Using front power sockets while riding

[Taffswell]

As standard, the bike has two accessory power sockets located next to dash. When riding, how is it best to route cables to avoid cable snagging, rubbing tank etc? Only occasionally need to connect a heated jacket or charge my mobile phone while in my jacket pocket. Thanks

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

As standard, the bike has two accessory power sockets located next to dash. When riding, how is it best to route cables to avoid cable snagging, rubbing tank etc? Only occasionally need to connect a heated jacket or charge my mobile phone while in my jacket pocket. Thanks

Tape/zip ties and use your imagination
It’ll work wonders

 

[Wapping]

Unless (and I guess you don’t) want to go to the rouble of running power leads under the tank, you might find it easiest to at least power your jacket via a simple (suitably fused) flying lead from the battery. The popular choice for this is an Optimate lead, not least as it can double up as a lead for an Optimate battery tender.

Turning to the charging of your phone in your jacket pocket, this will require a USB lead of some sort. The easiest way is to fit (it really is incredibly simple) a Thunderbox unit under the seat, connected to a Thunderbox phone connector, which is again very simple.

Or you can stay in the Optimate world and use an Optimate phone charger, which is probably easier still.

Then it is just a matter of you sitting on your bike, imagining where, probably on the near side, you want the leads to your jacket and phone to dangle. Don’t forget to give the leads some slack to make it:

A. Easier to plug in

B. Easier to unplug

C. Easier to get on and off the bike

As to anything snagging / rubbing the tank if you go ‘Up front’, as JB says, use your imagination. Look at your bike, look at the leads, look at where you’ll sit and use the power leads….. job done. It’s not hard, honestly.

Got a link, mate?

Match mate:

https://optimate.co.uk/ Tap around to see what suits you best, you can’t break it

O108 USB Charger

O108 USB Charger

optimate.co.uk

https://healtech.co.uk/shop/thunderbox-tb-power-distribution-module/ Again, tap around

 

[Taffswell]

Thanks for the replies. I should have been clearer in my question. My previous bikes have had standard sockets rider side of tank - either factory fitted or installed by me as suggested above by Wapping. But as BMW fit sockets as standard - clock side of rider I was interested to see how riders plug into them when riding. Some might use tank bags or handlebar brackets etc. But heating clothing or charging a phone in your pocket is temporary. I can use my imagination and feed under the tank or cable ties but given BMW fit them where they do perhaps they aren’t designed for the use I have in mind?

 

[Wapping]

My 1200 GSA had a socket on the near side, up on the beak.

I plugged a Widder controller into it, which I Velcro’ed to the side of the tank, to regulate my electric waistcoat. I did all this through the power of imagination.

I wouldn’t place any reliance on BMW’s placement of power sockets. There is a an all but useless one on my 1600 on beneath the seat on the off side, down by the suspension unit. BMW were so embarrassed about it, their owners’ manuals never used to even mention it.

What you could perhaps usefully do, is to tap into the socket(s) on the front and use them to power a socket elsewhere. I did that for several people.