Power outlets installed

[dltang]

Thank you to my wonderful husband, I now have two power outlets on my dash.
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k319/dltang/outlet1.jpg

Here is the plug from my tank bag plugged in
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k319/dltang/outlet2.jpg

Here is the bag sitting on bjt's spyder and plugged in. It doesn't look that great because his spyder isn't equipped to hold the tank bag and it is just kind of sitting there. My spyder is still naked so I couldn't get it over there either, but you get the ides.
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k319/dltang/outlet3.jpg

[jeuchler]

Thank you to my wonderful husband, I now have two power outlets on my dash...
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k319/dltang/outlet1.jpg



OK, you all inspired me again. :bigthumbsup:

I just couldn't see the advantages of putting a 12v outlet in the trunk considering GPS and cel phone use. I was also too tired (wood splitting) to disassemble everything just to drill the hole in the trunk from behind.

I mounted the 12v on the dash where dlt's left one is, nice and snug.

I did however (remember the "tired" part?) struggle for a half hour trying to clip zip ties and electrical tape to get enough slack from the harness up to the backside of the plug. When I was still 1/2 inch away, I called myself stupid, pulled the wires out, cut, spliced, and soldered a new 10 inch length in the middle. I found some wire cover in my toolbox left over from my 1970 Plymouth Duster--laughed at the fact that it matched; I guess flexible nylon convolute wire loom has been pretty universal for 38 years--and covered and rerouted my slice job.

I mounted the Garmin Nuvi suction cup mount right on the tach around 3 o'clock position. I can still read the whole speedo, and I can see the tach up to 4 grand.

http://www.6impossible.com/spyder/spyderGPS.jpg
(sorry--cel phone pic)


Turned the key. It didn't work. My cel phone charger didn't work.

I popped the fuse box lid and put in a 3v fuse into the e m p t y slot.

Huh. Everything worked!

There's a moral to this story about working on a Spyder while tired, but I'm too tired to figure it out...

[retread]

Couple of questions; where did you get the outlets, and what size hole saw did it take? Oh, yeah, how waterproof are they?

[bjt]

We bought the outlets from Powerlet. (http://www.powerletproducts.com/products.php?mid=1) I believe the hole size was 11/16". They sell the bit to drill the hole along with a ton of accessories for their power system. The outlets we bought are the STANDARD POWERLET SOCKET - PSO-001. I guess they are fairly waterproof but I haven't been using the outlet in the rain so I can't say for sure. I've hosed down the dash area while washing the Spyder and never had that pop the fuse or notice that the outlet is full of water after I'm done.

[retread]

Thanks for the info, adding a lot of things to my list and the outlets are real close to the top.

[Oxblood]

bjt,

Where did the Powerlets plug into? Did you use the stock system, or did you also install Evoluzione's PowerBus?

[bjt]

We both have the Evoluzion powerbus. When you install it right under the Spyder dash display per the directions, it is "right there" for hooking up the power outlets.

[Oxblood]

bjt, cool. Thanks. How easy is the PowerBus install?

[bjt]

It wasn't too bad. About an hour or two, maybe. I can't recall for sure. The instructions were pretty clear. Certainly not the most difficult thing we have done. If and when you order the powerbus, I recommend you get the version with the ground bus built in. That way, all your wires for power outlets, GPS, radios, etc. can easily connect at a central location. Otherwise, you are hooking up the ground wires to various points on the Spyder which is evidently a benefit for some people but I don't know why.

