12V Accessory socket - plus, how big are my handlebars?

[cogsman]

Throwaway question right off the bat: is there a way for me to measure the diameter of my handlebars or otherwise discern the size I've got? It's a 97 standard but it's been modded so no idea if they are stock. Need to know if mounting hardware will be compatible.

Main question:

Can anyone recommend a recent 12V Accessory module that connects directly to the battery? I am looking for something with a 2.1A USB port (or two), and/or a USB port + cig lighter socket.

Does such a device need to have an inline fuse? What are the consequences if you don't use a fuse?

[Valkorado]

This unit is nice and priced within reach.  It has an inline fuse.  I've been using one on my Tourer for years.

http://www.amazon.com/EKLIPES-EK1-110-Ultimate-Motorcycle-Charging/dp/B0088BX0IM

Chances are your bars are 1", stock ones are.

[Gryphon Rider]

Valkorado is right, stock handlebars are 1".  Most devices like you are after come with a fuse.  If you NEVER short out the wires or plug something into the cig lighter receptacle that uses more current than the wires can handle, there is no consequence.  If there is a short or over-current, you will overheat the wires and whatever they are shorting to, melt the wire's insulation, quickly drain the battery, and possibly start a fire.  Always fuse anything connected to the bike's power.  A rule of thumb is 1.2X the maximum current the device is expected to draw, providing the wires are sized to handle that same current.  Round the calculated fuse size up to the next common size.

[cogsman]

This is very helpful guys thank you.

[gordonv]

Here is a USB port I used for over 2 years.



I was looking at those cig and dual USB port on ebay that I could mount inside my fairing, but never got around to it, as I needed a cig port for my dash cam (8 hours recording, on/off with power).

[flash2002]

There are cheaper one's out there if money is tight.

   http://www.ebay.com/itm/Motorcycle-Waterproof-12V-Cigarette-Lighter-USB-Power-Socket-Charger-For-Phone-/331724244949?hash=item4d3c4e47d5:g:ahsAAOSwv-NWYOlL&vxp=mtr

[Wayn-O]

I just mounted this one last night.  Comes with all necessary fuses, connectors, etc. and can be connected directly to battery if you wish.  Has nice metal hardware.  Has a voltmeter display and on/off button too.  Comes in chrome or black.

http://amzn.com/B00SXBA97M

[NighthawkVTX]

Wow, great thread!
I was just wondering the same thing. Gordonv, how did you mount your unit inside the fairing?
I'm looking for a multi port unit that can put out at least 2.1 amps to keep my note 4 running while using it as a gps. I don't want to necessarily to be overly obvious, and be able to keep the wires from showing too much

[gordonv]

I was going to buy one of (like) these.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/DC-12V-3-Port-Car-Charger-Socket-Splitter-Cigarette-Lighter-Adapter-USB-Plug-ce-/252231051800?hash=item3aba246a18:g:~dYAAOSwhkRWeBEE&vxp=mtr

You can see one of the USB says 2.1A.

It has a mounting plate with the 3 holes through it. You can take out the different cig/USB port and move them to where you want it. Sold the GW, so I could buy a Valk IS this year. I don't know if the Valk has a flat spot, but you could remove each of the ports and place them through a hole you drill.