Idiot when it comes to electrical work?

[UnaBonger]

After reading this site for the last couple of weeks (Kudos to the knowledgeable members) I have decided that a cigarette lighter is mandatory (charging phone, IPOD, etc...). Since I know jack all about wiring a motorcycle, does anyone have any suggestions about how I should have this done?

I could probably figure it out, but I'm heading out of the country for 2 weeks on Monday, then leave the day after I get back for a 4k mile trip. Preparation is key, right:o:.

Any assistance is greatly appreciated.

Jamie

P.S. I'm in WPB if anyone knows of anyone local with talent who works on a budget:)

[UnaBonger]

Awesome,

Glad someone got it!

Christopher Walken was CLASSIC!

[Jim Davis]

I recommend going with electrifying a tankbag and keeping those accessories in there safe and dry while using or charging them. You can get a multi cigar socket adaptor and connect multiple devices inside the tankbag. Powerlet makes this stuff.

[UnaBonger]

Thanks, Jim.

It seems that for $40 I could order the wiring. I could then install it between trips and have a charger ready to go. What's the battery drain on a device like this? I don't have the service manual for the bike yet, so I am unable to guage with precision any electrical draw (potential(:) problems.

Cheers,
Jamie

[Dorian]

You might want to consider these folks: http://www.powerletproducts.com/products/kits.php

They use a BMW style power outlet (not a cigarette lighter socket) that is outstanding. You can then use their cigerette lighter adapter for items that don't use the BMW style plug.

Whats cool about these folks is they have pre-wired adapters that are designed for placement on the ST1300 iwth outstanding instructions. For folks using Heated Gear the dual rear kit is a perfect placement. For folks that want to power a small electric device, the Right and Left Panel kits fit the bill. And if you want an outlet just for charging batteries (cell phone, iPod and such) while you are buttoned down for the night at a hotel or inside a restaurant having a meal then one of the Multifit Panel kits in the glove box is a great way to go.

All their kits come with good instructions so that the non-spark-chaser can still easily hook it up.

[Jim Davis]

Thanks, Jim.
It seems that for $40 I could order the wiring. I could then install it between trips and have a charger ready to go. What's the battery drain on a device like this? I don't have the service manual for the bike yet, so I am unable to guage with precision any electrical draw (potential(:) problems.
Cheers,
Jamie

I believe the Powerlet Tankbag Kit is good for up to 15 Amps. A cellphone charger, MP3 player, GPS etc use very low current.

Installing a Powerlet socket in the glove box may be the only option for charging on the bike other than in a Tankbag. Or you can put a Tankbag electrification kit into a saddlebag or topbox as well and charge there. Not so good though for MP3 players and such that you'll want up front to plug into and use.

Then again, if you have a laptop that you want to charge, a powered saddlebag or top box might make more sense.

[John Anthony]

I've got a Powerlet outlet on the left fairing and a cig. lighter connection in the right pocket. The former is used to power heated gear and I Pod when it needs some juice and the latter in case I need to power other gear. This set up works pretty well for me. I have permanent wiring for GPS and radar detector. Hooking all of this up is pretty straight forward. I do as much of the electrical work as possible in batching, ideally when I've got the tupperware off.

John