[HD2CANAM]

We both have the Evoluzion powerbus. When you install it right under the Spyder dash display per the directions, it is "right there" for hooking up the power outlets.
I am thinking of doing the same thing on my 09 Spyder. Since it has been a while from your original post, I wonder if you have had any problems yet? I have emailed Ken asking a couple of questions, but wonder do they make more than one type of power bus since you said to order the one with the ground bus built in? Thanks!:helpsmilie:

[wyliec]

Here's another option-

http://www.easternbeaver.com/Main/Products/Fuseboxes/PC-8/pc-8.html

[Trickie Dick]

Retread,I and a few others use the Eastern Beaver PC-8
http://easternbeaver.com/ Look under fuse box kits
It was a pretty simple installation and has everything you need built in. It has alot of flexibility on how you want to set it up. I highly recommend you order the relay kit with it and measure very carefully based on where you intend to mount it. I didn't and ended up mounting a place I really didn't want to. If I had to do it again I would order the kit with the 60" relay lead.
Dick

[bjt]

I am thinking of doing the same thing on my 09 Spyder. Since it has been a while from your original post, I wonder if you have had any problems yet? I have emailed Ken asking a couple of questions, but wonder do they make more than one type of power bus since you said to order the one with the ground bus built in? Thanks!:helpsmilie:


Absolutely ZERO problems with the Evoluzione Powerbus to date. At one time, Ken was talking about offering a fuseblock with a built in ground bus. Maybe he hasn't done that. :dontknow: I ended up buying a small ground bus at a local store (maybe a Radio Shack, can't quite remember) and screwing it down right next to his fuse block.

Those Eastern Beaver ones that wyliec and Trickie Dick are suggesting look good too. One advantage for the Evoluzione one is that he includes the wiring harness that is set up for the correct lengths and connectors to install on the Spyder along with Spyder specific instructions. A little easier for us shade tree mechanics. :D

[HD2CANAM]

Absolutely ZERO problems with the Evoluzione Powerbus to date. At one time, Ken was talking about offering a fuseblock with a built in ground bus. Maybe he hasn't done that. :dontknow: I ended up buying a small ground bus at a local store (maybe a Radio Shack, can't quite remember) and screwing it down right next to his fuse block.
I just ordered Ken's power bus system plus his performance sway bar. If you happen to remember to remember the name and where you got the power bus, I would appreciate it if you would let me know. Thanks for everybody's help.:2thumbs:

[WackyDan]

I'm going to use the powerlet outlets as well. Aside from weather resistance, the powerlets are designed to take the vibration of a motorcycle/atv. That ensures the male plugs from your devices do not slip out while riding.

The catch is that the powerlets are a smaller outlet and plug then the automotive 12v, so you have to modify some things to work with them or pay the extra coin for a pre-made power lead for your specific GPS, etc.

[3wheeldemon]

Here's another option-

http://www.easternbeaver.com/Main/Products/Fuseboxes/PC-8/pc-8.html


I recommend this one too.

3WD

[bailed01]

dltang

Where did you get the tank bag from?

[dltang]

dltang

Where did you get the tank bag from?

That is a Can-Am tank bag that I added the power plugs to. I got that kit from Powerlet too, the same place we got the dash outlets. It wasn't hard at all.

[bailed01]

How is the outlet installed and wired in the bag? Is the bag still removable or not because the outlet is hardwired to the bike?


Thanks for any instructions you can throw my way

[dltang]

How is the outlet installed and wired in the bag? Is the bag still removable or not because the outlet is hardwired to the bike?


Thanks for any instructions you can throw my way

It is a kit for putting outlets in the bag. I just unplug the bag and remove it like normal. Here are some photo's to give you the idea.
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k319/dltang/tankbag1.jpg
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k319/dltang/tankbag2.jpg
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k319/dltang/tankbag3.jpg
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k319/dltang/tankbag7.jpg
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k319/dltang/tankbag4.jpg
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k319/dltang/tankbag5.jpg
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k319/dltang/tankbag6.jpg

I hope these photos help. I just attach the bag like normal and then plug it into one of my powerlet outlets in the dash and then I use one of the inside cigarette adapters to plug in my appliance.

[bailed01]

O.K. now I get it

The additional pictures helped alot


Thanks so much

[HD2CANAM]

The catch is that the powerlets are a smaller outlet and plug then the automotive 12v, so you have to modify some things to work with them or pay the extra coin for a pre-made power lead for your specific GPS, etc.

