Recommendation where to install a usb charger please

[karuzo]

Hi there,
ST1100, 1993 here. See the image below of what I just purchased and will install this weekend. Looking at the bike, there are few spots I can install it, but curious to recommendations. I’d like to avoid cutting a hole, drill, etc…
Thanks,

 

[Larry Fine]

It should suit seeing the display. What do you want to power while riding?

It has a handlebar clamp. What do your handlebars look like? Have a pic?

 

[DavidR8]

Key thing to think about is the cable routing for whatever you're charging.

 

[Uncle Phil]

I have a usb socket one in my right lockable pocket and one in my trunk.
The one in the trunk is always 'hot' so if I need to charge something at lunch or overnight it is secure and easy to do.
The trunk just required a small hole to run the wire into the bottom of the trunk.

 

[karuzo]

It should suit seeing the display. What do you want to power while riding?

It has a handlebar clamp. What do your handlebars look like? Have a pic?

Sorry. I should have been clearer. No handle bar. See picture below. Power a phone and camera, so the charger should be in the front area.
thanks,

 

[karuzo]

Key thing to think about is the cable routing for whatever you're charging.

Yes, this is part of the challenge I hope to tackle this weekend.

 

[Larry Fine]

Ah, you have the stock bars with the Honda "Accord steering wheel" cover still on.

You have all kinds of standard 7/8" bar space if you're willing to remove the cover.

My opinion is that you should have gotten a different design, like a panel-mount.

Neither of my 1100s have covers; I personally think they look better without them.

 

[jfheath]

Perhaps a more relevant question is - where will you put your phone / camera while they are charging ?

The Zumo 590/595 harness came with a USB charging lead and I thought - that's a good idea. Until I tried to use it. I ended up fitting one in the top box.

I once had a PTT button for a bike to bike intercom - it was supposed to fit on the bars. I was able to securely cable-tie that to a RAM ball mount fitted to the clutch lever clamp - like the one in your photo. I have also seen odd mounts for various devices that replace the brake/clutch lever cover.

 

[karuzo]

Perhaps a more relevant question is - where will you put your phone / camera while they are charging ?

The Zumo 590/595 harness came with a USB charging lead and I thought - that's a good idea. Until I tried to use it. I ended up fitting one in the top box.

I once had a PTT button for a bike to bike intercom - it was supposed to fit on the bars. I was able to securely cable-tie that to a RAM ball mount fitted to the clutch lever clamp - like the one in your photo. I have also seen odd mounts for various devices that replace the brake/clutch lever cover.

I have a setup I can mount both phone and camera to the ball mount.

 

[kiltman]

Drill a hole through the side of the ram mount, cut the bracket off of the USB, get a matching bolt that fits into the bracket and is long enough to go through the mount. That’s how I mounted a cruise control switch, photo below

 

[klaproth]

At the risk of repeating myself, ( and I'm SURE you know this) but for those who don't, the USB charger uses current even when nothing is plugged into it- make sure it is disconnected when parked or not being used.

 

[karuzo]

At the risk of repeating myself, ( and I'm SURE you know this) but for those who don't, the USB charger uses current even when nothing is plugged into it- make sure it is disconnected when parked or not being used.

Thanks, it is SAE, and I plan to engrave in my brain to disconnect it when I don’t ride, even though it has an on/off switch, which some claim still drain the battery.

 

[jodog]

Step one: Get a tank bag. Step 2: Run a line from your battery or aux fuse panel which puts an SAE lead coming up in front of your seat. Step three: Put your USB connection inside the tank bag and run it to the SAE connector at your seat. Step 4: Put your phone into a ram mount where ever you find it easy to see in front of you and run a regular charge cord into the bag.
By disconnecting the SAE connection at your seat you can pick up the bag and take in the hotel, your usb connection is safe from the elements, and you don't have yet another thing attached to your handlebars. If you found this helpful please leave an offering in the tip jar.

 

[DeanR]

Sorry. I should have been clearer. No handle bar.

If you loose that big old ugly piece of plastic you'll have options for lots of things!

 

[Pop-Pop]

I had a two plug in the left pocket. I also had it hooked up to a ten amp, so i can run my pumps. I charged everything off those ports.
I also ran one of the wires into my tank bag.

 

[karuzo]

If you loose that big old ugly piece of plastic you'll have options for lots of things!

Something to consider I guess, though I'd like to keep the look as-is. I'll see, maybe at some point.

 

[Pop-Pop]

Something to consider I guess, though I'd like to keep the look as-is. I'll see, maybe at some point.

Well, the big priority when i toured, was to b totally self sufficient. Lights, earbuds, batteries, phone all had to be charged off the bike. It was a wonderful feeling when i finally got to that point.

 

[karuzo]

Well, the big priority when i toured, was to b totally self sufficient. Lights, earbuds, batteries, phone all had to be charged off the bike. It was a wonderful feeling when i finally got to that point.

Totally makes sense.

 

[ST Gui]

it has an on/off switch, which some claim still drain the battery.

That's easy enough to confirm or dispel by putting a DDM in between a lead of the USB adapter and it's intended bike connection. F'rinstance connect the + lead of the adapter cable to the plus lead of the DDM and the DDM's negative lead to POS+ battery terminal. Connect the adapter's negative lead to the battery's NEG – terminal. Since it's a DMM polarity doesn't really matter.

Set the scale to maybe a high mA range and work your way down if needed 'till you get a consistent reading. Watch the display will making/breaking a connection and there ya go.

 

[Al st1100]

Put the charger in either pocket. run the charging cables and route them permenently. Yes you will drill holes to route the cables but that's better than having the cables running wild.