Fuses and relay's

Fuses come in many different types, shapes and sizes, ampere rating. A fuse may come in slow blow or fast blow, this phenomenon relates to the time a fuse will take to blow under overload condition, fast blow are as a personal preference better than slow blow types.

What is a fuse
A fuse is basically made of tin and lead, both being good conductors.

How does a fuse Blow
A fuse will blow when a current flowing through it is greater than the element is designed for, the excessive current flow allows the fuse element to heat up and melt, however this is so fast we know it as a flash or popped fuse. The fault can lie in either the equipment to which it supplies power to or the cabling. Never try and put a larger fuse in than the manufacturers stated.

Relays
 

1. How to test a relay

Relays mounted on the bike are generally as the picture shows

The pins are normally 2 Brass and 2 copper connections.
 

How to Test a Relay
The Brass colored connections are the coil side. Using a multi-meter set on the lowest resistance range, you should start by touching the test probes together and checking that the meter reads 0 (zero) ohms, now place the test probes across the Brass connectors. The meter should read approx 7ohms. If this is correct the coil circuit is OK. Now put the test probes across the copper contacts, you should read no resistance, if you do then the relay is shot, replace the relay.

The relays on the 1500 are located in various places, The main unit is behind the left side cover just below the seat. Other relays are mounted under the seat and at the side of the battery. The relay box has it's own cover with an identification legend on the back of the front cover, however this can be at times confusing so we shall have a list of the relays and what they actually control. We shall include all the other relays on due course.

For more info about location fuse boxes click here

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