Powerlet connectors

[Flashdog]

BMW and various other manufacturers use Powerlet type accessory plugs on their bikes. These normally work great, take a beating, and don't fall out like a cigarette style plug. I have had however a few problems with them. The latest was Sunday.

My electric vest kept turning on and off. I knew the problem was not on the male (vest) side of things as I had already soldered the shoddy threaded terminals on it. (Those wires broke at the termination on a road trip in December.) So I took off the side panel and found that the ground lug on the socket was just a press fit on the outside of the socket barrel. It was made that way! So now that is soldered, as it should have been from the factory.

These are great electrical connectors. I'd just check them before your next big trip. A few minutes with a soldering iron might be needed.

[motomac]

Thanks for the tip. I just installed one on my DRZ.

[G wizz]

I use SAE or Audio type plugs on all my accessory goodies. have had no falures as of yet (knock on wood)

G wizz

[TJ Willy]

Yep. Powerlet is the way to go from what I hear.

A motorcycle camping buddy of mine and I were just talking about this via email. He sent their site to me:

http://www.powerletproducts.com/

[VFR]

I use SAE or Audio type plugs on all my accessory goodies. have had no falures as of yet (knock on wood)

G wizz


Same for me. The Powerlet connectors besides being expensive need more space to install. I've been very happy with the SAE connectors & if necessary, have an adapter for the other ones.

[DBrent]

I added a power outlet under the seat of my V-Strom. It's there for emergencies, and an accessory air pump. Total cost for installation was under $12. I bought the outlet at Advanced Auto Parts for $7.69. Here is where my installation started: http://www.vstrom.info/Smf/index.php/topic,4842.0.html.

[coopdway]

I've got the Powerlet SAE connectors on every one of the 12volt bikes and wouldn't be without them. Either pigtails and/or 'hot' tankbags have worked very well for me.

[VFR]

I added a power outlet under the seat of my V-Strom. It's there for emergencies, and an accessory air pump. Total cost for installation was under $12. I bought the outlet at Advanced Auto Parts for $7.69. Here is where my installation started: http://www.vstrom.info/Smf/index.php/topic,4842.0.html.


Power outlets and Powerlets are not the same thing. A power outlet is what we used to call a cigar lighter back when cars had them. The Powerlet is commonly known as a BMW outlet as they were an accessory outlet most often found on those bikes. Also had BMW prices on them.....

[Ironheadziggy76]

Powerlet makes a nice cigar style outlet also! I installed one to power my GPS and one of the BMW style to run my compressor and other things. The cigar style has a nice rubber cover to keep water and trash out of it when it's not in use.