<help> A tutorial on how to hook up a GPS charger to my bike

4234 Views 13 Replies 10 Participants Last post by armstrr, May 11, 2013

steveeeee

Discussion Starter · Oct 4, 2011

Hey guys, there was some discussion earlier about how to install a charger to the CBR but I forget where the thread is. I want to install my GPS charger which is one of those ones that goes into a car's lighter. I have a friend who can help with wiring so I just need to know where the headlight wire is and what the best way to get at it would be? thanks in advance!!

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Ibex250R

· #2 · Oct 4, 2011

I connect a Tender female power adapter to my battery tender pigtail and that works well. Easy on and off when I don't need it. Plus I can charge various other items.
My 2 cents

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bungie4

· #3 · Oct 4, 2011

Ibex250R said:
I connect a Tender female power adapter to my battery tender pigtail and that works well. Easy on and off when I don't need it. Plus I can charge various other items.
My 2 cents

Same here. Just hook it up to the bike and forget it. I do it for all my bikes. Very handy.

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spdklls

· #4 · Oct 4, 2011

there are different kinds...this is the one i bought and installed

Amazon.com: CLA-NHWC: Universal Hardwire Cable with Lighter Socket and Power Switch for M...: Electronics

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steveeeee

Discussion Starter · #5 · Oct 5, 2011

So if it connects to the battery under the seat, do you need to remove the fairings to get the chord up to the handle bar area? Thanks the responses!

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Rick

· #6 · Oct 5, 2011

steveeeee said:
Hey guys, there was some discussion earlier about how to install a charger to the CBR but I forget where the thread is. I want to install my GPS charger which is one of those ones that goes into a car's lighter. I have a friend who can help with wiring so I just need to know where the headlight wire is and what the best way to get at it would be? thanks in advance!!

I'd like to know as well.
I did the battery pigtail thing, but its sloppy, and does not turn on/off with the engine.

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Carbonado

· #7 · Oct 5, 2011

I took power from one of the position lights either side of the headlamp. Take the side fairing off for easier access to the wiring. After connecting the GPS power unit I fitted it into the space just behind the position light and secured it with zip ties. Current draw is only half an amp so it does not overload the circuit. I also have LED bulbs in the position lights for extra brightness so there is plenty of spare power in this circuit. This way the GPS unit is only powered when the ignition is on and there is no danger of accidentally draining the battery

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spdklls

· #8 · Oct 6, 2011

steveeeee said:
So if it connects to the battery under the seat, do you need to remove the fairings to get the chord up to the handle bar area? Thanks the responses!

I just pushed the wire into the cracks between the fairing pieces..went in quite nicely..didnt have to take anything off but the front seat.....the downside is, like everyone says...it's not a SWITCHED power source..I haven't forgotten to unplug my gps yet after a ride tho...i am actually thinking of getting a cig lighter dual adapter so i can hook up and use a radar detector somehow at the same time as my gps

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Brian

· #9 · Oct 6, 2011

I like this idea, mounted outlets. The block zip ties to a frame tube, so you can use it one handed.
Search results for: 'manic salamander' :: Aerostich/RiderWearHouse Motorcycle Jackets, Suits, Clothing, & Gear

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billyedtimmy

· #10 · Oct 6, 2011

This'll take you 5 minutes, 10 tops:

(1) Pick up one of these at your equivalent local store:
Certified 12V Additional Accessory Vehicle Power Outlet | Canadian Tire

(2) Remove passenger/rear seat (key)

(3) Remove the two bolts that are revealed by #2 that allow you to remove the main/driver seat.

(4) Gently pull the battery terminal covers off.

(5) Connect device in #1 and reverse order items 2 through 4 and you're done with electrical part.

As far as placement, you can pretty much zip tie the thing in where you want, but I tend to keep it in the back seat and then whenever it's needed, just pop the back seat off, pull the outlet out, hook it up to whatever, and then let it hang...

IF you're planning on adding lots of electrical goodies, a setup like this is handy:

http://www.canyonchasers.net/shop/generic/relay.php

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steveeeee

Discussion Starter · #11 · Oct 10, 2011

I contacted a friend who wired a nuvi to my ER6N and this was his reply...

"If it is possible, you can connect the Nüvi charger to a fuse, as I
did on the ER6.
It could be a rear light wire or any wire coming from the key switch,
since there is a fuse inside the GARMIN Nuvi lighter plug."

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kflaig

· #12 · Oct 10, 2011

You can get marine grade, weatherproof cigarette sockets and fused-plugs here: Amazon.com: marine grade 12v cigarr

Advantage is that the plugs lock into the socket. Hate to have that radar detector lose its power that exactly the wrong moment!

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billyedtimmy

· #13 · Oct 10, 2011

steveeeee said:
I contacted a friend who wired a nuvi to my ER6N and this was his reply...

"If it is possible, you can connect the Nüvi charger to a fuse, as I
did on the ER6.
It could be a rear light wire or any wire coming from the key switch,
since there is a fuse inside the GARMIN Nuvi lighter plug."

If you set up a relay...

.: Distribution Block / Powered Relay | Canyon Chasers Motorcycle Sport Touring :.

... then, yes, the rear light wire is preferred as a 'switch wire'. However, it wouldn't be a good idea to run the 12V outlet directly off of the rear light, because there may not be enough to push both the lights and your extra device(s), in which case you'll blow a fuse (repeatedly).

If you're only going for a few accessories (e.g., your 12V + perhaps heated grips), connection directly to the battery is easiest. If you're planning on decorating the bike for Christmas, a relay setup is the way to go.

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armstrr

· #14 · May 11, 2013

I just.ordered this.one. I like.that I won't.have to.pull.an adapter out of a 12 v socket every time I want to close the cover....and dual outlet is nice.

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<help> A tutorial on how to hook up a GPS charger to my bike

steveeeee

Ibex250R

bungie4

spdklls

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