"Upgrade" to Africa Twin switch gear.

[fotodadi]

The 3 issues that are driving this.

1. A failing "starter" switch. In the "normal" operation the starter switch cuts power to the headlights when it is depressed to operate the starter motor. This is to allow all power to be channeled to starting the engine. In my case, the failure was occurring with the light circuit so that my lights would not work altogether. Very frustrating and dangerous. I was forced to play with the switch, moving and pushing it around till I would get the lights to come on. Eventually I opened up the switch and bridged that circuit so that the lights were always on, irrespective of the starter motor operation.

2. Cruise control switch. I have an aftermarket cruise control whose switch sits on the handle bar. All in all, it looks out of place and I was looking for a better, more integrated look.

3. I had installed bar risers which required custom throttle cables. They look really nice and function as expected but seeing the possibility of eliminating them as an option is good enough reason to do just that.

A study of the switches showed that the DCT African Twin switches could do the trick. I would be able to use the "SET", "Arrow Up" and "Arrow Down" buttons on the left switch cluster to operate my cruise control. While I would have to relocate the "Hazard" switch from the left side (as is on the CT) to the right side as its located on the AT.

Going a bit further, I found that the AT has 3 types of switches for the right switch cluster. Switch style 1 is similar to the CT switch having a rocker switch for engine Stop/Run, and a push switch for the starter. Switch style two has the new design rocker switch for engine Stop, Run and Start" while still maintaining the conventional throttle cable. The 3rd and most recent style is a lot like the 2nd except that the throttle cables are now completely eliminated and the DBW throttle position sensor is incorporated in the switch cluster.

Having a close look at the wiring diagram showed me this was possible and so I committed to the project and bought the stuff I need.

Will post up some pictures in my next post.


 

[maki]

exited to see photos of tranformation!
 

[CiprianStoica]

I can hardly wait for the verdicts, always looking for reasons to "invest" some money in the CT 

[fotodadi]

So this is what I have currently.



And we all know...from left to right; the left switch cluster, the Cruise control switch "Type A" (On mirror stalk bracket), Cruise control Switch "Type B" on brake reservoir bracket, right switch cluster with failing starter button.

So, below is the Africa Twin left switch cluster. All wiring is similar to the CT switch so very easy to move. However, the hazard switch is not here and wiring needs to be moved to the right side. Also the traction control switch is at the rear of the cluster but I will not use its wiring.



Type 2 right switch cluster with cable type throttle, which woudl have been an easy swap with the CT switch (except for the relocation of the hazard switch from left to right cluster.

 

Now the right switch cluster (I called Type 3). Notice the 6 pin socket ... that's the DBW connector from the throttle in the new model AT with the relocated Throttle Position Sensor. Also notice, no throttle cables 



And finally the Throttle Position Sensor for the CT. It sits within the throttle body of the bike and is actuated by the throttle cables. I found that the this sensor was relocated to the right switch cluster and so the cables were eliminated. Wiring diagrams for the CT and AT show the wiring (and operation of the sensors) is the same. What I don't know for sure is if the operating values are the same. Basically the TPS has two bands. Both bands have a 5v positive wire, a negative wire and an output voltage wire that varies with the position of the throttle as determined by the throttle cables in the CT or by the twist grip in the AT



I am going on a 12 day trip tomorrow and will have the time to install and wire up everything when I get back.

I have also bought, what I hope, are the right connectors so I don't have to splice into the bikes wiring. Waiting on these to arrive also.

Will share more when I start the install proper.

[Mociclistu]

 i want to know from where did you buy the cruise control for Crosstourer as it doesn't seem  that from Mccruise.
 

[fotodadi]

I have the VeeFour Cruise Control.

It began life in my 2013 VFR1200FD. I uninstalled it and reinstalled it in my CT in 2018.

The guy who made them has since stopped. But there some info https://www.vfrdiscussion.com/index.php?/forums/topic/83266-veefour-electronic-cruise-control-installed-and-tested/ and he does support his original clients. A great guy and a great product.

 

[fotodadi]

So an update.

The CT receives the rider's throttle input via the TCP Sensor. TCP being the Throttle Cable Position sensor. This sensor is housed within the throttle body, which sits in the center of the V that forms the engine and feeds into the ECM via a 6 wire/6 pin connector

The AT receives the rider's throttle input via the APS. The APS is the Accelerator Position sensor. This sensor is housed with the throttle twist grip and feeds the ECM via a 6 wire/ 6 pin connector.

I made a study and found there are several types of "Position Sensors" deployed by manufacturers. In the case of Honda, the AF and the CT, the same sensor type is used. I reached this conclusion having observed that both sensors have the 6 wires configured to receive and give similar voltages/signals. Reference can be made to the Service Manuals but the picture below is indicative.



I also decided to make my installation as clean as possible and avoid splicing the OEM loom. That means I need to fabricate a harness that will provide the link between the CT's TCP Sensor and the AT's APS.

Searching around I found the appropriate connectors on aliexpress and am currently waiting for delivery which is why the conversion is currently on hold. I have receive the first of the connectors which plugs into the AT's socket and below is a picture of it with the AT's APS harness. Also the CT's TCP Sensor and connector.




Hopefully I will receive the second socket next week and update again. 

[Hound]

I admire your dedication and ingenuity. I personally have no need for cruise control but I'll be watching your progress with interest nevertheless! You'll certainly have a unique CT when you've finished!