Good tip, I'll keep that in mind. :)

Good one, i hadn't thought of that one yet. I'll check what is on my bike

After finally having mowed the lawn and trimmed the hedges (both long over due) I went into the garage and mounted the front brake calipers and changed the front brake lines. Unfortunately the angle of the banjo endpoints of the brake lines were at bit off which forced me to twist the brake lines to get the bolts to line up. Not optimal and it looks a bit strange but I don't think it's bad enough to cause any problems. I'm glad I went for the slightly longer than stock brake lines. I think the twisting of the brake lines may have turned out to be a problem without those extra 2 inches.

Removing the old brake lines that prevented me from mounting the right Barkbuster meant I could now get it mounted. The new brake lines could then be mounted in a slightly different angle.

http://www.xt660.com/picture.php?alb...&pictureid=152

For your electrical accessories have you considered using a PDM60 power distribution module? This is how I power all my accessories on my XTZ.

Simple and effective if a bit more expensive than a handful of relays.

I had no idea something like the PDM60 even existed. Just checked it out and it certainly seems like an excellent product. I was a bit daunted by the price tag though. It's anything but cheap. Having already purchased everything to connect all the stuff for the bike I think I will try that first and possibly consider replacing it later. Had I known about the PDM60 earlier I would probably have taken that route instead. Thanks for the tip though. I really like the PDM60 and I'll certainly keep that in mind from now on... :)

I've used the Fuze Block. It's an alternative option. http://www.fuzeblocks.com/
I have it on my Tenere. And I have one from Eastern Beaver on me Tiger 1050. http://www.easternbeaver.com/Main/Wi...fuseboxes.html

There seems to be a bunch of cool stuff out there for controlling electrics that I didn't know about. Thanks for the tips. I will certainly look into it and think about whether I will go for the simple, old-fashioned solution I was going to use or if I will choose one of the cooler but more expensive options you've shown me.

My intention was to start messing with the electrics yesterday but it was cold and damp and I really didn't feel like it so I didn't. Since I'm not in a hurry I might as well let myself off the hook if I feel like it so that I can enjoy it more when I actually work on the bike. Of course, I'd like to get it all done so I can start using the bike but it's actually more important that I enjoy the process of getting there. Most of the stuff is now on the bike so I can see light at the end of the tunnel.

I ended up going for the non-fancy approach. Almost all of the electrics are now connected. What I'm still missing is a good place to "steal" a control current to trigger the relays when the ignition is turned on, preferably from somewhere under the seat. Any ideas?

I also mounted the aux lights. It will be quite interesting to see what it looks like with all the plastic back on the bike.

I'm hoping I will be able to take a first test ride this weekend.

http://www.xt660.com/picture.php?alb...&pictureid=153

Under the seat there are two simple options:

1) Tap into the tail light feed on the LHS of sub frame. This becomes live with the ignition (and is also live when the key is in the 'P' position). This is the one I have used as it's very easy to get at.

2) Tap into the feed to the rear brake light switch. This is only live with ignition (no 'P'). Be sure get the feed to the switch, not the feed from the switch, or you'll end up with a trigger that only works when you apply the brakes! ;)

I found a lead to steal the control current. I'm not sure if it's the tail light or the license plate lighting (my guess is that it's the plate lighting) but it doesn't matter much. It works, that's all that matters. :)