Cigarette Lighter Attachment

From BikeNomads

Setup of Socket

Directly via Battery

This is pretty simple, +ve of socket, connects to +ve terminal of battery. Similarly, connect -ive of socket to -ive of battery, or bike's frame for proper earthing. And you're set.

WARNING: To test, please DONT use the default cig lighter, it is essentially a shorted heating element and can burn your connecting wires.

The proper method is to include a fuse in series (15A, 20A recommendations coming from Arpan and Doc Arn respectively).

via Ignition

This is pretty simple, -ve of socket, connects to -ve terminal of battery. Socket's +ve connects to +ve coming out of fuse box (5A, in case of pulsars). No need for extra fuse, and works only when bike ignition is ON. In detail:

Off the magneto

This is something I've not tried in person, so take it FWIW. YMMV! Basically, this time, the positive is from the magneto circuit. Hence, it works only when bike is actually running. Since most usage requires bike to be still, it is not recommended unless your battery is weak and/or your are scared of battery discharge from the socket.

Utilities of Cigarette Lighter

Mobile Charger

I have recently managed to purchase a multi charger - this nifty thing comes for about hundred bucks, and charges from AAA, 220v AC socket as well as cigarette lighter sockets. Ideal for a good weekend ride into remote areas with intermittent coverage - just one is good enough for entire team :D

GPS units

On the GQ ride, the cigarette lighter was used to power the Garmin GPS unit using a mini-usb mobile charger attachment.

Air compressor

The idea was originally as heard from Yogesh Sarkar, of BCMTouring Basically, you put in the cigarette lighter socket, and connect a portable air compressor.

Smaller than foot pumps, easier to operate, and a certain life saver in the event of a high altitude puncture.

We recommend using the SLIME tyre compressor. It retails at Rs 1750 and has much better built quality then the 450-500Rs chinese imports. Its available at N1,Mumbai and Speedworks India,Chennai.

However, there are significantly cheaper and decent solutions. You get chinese stuff in any car accesories shop for 300-600 depending on your bargaining skills (or lack thereof).

Miscellaneous Uses

Other than the ones mentioned already you could also use the power from the bike can also be used for following purposes.

1. Charging notebook (with Car charger accessory) 2. Emergency lamp for lighting when stopped along some dark highway 3. To power other small portable devices like camera batteries, ipod, GPS receiver, portable speakers, etc with appropriate charging devices meant for cars.

To summarize this small utility removes the dependency from electricity terminals and a potential lifesaver in case of emergencies.