Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: SmokinRZ on April 07, 2019, 08:50:59 AM

Title: USB port in dash
Post by: SmokinRZ on April 07, 2019, 08:50:59 AM
Can anyone recommend a good quality USB port for the left socket in the dash?  This is to charge my phone and I don't want to kill my phone with some cheap USB port.  Thanks 
Title: Re: USB port in dash
Post by: maxtog on April 07, 2019, 10:04:05 AM
Can anyone recommend a good quality USB port for the left socket in the dash?  This is to charge my phone and I don't want to kill my phone with some cheap USB port.  Thanks

Yes.  I use this one and love it:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00M6QODH2 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00M6QODH2)
AUKEY Car Charger, Flush Fit Dual Port 24W/4.8A $10

It is almost absolutely flush, fits tightly and snug, looks factory, and supports fast charge.  It is not waterproof, though.  But I keep my bike covered.  So far, using it for over two years on bike with no problems.  I bought several more- for car, for friends, etc.
Title: Re: USB port in dash
Post by: SmokinRZ on April 07, 2019, 08:20:30 PM
I need one of those for my truck.  But I was thinking something along these lines so I don't have to add a power socket.

https://www.amazon.com/Rydonair-Aluminum-Charger-Socket-Illuminated/dp/B07CJW3ZRP/ref=pd_sim_0_2/132-8359795-7301901?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B07CJW3ZRP&pd_rd_r=5658a817-59a4-11e9-a634-633eb631cbdf&pd_rd_w=nPi52&pd_rd_wg=Qv2iS&pf_rd_p=90485860-83e9-4fd9-b838-b28a9b7fda30&pf_rd_r=DPDGGTSD5TYTFPAZ2422&psc=1&refRID=DPDGGTSD5TYTFPAZ2422#customerReviews (https://www.amazon.com/Rydonair-Aluminum-Charger-Socket-Illuminated/dp/B07CJW3ZRP/ref=pd_sim_0_2/132-8359795-7301901?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B07CJW3ZRP&pd_rd_r=5658a817-59a4-11e9-a634-633eb631cbdf&pd_rd_w=nPi52&pd_rd_wg=Qv2iS&pf_rd_p=90485860-83e9-4fd9-b838-b28a9b7fda30&pf_rd_r=DPDGGTSD5TYTFPAZ2422&psc=1&refRID=DPDGGTSD5TYTFPAZ2422#customerReviews) 
Title: Re: USB port in dash
Post by: robertv on April 07, 2019, 10:31:54 PM
I bought one similar to what you linked, but it's lit up in red to match the color of my dash. Useful in low light when I want to connect my phone or charge other electronics. These come in blue, green and now also has a voltmeter.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=B01HPSYBKE (https://www.amazon.com/s?k=B01HPSYBKE)

Title: Re: USB port in dash
Post by: maxtog on April 08, 2019, 12:19:06 AM
I need one of those for my truck.  But I was thinking something along these lines [stand-alone/drill hole] so I don't have to add a power socket.

That would work, if you are willing to drill a new hole and run more wires (plus it would be more water resistant (presumably as long as it is vertical mounted).  I like the illuminated one with voltmeter for just $2 more.

But you already have a power socket on the Concours 14.  Are you using it for something else?
Title: Re: USB port in dash
Post by: SmokinRZ on April 08, 2019, 05:28:41 AM
The previous owner took out the left plug in the dash and had a cheap socket in there that I removed.  Now I have a hole that I need to fill and my phone batteries don't seem to last a whole day.  The wiring is switched so I could go the LED route.   
Title: Re: USB port in dash
Post by: maxtog on April 08, 2019, 05:39:54 AM
The previous owner took out the left plug in the dash and had a cheap socket in there that I removed.  Now I have a hole that I need to fill and my phone batteries don't seem to last a whole day.  The wiring is switched so I could go the LED route.   

Ah- that 'splains it!

Here is the other thing I recommend: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00J3JSEG6 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00J3JSEG6)
USB Meter, DROK Digital Multimeter USB 2.0, Multifunctional Electrical Tester, Capacity Voltage, Current Power Meter Detector Reader with Dual USB Ports, LED Display, 7 Modes $10

Or something similar (that one is a bit old now and doesn't support fast charge 3 and it is a bit confusing between when to use port 1 and port 2).  A USB tester is great to test your cables and chargers.  Yep- poor or damaged USB cables can actually radically lower the charge rate, too.  I found several bad cables using testers (and many poor chargers, and even damaged connectors on devices).
Title: Re: USB port in dash
Post by: SmokinRZ on April 09, 2019, 05:42:28 AM
I think I will go with the simple non LED port.  Should look factory installed.   
Title: Re: USB port in dash
Post by: maxtog on April 09, 2019, 04:33:25 PM
I think I will go with the simple non LED port.  Should look factory installed.

I like that it has a correct rubber boot/cap.  I do like what I have, though, since I can still use a 12V accessory too, if needed (by popping out the usb charger insert).  Of course, on the 2nd Gen the thing has SUPER tiny wires and only a 5A fuse, so one has to be careful if trying to use anything "large" (like a compressor).  That said, I have never used it for anything EXCEPT usb charging...
Title: Re: USB port in dash
Post by: connie_rider on April 09, 2019, 05:32:59 PM
I recently bought this one.
Don't have a clue if it's any good, but liked the extra option.
Will wire it to non keyed power so the GPS doesn't kick off every time I do a short stop..

https://www.ebay.com/itm/362482524493 (https://www.ebay.com/itm/362482524493)

Ride safe, Ted
Title: Re: USB port in dash
Post by: MAN OF BLUES on April 09, 2019, 05:42:09 PM
remote fuse box.

Title: Re: USB port in dash
Post by: MAN OF BLUES on April 09, 2019, 05:45:10 PM
oh, and I'm currently charging my battery, thru that under seat box... also.. nice.
Title: Re: USB port in dash
Post by: chap on April 15, 2019, 03:39:56 PM
I found some of the USB plug in adaptors would keep sliding out of the socket (with all the vibration). If you get one that is a tight fit you may be OK. I just added a USB on the left side. Works great, and still have the right side big plug available.
Title: Re: USB port in dash
Post by: maxtog on April 15, 2019, 04:14:58 PM
I found some of the USB plug in adaptors would keep sliding out of the socket (with all the vibration).

I have not found that to be the case with the one I recommended, above.  Sometimes I think it might actually be TOO tight (but it really is designed to be left in-place).  Although I have had that  problem with a different (inferior) model I was using, prior.
Title: Re: USB port in dash
Post by: Poseidon on April 15, 2019, 04:57:33 PM
I use the one in the Garmin Zumo wiring harness. It has a big rubber boot that seals around the USB that you plug into it. Best part is that it not only charges the phone, but it also pulls traffic and weather data from your phone if you have the garmin app installed on your phone. You can also Bluetooth the garmin to your helmet. If you like music while you ride, the Garmin will play the music on your phone to your helmet.

If you don’t want all of the connectivity, you can just charge your phone with it.