Using Romex Simpull wire on bike?

[mrzuzzo]

I wired up some heated grips on my VFR800 and the only long wire I had laying around was some Romex Simpull from a house wiring project.

I know it's plenty thick, but is there any downside to using it? Will it melt from the heat or deteriorate?

 

[RVFRick]

From a mechanical perspective solidcore wire will work harden and fracture faster than multistranded. Thicker guage also a negative for flex life.

 

[mrzuzzo]

From a mechanical perspective solidcore wire will work harden and fracture faster than multistranded. Thicker guage also a negative for flex life.

Good point. I should replace it. What wire should I use?

 

[RVFRick]

Refer to the product instructions. Ampacity of wire depends on wattage of grip and length of run. There are charts and calculators on the internet.

 

[mrzuzzo]

Refer to the product instructions. Ampacity of wire depends on wattage of grip and length of run. There are charts and calculators on the internet.

The instructions are in Chingrish. Completely useless. The fact that they didn't include a reasonable length of wire speaks to the quality of the product..

 

[dtrides]

Typically household wiring insulation is not rated for being in the elements and could break down.
I have used landscaping wire in a pinch, it is stranded and should come in a wire size to suit the amp draw of your grips.
DT

 

[ichabodnt650]

16 AWG stranded

 

[ocoas]

Look for wire that says automotive.
Copper comes in several different classes.
Automotive wire is stranded and a softer wire for the flexing that will happen.
Romax wire is a harder wire and as stated by RVFrick will fail at some point.

 

[dravnx]

Marine grade wire is tin plated to resist corrosion and fine stranded to resist breaking from vibration. You can get it at any West Marine. The best is mil spec/aviation wire but it is expensive. It has all of the above qualities plus the insulation is abrasion, heat and UV resistant.

 

[auntiebling]

I steal wire from harnesses of bikes I have junked. Rainbow wiring surprise!!!!

 

[MikeGyver]

I buy auto grade wire from this guy:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/10-AUTOMOT...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

It is quality stuff.

 

[KooLaid]

You're going to need maybe like 6 feet total at most right? Just go to your local automotive shop and buy a small spool for like 7 dollars, you get like 30 feet.....

 

[295566]

I steal wire from harnesses of bikes I have junked. Rainbow wiring surprise!!!!

Oh boy, the next owner/shop the next owner takes his bike to haaaaaaaaaaaaaates you :laughing

 

[auntiebling]

Oh boy, the next owner/shop the next owner takes his bike to haaaaaaaaaaaaaates you :laughing

fortunately? my bikes are all too old for most shops to touch anyway :laughing

and F the next owner right in their Bhole, since all* the PO of my bikes have been worse than ME!!!

*not all. 90+%

 

[augustiron]

fortunately? my bikes are all too old for most shops to touch anyway :laughing

and F the next owner right in their Bhole, since all* the PO of my bikes have been worse than ME!!!

*not all. 90+%

Watch it buddy.

 

[Kestrel]

I buy auto grade wire from this guy:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/10-AUTOMOT...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

It is quality stuff.

I've bought some of the same, and used it to fabricate a wiring harness for a car.

Very thin strand wire is much better with respect to resisting work hardening over many flex cycles. That eBay seller is solid - just pick the proper grade. That auction is for 22AWG, which is probably a little thin for what you want.

This morning, it was 28F for my 20 mile highway commute. 1 piece Aerostich, fleece neck warmer, heated grips, and heated jacket... it was still chilly Wish this little CBR had some hand guards to block the wind :laughing

 

[MikeGyver]

That auction is for 22AWG, which is probably a little thin for what you want.

Lots more sizes in the description of his listing. Just need to tell him what you want. :thumbup