The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2

Technical Discussion => BMW Technical Q&A, Primarily R65 => Topic started by: Red_Hen on August 07, 2012, 10:09:29 PM

Title: Where to mount a power plug on my R65LS
Post by: Red_Hen on August 07, 2012, 10:09:29 PM

Hi Gang,

Hope you're off to a good week!

Looking for ideas on mounting a power socket on my bike - something I can plug my battery tender in or for charging my cell phone.  

My thoughts were as follows:

1.  Rear fender - nixed idea because mud & grime would ruin the connectors.
2.  Drill hole in side covers - really don't want to drill holes in side covers.
3.  Best idea so far is to mount power socket on a flat aluminum bar and attach the bar on each side of the frame under seat.

Open for ideas.

Thanks

KT

Title: Re: Where to mount a power plug on my R65LS
Post by: nhmaf on August 07, 2012, 10:19:35 PM

I just have an extra-long battery tender lead set attached to my battery, and I coil the length of cable up and tuck it into the toolbox.  On long trips, I unwind the  cable and route it out from under the seat and up to my tankbag.   I have a powerlet socket adapter in my tankbag - it was intended for someone to drill a hole through their tankbag and mount it to the bag's side, but I just leave the thing inside the bag.   I plug the battery tender cable  into it and I then can plug in a cigarette-style power connector/cell phone charger in the other side of the adatper, or with another short adapter cable, a GPS (If I had one) there.   I cannot recall the vendor at the BMW rally I got this stuff from, but they gotta be advertising in either the MOA or RA magazine somewhere.... will look later this week.

Title: Re: Where to mount a power plug on my R65LS
Post by: Bob_Roller on August 07, 2012, 10:33:37 PM

I've been considering putting an OEM style power outlet on the right side of the sheet metal part of the  frame just below the seat, there are a series of holes just aft of the right rear shock absorber, that was meant for police accessories .

There was an OEM mount for one, I think it was mounted somewhere around the left battery cover .

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=0364&mospid=51897&btnr=71_0579&hg=71&fg=15

Title: Re: Where to mount a power plug on my R65LS
Post by: Graeme on August 08, 2012, 06:43:00 AM

I just bought a cig lighter socket, attached it directly to the battery with an 8 amp fuse. On the LS there's a "boot" behind the seat with a hole to thread the wires and it lies in wait within for something to plug into it. I can only envisage a 'phone; maybe a GPS one day.

I also have a battery tender attached the same way. The battery terminals aren't overloaded.

Title: Re: Where to mount a power plug on my R65LS
Post by: raymr on August 08, 2012, 06:51:07 AM

Wherever you put it, I would zip tie it in place there for a little while to make sure it works the way you envision, before drilling holes and making it permanent.

Title: Re: Where to mount a power plug on my R65LS
Post by: bruce_launceston on August 08, 2012, 07:05:33 AM

The factory auxillary power outlet fits in front of the shock absorber and is held in place with the shock top nut as per attached photo.
It is simple to attach battery charger without opening the seat even.
These power fittings can be bought from auto electrical accessory shops along with the plugs.
I spliced a pair of these fittings into my charger cable so I can swap between battery clips for the car and the accessory plug for the bikes. My LS has the factory fitting  but I made a bracket to suit and fitted one to our Ducati.

Title: Re: Where to mount a power plug on my R65LS
Post by: Bob_Roller on August 08, 2012, 08:22:15 AM

Bruce, thanks for the picture, I wondered where that bracket was mounted on the bike .

I should have most of my work day free on Saturday, may make an attempt to fabricate a bracket from aluminum .

Title: Re: Where to mount a power plug on my R65LS
Post by: Red_Hen on August 08, 2012, 03:04:30 PM

Thanks for sharing this , Bruce

A clean install!

Title: Re: Where to mount a power plug on my R65LS
Post by: Red_Hen on August 11, 2012, 04:21:20 PM

Quote

I made a bracket to suit and fitted one to our Ducati.

Bruce - would you happen to have a pattern of the bracket you made?  From the picture, it looks like you took a piece of aluminum or sheet metal and cut a "L" shaped piece.  

Thanks!

Title: Re: Where to mount a power plug on my R65LS
Post by: Bob_Roller on August 11, 2012, 05:08:32 PM

If you are interested, the brackets are still available from BMW, I checked on Thursday and there are 6 available in the US, for about $6US each .

Title: Re: Where to mount a power plug on my R65LS
Post by: nhmaf on August 11, 2012, 07:28:51 PM

Wow - if they are really only $6 that has got to be about the least expensive BMW accessory they sell!
 :D

Title: Re: Where to mount a power plug on my R65LS
Post by: Red_Hen on August 11, 2012, 08:57:06 PM

Quote

If you are interested, the brackets are still available from BMW, I checked on Thursday and there are 6 available in the US, for about $6US each .

Thanks, Bob - I'm adding this to my order - ordered the throttle stop today.  Thanks!

Title: Re: Where to mount a power plug on my R65LS
Post by: Crossrodes on August 11, 2012, 09:36:13 PM

I have one on my '79 and it is a stock item.  Here is a link to the parts diagram:
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=0353&mospid=51896&btnr=71_0579&hg=71&fg=15

Title: Re: Where to mount a power plug on my R65LS
Post by: Crossrodes on August 11, 2012, 09:37:36 PM

It fits on the frame ahead of the left hand shock.  It may or may not fit your bike.

Title: Re: Where to mount a power plug on my R65LS
Post by: bruce_launceston on August 13, 2012, 06:49:57 AM

Hi Ken, the bracket in the photo is the one that came from the factory on my R65.
The one I fabricated is a simple angle bracket on a different bike in a different location.