ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS
(12V charging : USB, mini USB , Ipod , GPS, cell phone and more)
Today, more than ever, there is a need for a standardized power point on motorcycles to connect electrical gadgets and to charge the bikes battery.
We tend to overlook just how many modern items either require to be recharged (e.g cell phones, iPods, GPS units, satellite phones etc ) or require a direct 12V power source to run them (e.g. air compressors, heated clothing etc) .
The very nature of motorcycling would suggest that often a rider, by choice, does not always have access to an AC wall socket to recharge or operate these various peripheries.
A bi-directional power point that can utilize the motor cycles battery/charging system (one that can deliver current, as well as take charging current) is therefore necessary to take full advantage of products such as battery chargers, heated vests, cell phones, MP3 players, GPS units, camcorders and so on.
What do I need?
First and foremost a power point that is connected directly to the battery is required.
Such power points are divided into two categories - the cigarette connector and the Norm outlet /Hella/ BMW-style connector
Cigarette connector
Female (fits on bike) Male (fits on accessory)
Traditionally most power points have been of the cigarette connector type. These have gained wide use as virtually every car has a cigarette lighter, resulting in automotive accessories in the main being sold with cigarette-type connectors.
For motorcycle applications we do not however believe such a connection is ideal for the following reasons:
• There is no standard for cigarette connector dimensions i.e. there are two
different sizes in common use
• Connectors of this nature often fit poorly and make unreliable connections,
particularly on the move as they are susceptible to vibration. In our opinion
this type of connector is only adequate when the bike is stationery.
• It cannot always handle higher current loads that may be imposed by certain
items e.g a tyre compressor
• Sensitive electronics (e.g. GPS units) that draw their power from such a
connector could suffer damage as a result of an intermittent, bad connection
Norm Outlet /Hella outlet/ BMW-style outlet connector (smaller in dimension to a cigarette connector)
Female (fits on bike) Male (fits on accessory)
These fittings have rapidly gained popularity over the past few years and are fitted as a standard item to many new BMW motorcycles.
A Norm outlet/Hella outlet /BMW outlet connector is built to one standard dimension, is very rugged and most importantly ensures a tight, reliable connection.
Furthermore it can handle a higher current load than a cigarette connector.
If you are adding a new power point to your motorcycle, this is the type we recommend.
Please note the term Norm Outlet = Hella outlet = BMW outlet connector
Male power point with optional handlebar mounting bracket
I already have power point on my bike. What else do I need?
Once a power point has been connected to a motorcycle there are a host of electrical connectors that can be derive power from it.
ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR OPTIONS
Examples of some connection options:
1. Convert your non electric tank bag to an electrical one with our tank bag
SAE connector. (SAE connectors have been in use for several years on
devices such as battery tender chargers and offer a reliable connection)
2. The tank bag SAE connector allows for the powering of various devices from
within your tank bag, while riding.
3. With numerous SAE adaptors available it is easy to tailor your requirements by simply plugging in the relevant adaptor. In this example a cigarette and Norm outlet/Hella outlet/BMW outlet (with a USB port) is depicted.
Alternatively power can be routed directly to the desired item:
Power your GPS
Power your cell phone
ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR OPTIONS
