How to wire motorcycle for GPS?

[atek3]

Hey y'all, I'd like to use my Garmin Quest GPS unit on my motorcycle. It fits perfectly in the top of my tank bag, but the battery life of the unit is measured in minutes, so I need to wire it. I can modify the cradle so that it fits the tank bag, but the cradle needs 12V cigarette lighter power.

Any recommendations on how to wire it? I'd prefer some sort of waterproof quick connect.

Thanks,
atek3

[atek3]

something like this seems good:
All-Weather Power Outlet (Standard Adapter Plug) :: Electrical Accessories :: Electrical :: Prevent Or Repair :: Aerostich/RiderWearHouse Motorcycle Jackets, Suits, Clothing, & Gear

would it be okay to wire that underneath the fuel tank between the two cylinders? My concern stems from the heat, it probably gets about 200F in between the cylinders.

thanks,
atek3

[schleppy]

If you know you're not going to get it wet, or all the pieces (GPS, power wire, etc) are waterproof you could install an all-weather connector like you posted above. Then you can clip off the cigarette lighter part and wire in a powerlet connector.

I would not trust a standard cigarette lighter plug unless you install it in the tail of your bike. That's what I did on my SV and it's been fine so far.

[Wanderer]

I'm pretty certain there are dedicated handlebar/RAM mounts avalible for the Quest - Cycoactive have at least one plus a hardwire kit :

RAM Handlebar Mount for Garmin Quest & Quest 2 by CycoActive

I have an old 2610 for the bike - RAM mount and hardwired to the battery - pretty easy to install, and waterproof. I'm sure you could do the same with the quest.

As an alternative, you could look at the powered-tankbag option, - a little more expensive/complex (Bags-Connection do a quick release electrical tankbag mount, if you want to go that route. Twisted Throttle carries their stuff)

[akira700]

wow...ipods and gps on the motorcycle. Whats next a coffee maker?

Air Conditioning!

[markbvt]

Air Conditioning!

I think Goldwings are actually available with air conditioning.

As for the original poster's question -- yeah, what the folks above have said. Just install an accessory power outlet to plug your GPS into. Depending on what kind of bike you have, there may be a factory accessory outlet plug that clips into a pre-wired connector on the wiring harness (my Triumph has this), or you may need to just wire your own (as on my Suzuki) -- you can either run it straight off the battery, or install a relay so the accessory power turns on/off with the ignition switch. The advantage of not using the relay is that the plug works in both directions, so for winter battery maintenance you can just plug your battery tender right into the outlet socket.

--mark

[atek3]

so do you think the engine heat will be a problem?

atek3

[markbvt]

I wouldn't put it between the cylinders. Just run wires from your battery and install the outlet somewhere in the cockpit area.

--mark

[kamikaze]

I think Goldwings are actually available with air conditioning.

and Air Bags now!

[atek3]

I know it's ghetto, but now I can use my GPS unit on my motorcycle. Sweet. (yes I realize it's not all weather)




atek3

[Jayspeed]

Some useful info in here.
http://www.nestreetriders.com/forum/...armin-gps.html