I'm at the stage of wiring in a 12 volt socket to power my GPS and recharge my mobile. There are many pro's and cons recorded across the web of the smaller BMW/triumph style power outlets. Advantages seem to be they are smaller and can run more current. I thought a normal outlet would be fine and it saves me buying adaptors or new charging cords to fit the smaller outlet. If anyone has this style have they noticed any benefits? I suppose there are more mounting options because they are smaller, any advice/opinions?

thanks
Matt

* Last updated by: matt1414 on 2/8/2011 @ 9:58 PM *

You just can't beat a BMW socket for quality, water-tightness, and power capability.

When you say "standard" style socket, what do you mean? Cigarette lighter socket ? If you need one of those, there is an adapter plug for BMW sockets which has a cigarette lighter socket in it.

I'm putting all BMW on mine, but my GPS (Garmin Zumo 550) gets its power from the cradle, and the cradle is permanently attached and wired into one of the running lights. I'm going to change the connection and move it to the new fuse block so it has its own fuse.

Going to get a cigarette lighter adapter plug for the same reason you want one, to charge things.

Thanks privateer, yeah standard I meant cigarette lighter style. BM ones sound the way to go then, I'll just have to buy an adaptor for charging my phone/gps. Thanks mate.

I agree the BMW style plug is best for motorcycles, although I only have anecdotal info to support it. It seems to me they are more secure than American style cigarette lighter connections.

BTW, I believe the BWM plug is really a European plug, at least any European bike that has a plug will have this type of plug. Any Japanese bike that has a plug will have the American cigarette lighter connection and it's usually in a glove box, i.e, my FJR, Honda ST and new VFR.

PS: Powerlet.com has many pigtail with various connections, they should have what you need.

* Last updated by: runnerhiker on 2/9/2011 @ 8:40 PM *

I bought a "waterproof" power outlet from Pepboys. I am not confident it is completely waterproof, but I installed it under the seat, next to the Speedohealer. the wires are sealed so the only exposed wire is where you splice it. I covered the connectors with heat shrink tubing to seal that so I have full confidence that nothing short of submersion in water can cause a short. I installed a waterproof inline fuse for extra safety. All of the materials cost less than $25 and I am confident that it is at least as safe and durable as anything you can get from BMW.
It is too dark for pics right now, but I may be able to post some tomorrow.
I can't find the one I got at Pepboys, but I found a similar one at Autozone. I like the marine ones since they are sealed against water. http://www.autozone.com/autozone/accessories/Help-Weatherproof-exterior-accessory-power-outlet-for-automotive-or-marine-uses/_/N-26m6?counter=0&filterByKeyWord=power+outlet&fromString=search&itemIdentifier=439363_0_0_

I bought a marina 12v plug with a waterproof cap. I fit on the ram air cover on the left side and you hardly notice it is there. Works great!

Oh, and another reason to use BMW sockets, if you ever buy quality heated pants/gloves/vest/jacket/whatever, they will have BMW plugs. Its just a better connector system. Typical German stuff. Heh.

Thanks for the reviews, I'll go the bm plug then with an adaptor. Sounds like it gives more options in the future.

Thanks again.