12v Auxilary power

[Rasher]

Another stupid question!

How easy is it to power accessories on the GS?

On my last bike I was using an SW-Motech tank bag that has a 12v Car Lighter socket inside, I can use this with the GS but thought being the tye of bike it is perhaps it already has some power socket.

So does it come with anything and if so where is it.

If not what do you guys do?

I need to fit an autocom (I assume there is space under seat for this) and ideally also have a 12v car-type power socket somewhere up front for powering sat-nav.


Thanks in advance

 

[STUBBS]

give us a clue


what gs is it

 

[Rasher]

Probably on 07 or 08 R1200GS, not an Adventure.

Would wait until I bought one and have a peek about, but I have this rather pricey SW-Motech tank bag with integral power and can fit it to BM with a new adapter ring.

Could also sell it seperately with bike, don't want to flog it for £100 just to end up buying another new one at £170.

I would keep it for sure if I knew I would buy GS with bigger than Vario panniers, but if I get a bike with Vario's will probably want bigger tank bag.

From what I have seen many used GS's have Vario's and typically they are not a lot more money than those without.

I guess as key matches the bike selling them on is tricky, so if I get a bike with these panniers I am either stuck with them or will end up with two sets.

 

[richdj]

varios and power

Varios are OK for day to day stuff. The last time I did a long trip with motorway, I didn't feel comfy with them open wide, so reduced them down and added the luggage to the rear seat. However, the other day, I had mine out all day in the (heavy) rain, and they didn't let a drip in, until I opened them. You don't have to have them with the matching key.. I bought mine after the bike, and have a separate key for them. If they are already keyed, you can have them changed, or have a new drum installed. If you have the cash, go for something better. If not, the various are OK.

As for the power outlet.. I have had problems with power being drained when using a (car) sat nav (on a 54 plate), and the heated grips (although that was a cheap battery with the grips).. Whatever you add to the electrics, it will drain it. It's a matter of how much and how quickly.. My sat nav was ok for a 200 mile trip, left for 40 hours, then the return trip. 36 hours later, the battery was dead...

Rich

 

[Womble]

As for the power outlet.. I have had problems with power being drained when using a (car) sat nav (on a 54 plate), and the heated grips (although that was a cheap battery with the grips).. Whatever you add to the electrics, it will drain it. It's a matter of how much and how quickly.. My sat nav was ok for a 200 mile trip, left for 40 hours, then the return trip. 36 hours later, the battery was dead...

Rich

Installing any accessories that stay on when the ignition is off is a bad idea.

 

[Rasher]

Would used switched supply, also sat-nav would not be left in place.

The tank bag is curretly powered direct from battery, but this does not matter as the bag comes of whenever I stop, and obviously only draws power if you have something plugged in.

Are you guys saying the bike can just about power the grips, but as soon as you plug something else in the generator won't keep up?

As to vario sizes, I always tour two-up, currently have 2 x 35L panniers and they are a bit smaller than I would like.

 

[Womble]

The generator output should be absolutely fine - plenty of people run 100+ Watts of extra lighting and heated grips and have no problems. I think richdj's problem isn't typical.

Wire the tank bag in the same way; as you say, it will only matter when you clip the bag on. Just make sure that it is fused in case the terminals accidentally get shorted.

On the 1200, there should be a switched connector near the headstock that you can use to power a satnav. People sell cables for it - it would be simple to put a 12V accessory connector on the other end that you can then use to power other items like your satnav.