Everyone...how is your bike wired to charge your phone?

Everyone...how is your bike wired to charge your phone?

1 minute ago, MysteryRider246

Everyone...how is your bike wired to charge your phone?

Are you using it for Sat Nav? If so, then someone will be along soon.

I don't use it for Sat Nav and if I'm away touring or even away for the day, I carry a small recharging battery which gives me at least 2 full charges before needing recharging itself.

I’ve got a USB outlet installed near the left bar wired directly to the battery.

MIC TUNING USB from AMZN

SEE THIS LINKY FOR MY INSTALL

I would be using it for some Sat Nav along with everything else.

Has anyone used this https://www.cyclegear.com/accessories/trackside-usb-outlet ?

I am using this dual usb charger with voltmeter built in

https://www.amazon.com/MICTUNING-Adapter-Voltmeter-Socket-Motorcycle/dp/B0761KJSDV

Rice, I'm using a similar device on my VFR. I chose this because it has a power-off switch, so I can't kill the battery if I don't ride for a long interval

[Battery protection is only assured IF I remember to turn off the power switch!]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071S9FKYP/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Mine is hardwired to the battery with a fused hot leg, but I would have preferred a quick connector like the one on your USB adapter.

On another bike, I have a BMW/DIN power socket hardwired into the steering stem. On that bike, I plug in a power adapter similar to the pne from ebay in the link below, but with a coiled cord in place of the male plug:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Motorcycle-Dual-USB-Charger-Adapter-Socket-For-BMW-Din-Hella-Plug-LED-Voltmeter/202306994508?epid=5019083239&hash=item2f1a6fc14c%3Ag%3AovcAAOSw-uda8AdV&_sacat=0&_nkw=12V-24V+LED+Dual+USB+Charger+Voltmeter+Socket+For+Hella+Plug+Trucks+BMW+Triumph+(+291971805035+)&_from=R40&rt=nc&_trksid=m570.l1313

Once plugged into the steering stem outlet, I put the corded adapter inside my tankbag and use it to power my phone and gps.

I have a similar setup on my two bikes. My VFR has a piwerlet stem 12v socket into which I plug in the sigatette lighter type of a usb charger. 

On my DR650 I have the adaptor I posted earlier. 

One thing I do have on both bikes is a relay, which cuts power to all add-ons (phone, GPS, heated grips) once ignition is off. This way I never have to worry about killing my battery. 

This costs under 10$ and about an hour of your time. I highly recommend it. 

MysteryRider246, 7/16/2018 at 4:46 PM

Has anyone used this https://www.cyclegear.com/accessories/trackside-usb-outlet ?

yep. i have installed a ton of them. the work well. i have under my seat wired to power after the switch  is on. :fing02:

Thanks gll429. That's reassuring.

I just exchanged my non-working one for one that does work.

I tapped into the tail light wiring to supply 12v to a 5v 2amp USB power supply($5 off ebay, so I bought a few). I use this to charge 7800mAmp external lithium battery that sits under the seat. The battery has two USB sockets, one I have cabled up to the bars for a cell phone. The other is in easy reach for something in the tank bag. The battery also charges the helmet intercoms at the end of the day.

12 minutes ago, Zarquon

I tapped into the tail light wiring to supply 12v to a 5v 2amp USB power supply($5 off ebay, so I bought a few). I use this to charge 7800mAmp external lithium battery that sits under the seat. The battery has two USB sockets, one I have cabled up to the bars for a cell phone. The other is in easy reach for something in the tank bag. The battery also charges the helmet intercoms at the end of the day.

Great idea. I see this being especially useful on long trips. 

I still advise not to use any of the bikes existing 12v wires to do anything other than provide ignition signal to the relay. Just to be safe. Although I can’t imagine how your setup can cause any harm. 

43 minutes ago, Rice

Great idea. I see this being especially useful on long trips. 

I still advise not to use any of the bikes existing 12v wires to do anything other than provide ignition signal to the relay. Just to be safe. Although I can’t imagine how your setup can cause any harm. 

Yes,

Would be better to use the the tail light circuit to activate a relay that switches power direct from the battery via a fuse to a set of 'accessories' plugs for things like usb charges and voltmeters etc.