adding "cigarette lighter" plug

[nick2681]

Hi, everyone!

I would like to add a "cigarette lighter"-style plug to my 1980 GL1100 to be able to plug in/charge my smartphone while riding (I use my phone as my GPS unit on roadtrips). How difficult would this be, and has anyone else done this before? Any suggestions on getting started, tools needed, etc.?

Thank you!
Nick

[CMReynolds1]

It is really quite easy. I did one on my previous bike, 82 Interstate. Pick up the style of lighter you like at an auto parts store. Then find a spot on the fairing that you can drill a hole the size of the lighter and that has room behind for the unit to sit in. The red wire goes to a 12 VDC line, the black to a ground. It is your choice to wire it so it will work without the key or wire it to only work with the ignition on.

There are several sites that sell units that attaché to circular handlebars too. Another thought is the following site that has excellent items and comes with all the parts needed. This would provide another clean looking install.

http://www.leadermotorcycle.com/

Hope this helped.

[nick2681]

Thank you very much!
~Nick

[littlebeaver]

Can someone slow charge their bike through that lighter? Pretty sure you can...I love my lighter...another option is to fasten one on the handlebar, I have mine on the fairing and I like it there....

[CMReynolds1]

I have known people who did slow charge through the lighter. The big caveat in my mind would be that it must be a slow charge due to heat build up. If you do it, I would monitor the heat, if any, generated at the plug site. I also forgot to mention that you should also put an inline fuse on the hot side. Just for safety sake. If you don't and it shorts it would most likely take out or damage the main fuse to the bike. Just a thought.

[littlebeaver]

Yes, a maintainer type slow charger is what I understand that guys use.. I thought it was neat...

[tom84std]

If I remember correctly, my Goldwings had an accessory power lug under the left false tank cover. Check to see if yours does too. Attach a fused line from that point. A good alternative is the battery side of the starter solenoid. Coincidence, I installed one on my VTX just the other day.

[Peer64]

Hey Nick,
It might be handy, so I thougt I'll give it a try:

I bought mine cigarette lighter plug in a boat store.
They are also 12 VDC and, as opposed to car cigarette lighter plugs, they are waterproof!
So you can fix the outlet of the lighter plug outside of a box for easy acces.
The rest is to be installed like explaned before.
(thanks for that too by the way. I wan't to install one on my GL1100 also)

greetings,

Peer

[nick2681]

Thanks, everyone!

After visiting Leader's website, I went a different route from the lighter plug - they have a USB port that attaches directly to the battery terminals and then clamps to the handlebars on the other end, so that's what I chose.

~Nick

[littlebeaver]

Wow, man... I think that's just cool man... Can you shoot a photo after you get it installed please so we can drool on it...

[nick2681]

http://www.leadermotorcycle.com/weather ... ort-mount/

[CMReynolds1]

Thanks for the update Nick. I think you will like the Leader quality. They really do a great job. I have bought 3 mount assemblies from them and am very happy with the mounts and customer service.

[littlebeaver]

Thanks for the link... Someone can really use it if they are wanting this for theirs...

[spiralout]

Wow, that price is crazy. And it only has one USB port. And they want to sell you an additional cable for 9 bucks so your non Apple phone doesn't charge at half rate. And their shipping is really high... Is it made from gold or platinum? Better be one or the other for that price. Wow.

[roadwanderer2]

heres the one I bought and put onto my handlebars. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Motorcycle-12V- ... da&vxp=mtr every time I go out on my bike, I plug my phone into it and cradle my phone in this http://www.ebay.com/itm/Universal-Motor ... 1c45b933a2 I have the power plug on my left handlebar and my cell phone cradle on the right side handlebar. both of these are within my sight and reach.

stuart.

[CMReynolds1]

What they make and sell is not junk, as such it does go for a little more. When you get the items the fitment is right on and everything goes together correctly. No offense meant, but people are free to shop around, maybe there might be a better deal somewhere. I like them because I know the quality and fitment is perfect. Everyone has a preference of their own. I just shared the site. Ride safe.

[littlebeaver]

Wait just a cotton pickin minute here....... Nick man,,, those look like zip ties man.... Tell me it ain't so... I'm sure the quality is good, zip ties or not...

[CMReynolds1]

It does look like it. I haven't bought that item. My purchases all bolted up to the handle bars. But, it does look that way!