Powering a GPS

[Slartibartfast]

Having read lots of threads on the best way to power a GPS and decided the switched accessory output at the headstock was the best way.

Motorrad Concepts do a Zumo lead already connected to a suitable plug for £34 which seemed a bit steep. I had read other threads saying it cost £50 to buy a "blank" plug from BMW ... so I phoned them to check and it "only" costs £7.20

Every little helps

 

[Dellis]

Sounds cheap enough

Dave

 

[AndyW]

Part number please ...........and a photo would be good, thanks

 

[Slartibartfast]

I will do after I have ridden through to Dundee to buy it

 

[Slartibartfast]

Well I went through to Dundee to buy one of the two they had in stock ..... except they didn't actually have any ....

The very nice many was very apologetic and has ordered one for me free of charge and will post it out.

Top marks to John Clark BMW Dundee for retrieving the situation

 

[Chris Terry]

How does the headstock connector switch differently from the power socket under the seat?

 

[Slartibartfast]

It's a different type of plug which clips in (like a connector on a wiring loom). It's more for permanently connected kit rather than plug-in/ unplug kit. You could use it to power another accessory socket like the one under the seat though (and I probably will !)

 

[Brian ROSEN]

GPS Connection

It's a different type of plug which clips in (like a connector on a wiring loom). It's more for permanently connected kit rather than plug-in/ unplug kit. You could use it to power another accessory socket like the one under the seat though (and I probably will !)

As you say the sensible way to tackle this would be to conect this plug to a socket (either on a Touratech 'dashboard' or fitted beside the 'tank' where there is a marked position) then it will be easy to take off the GPS + wiring. (There may be a slight snag that the GPS will switch off when the ignition is off, for instance when refilling.) I had all the connections but decided to wire the socket straight back to the battery (with a fuse of course.) I could then use this socket with my ordinary Optimate type charger - if I were too lazy to take off the saddle and clip onto the terminals direct.

 

[Trevor Phillips]

If you've got extra lights fitted up front, it's a peice of cake to tap into the circuitry fro GPS power supply - no danger of Canbus problems.
But when the lights are off, there's no power to GPS.
Does you GPS have a battery?

 

[Slartibartfast]

Yes it does have a battery so when it looses power it asks if you want to continue on battery. That should make it OK even if an accessory socket powers down after 15 mins. (it's a Zumo)

I have it wired direct to the battery at the moment and will probably fit an accessory socket to the plug to make it more flexible ... and as you say so I can easily take the GPS mount and cable off (they are about £100 worth alone so I don't fancy leaving them on a quick-release ball joint longer term !)

 

[tustinr]

I installed a Powerlet harness direct to the battery up front - works well. No Canbus to worry about and also serves as a plug for battery charging during winter. Powerlet have a vast range of accessories at a reasonable price and the service is excellent (I live in NZ and ordered online - had it delivered in 5 days). www.powerletproducts.com

Rich

 

[ROLLINSDAN]

Has anybody bought the terminal housing and terminals to connect to the standard BMW harness yet?!

If somebody has, is there any chance I could have a pic/and or part number and maybe a manufacturers name?

I may be able to obtain some "samples"

 

[Brian ROSEN]

Try Motorrad Concepts (see Useful Links' on this site.)

 

[John Armstrong]

Try Motorrad Concepts (see Useful Links' on this site.)

I think they may prefer not to make the information too freely available

 

[Slartibartfast]

Well if it sounds too good to be true it usually is !

The nice BMW man sent me the plug today as promised .... but it was the "cigar lighter" type plug , not the little one which plugs into the harness socket at the headstock

After another call it transpires you have to buy the additional accessory socket kit to get the plug I need . £27 plus VAT.

Time to decide what Plan B is

 

[blobbs]

I got an accessory socket fitted to my bike but I found the power to this socket intermittent(even after the upgrade at my last service) I bought the MC power lead and no problems since. Stops your GPS asking if you wish to continue on battery power.Saves a lot of stress

 

[Brian ROSEN]

BMW socket

Yes, these are expensive. Here I paid over 30€ for one, then realised that for very little more I could have the Touratech dashboard which includes a socket. I returned my BMW socket and got the dashboard - which I fitted (but it really was VERY difficult, so be warned.) Anyway it all works fine now, wired back to the battery + fuse. The socket can be used for charging also if I wished.

 

[Foto John]

Well if it sounds too good to be true it usually is !

The nice BMW man sent me the plug today as promised .... but it was the "cigar lighter" type plug , not the little one which plugs into the harness socket at the headstock

After another call it transpires you have to buy the additional accessory socket kit to get the plug I need . £27 plus VAT.

Time to decide what Plan B is

Plan B...............Well, you could always go to your local Truckstop (or even Truck dealer)!
Being an ex-trucker, it's something I used to buy from time to time, as they're exactly the same sockets in trucks and sold for around £6!