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A kinder, gentler cable tie for motorcycles

robertbarr

robertbarr

Forum Sage
TGSR Superstar
Past Bard Award Winner
I've found something of a mess on the GS1000 in the wiring harness -- the glob that would normally hide in the headlight shell. On mine, the glob apparently grew from various modifications, and escaped to the area behind the shell. It was kept protected (sort of) and hidden with a cloth bag, much like you'd hide a liquor flask in, with a draw string closing it against the glob. (!)

Anyhow, after reducing the glob somewhat, I needed to support the front of the wiring harness again, and it was held by a single slender cable tie. I really don't like the idea of pressure (from its own weight + bumps + turning the bars left & right) applied to such a small area on the harness. I needed a way to spread that force over a wider area.

So, to appease my advancing paranoia about electrical problems with a geriatric motorcycle, I sought -- and found -- a much better cable tie for situations like this. I hope the image fits decently here.

(Gotta learn to resize so that the image fits the box here:)

cable%20ties.jpg


With the tab fed through the slot & velcro-ed together, this thing forms a loop that is incredibly strong, but it's soft and wide and, of course, adjustable to provide as much or as little tension as I need. I'm not sure what the little hole is for, but perhaps it's to secure the loop somewhere.

These were about $3 per set at Menard's, but I'm sure any big box store would carry them. I'll feel a lot better using these instead of cable ties.
 
Velcro ties are great. I've collected a "wheel" of the things at work, as we use them for power and Ethernet cables all the time.
 
You can find these in 50 packs at most hardware stores for about $4 or so. I use them for everything from network cables, holding lawnmower safety handles down, and doing exactly what you describe... trying to tie up all that stuff behind my headlight bucket! :)
 
The only downside with velcro is it gets dirty when exposed to the elements and for reuse may not hold well if at all latched on to a dirty part.
 
Doldrums said:
You can find these in 50 packs at most hardware stores for about $4 or so.
Click to expand...

Oh, so I only overpaid by a factor of eight. Cool! :-s

Yeah, I'm a little curious about how they hold up to long-term exposure to moisture, but I guess I'm going to find out.
 
The hole in the big end? It's so you can thread the pointy end through and cinch wires tight, then wrap the end around itself. Those ties are pretty rugged and hold up well to heat and moisture. They're nice in comm closets and tight spaces because you don't get all scratched on the sharp ends that zipties have when you trim off the extra. On the other hand, they are pricey compared to zippies.
 
Oh the LITTLE hole! I bet you could put a wire or string tag through there and label yer bunches.
 
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