I have a Garmin Quest GPS unit. It has the standard "stick it on the windshield, plug it in to your cigarette lighter" unit for constant use in a cage. I also have a handlebar clamp unit that permits me to use it on my lowrider or my sportster, unfortunately it must run off of it's internal battery which is only good for 4 or 5 hoiurs. I am putting a battery tender on the dyna and am wondering if there would be a downside to adapting the car leads to fit the battery harness of the tender? Other than it won't work in the cigareete lighter anymore. I know it is meant for a quick connect on the charger, but if juice goes in to the battery using the lead it could come out the same way and power the gps. I am good with wrences and stuff like that but electric s--t is another storyu Thanks

 

Glad to see someone else uses a gps on their bike.
I made an adapter that has a battery tender fitting on on side and a female cigarette socket on the other. This way u can run and charge the gps all day and even charge your cell phone if you need. Make sure to wire in an inline fuse (which usually comes w/ the battery tender) and make sure polarity is correct when u make ur adapter.

 

I just got a pig tail off of ebay that has the battery tender plug on one end and the cigarette socket on the other end . there is one on ebay right now ebay Item number: Item number: 230300462211 or bmw power port

 

There is no downside to wiring up using the battery tender connection, as long as you have your fuses set right it can be a useful electrical connection. I have mine set up to both charge my battery while in storage, and to run my heated vest while riding. I would suggest that you pick up a second eletrical plug so taht you don't lose functionality in the cage. Oh, and as stated earlier, make sure you check the polarity of your connections when you wire it up.

 

There were some GPS posts a while ago talking about Powerlet.
More expensive, but seems very clean.
http://www.powerletproducts.com/index.php
Might want to check it out. It's on my list of things to get (long list).

Ride safe.

 

I didn't set mine up ( had a tech do it for me) but I also have the female cigarette socket on one end and plug it into the batter tender. ( complete with fuse)

I use my GPS in the car ...then simply snap it into the RAM mount on the bike and I'm ready to go....anywhere! and never get lost...find gas station...motel...restaurant etc. Love it!

 

I use a quick release plug that i have tapped to the battery, inlined a fuse and run it up to the neck of the bike... this i can use to power my GPS, Stereo, nothing, or all of it

 

When I bought my 2009 Super I had the stealer mount a 12v cigarete lighter on the handlebar...all chrome and looks nice. I then purchased RAM mounting kt for my Lawrence GPS (waterproof) and it works great!

 

Having the 'lighter' mounted was a smart move on your part.

you say it is waterproof....is that the major difference in the GPS units made for motorcycles?
Is it made 'stronger' for the vibrations?

I use a Garmin 260 ( says 'not motorcycle friendly' in the stats. ) ....so far, it works fine on the bike....but it is not waterproof.

 

Just purchase a 4-pack of Duracell 2650mAh AA’s for $15 and an inexpensive charger and your good for at least 24-36 hours of use. I use my Garmin 60csx on my Street Glide and don’t even bother with the on-board cigarette lighter. Why hassle the cable when you don’t have to.