12V Power Port widget

[chicagorandy]

I have been mulling over how/where to mount a 12V power port socket to the bike for those rare occasions when I might suction mount my TomTom GPS to the faux gas tank or maybe need to charge a cell phone.

I decided that since my needs were only occasional I could get by just making up a quickie socket that could plug into the 2-wire pigtail connector already on the bike for the battery charger/maintainer.

From my local Bass Pro shop marine aisles came the weather resistant 12V plain socket and the trailer 2-wire connector was sourced from either a local autoparts store or WalMart. It was simple enough to just crimp on a couple female spade connectors and use some red shrink tubing to lock them in place on the spade lugs. They then plug into the corresponding male tabs on the power port.

Here's a couple pics of the result. It sure ain't fancy but it functions perfectly and stores easily in one of the fairing pockets should the need arise.

[Lucasind]

.....I did the same thing some time ago.like ya said,works great
Mission accomplished without spending much time or money ! I ordered mine off amazon, cheap !..

[SgtSlag]

You do have an inline fuse on that outlet, right?... Without a fuse, you have a serious fire hazard, with the battery beneath the faux gas tank. If it shorts out, the battery will get hot, or possibly even explode. Figure out how much current you want to feed your device/socket, and install a fuse no more than 1-3 amps above your intended maximum. I'd suggest you don't go over 5 amps, to be safe (this works out to be 65 watts, at 13 volts). Cheers!

[chicagorandy]

Yes, the mating pigtail going to the battery has an inline fuse.

[Furchin]

FYI, Wal mart sell this already made up, maybe $4.00 or so.

[chicagorandy]

I just HATE it when I invent something that is already for sale in stores - LOL