Power Port - Powerlet vs Cig Lighter

[2WheelPilot]

Just got a GPS for my ZZR.  Now I need to power it up somehow.  I looked at the "motorcycle cable" for my GPS, but I think I'd rather have some type of universal power port that can be used for other accessories as well.  My research turned up Powerlet, which looks really nice with its spring loaded flap to keep out dirt & water.  After looking at Powerlets for a while, I realized that they are not the same as cigarette lighter ports.  Dang.  Now I don't know which one I want.  It seems that the Powerlet is std on BMW's, for which I'm sure a lot of sport touring accessories are made.  But there's also a lot of stuff (including my GPS) that uses cigarette lighter plugs.  So, my question is... which is better?  What would I give up going with the cig lighter port?  Are there any must-have accessories that only work with Powerlet ports?

Thanks.

Billy

[TBone]

You can hook up a powerlet port and add just about any extension you like. The options available are pretty extensive.

[FizDog74]

I just use a Powerlet with a cigarette adapter plugged into it. That way I have all the bases covered.

[zer0netgain]

http://www.minnesotajeff.com/motorcycle_new_stuff.htm

This is not exactly what I have, but similar.  Look at the 12v powerport socket (lowest right).  They sell a charging harness (upper right) that connects to it, but I've found 12v powerport sockets that have red/black alligator clips for direct battery connection.  Cut off the clips and clamp on some rings and just attach it to the battery terminals.  In any case, this is a 12v socket you can stuff under the seat.  If you have enough room, you should be able to plug in the adapter for your device and still get everything back on.

[bahwolf]

I've installed Powerlet sockets on all my bikes -- two on most of the bikes, in fact (one near the dash for GPS and other accessories and one somewhere else for my Battery Tenders and electrical vest hookup). The plus to the Powerlet connections is that they tend to stay connected, whereas the regular auto cig lighter type tend to vibrate loose, especially in offroad/dualsport applications. Here's a blog entry of mine from a couple years ago that you might find useful -- http://www.rideok.com/hopkins/2006/11/just-rub-couple-sticks-together.html -- It's primarily about riding in cold weather, but it also talks about Powerlet sockets.

[2WheelPilot]

Thanks for the info, and for the link to the blog.  I still haven't made up my mind.

[dkopcso]

i bought a marine grade lighter 12v to add to teh bike.  Is a fuse required (or a good idea) or can i just get some wire and clamp those o ring things on the end and hook it directly to the battery?  Since im about as handy as Tim the toolman Taylor if anyone knows what wires i should get id appreciate that too.

Thanks, Dan

[Avigar]

I agree that the powerlet is much less prone to coming loose from the vibrations and bumps. It's fairly simple to install one if you have basic electrical knowledge and concepts.  

[Hotbrakes]

I got a cigarette lighter plug from Radioshack for $7.  Much cheaper than Powerlet.  Powerlet does make a cigarette lighter adapter power cord for various GPS's so you don't have to hardwire the charging cradle to the bike, just plug it in and take it off when you don't need it.

Here's my setup.

[Walker]

I have a cheap 12V cig lighter plug on my bike with the spring loaded, rubber sealed cover door.  Been using it for 5 years with zero problems, though I don't use it often since my GPS and Radar are hardwired in with dedicated cables, and I have a seperate plug in for my electric vest.  Mostly I use it for recharging my cell phone or iPod, and on occasion I have used it to trickle charge my battery in the winter.

I don't use the plug in the rain since my cell phone charger isn't water resistant.  I used to stuff a bit of toilet paper in there to see if it would get wet in the rain if the cover seal didn't work.  The tissue was always bone dry after a ride in the rain.  I just wouldn't go spraying it with a high pressure hose is all.

Bottom line:  Much cheaper solution than the Powerlet that works just fine.

[gbonzzr]

on my zzr i have two cig lighter plugs one on the left fairing panel and one on the left side panel.  if I had it to do over again i think would make the one on the side panel the BMW style plug.  that is where i plan to plug in my soon to be purchased heated gear.  the front plug charges the cell phone and i pod when needed.

[dkopcso]

Does anyone have any pics of the fuse/fusebox setup?
thanks, Dan

[Avigar]

Does anyone have any pics of the fuse/fusebox setup?
thanks, Dan

Since I only use mine for the Garmin GPS, I have the powerlet connected directly to the battery with an inline automotive fuse.

[Dan K]

I also wired up a marine grade cheapo from Walmart and added an inline fuse (the automotive flat kind, not the tube kind) and it's great.

It has a seriously strong spring loaded flap/door that is so strong, it secures the extra wire for the GPS cable.  Also, by putting so much force on the plug, it keeps it secure.  I think I paid $15 for the socket, the inline fuse and a box of fuses.

It's not made for undermounting, so I velcroed it to my inner fairing on the FZ1 and it works great.  Mostly for GPS, used to charge my phone on occasion.

Depending on your bike, you could always put it in a side panel or under the seat...

Good luck.

-Dan

[dkopcso]

Thanks Dan.  i guess i need to get an inline fuse and just try it out. Any idea what kind of wire grade to use.
thanks,
Dan

[Dan K]

use something fairly thick (low gauge) especially if you are going to use it for charging.

Can't remember what I used, but it was some oil resistant insulated wire, maybe 14 gauge?

Used a 5 amp fuse

- Dan

[Schavlan]

I installed a Marinco 12V cigarette outlet.  It's marine grade so, with the matching male plug it's water proof and  locks into place.  I installed this because my cell phone,ipod and other chargers are all standard 12V plugs.
I power my Zumo through the Marinco male plug.
I just bought an electric vest ($40 used) so now I'm also going to connect a powerlet wired directly to the battery through a fuse so I can power the vest.

[dkopcso]

thanks again Dan!