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How to Install Your Motorcycle Hardwired Tracker

Kayla H.
  • Updated

Contents

Overview

The Motorcycle Hardwired Tracker is a weatherproof GPS tracking device designed specifically for motorcycles and similar vehicles. This hardwired installation provides continuous power and reliable tracking without battery maintenance concerns.

Key Features:

  • Weatherproof design for outdoor motorcycle use
  • Two installation options: basic (virtual ignition) or advanced (wired ignition)
  • Ignition-based reporting for accurate on/off status
  • Built-in backup battery for power interruptions
  • Compact design suitable for motorcycle installations

What's Included

Your Motorcycle Hardwired Tracker package contains:

  • Motorcycle Hardwired Tracker with pre-installed SIM card
  • Wiring harness with connector plug and colored wires
  • U-end clips for easy electrical connections

Note: The SIM card is pre-installed and doesn't need to be accessed.

Before You Begin

Vehicle Compatibility

  • Compatible with 12V motorcycle electrical systems
  • Suitable for motorcycles, ATVs, scooters, and similar vehicles
  • Works with both positive and negative ground systems

Planning the Installation

  1. Choose installation location: Select a protected area for the tracker unit
  2. Identify power sources: Locate constant power and ground connections
  3. Plan wire routing: Determine safe paths for wiring harness
  4. Decide on ignition detection: Choose between virtual or wired ignition detection

Installation Options

You can install the Motorcycle Hardwired Tracker in two ways:

Basic Installation (Virtual Ignition Detection)

  • Requires: Red wire (power) + Black wire (ground) only
  • Ignition detection: Uses motion-based or voltage-based algorithm to detect when motorcycle is running
  • Easier installation: Fewer wire connections needed
  • Recommended for: Most users and standard installations

Advanced Installation (Wired Ignition Detection)

  • Requires: Red wire (power) + Black wire (ground) + White wire (ignition)
  • Ignition detection: Direct connection to ignition system for precise detection
  • More accurate: Exact ignition on/off status
  • Recommended for: Users requiring precise ignition monitoring

Basic Installation (Power Only)

Step 1: Prepare the Motorcycle

  1. Turn off the motorcycle and remove the key
  2. Disconnect the negative (-) battery terminal
  3. Locate a suitable mounting location for the tracker:
    • Protected from weather and road debris
    • Away from hot engine components
    • Accessible for LED indicator viewing
    • Secure mounting point available

Step 2: Connect the Wiring Harness

  1. Connect the wiring harness to the tracker:
    • Plug the connector firmly into the tracker unit
    • Ensure connection is secure and seated properly

Step 3: Connect Power (Red Wire)

  1. Identify a constant power source:

    • Battery positive terminal (most reliable)
    • Constant 12V wire that remains powered when motorcycle is off
    • Main fuse box constant power connection

  2. Connect the red wire:

    • Strip 1/4 inch of insulation from the red wire
    • Connect to the constant power source using U-end clip or direct connection
    • Ensure connection is tight and secure
    • Protect connection with electrical tape or heat shrink tubing

Step 4: Connect Ground (Black Wire)

  1. Identify a good ground connection:

    • Battery negative terminal (most reliable)
    • Frame ground point (clean, unpainted metal)
    • Existing ground wire connection

  2. Connect the black wire:

    • Strip 1/4 inch of insulation from the black wire
    • Connect to the ground point using U-end clip or direct connection
    • Ensure metal-to-metal contact for good ground
    • Protect connection with electrical tape or heat shrink tubing

Step 5: Secure Installation

  1. Mount the tracker unit in the chosen location
  2. Route wires safely away from:
    • Hot exhaust components
    • Moving parts (wheels, suspension, steering)
    • Sharp edges that could damage wires
  3. Secure wiring with zip ties or electrical tape
  4. Test wire connections before proceeding

