12 Volt Handlebar Mounted Outlet

[Chattanooga Mark]

I'm going to add two fused (not switched) 12 volt outlets onto my Interstate and I'm considering a couple options.

1.  http://www.amazon.com/Davidson-Triumph-Motorcycle-Cigarette-Handlebar/dp/B007HCX8G2/ref=sr_1_sc_3?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1333684067&sr=1-3-spell
     This one would be easy to wire up and has a covered receptacle

2. http://www.amazon.com/Davidson-Triumph-Motorcycle-Cigarette-Handlebar/dp/B007HEDH8Y/ref=sr_1_sc_2?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1333684067&sr=1-2-spell
     Same as #1 but includes the fused wire harness. I would likely change out the ribbed wire loom casing as I don't like that style.

3. http://www.amazon.com/Roadpro-Platinum-Cigarette-Lighter-Adapter/dp/B0016LE80K/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1333684404&sr=8-8
     Seems pretty simple to cut off the male end and wire up the two female covered sockets. One on each side of the handlebar clamp tie wrapped to the existing switch harnesses. These can be purchased at most interstate truck stops and should be easily integrated.

     So far, option number 3 looks so easy and simple. What have you guys done to add a power outlet for your GPS, phone, iPod etc?

Thank You,

Mark

[CASABROKER]

Did a double outlet got it from Wally world for like 5 bucks it was the same one you have the picture of.  Cut off the plug spliced the wire on and ran it back to the battery,  Hid the wire under the left side of the tank.  zip tied the plugs onto the hydraulic line on the handle bars, looked clean and work well.

[DenverDave]

I'm considering this dual USB outlets, 2 amp output enough to charge a Ipad. Downside- Won't be available until June .  Upside-More Chrome , smaller than a 12v outlet



http://www.kuryakyn.com/Products/4206/USB-Power-Source





Dave

[Chrisj CMA]

Since you asked, Ill throw in my .02.  I like some of the creative ways giuys here have found to mount a power point in various places, but only if its going to be used for a lighter or a mounted devise right next to it so theres no hanging cord.  If something is going to be plugged into it, I cannot fathom wanting the wire stringing across the bike so I didnt mount mine at all.  just wired them into the accessory hookups and a third one directly to the battery (for the compressor) and they lay in the plastic box where the owners manual goes.  If i need to charge the cell phone the phone fits under there as well, if something else and the wire needs to, it can come out from beneathe the seat and go into the saddle bag almost invisibly.   

[Chattanooga Mark]

Thanks for your input guys. One of my first thoughts was to add a covered flush mount cigarette outlet to each of the radiator pods. I quickly forgot this idea as I didn't want the power cord running down there when in use. Since I don't want dangeling cords, I'll add the outlets close to where the RAM GPS mount is. Easily zip tied to the existing handlebar switch harnesses.

I don't think I could just hard wire the GPS, iPod or iPhone into the accessory circuit as these items don't actually take a full 12vdc. The cigarette plug knocks the voltage down considerably. Using a regular cigarette socket also seems like the most cost efficient way to do it. Those power cords already come with the gadget anyway.

I know some like the BMW/Powerlet style outlet but I don't see the need to change what's not broken in the first place.

I installed this RAM mount last night. It takes all of about 1 minute and when it's not in use, all you have showing is the simple rubber ball. I really like it. Add the appropriate RAM cradel for whatever you need and this is a very clean installation. I mounted mine in the lower left handlebar clamp bolt with the 55mm bolt that comes with the kit. I may mount another one in the lower right clamp spot as well.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00361ET2U/ref=oh_o00_s00_i03_details

Thank You,

Mark

[NITRO]

I have my 12v outlet installed in my right pod. I've not used it other than to power my compressor, but I can see why you would want power at the handlebars.

[BradValk48237]

Well I did something simple for power for my iPhone which is for music and with the I/S i can actually take a call and have it come out the speakers.... course they cant hear me very well at speed, but its there if I want it...

I just went to O'Rielly's auto and got a cheap weather proof (it has a rubber cap to cover it) and it also had a plug on the end that matches the battery tender plug that lives on the bike.... had to splice in some extra wire, but shrink wrapped the connections.... ran the wire under the tank and zip tied the plug to the cables on the left hand side ... right next to the plug for the head set.....  I just tuck it on top of the cable bundle when not in use.

I originally had it in the tank pouch i have, but then I had a wire hanging in the way all the time.. better on the handlebar right behind the mount for the phone.....

Its always hot, so if I want to charge something the bike doesn't have to be running... just have to make sure to unplug whatevers in there so I don't run the battery down, but has worked well so far

I think it was like $6, so it was cheap and easy-


The picture isnt that great, but it gives you an idea......
Brad

[paps350]

I also had a charging plug under my seat but for convenience I wanted it on the handlebars. I went the inexpensive ( cheap) way out so I went to Auto Zone and bought a weatherproof socket for 9.99 and wired it into a circuit in the headlight bucket (Not the headlight)that was controlled by the key. I know some may say that adding onto an existing circuit is not a good thing to do but I only use it for my GPS or cell phone, I would not do it if it was to be used for a cigarette lighter due to the load it draws. GPS and cell chargers do not draw much. I mounted mine to a windshield bracket and used a piece of 1 inch shrink tubing on the back to conceal the open end. No problems.