Simple USB Power For Your Bike
You may even have the wiring already installed
As we become ever more dependent on our portable electronic devices, the problems of power are something we must constantly consider. In the past, I’ve written about how to install accessory power on your motorcycle ( here) and how to make it switch on with your ignition ( here). Suppose you just want a quick, non-permanent means of charging your smartphone? Well, if your have an electric vest or a trickle-charger that you use, you probably have all the wiring you need for USB power installed on your bike, already.
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Most electric vests attach to your motorcycle’s electrical system via a fused cable ending in a SAE plug. So, all you really need is a small adapter to convert your bike’s 12 volt electrical system to a USB-compatible 5 V. While surfing around looking for adapters for another electrical project I’m working on, I stumbled onto a clever USB connector.
Lightningfast produces a SAE To USB Adapter that is essentially a SAE connector with a switch and a covered USB port. The entire device looks to be about 1.5-inches long. (Note: I have not personally used this device. I just found it and thought I should share it with my fellow MOrons.) Its specs, which show a 2.1 amp output, mean it will charge just about every USB-powered device you can throw at it – all the way up to a tablet. It has a weather-resistant cap to go over the USB port to keep rain out if you leave it on your bike. The on/off switch will prevent you from killing your battery if the adapter is connected to unswitched power. It even has internal polarity connection to keep it from shorting out should the SAE connector be wired with its polarity reversed.
With a retail price of about $15, the Lightningfast SAE To USB Adapter isn’t a huge expense and could be the answer to a question you’ve been asking. Find out more at Lightningfast’s product page. If you don’t have a fused SAE connector already on your bike, start your search at your local auto parts store or here.
Like most of the best happenings in his life, Evans stumbled into his motojournalism career. While on his way to a planned life in academia, he applied for a job at a motorcycle magazine, thinking he’d get the opportunity to write some freelance articles. Instead, he was offered a full-time job in which he discovered he could actually get paid to ride other people’s motorcycles – and he’s never looked back. Over the 25 years he’s been in the motorcycle industry, Evans has written two books, 101 Sportbike Performance Projects and How to Modify Your Metric Cruiser, and has ridden just about every production motorcycle manufactured. Evans has a deep love of motorcycles and believes they are a force for good in the world.
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These are great. I have a BatteryTender one, and wired up a longer cable from my battery box to the handlebar. USB and cable cost about $30, took ten minutes to install, powers the Garmin perfectly.
Great idea. Need to put one near my fairing for my phone.