Triumphrat

LightningJack · 10-29-2007

Considering for down the road as the temperature drops:
1) Has anyone installed an auxilliary power outlet on your Triumph?
2) Is it an easy installation?
3)Are the heated vests/jackets/pants, etc worth the investment?

vinnyf · 10-31-2007

Yes, LJ; installed a fused power connector in the plastic battery tray on the right side of the bike. Unlike just about everyone in the known universe, I use a Molex connector - very cheap, pretty secure, easily keyed to ensure polarity when that's an issue. Been using them for many years, but nobody has anything stock with a Molex on it, so you're probably better with a coax or SAE connector to be in tune with the world.

Easy enough to install; make sure you fuse it for protection of all concerned. If you want it switched, you can install a relay and trigger it off a switched circuit (lights?). Piece of cake.

And if you ride in the cold - down around freezing is what I consider cold, but I'm sure hardier riders may have other ideas - NOTHING works as well as electric clothing. I use a Widder vest (keep the vest close to your body, layers over it to break the wind) and last year added heated grips (Oxford Hot Hands) which make a nice improvement on frozen fingers. Extends the comfort range a solid 10 to 15 degrees - can't imagine going back to winter riding without electrics!

Mojoinco · 11-01-2007

I bought the Gerbing's last year. full sleeve liner and gloves, clip on style controller. Would also look at these folks: http://www.warmnsafe.com/

I found a great off season deal on mine. Nice to not be cold anymore. Watch out for gloves that let you easily grip and work the levers (this sounds so wrong -- yet so right). I am a little disappointed that it is not as easy to ride covering the levers as before (hard to leave my hands open and curve the fingers over the levers).

I bought an SAE coaxial power adapter, then hacked and wacked it to make it fit my battery tender lead (the two plug one). I then fused the lead and all is well. I just stuff it under the seat or over the aircleaner box.