I have the power bus and the sway bar, but not the powerlets. Must be getting senile because I was wondering why I didn't, then remembered reading the above quote from "WackyDan". I did not order them until I checked this out, Are the plug in"s openings actually smaller than a standard cigarette lighter for example? :dontknow:

[retread]

Are the plug in"s openings actually smaller than a standard cigarette lighter for example? :dontknow:
Yup, hole size for standard is about 1 1/16", powerlet takes about 11/16".

john

[dltang]

The catch is that the powerlets are a smaller outlet and plug then the automotive 12v, so you have to modify some things to work with them or pay the extra coin for a pre-made power lead for your specific GPS, etc.

I have the power bus and the sway bar, but not the powerlets. Must be getting senile because I was wondering why I didn't, then remembered reading the above quote from "WackyDan". I did not order them until I checked this out, Are the plug in"s openings actually smaller than a standard cigarette lighter for example? :dontknow:

My kit has the right size to plug the bag into the powerlet outlet. Inside the bag I have the regular cigarette size adapters for any applications I want to plug in. I like the smaller plug, it is a tighter, cleaner fit. Also, they have been waterproof so far.

[NancysToy]

The catch is that the powerlets are a smaller outlet and plug then the automotive 12v, so you have to modify some things to work with them or pay the extra coin for a pre-made power lead for your specific GPS, etc.

I have the power bus and the sway bar, but not the powerlets. Must be getting senile because I was wondering why I didn't, then remembered reading the above quote from "WackyDan". I did not order them until I checked this out, Are the plug in"s openings actually smaller than a standard cigarette lighter for example? :dontknow:
As Retread said, they are smaller. Known popularly as BMW outlets. They are worth it on the road, though...very positive connection, and no loss of power when you hit bumps and no plugs coming out along the way. There are all kinds of adapters and special cords available, but you are right...they cost extra. many chargers now have a plug that will fit either kind of outlet. Worth every penny, IMHO.

[HD2CANAM]

Thanks to all for the advice.:2thumbs: I have ordered two of the Powerlets and a cable that I can plug a regular cigarette lighter fixture in if needed.

[kokki]

I have searched little and trying to figure out where would be nicest place near dash to put normal size +12 outlet, is there enough room in some spot for Spyder RS?

[wyliec]

I have searched little and trying to figure out where would be nicest place near dash to put normal size +12 outlet, is there enough room in some spot for Spyder RS?

I'm assuming you meant 'same' spot. I have the powerlets installed. If you go with the 'auto' outlet, the hole req'd is 7/16" larger; it requires a 1.125" hole. You may want to get a measurement; there may be a problem due to the curvature in that area. I believe this is what you mean by normal size:

http://www.powerlet.com/product/panel-mount-cigarette-socket/6


The other way to go is, purchase this type of plug assy;

http://www.powerlet.com/product/10-powerlet-to-cigarette-socket-cable/10

Then, you can install the powerlet outlets.

By the way, the spyder shown above is a GS and I believe the dash is the same on the RS.

I just checked my GS and based on the cigarette outlet (from powerlet) requiring a 1.51" jam nut, I couldn't find a good place on or near the dash.

[WackyDan]

Powerlets are the way to go. They are also shorter depth and you won't have to worry about clearance behind the dash.

[kokki]

I just watching good place to normal size auto outlets and I think that maybe side of the "console" or "dash" would be some good spot? Maybe in fast speeds it not safe but, maybe it would work?

http://i10.aijaa.com/b/00947/7232811.jpg

[pitzerwm]

I'm about to install three power plugs, thinking more is better. I notice that most of you put them on the dash and was going in that direction, but then I got to thinking my radar detector has a long cord as does my GPS, which led me to thinking that in the fruck would be smarter so that the extra cords would be hidden in the fruck. When you park, I imagine that you will be locking your helmet in the fruck, so putting the detector and the GPS away as well.

Any thoughts from people that already are using these?

Thanks.