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Powerlet connecting system for motorcycle's GPS, cell phones, heated gear and more
August 13, 2009
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| Editor Ratings * | |||
| Quality |
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10 | |
| Style |
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10 | |
| Portability |
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9 | |
| Convenience |
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10 | |
| Price |
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10 | |
| Value |
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10 | |
| Overall | 9.8 | ||
| Spectacular | |||
| A product that receives a rating in this range scores high on all of its rating criteria. It succeeds at meeting all of its intended users' needs and has no meaningful drawbacks. | |||
| *Out of a possible 10 points | |||
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Introduction
No motorcycle operator should be without the Powerlet outlet kit provided your motorcycle is not already equipped with accessory connectors. Powerlet reliably connects electronic gadgets to motorcycles and other powersport vehicles. One outlet does it all! All of the Powerlet outlet kits are designed for simple plug and play operation.
This review was done in collaboration with Joe Dempsey (installer and Harley-Davidson owner), Lori Dempsey (Harley-Davidson owner of the Softail Deluxe pictured above), and Maverick.
A single 12-volt outlet can now power virtually any electronic device, from your iPod and cell phone to heated gear and battery chargers! Powerlet owners can fully enjoy any modern electronic device while using their motorcycle, scooter, snowmobile, all-terrain vehicle (ATV), utility vehicle or personal watercraft. The following Powerlet parts and numbers make up the kit included in our review:
- Harley Mid Kit 1991: Part PKT-0260C at $84.95, for all 1991 and newer models with the horn bracket below the gas tank. High quality show chrome PKT-026-C or black PKT-026-B bracket with vibration proof Powerlet socket.
- Powerlet to Cigarette Socket Stubby: Part PAC-001 at $19.95, the "Stubby" converts any device that has a cigarette type plug to a Powerlet socket.
- Powerlet to Coax Female: Part PPC-005 at $17.95, connects coax heated clothing to a Powerlet (or Powerlet type) socket. Works with any motorcycles equipped with a factory socket. Works with Powerlet, Gerbing's, Warm & Safe and other brands of heated clothing with a standard coax connector.
- Powerlet Basic Plug to SAE 6” Cable: PAC-008-06 at $15.95 is the ideal solution to connect a battery charger through a Powerlet socket. Available in 6" 12" 18" 24" and 30" long.
First Impressions
Powerlet outlet kits make plugging in a breeze! No more wires poking out from under your seat. The Powerlet outlet is made to look like it came with the bike from the factory and puts the power at the tip of your fingers. Installation was done in about 30 minutes with very basic tools. The instructions were a little hard to follow but did not slow the installation. As a whole the Powerlet outlet is a great product that provides power to the rider with a clean, sharp looking outlet.
Features
Powerlet seeks the highest quality materials and craftsmanship. All of these outlet kits are assembled and tested in the USA by people who like to ride. Quality components and attention to detail ensure Powerlet products resist wear and corrosion to last a lifetime.
Many patented (or patent-pending) brackets create a truly unique product line not found elsewhere in the world. Designed to provide a factory installed appearance, with special brackets for bikes like Moto Guzzis with 70’s Tonti frames, it is clear that Powerlet is not just for the “most popular” bikes but rather produce products for ‘your’ bike!
Powerlet’s Mid Kits are available in chrome or black.
Operation/Application
Typical Applications are for battery charging (power-in), heated clothing, luggage electrix, global positioning systems (GPS) and cell phones. Other applications may be available for special needs and users can contact Powerlet directly with inquiries.
Installation is simply a matter of following the directions provided by Powerlet.
STEP 1–Remove the seat exposing the battery. See the owner’s manual.
STEP 2–Remove negative battery lead. Remove the positive battery lead and attach the red wire. Attach the black wire to the gas tank bolt. Run the wires below the gas tank by passing through the gap between the frame & gas tank.
STEP 3–Finish routing the wire under the tank and up to the horn bracket. Install the fuse in the fuse-older. The center terminal is plus and the outer ring is negative. Apply either dielectric grease or Vaseline to the spade terminals. Connect the red wire to the positive spade terminal and the black wire to the negative terminal. Use a voltmeter to check if the polarity is correct.
STEP 4–On the left side of the bike, under the gas tank, locate the horn and bracket. Remove the acorn nut from the bracket. You may need to remove the second nut also. Attach the Powerlet bracket utilizing the supplied chrome & rubber washers (if necessary). Adjust the bracket so it is aligned. Tighten to 8 Nm.
STEP 5-Apply the three ty-wraps. Use one to secure the fuse-holder and the other near point and the third near the socket. Do NOT allow the harness to directly contact the motor or exhaust.
STEP 6–Replace the seat and you are good to go.
Once installation is complete, simply plug in and you are ready to roll on to your next adventure!
Value
For a total price of $138.80 (total value of the parts listed above), a motorcycle owner can be set up with a reliable Powerlet electrical connection system to fit most accessory uses.
Powerlet was founded in 2001 with the objective of developing a premium line of powersport electrical products. Powerlet now has dealer and distribution outlets throughout the USA, UK, Europe, Asia, and Australia. OEM customers include Polaris Industries, Indian Motorcycles, KTM North America, and Big Dog Motorcycles. Headquartered in Warren, Michigan, Powerlet is continually refining its understanding of customers unique needs combined with the regular implementation of improved quality.
Powerlet stands behind its products and provides a lifetime warranty on parts making up the kit referenced in this review. If there is an issue with the components or the entire kit, simply return it to Powerlet and your kit and/or its component/s will be replaced.
Final thoughts
Powerlet provides a full line of connectors making up electrical systems that may be customized to fit your brand and model of motorcycle. While these kits take only 20 to 30 minutes to install, they provide years of use for battery charging, heated clothing, cell phone charging and more. The wiring harness lengths are also produced specifically for the vehicle.
Powerlet outlets, cables, plugs, wires are made of quality.
Click here to learn more about Powerlet products.
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