USB power ports?

[Rich Mintz]

I'm thinking of installing some source of USB power on my bike, because both my helmet-cam and my phone (used as GPS) run out of power regularly during long rides.

Any advice?

What do you think of something like this? http://www.kuryakyn.com/products/4206/usb-power-source
I don't think I have enough clear bar space to install it on the handlebars, but it can be bonded to any square inch of flat surface...

[dampking]

How about a Solar Charger? I mean, if the rides are during day times then Solar chargers can help!

-Sanket

[Desi Bike]

Cigarette lighter outlet mounted under the seat. Cheaper maybe if you already have plug in chargers, I guess i'm old school but I think usb won't look right on a 1950ish bike.

[Bulletman]

Cigarette lighter outlet mounted under the seat. Cheaper maybe if you already have plug in chargers, I guess i'm old school but I think usb won't look right on a 1950ish bike.

+1. That's the best alternative, I have the same setup. You can get the adapters from Amazon or Walmart for 10 bucks.

[Royalista]

I mounted a cigarette lighter outlet and got something weird: kick start no problem, electric start no way.
Couldn't figure out what the problem really was.
Dismounted the system. All back to normal. Probably the stock battery is too weak for the extra fuse (15A)?

[GlennF]

USB battery pack.

Or potentially a solar charged USB battery pack like this one ...

http://dx.com/p/4200mah-portable-dual-panel-solar-power-battery-pack-for-cell-phones-and-usb-gadgets-40210?tc=AUD&gclid=CNjU49bDvrUCFSExpgodWikARg

[JesterNT]

I have a Battery Tender Jr cable hardwired into my battery.  I picked up a 12v outlet with a quick disconnect end off amazon for $8.  I keep it in my toolbox with a two port usb cigarette adapter. I have a velcro strap to hold it to the frame when in use.  It's quick and easy to deploy when I need it. 

http://www.amazon.com/Battery-Tender-081-0069-8-Cigarette-Disconnect/dp/B0041CDPQO/ref=sr_1_2?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1361377761&sr=1-2&keywords=Quick+Disconnect+12v

[barenekd]

All back to normal. Probably the stock battery is too weak for the extra fuse (15A)?

A fuse won't change the load on a battery. You didn't mention how you wired it up or where you were taking the power from. Somehow you must've bypassed a switch that is necessary for the starter to function.
A hot wire from the battery to the adapter, and a ground wire from it, is all you need. If you want to add a fuse in the hot wire, that's fine. You don't need to get into the motorcycle electrical loom at all.
Bare

[Jack Leis]

 I recently mounted a USB set up to run a GPS. I don't really care for the looks of things but right now I'm really just looking for function. I bought the 12v power adapter for 9.99 and the USB charger adapter for 5.99 from Cycle Gear on line. My Enfield is a continuous WORK IN PROGRESS and I will eventually relocate and conceal the stuff probably under the seat which is a brilliant idea Desi Bike ! Taking it on a 90 mile round trip tomorrow to see how it all holds up .

[Royalista]

A fuse won't change the load on a battery. You didn't mention how you wired it up or where you were taking the power from. Somehow you must've bypassed a switch that is necessary for the starter to function.
A hot wire from the battery to the adapter, and a ground wire from it, is all you need. If you want to add a fuse in the hot wire, that's fine. You don't need to get into the motorcycle electrical loom at all.
Bare

Hey, I jump at every spark. So I dug out the stuff.
It is a direct mount to the battery and the fuse is on the hot wire. Hot wire from the +, ground wire from the  -. It is a pretty straight forward set up, so it should be ok, I'd thought.

It is dark now. I shall do a reinstall tomorrow. Battery is fully charged. I'll keep good track of every component involved. Who knows, illumination might be around the corner.

[Jack Leis]

Plus One Bare. Sounds like a poor connection at the battery.

[Hierlekin]

I have a Battery Tender Jr cable hardwired into my battery.  I picked up a 12v outlet with a quick disconnect end off amazon for $8.  I keep it in my toolbox with a two port usb cigarette adapter. I have a velcro strap to hold it to the frame when in use.  It's quick and easy to deploy when I need it. 

  I have a Battery Tender on my C5 and never even thought of this bit of brilliance!! Thank you!

[shamelin]

I have a Battery Tender on my C5 and never even thought of this bit of brilliance!! Thank you!

Then put on a helmet, because this is going to blow your mind!

http://www.amazon.com/SAE-USB-Adapter-Motorcycle-Charger/dp/B007VFFQRE

[Hierlekin]

Then put on a helmet, because this is going to blow your mind!

... [mind officially blown]  ...

[Rich Mintz]

Really newbie question: So I have this wiring harness with black and red clips on the end, to attach to the battery. How do I attach it without getting electrocuted?

The battery terminals have flat screws on the ends. Do I loosen those with an ordinary screwdriver (with a plastic head, so I don't get electrocuted per the above) and pull out the leads? Then I slide the clips in and restore the leads and tighten the screws?

I know there is an order (red first then black, or vice versa, just like jumper cables) but I don't know why. Is it because electricity flows from pos to neg?

Will I see sparks, and from which terminal?

How do I make sure I didn't create a problem when I'm done? Is it sufficient to check that the bike starts (EFI) and that the accessory works?