Contributed by
Scott Fairchild, STOC #4728.
Original article can be found here:
http://www.thefairchilds.org/bikes/ (http://www.thefairchilds.org/bikes/)~~~
Adding Power Sockets ( ST1300 )
Just like in a car, the cigarette lighter can be used to power a whole bunch of accessories such as heated vests, radios, etc. If you don't have the item hardwired to the bike, then you need to have a socket or two available.
There are two basic sockets on the market right now. There's the standard cigarette lighter socket and the smaller BMW style Powerlet® socket (http://www.powerlet.com/). Each of them provide 12v of potential, but they each also take different plugs. Many motorcycle accessories today use the Powerlets®, because they snap and hold into place - very handy on a speeding, vibrating motorcycle. I choose to have both, just in case I need to charge my cellphone or whatever.
The below picture shows the Powerlet® installed just below the right glove-box. Like most Powerlets®, it has a spring-loaded flip-up lid to prevent water from getting in.
(http://inlinethumb07.webshots.com/49734/2588774390053425152S425x425Q85.jpg) (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2588774390053425152CqinIV)
The next installation is of a dual Powerlet® panel that installs on the left side, just below the seat. The knob you see is the rear shock adjustment knob. This particular installation is great for rider/passenger vests because A) there are two of them and B) it's mounted on the left side, which is where most vests have their cords.
(http://inlinethumb16.webshots.com/48015/2004588110053425152S425x425Q85.jpg) (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2004588110053425152dmdiLk)
The final place I installed a power socket is at the bottom inside the right glove box. This is a standard cigarette lighter socket with a waterproof cap. This is great for charging things like a cell phone or powering a radar detector.
(http://inlinethumb12.webshots.com/48907/2275378990053425152S425x425Q85.jpg) (http://rides.webshots.com/photo/2275378990053425152QIEAUM)
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Thank You again for your contribution
Scott Fairchild, STOC #4728