USB handlebar charging

Got a spanner in the works? Post your motorcycle problems here.
chipy
Posts: 353
Joined: Wed Dec 11, 2013 5:48 pm
Has thanked: 33 times
Been thanked: 111 times

Re: USB handlebar charging

Post by chipy »

daveuprite wrote: Fri Nov 26, 2021 5:58 pm
chipy wrote: Fri Nov 26, 2021 5:55 pm Make sure you wire it via relay or the transformer will flatten the battery on your bike.
Yes I'm interested in NOT doing exactly that, Chipy. Wouldn't the on/off switch sort that out?
No the transformer is working all of the time to lower the voltage so even if nothing is pluged in it will still drain the battery. Guess how i found out :roll:
1980 rs100, 1986 DT50 mx, 1990 fj1200, 1998 zzr600, 2003 R1150r, 2007 G650Xcountry, 2012 Honda wave 110, 2014 Beta alp 4.0, 2014 Beta alp 200, 2020 xt1200z
bikenav
Posts: 1277
Joined: Mon Jan 28, 2013 11:46 pm
Location: Llanelli
Has thanked: 1187 times
Been thanked: 760 times

Re: USB handlebar charging

Post by bikenav »

In my experience you be lucky to get 15 months out of one if they are out in the weather, done for a few over the years mounted up on the bars but they are cheap, perhaps they might last longer if not permanently live with the risk of water ingress and 12v. I have a simple one, twin USB no switch wired direct to the battery via a long lead 1 metre or even a bit more all the spare lead gets pushed up where the ABS pump is supposed to live on the GS and the socket sits behind the quick release side panel, its permanent live, only use it for camping and just pull it out and pop the usb end through the tent door for charging camera/phone/headtorch during the night. I disconnect it during the winter non camping season due to the drain issue in an emergency easily reconnected for a quick charge, Works a treat. Did a quick ebay search failed to find one but this one has its merits but I'd prefer a twin if available.
Screenshot (148).png
Screenshot (148).png (188.83 KiB) Viewed 1811 times

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/233650080023 ... SwiBNfDsiW
bikenav
Posts: 1277
Joined: Mon Jan 28, 2013 11:46 pm
Location: Llanelli
Has thanked: 1187 times
Been thanked: 760 times

Re: USB handlebar charging

Post by bikenav »

this is similar to the one I use but mine has a twin USB outlet, to disconnect and save the battery, just pull the fuse.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/393520568349 ... SwbllhH3LP
daveuprite
Posts: 4790
Joined: Fri Dec 28, 2012 10:47 pm
Location: Limousin France
Has thanked: 2452 times
Been thanked: 3293 times

Re: USB handlebar charging

Post by daveuprite »

Cornishman wrote: Fri Nov 26, 2021 8:39 pm
chunky butt wrote: Fri Nov 26, 2021 8:11 pm Dave what ever you do put an inline fuse in, and waterproof switch so it won't overload, and you can isolate it ;)
If it’s for his Beta there’s waterproof and waterproof. It might be safer buying something through a yacht chandler.
https://www.force4.co.uk/item/Osculati/ ... Socket/9JK
:lol: :lol:

Haha. So true. Actually it's for the road bike, so hopefully it'll get wet very rarely.
daveuprite
Posts: 4790
Joined: Fri Dec 28, 2012 10:47 pm
Location: Limousin France
Has thanked: 2452 times
Been thanked: 3293 times

Re: USB handlebar charging

Post by daveuprite »

Thanks very much for all the suggestions and advice. I like the idea of wiring it so that it only works when the engine's running (or the headlamp would do because that turns on automatically with the key). I just need to find someone who is not as profoundly hopeless with electrics than me to fit it. I need a new haircut after every attempt i make to do anything electrical...

Steve? Could you wire one of these things via the headlamp circuit?
User avatar
Godspeed
Posts: 1901
Joined: Mon Nov 04, 2013 12:35 pm
Has thanked: 2580 times
Been thanked: 2202 times

Re: USB handlebar charging

Post by Godspeed »

I’ve been using a quad lock charging cable. Apparently doesn’t draw a current so I’ve wired it directly to my battery. Had no problems so far and today has money off too 👍
https://www.quadlockcase.co.uk/collecti ... 0563993715
The Meandering Moustache

Going Big and Riding Small

Honda PCX125 (sports tourer)
Honda Innova ANF125 (Adventure bike)
User avatar
Hugh
Posts: 1294
Joined: Sat Sep 10, 2016 1:54 pm
Has thanked: 871 times
Been thanked: 928 times

Re: USB handlebar charging

Post by Hugh »

Greetings,

I have used the following company for various electrical 'stuff';

https://www.vehiclewiringproducts.co.uk

TTFN

Hugh.
daveuprite
Posts: 4790
Joined: Fri Dec 28, 2012 10:47 pm
Location: Limousin France
Has thanked: 2452 times
Been thanked: 3293 times

Re: USB handlebar charging

Post by daveuprite »

Godspeed wrote: Sat Nov 27, 2021 9:32 am I’ve been using a quad lock charging cable. Apparently doesn’t draw a current so I’ve wired it directly to my battery. Had no problems so far and today has money off too 👍
https://www.quadlockcase.co.uk/collecti ... 0563993715
Yeah, I'm thinking about that Chris. I've already bought the Quad Lock mirror stem mount, the anti-vibration mount, the extender thing and the lock thing itself for my phone, so it's all there and in a good position on the bike. Feels very solid and well-made. But that lot was about 60 euros, so I just baulked a bit at another load of cash for the charger mount. And I'd like a dual USB socket so that I can also charge my giant double-ended dildo on my way back from Amsterdam - I'm sure you'll understand...
User avatar
Godspeed
Posts: 1901
Joined: Mon Nov 04, 2013 12:35 pm
Has thanked: 2580 times
Been thanked: 2202 times

Re: USB handlebar charging

Post by Godspeed »

Double-endeds are very overrated. It means you actually have to talk to someone else 😉
The Meandering Moustache

Going Big and Riding Small

Honda PCX125 (sports tourer)
Honda Innova ANF125 (Adventure bike)
User avatar
chunky butt
Posts: 2036
Joined: Thu Nov 13, 2014 10:39 pm
Has thanked: 54 times
Been thanked: 699 times

Re: USB handlebar charging

Post by chunky butt »

daveuprite wrote: Sat Nov 27, 2021 8:51 am Thanks very much for all the suggestions and advice. I like the idea of wiring it so that it only works when the engine's running (or the headlamp would do because that turns on automatically with the key). I just need to find someone who is not as profoundly hopeless with electrics than me to fit it. I need a new haircut after every attempt i make to do anything electrical...

Steve? Could you wire one of these things via the headlamp circuit?
Yep Dave, take power from the side light or tail light as there on all time with the ignition on, then in line fuse and personally I'd put a switch as well so you can isolate. Reason for this, if there USB they only need to get damp and they'll draw a current, found this out hard way, so if you have the switch you plug in your phone then "switch it on on". Happy days.
Post Reply

Return to “TECHNICAL”