Power outlet socket

I have seen a few guys that have their power outlet socket mounted in the steering stem. Does anyone know which one they use and does it just press fit snug into the steering stem hole. Looked like a really good/clean set up. The outlet looks like it has a spring loaded cover to keep it closed up when not in use.

That would be Powerlet Products - see here

I don't personally have this fitted to my bike but from what I have seen it seems fairly straightforward and as you say neat and tidy.

http://www.wiremybik...products_id=470

The kit is available through one of our forum members who is a dealer for Powerlet products. See here: LINK

Thanks guys. I believe this is tightwads site. If so I need to order a VFRness anyway so I will just get it at the same time.

I installed one of these.

http://www.radioshac...showFullReviews

Although it doesn't show up in the picture, these outlets come with tethered rubber covers/plugs for weather protection. Also, this is suitable for use with cigarette lighter plugs and although it may not be as well engineered as the BMW type plug offered by wiremybike, at $7.50 vs. $40+ the cost is considerably lower. Note: the plastic mount shown in the catalog image doesn't have to be used mount the outlet, since you can simply drill a hole in the plastic somewhere or zip tie the outlet to a frame member.

I've purchased three of these Radio Shack outlets and mounted two in the left side fairings of my ST1100 and VFR. For my Triumph Speed triple I mounted the outlet to a round frame member on the left side using zip ties. This way when not in use I can simply rotate the socket so that it's amost invisible.

Note: these outlets come with an automotive-style in-line fuse, rings to allow a direct connection to the motorcycle battery and sufficient wire for most applications making installation a relatively simple and painless operation.

Of course hindsight is 20/20 and I now wish I'd drilled the hole further forward in the grey plastic near the steering stem when I chose a mounting location on my vfr in lieu of drilling a hole through the paint on the upper left side fairing. It also may be possible to mount this unit inside of the steering stem like the one offered by wiremybike, but I haven't confirmed this and believe the socket may be to large to fit in there.

I use these outlets to power my GPS, charge my cell phone and power a 12v DC air pump I use to fill and deflate my air mattress when I go camping. Except for occasionally finding it necessary to re-position the male plug in the socket to maintain a good power connection, I've had no problems with any of them. Another advantage to using this type of plug imo is there's no need to use adaptors, or to change the male plug from a cigarette lighter type over to a BMW type for use with the BMW style power socket.

I have the Powerlet version and its cool. Also have an adapter set with 3 whips - 1 for powerlet/car connection (which I use for a GPS), 1 for powerlet/trickle charger and 1 for something else (haven't used it yet). I would recommend it.

[image: View Post]huntinggunns, on 03 November 2011 - 05:28 AM, said:

I have seen a few guys that have their power outlet socket mounted in the steering stem. Does anyone know which one they use and does it just press fit snug into the steering stem hole. Looked like a really good/clean set up. The outlet looks like it has a spring loaded cover to keep it closed up when not in use.

Press fit. Stays shut. Wouldn't leave home without it. :tour:

Powerlet on a 5th gen............same thing.
[image: Posted Image]

I can hook you up with Powerlet parts, and with a discount! I don't stock many of them onsite, so if you want to pick it up give me a bit of notice...otherwise it ships directly to you.

I've yet to install a socket on my 6th gen. My problem with Powerlet is that I then need an adapter to anything else. I'd rather prefer a full size 12v socket.

[image: View Post]skyHALud, on 04 November 2011 - 12:10 PM, said:

I've yet to install a socket on my 6th gen. My problem with Powerlet is that I then need an adapter to anything else. I'd rather prefer a full size 12v socket.

This is the downside. They do make adapters for most anything which is nice.

[image: View Post]sportrider, on 03 November 2011 - 07:32 PM, said:

[image: View Post]huntinggunns, on 03 November 2011 - 05:28 AM, said:

I have seen a few guys that have their power outlet socket mounted in the steering stem. Does anyone know which one they use and does it just press fit snug into the steering stem hole. Looked like a really good/clean set up. The outlet looks like it has a spring loaded cover to keep it closed up when not in use.

Press fit. Stays shut. Wouldn't leave home without it. :tour:

It also makes for a really slick way to plug in a battery tender - no fishing around for an SAE connector hanging out from under the seat someplace.

Fred stopped by and picked up the VFRness and the Powerlet parts. It was great to meet another VFR rider...and they were on their way to pick up one for his wife!

Are these set-ups water proof/resistant?

[image: View Post]bbenthin, on 08 November 2011 - 01:06 AM, said:

Are these set-ups water proof/resistant?
I have had my steering stem powerlet installed for the last year and been caught in several severe rainstorms and have had zero problems with it

[image: View Post]Bad324, on 09 November 2011 - 08:47 AM, said:

I have had my steering stem powerlet installed for the last year and been caught in several severe rainstorms and have had zero problems with it

With something plugged into it or not in use/shut?

[image: View Post]bbenthin, on 10 November 2011 - 01:11 AM, said:

[image: View Post]Bad324, on 09 November 2011 - 08:47 AM, said:

I have had my steering stem powerlet installed for the last year and been caught in several severe rainstorms and have had zero problems with it

With something plugged into it or not in use/shut?
Both situations. When I was down near Deals Gap, got caught in rain on the BRP and didn't have the GPS plugged in as I was with friends. About 2 months ago I was slabbing back home from a ride and got caught in a spot storm with the GPS plugged in and have not had issues either way

[image: View Post]bbenthin, on 08 November 2011 - 01:06 AM, said:

Are these set-ups water proof/resistant?

Yes.

[image: View Post]Tightwad, on 05 November 2011 - 07:45 PM, said:

Fred stopped by and picked up the VFRness and the Powerlet parts. It was great to meet another VFR rider...and they were on their way to pick up one for his wife!

If only....

I guess there's a lot of ways to do this. I just simply hooked up a 12v outlet under my seat, and connected the wires to my taillights. Works great. I usually leave the wire to my GPS connected, and it comes out in front of the tank. Pretty simple. This has worked great for me for years. Cost: less than $10 at Walmart. Install time: ~ 15 minutes. When I turn off my switch - it goes off too. Almost too easy.

But - not as pretty I guess.