Aftermarket Power socket

[ResqFE]

I want to add a accessory power outlet to my bike.  I'd like something that waterproof and has a nice rubber cover on it.  any suggestions.

Additionally where would be the best place to run the power to it from.  I won't run more than a GPS or phone charger  on it.  Thanks

[TBone]

Lots of good stuff here for all our aftermarket power needs:

http://www.easternbeaver.com/index.html

High quality kits and great customer service ( if you need it ).

[Andrew]

Powerlet products are OK in my book

Available here  
http://www.bikeeffects.com/categories.asp?cat=8486

[bomber]

You can find a good selection of standard cigar lighters with splashproof covers at a boater's store (i.e., West Marine).

You can run a low draw accessory (i.e., GPS) off thet tail light circuit. This will make the circuit switched (that is, live when the key is on, dead when the key is off), if that's of interest to you.

[buls4evr]

  Radio Shack. And run it right to your battery posts. It already has a fuse on the hot side too. Also has a nice water proof cover on it.

[jeepinbanditrider]

I picked up a dual weather resistant 12v cigarette lighter style plug in point from O'Rileys.  I'll have to take pics tonight.  It was like 12 bucks or something like that.

[ResqFE]

You can find a good selection of standard cigar lighters with splashproof covers at a boater's store (i.e., West Marine).

You can run a low draw accessory (i.e., GPS) off thet tail light circuit. This will make the circuit switched (that is, live when the key is on, dead when the key is off), if that's of interest to you.

I was thinking of using the license plate plug.  I have a aftermarket undertail and the wire isn't being used.  That way it's hot only when the ignitions on.

[Bounce]

http://www.powerletproducts.com/

[tjhess74]

powerlets are awesome, but you still need the ability to use a regular 12v plug.  depending on how much stuff you have to plug in at any given time, you can do one of two things:

1. get an adaptor that plugs into the powerlet and has a standard 12v on the other end

2.  get a weather resistant standard 12v  outlet.  i have two kinds, both available at walmart.  one has a spring loaded flap style cover, and the other has a tethered rubber plug that plugs into the socket when not in use.

[R Doug]

I added a weatherproof powerlet to my bike, it's easy if I can do it.    And, as mentioned, you can find normal 12v plugs w/ the same spring loaded cap.

[Bounce]

powerlets are awesome, but you still need the ability to use a regular 12v plug.

i converted most of my items to use the more robust plug. those i couldn't i got converter cables for (SAE to Powerlett for the battery tender for example). I electrificated by tank bag so any adapters at stowed in there where everything else plugs in that isn't hard wired to the bike.

[Mr.Black]

This little gizmo is worth the $$.

http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/2186/621/

Installation was simple, it works just as its supposed to. Makes any accessory (up to 6) wired directly to the battery but switched through the relay.

[HipGnosis]

I got a battery tender Jr w/ the bolt-on battery connections.
I put the same/matching SAE conn. on my GPS power cable.
No need for a cover - the only time the GPS isn't connected to it is in winter when the battery tender is connected.

[Bounce]

This little gizmo is worth the $$.

http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/2186/621/

Installation was simple, it works just as its supposed to. Makes any accessory (up to 6) wired directly to the battery but switched through the relay.

or for a fraction of the cost you can DIY

http://www.fjr-tips.org/mods/pdb/pdb.html

[Walker]

I really like the Powerlet stuff, however it really wasn't out and readily available when I farkled my bike for power.  I used a Casco waterproof 12V outlet for boating or trucks,  It has a spring loaded weatherproof cover.  I would convert it to a Powerlet, except a) the hole I had to put in the bodywork for the 12V cigarette lighter socket is too big in diameter and b) no real need as the biggest disadvantage to 12V sockets (the plug falling out) is not an issue with this Casco socket because the spring loaded cover puts a lot of pressure on the plug and keeps it firmly in place.

[Bounce]

The other advantages are that it makes a more positive mechanical connection and is better suited for higher current draw due to the additional conductors compared to the legacy cigar lighter plugs.

It's a shame you had your bike prior to 199x. Prior to that Powerlett didn't exist, so we called them either BMW or John Deer connectors. I did my 98se Wing with the "John Deer" connectors based on reports from people who shared their info from a few years prior. I don't know the actual time that BMW or John Deer began using them. Powerlett simply made themselves the one stop shop for all things like that.

[tpierce (MP)]

I got a 12v marine outlet at Meijer for pretty cheap (iirc, ~$5), used a modified mount from twisted throttle and put it on my triple clamp.  Works great for the GPS or anything i want to plug into a cigerette lighter.  I also have a SAE cord that comes from under the front of my take that i am going to use to electrify my tankbag, but also use for my heated jacket. I can take pics of it on my bike if you are interested.

[Mastros2]

If you would like something less permanent, try Walmart's trailer accessory section. They sell a 12v power socket that attaches to a trailer power connection. It fits a battery tender lead perfectly and it has a great weather resistent cover.  I believe it was $3-$4.