Can the "Accessory Socket" be used for Battery Tender to charge the battery?

[marku8a]

I am sure that this question has been asked but I don't recall the answer or find the topic using a search.

Mark

[B.D.F.]

No because the accessory circuit is active only when the ignition is on. When you turn the bike off, that circuit is no longer connected to anything.

The best way to add an additional utility circuit to a C-14, in my opinion, is to use something like a coaxial power plug. It is what is currently used for almost all heated clothing and can be fused to 15 amps, and adapted to virtually any other connector types (SAE, BMW, etc.). Once the harness is on the bike, everything can be plugged into it including battery tenders, heated clothing, cell phone / GPG charging adapters, etc. The new harness will be 'hot' or on all the time so the bike can be charged with the ignition turned off.

Brian

I am sure that this question has been asked but I don't recall the answer or find the topic using a search.

Mark

[BackInTheSaddle]

BDF makes a good suggestion.  The other option is to use the wiring that usually comes with the tender and directly wires to the battery and has a male/female connector that can be accessed easily when you want to attach the tender.  Mine hangs just below the fairing where the engine is visible.  This only makes sense if you don't plan to add heated clothing or other powered accessories.

[Barry]

I re-wired my accessory plug so it is powered with the key off.

And...

I have coax on my bike as well, for the reasons stated above. 


Barry

[CrashGordon]

BDF makes a good suggestion.  The other option is to use the wiring that usually comes with the tender and directly wires to the battery and has a male/female connector that can be accessed easily when you want to attach the tender.  Mine hangs just below the fairing where the engine is visible.  This only makes sense if you don't plan to add heated clothing or other powered accessories.

This is what I did as well. Of course, I live in Texas, so the battery tender doesn't get used that much, unless we have a month long winter rain like last year.