splicing from the headlight might be the way to go since I don't plan to install a headlight switch. I'm assuming tapping power from the head lamp is pretty common in the motorcycle world? If so, I should be able to find info about best practices on any moto forum.

The fuse box is pretty accessible too, though. For the 12v fuse that you did, did you use a household wire tap or cut and solder the wires (or some other method)?
Title: Re: Finding the SAE and Sumitomo connectors on a 2017 Zero with Charge Tank
Post by: DonTom on April 09, 2021, 04:31:38 AM

If the previous owner used up the SAE and Sumitomo already, then splicing from the headlight might be the way to go since I don't plan to install a headlight switch. I'm assuming tapping power from the head lamp is pretty common in the motorcycle world? If so, I should be able to find info about best practices on any moto forum.

The fuse box is pretty accessible too, though. For the 12v fuse that you did, did you use a household wire tap or cut and solder the wires (or some other method)?
It's been a few years, but what I usually do is cut the wire and use a section of a European Connector Terminal  (https://www.newark.com/mcm/27-5986/barrier-strip-european-12-terminals/dp/40T5841?mckv=s1pZNAD3F_dc|pcrid||plid||kword||match|e|slid||product|40T5841|pgrid|1241348838616863|ptaid|pla-4581183926298693|&msclkid=37bccf6a83fb16a08849af05de834db3&CMP=KNC-BUSA-GEN-Shopping-NewStructure-Connectors)strip with three wires.

I often find being able to use a small screwdriver is an advantage. Also, can easily  measure voltages on these as they are being used.

-Don-  Auburn, CA