I am a new rider and new to motorcycles. I need to install a USB charger to keep my phone charged as I use it for navigation. Can some post a link what parts are needed and how to install them. I have searched the past threads here but the parts links are broken. My local dealership quoted $30 for parts and $100 for labor. Is that a fair estimate?
USB phone charger parts and install
- Thread starter fz6rowner
- Start date
mrollings53
Member
The parts estimate sounds about right. The labor is a waste though. It doesn't take much effort to remove the fairings, and drill a hole in one to add a usb port. A couple of people have done this here
http://www.600cc.org/forum/f101/fyi-travellers-double-usb-charge-point-26714/#post361552
http://www.600cc.org/forum/f89/usb-port-modification-31106/?highlight=charger
http://www.600cc.org/forum/f101/fyi-travellers-double-usb-charge-point-26714/#post361552
http://www.600cc.org/forum/f89/usb-port-modification-31106/?highlight=charger
Thanks for the links. I already went through them, and they are from years ago, and the parts links are outdated. I am looking for product links that I can buy now and instructions to install them. It appears the risks of picking up a cheap product is they burn out and not installing properly would result in battery getting drained.
Can someone who has installed a USB charger recently post the link to the product purchased and offer installation instructions. Thanks.
I though about a cig lighter, but I don't have anything to plug in except my phone, so I went a different route. I have a battery tender installed and have an adapter to go from that to usb. It's under my seat so I can pull it out when I need it and put my phone in my pocket or a saddle bag.
Just my two cents. If you just need it for your phone and don't want to cut anything, this works. It's also nice to put your bike on the tender when you aren't riding over winter or for long periods of time.
Just my two cents. If you just need it for your phone and don't want to cut anything, this works. It's also nice to put your bike on the tender when you aren't riding over winter or for long periods of time.
alaskanflyboy
Premium Member
I'd second the Bluetooth in the helmet. However, it helps to glance at the map to get your bearings. Most voice navigation gives you little forewarning, leading to panic maneuvers.
As for links, this one is a little pricey, but is the one I intend to use when I start wiring accessories to the bike. They sell special caps to place on your USB cables to protect the port while in use, making a weatherproof seal.
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https://www.cyclegear.com/accessories/trackside-usb-outlet
It's not pictured but there is a cable that goes to the battery. It's long enough to reach either end of the bike with plenty of slack.
I ran the cable under the tank and used an clip and double sided tape to hold the end to the inside of the front fairing. No drilling needed and the cable just hangs there ready for me to use when ever.
It's not pictured but there is a cable that goes to the battery. It's long enough to reach either end of the bike with plenty of slack.
I ran the cable under the tank and used an clip and double sided tape to hold the end to the inside of the front fairing. No drilling needed and the cable just hangs there ready for me to use when ever.
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I am planning on buying these three products to have access to a simple usb phone charger near the handlebar.
1) Battery Tender Quick Disconnect Harness
Link: https://amzn.com/B000NCOKZQ
2) Battery Tender 081-0069-8 Female Cigarette Adaptor for Quick Disconnect
Link: https://amzn.com/B0041CDPQO
3) Deltran 021-0161 Dual Port USB Charger
Link: https://amzn.com/B009WNRN38
The install seems to be simple if it connected directly to the battery. The question I have is how do I connect this to the battery so that it is active only when the motorcycle is turn on? The reason I ask this is in many product reviews the common complaint with usb power source products seems to be battery draining even when the motorcycle is turned off and nothing plugged in. Even installing on/off switch is not foolproof as there is possibility of forgetting to turn it off when not in use. Has anyone installed these products, and is the battery drain a concern with them?
1) Battery Tender Quick Disconnect Harness
Link: https://amzn.com/B000NCOKZQ
2) Battery Tender 081-0069-8 Female Cigarette Adaptor for Quick Disconnect
Link: https://amzn.com/B0041CDPQO
3) Deltran 021-0161 Dual Port USB Charger
Link: https://amzn.com/B009WNRN38
The install seems to be simple if it connected directly to the battery. The question I have is how do I connect this to the battery so that it is active only when the motorcycle is turn on? The reason I ask this is in many product reviews the common complaint with usb power source products seems to be battery draining even when the motorcycle is turned off and nothing plugged in. Even installing on/off switch is not foolproof as there is possibility of forgetting to turn it off when not in use. Has anyone installed these products, and is the battery drain a concern with them?
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I had a similar problem when installing heated grips on the girlfiend's MT-07. You'll need to install a relay connected to a hot lead, like your number plate light. I used a posi-tap to splice into the existing system and it worked a treat.
Placement of the relay would be exactly the same as this diagram: http://www.ulyssesmelb.com/content/heated-grips-how-avoid-flat-battery-blues
Placement of the relay would be exactly the same as this diagram: http://www.ulyssesmelb.com/content/heated-grips-how-avoid-flat-battery-blues
The red wire from the battery tender must be connected to the battery, otherwise you won't get any power. Install the battery tender as you normally would, but include a relay in the red (positive) wire in between the fuse and the quick-disconnect plug.
The yellow wire from the relay must be spliced into to a positive wire in your bike, I would recommend the number plate light. The black (negative) wire from the relay must be connected to your battery WITH the black wire from the battery tender.
That way you create an additional circuit and the battery tender will only receive power when the number plate light receives power i.e when the bike is on.
The yellow wire from the relay must be spliced into to a positive wire in your bike, I would recommend the number plate light. The black (negative) wire from the relay must be connected to your battery WITH the black wire from the battery tender.
That way you create an additional circuit and the battery tender will only receive power when the number plate light receives power i.e when the bike is on.