amp install question

[Thule]

Well got me a amp and gonna install it tomorrow.
1. trace speaker wires back to head unit
2. cut wires and run those wires to input on amp
3. the take the other end of the wires at the speaker and run those to the output of the amp.
4. run power ( not sure should i run this directly to the battery or since i am already using the outlet on the left side can I just split that off and tie into there)
5. Run a ground wire.

Is that the jist of it any pointers ?

[rick6375]

Unless the amp has an auto on on it, would make sure its on a switched circuit so it is only on with the key to prevent draining your battery or over heating the amp.

[Hillhouse]

My rule for adding anything electrical is if you are not replacing a unit you run the power source back to the fuses/battery.
I am always adding stuff so have an auxiliary fuse block already added. Since you don't I would just run it back to the battery and add a fuse at the battery end, for the amps main power. Amps sensing can be connected most any where, has very little current draw.
Not sure which bike you have but on the Voy/Var they use the same color wire for one of the speaker wires as they do for the 12 volt power. Be sure you use the correct one. Sorry I don't have the manual here to tell you which one it is.

[Bluemeanie]

As has been said, run power and ground back to the battery and be sure to fuse the power at the battery. MOST IMPORTANT, meter all wiring before cutting to ensure that you're cutting the right one, eyeballing is not the best way to do this.

[Thule]

thanks all. I get really nervous working with electrical cause its too easy to make a mistake

[Ken Vega]

I never cut the factory wires at all. Just ran the stock speaker connections to the high level inputs of the amp, then new speaker wire from the amp to the speakers. This way you can go back to stock in minutes and Kawi would never know. Also I highly recommend getting power direct from the battery. Protects the electrical system from overload. The 12 volt charger runs with a 10 amp fuse. Most Amps require 15 amps or better. Just my .02 cents

[Thule]

Thanks Ken

[Scottie31]

I just wired a new stereo and amp into my 1500 Vulcan Nomad last week.

RCA connections go from the stereo to the AMP.
The remote turn on wire from the stereo goes to the Amp.
Ground from stereo goes to the ground on the Amp and connect to the negative on the battery or chassis.
The power from the stereo goes to the power on the Amp and connect to the positive on the battery.
Wires from the Amp to the speakers.

[Thule]

Scottie you are awesome , thanks

[Thule]

Can someone explain this picture to me. Do I have to connect both wires, one says to fuse panel and the other says to battery.

[Lumberjack]

One is power the other is remote on

[Thule]

Ok update , I worked on it all day today I got the amp mounted and I ran the ground and power cable to the battery ,got the speakers connected to the output of the amp. I have 1 question. How do I find the remote wire can I turn on the key with the ground disconnected and use a 12v tester will the tester light up. Oh one othe question once i find that wire do I just snip it and connect all three wires.

[Bluemeanie]

If your amp has signal sensing turn on there's no need to connect the remote turn on. Doing this from memory, there should be a wire with a female spade connector on it just to the right of the radio looking from the front. I crimped a barrel connector to the remote turn on wire of the amp and connected it, works fine and since it only used half the bikes connector it leaves room for upgrades! To check it with the 12v tester, you'll need to have the battery connected.

[Thule]

Thanks Blue did some research tonight and according to the website. The Kenwood 1824BT "signal-sensing turn-on on speaker-level inputs eliminate need for a separate remote lead".So there is no need for the remote on wire.