Triumphrat

Doublenikkel · 01-18-2008

What amperage fuse should be used for a powerlet plug that is running a Widder electric vest or my GPS? Never both at the same time though. I am running the wires direct to the battery.

Pauljo · 01-18-2008

The battery harness Widder supplies for their gear has a 10A fuse. I've never had a problem running both the vest and gloves off of that harness on other bikes. The Triumph accessory plug (Powerlet) runs off of fuse #3, which is a 10A, installed normally. Should be OK as is. If you bypassed the normal install and wired straight to the battery, I'd use 10A. I can't imagine that a GPS would draw much current at all.

Doublenikkel · 01-19-2008

Thanks Pauljo! I appreciate the response. There is nothing that I have been able to find to tell me what amperage fuse to use for this application. I know the Trophy has a harness for a plug somewhere because I have seen it mentioned here a few times.I decided to just run it direct since where I put it is easily accessible. Thanks again!!

Xbubblehead · 01-22-2008

I just installed heated grips and used the accessory plug to power them, I just cut the factory plug off and put one of my own on. The only problem is it's hot all the time so I installed a relay and used the headlight pick-up from the key switch to pull in my relay also. That way I don't have to worry about leaving them on when the bike is off.

If you pull the right side fairing that accessory plug is up near the headlights. It looks different than all of the other plugs, black with a rubber seal. There will be a couple of other plugs there too but they are for the alarm system (if my memory is correct) and they are the standard looking auto plugs.

It takes a little more time but I think it's worth it.

Doublenikkel · 01-22-2008

That`s where I had heard that the factory plug was at,but could`nt remember at the time. Thanks,I allready put the plug into the left filler panel just inside the left fairing,just above where my knee will be. That seems to be the most convenient place for my vest hookup and I just run the GPS cord right to it using a couple of velcro strips to hold it out of the way.

Pauljo · 01-22-2008

I've always used the battery harness that Widder supplies on my past motorcycles and scooters - attached directly to the battery terminals. Same with my Gerbing Gear. Gerbing does supply a battery harness free with each garment, which is nice - Widder makes you purchase it separately. Where Widder uses a 10A fuse, Gerbing uses a 15A (their garments draw more power - and are warmer).

The thing is that most of these past rides had a seat that was easily flipped up, or lifted off, by using a key or button. So I could easily hide the garment power cord back under the seat when it was not in use. Not so with the Bonneville. Even with the extended bolts, it is more of an effort (and more time consuming) to detach the seat - something I'd rather not fiddle with in cold temperatures. So the accessory plug seemed to be a neat alternative. Of course, by the time I tracked down and bought the individual Powerlet adapters for my Widder Gear, Gerbing gear, and Battery Tender - the cost went up some (OK - it doubled). Still, it is a neat solution. And I did switch the accessory circuit 10A fuse for a 15A to accommodate the Gerbing gear.

Incidently, I was talking to Widder yesterday because I think I have an issue with my Lectric Gloves. I saw that they put a notice on their website that their warranties will only be honored until 12/31/2008. I asked about that. My suspicion was correct - they plan to go out of business at the end of the year. I was told that it is a labor cost issue. Even with outsourcing some of their garment production to China they cannot compete with their larger competitors. That is sad news - I've been using their heated garments since the early 80's. Although my Gerbing gear is warmer, the advantage Widder still has is that they draw less power - so on "alternator challenged" machines like my People 250 I can easily run the Widder stuff - but not the Gerbing garments.

millwallfcuk · 01-22-2008

incidentally, whats the alternator like on the trophy 1200? My battery is currenly dead and on charge... should i replace it or will the bike sort it out?

JEFF-RH · 01-22-2008

I checked the alternator on my 1200 by running the engine at 1000rpm with all the lights on. I put a voltmeter across the battery terminals and got 13.5 volts. The bike should keep the battery well charged as long as the battery is capable of holding the charge. If it discharges quickly when the bikes not being used then it probably needs replacing.