12V Electric Socket - any use?

[Stevej]

Cleaning the bike at the weekend I discovered (0/10 for observation  ) that my 650 XT has an official Suzuki 12V Electric socket fitted - on the RHS under the tank.  Nice surprise!  But then I got to wondering - what use is this socket:

1. Can you use it when riding - surely a USB charger is likely to fall out?
2. Can you use it when not riding - surely it will drain the battery?

So what's the purpose?

[Loz]

Maybe it was fitted to run a small air compressor in case of punctures 

[Fat Rat]

Electric clothing (although the Compressor suggestion is more likely)?

[Gassoon]

odd position for it? Any chance of a photo? Most people have them under the seat for weather protection, powering radios etc and easy access (when stopped!)
 Could be handy for a satnav or similar?

[SuzukiSte]

Do you mean this one you can use it for Sat Nav or phone.

[Stevej]

DLste - that's the one - for Sat Nav or phone.  It's an official Suzuki 'accessory'.  My understanding is that it's no good for a compressor as it has a 3amp fuse.  But how do you charge your Sat Nav/Phone other than when you are stopped but with the engine running?  Seems a weird choice for its placement - unless I'm missing something (which is highly probable).

[Mattdavies1982]

I have one of these on my bike.  I find it really use for charging my phone whilst riding long distances. Also Sat Nav charging while on long distances. I have a small usb  charger which works a treat and does not come close to falling out.

[Stevej]

Matt - cheers - just looks like a charger will fall out.  Reassuring that this is not your experience.  I'll give mine a go.  As you say - really handy for charging the phone/Sat Nav etc.

[Stonec0ld]

I've got one of those. Some of the cheaper chargers from China do tend to fall out. Plus you need a cable long enough

[Stevej]

Cheers Paul - have just checked my lead and it's fine.  So that just means I need to ensure the USB 'cigarette lighter' charger doesn't fall out - mine is a Belkin so should be OK (although it does say 'Made in China'  )

[Graham B]

My DL1000 has a 12v socket and I blew the 3 amp fuse by using a car air compressor to check the tyre pressures. It was easily fixed by fitting a new fuse.

[Mattdavies1982]

I have one similiar to this which works great.

[Birbal]

I have the same socket in the same location and it was there when I got the bike (SH). I have been using this charger: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00Q2GFP4M/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 for more than 1 year and it never fell out. I have used it even in rain and it still works. Is the only 12V USB charger that I found to output the current that is claiming. All the Chinese versions before this was only preventing the phone to discharge very fast but was not actually charging it. Mainly used for mobile phone but occasionally used with the GoPro camera.

[Stevej]

Cheers blokes - much appreciated.  I was looking for a spare just in case - and my Amazon basket actually has the same one Birbal recommended!

One last question - do you have the lead on the outside of the panel & tank or feed it up on the inside of the panel from the socket to the handlebar?   I tried the latter earlier and it seems a relatively easy exercise.  Will look for somewhere to zip tie the lead to keep it in place.

[Stonec0ld]

Yeah the ones I got were 3 for £3...

[Birbal]

One last question - do you have the lead on the outside of the panel & tank or feed it up on the inside of the panel from the socket to the handlebar? 

I have it through inside, never bothered to secure it with zip ties. I used to take it off if I was parked in a public space for more than 1h...but now I just leave it as it is (including the charger). Got a second one (same brand) and use it in the car...they are quite good for the price.

[Stevej]

Thanks again to all - really useful feedback.  This forum is truly great.

[SuzukiSte]

@Stevej