Step 6: Restore Power

  1. Double-check all connections are secure
  2. Reconnect the battery negative terminal
  3. Turn on motorcycle ignition to test

Advanced Installation (With Wired Ignition)

Complete Steps 1-6 from Basic Installation first, then add:

Step 7: Connect Ignition Wire (White Wire)

  1. Identify ignition-switched power source:

    • Option 1: RUN position of ignition switch
    • Option 2: Any circuit that's only powered when ignition is ON
    • Examples: headlight circuit, fuel pump circuit, ECU power

  2. Connect the white wire:

    • Strip 1/4 inch of insulation from the white wire
    • Connect to the ignition-switched power source
    • Use U-end clip or splice connection as appropriate
    • Ensure connection only has power when ignition is ON
    • Protect connection with electrical tape or heat shrink tubing

Step 8: Test Ignition Detection

  1. Turn ignition OFF: White wire should have no power
  2. Turn ignition ON: White wire should have 12V power
  3. Verify with multimeter if available

Verifying Installation

Check LED Indicators

The Motorcycle Hardwired Tracker has two LED lights on the face of the device:

LED Status Meanings:

  • Green LED (Cellular):
    • Slow flash = Connected to cellular network (normal)
    • Rapid flash = Connecting to cellular network
  • Red LED (GPS):
    • Flashing = Acquiring GPS signal
    • Solid = GPS signal acquired
    • Off = GPS in standby or signal lost

Initial Power-Up Test

  1. Turn on motorcycle ignition
  2. Wait 2-3 minutes for tracker to boot up
  3. Check LED indicators:
    • Should show activity within 1-2 minutes
    • May take 5-10 minutes for full connection

Connection Test

  1. Take motorcycle outside to open area with good cellular coverage
  2. Wait 5-10 minutes for GPS and cellular connections
  3. Check your Hapn account to verify tracker appears online
  4. Test ignition detection: Turn ignition on/off and verify reporting changes

Troubleshooting

No LED Activity

Possible causes:

  • Loose power or ground connections
  • Blown fuse in motorcycle's electrical system
  • Incorrect power source (switched instead of constant)

Solutions:

  1. Verify connections: Check all wire connections are tight
  2. Test voltage: Use multimeter to verify 12V at red wire
  3. Check ground: Ensure good metal-to-metal ground connection
  4. Inspect fuses: Check motorcycle's electrical system fuses

LEDs Show Connection Issues

Green LED rapid flashing (cellular issues):

  1. Move to better coverage area
  2. Wait up to 15 minutes for connection
  3. Check for cellular service outages

Red LED won't stop flashing (GPS issues):

  1. Move to open outdoor area
  2. Check tracker mounting - ensure clear sky view
  3. Wait 10+ minutes for GPS acquisition

Ignition Detection Not Working

For wired ignition installations:

  1. Test white wire voltage: Should be 0V when off, 12V when on
  2. Verify ignition source: Ensure connected to switched power
  3. Check wire connections: Ensure white wire connection is secure


Next Steps

After successful installation:

1. Complete Account Setup

  • Log into your Hapn account at app.gethapn.com
  • Verify tracker appears in your device list
  • Customize tracker name for easy identification

2. Configure Settings

  • Default reporting mode: 1 minute when ignition ON, 3 hours when OFF
  • Adjust reporting frequency if needed through tracker settings
  • Set up alerts for important events
  • Create boundaries around important locations

3. Test Functionality

  • Take a test ride to verify location updates
  • Monitor ignition-based reporting:
    • Updates every minute when ignition is ON
    • Updates every 3 hours when ignition is OFF
  • Verify ignition detection works properly

Important Operating Notes

  • Ignition-based reporting: Updates based on ignition status, not motion
  • Backup battery: Small backup battery for brief power interruptions
  • Future expansion: Device has unused inputs for potential future features
  • Weatherproof: Suitable for outdoor motorcycle use

Need help? Contact our support team at support@gethapn.com or submit a ticket.

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