Powerlet location preferences

[TheAxeman]

I will be riding an '06 with a radar detector, a sirius satellite radio, possible gps, and an aerostich heated vest, with the gps being hard wired. I figured I would mount a powerlet connection on the left rear of the bike and one in the left side panel. However, after running through the threads I noticed that there seems to be a preference for the outlet to be in the right front panel. Is there a good reason for this that I'm missing? I would love to get some input from you guys as to what works best.

 

[pawtracks]

When I originally ordered my powerlet kit I thought it was going to be mounted in the left side dash panel. I don't know why but for some reason it seemed more natural to me. When I got the kit and saw how short the cables were I realized it went on the right hand side.

Having never seen another FJR besides photos I just ordered the "front" kit powerlet mainly to have access to the battery for things like a battery tender and infrequent charging/powering of items. Once I go with a GPS and Radar they will be hard wired.

Bottom line, I think we put the kit on the right since that is the only kit they make for the front. If they made a kit for either front side I think you would see some more over on the front left.

 

[brazos parker]

I put 2 Powerlets in D panel...one switched (thru a Blue Sea fuse block) and one unswitched.

Next Fall, I plan to add 2 more Powerlets on the left side (one front, one rear) for 2 heated vests.

Just seemed the logical way to do it IMHO.

 

[evil_henchman]

think we put the kit on the right since that is the only kit they make for the front

Yup, +1 for that. I installed mine on the right just because that's what the directions told me to do and that's all the short wires would allow.

I only use mine for a radar detector which I mount on the left side and I find myself wishing I had mounted the powerlet on the left when I'm looking at the power cord flopping across the steering head. I guess the best answer is to mount one on each side. That way it won't matter where you mount your devices or which side things like vests plug in on. But if you're only going to have one up front, I vote for the left side. Just get a universal kit with long wires or you'll have to splice the FJR kit.

 

[FJRocket]

I bought the dual kit for under the left side.

I put a regular unswitched socket in the D panel. I wouldn't do it again. I put it on the horizontal. Yes, when it rains, it pours, and shorts it out. Next time, the socket goes in the b or c panel... sorta... the AE prolly doesn't the panels designated that way, I don't think.

 

[Feejer/Weejer man]

I have an 03 and have one on each side. Hook up my powered tankbag to the right and have the left as a spare. Love the fact I can plug the battery tender in.