Adding a GPS to my ST1300

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Jun 19, 2024
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23
Age
69
Location
Liverpool UK
Hi I would like to add a GPS unit to my bike but don't want to just connect to the battery is there any other way I can wire it. I'm not very good when it comes to 12v wiring
 
Hi I would like to add a GPS unit to my bike but don't want to just connect to the battery is there any other way I can wire it. I'm not very good when it comes to 12v wiring

If you are not good with 12v wiring, pay someone who is. Wiring is not something to be messed with if you don’t know what you are doing.
 
If it is only a GPS the below article will show you what do. If your electrical requirements increase in the future consider an auxiliary fuse box.

 
If it is only a GPS the below article will show you what do. If your electrical requirements increase in the future consider an auxiliary fuse box.

Thanks for the link. I will have a look at this
 
I don’t like electrical failure points attached to my motorcycles.
I purchased a couple battery cells for my cell phone, and put it in my pocket, and run my GPS off them.
Each one will hold like three complete charges on my phone as well.
I ran 1000 miles this way and only used a couple bars on the battery pack.
Then you can charge them in your hotel etc.
 
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Not a big deal.. 12v is easy... you've got a positive and a negative.

What GPS? The Zumo XT for instance comes with a small box that converts the 12v to 5v output for that GPS. Most if not all phones you plug into a USB assumes a 5v output.

The Zumo XT2 is actually 12v so doesn't need the converter.

The tapped power source in the post #4 is good, I used that on my ST for several years. Read the entire thread as there's a slight difference based on which year bike you have.
 
I don’t like electrical failure points attached to my motorcycles.
I purchased a couple battery cells for my cell phone, and put it in my pocket, and run my GPS off them.
Each one will hole like three complete charges on my phone as well.
I ran 1000 miles this way and only used a couple bars on the battery pack.
Then you can charge them in your hotel etc.

On ADVRider, seems like more and more riders are going this route, recharging their packs under the seat or tankbag.

My local mechanics tell horror stories about electricals showing up at their shops.....and that they turn down.
 
Not a big deal.. 12v is easy... you've got a positive and a negative.

What GPS? The Zumo XT for instance comes with a small box that converts the 12v to 5v output for that GPS. Most if not all phones you plug into a USB assumes a 5v output.

The Zumo XT2 is actually 12v so doesn't need the converter.

The tapped power source in the post #4 is good, I used that on my ST for several years. Read the entire thread as there's a slight difference based on which year bike you have.
I have a zumo 346. And An ST1300 2011
 
I don’t like electrical failure points attached to my motorcycles.
I purchased a couple battery cells for my cell phone, and put it in my pocket, and run my GPS off them.
Each one will hole like three complete charges on my phone as well.
I ran 1000 miles this way and only used a couple bars on the battery pack.
Then you can charge them in your hotel etc.
Some of those jump starters for cars and bikes have a USB port and can be used for this purpose. If you use it to power your GPS, don't plan on using it to jump your bike....it might be depleted when you need it for that.

BTW, I put a male powerlet plug on @Mellow's picture above at 2 &3. This then plugged into a fused powerlet port on my bike. If you don't have a female powerlet receptacle on your bike, @Igofar's suggestion is perfect. Put the battery in your tank bag or a small zipper tool bag purchased for a few bucks on ebay or amazon.
 
And having multiple bikes, I can use this method on all of them without dealing with electrical issues.
I have two packs, three cords, and a converter cord for three different types of devices.
 
Hi I would like to add a GPS unit to my bike but don't want to just connect to the battery is there any other way I can wire it. I'm not very good when it comes to 12v wiring
Hi Crozzy, I had the Eastern Beaver PC-8R Fuse panel on my ST1300. If you plan to keep your ST then it is a very worthwhile addition and will handle many other 12V accessories that come along. I had mine mounted under the rear seat and it performed reliably for many years. You can have 'switched' power that comes on with the ignition, or direct power, all though the fuse ratings of your choice. Check out the EB website.
Cheers,
Duporth
 
I don’t like electrical failure points attached to my motorcycles.
And I'd hate to cut or tap into OEM wiring...
There is an OEM switched supply avail:

 
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