Where did you mount your Powerlet for heated gear/battery tender?

[OregonLAN]

I'm looking for a location to mount a Powerlet plug on my 2009. I would like to mount it in a location that's convenient for heated gear and a battery tender both. I also want to mount it without having to drill holes in the fairing. Powerlet sells a couple of bracketed options for the C14:

http://www.powerlet.com/shop-by-vehicle/kawasaki/2009/kawasaki-concours-gtr1400-14-2007-present/1/1#formtop

However, I don't see how they can work on the left side...

Any suggestions?

[lt1]

Front on dash.  Rear on side panel.

[sherob]

Mine is mounted lower right front fairing...

[wipfel]

Front on dash.  Rear on side panel.

I read somewhere that left side spot on the dash where it would look natual to put another 12v outlet is blocked behind the dash by some braces or something.  Did you have trouble getting yours setup?

EDIT: I'm riding a 2010...might be different for different years I suppose.

[jjsC6]

First, I have a 2010.  I first mounted it on the right side black panel (under the handlebar area).  I didn't like the way I had to route the wiring for my heated gear, so I mounted a second one on the black lower fairing right in front of your left knee.  I really like it there as the wire for my heated jacket liner comes straight down to it.  I'll go take a picture.

In this picture look at the knob and powerlet on under the right grip.  Then knob is the panel mount controller for the Gerbings heated gear.  The Powerlet is the first one I mounted.  It is still hooked up to the battery, but not the heat controller.



In this picture look at the lower black area in front of where your leg would be.  That Powerlet is now controlled by the heat controller.

[lt1]

I read somewhere that left side spot on the dash where it would look natual to put another 12v outlet is blocked behind the dash by some braces or something.  Did you have trouble getting yours setup?

EDIT: I'm riding a 2010...might be different for different years I suppose.

It was a difficult/tight fit.  I don't know if the 2nd gen would be easier or harder.  There were times that I questioned whether the job would turn out to be another case of burning the cookies, but I'm very pleased with the end result.

Aesthetically, I really like it there, but closer to the rider might actually work slightly better.

Using a stepped drill bit makes cutting the holes in the plastic a lot easier.

[maxtog]

I'm looking for a location to mount a Powerlet plug on my 2009. I would like to mount it in a location that's convenient for heated gear and a battery tender both. I also want to mount it without having to drill holes in the fairing.

I have a powerlet that is in the Helibars risers, but that is ignition powered and used for the GPS.  For my heated jacket, I don't use a powerlet, but a Widder connector coming from under the seat.  Yes, it is harder to connect there, but the cord is not as much in the way once connected.  Can't use that for a charger, though, since it is routed to a thermostat I mounted on the side of the top gastank panel.  It, too, is ignition controlled.

I don't yet have a charger port, but will need to add one.  That has to be unswitched (not through ignition) of course.  Not sure if I will use a powerlet for that.  I do like their connectors, however.

[maxtog]

I read somewhere that left side spot on the dash where it would look natual to put another 12v outlet is blocked behind the dash by some braces or something.  EDIT: I'm riding a 2010...might be different for different years I suppose.

I can confirm this, at least for the 2010+.  On the left side of the dash, there is bracing and structure behind that round-looking blank.  I did manage to install two tiny switches in it, but something like a power outlet that needs significant space behind it will be could possibly be blocked.

[Armyguns]

I can confirm this, at least for the 2010+.  On the left side of the dash, there is bracing and structure behind that round-looking blank.  I did manage to install two tiny switches in it, but something like a power outlet that needs significant space behind it will be blocked.

I mounted a Powerlet at the left side dash location.  It was difficult, but not impossible.  Remove the left side top fairing piece first.  That's the piece where the glove box and grip heater control is on the 2010's.  About 1/2 inch behind what looks like a plastic cap (but which isn't removable) is a square hole in the metal (aluminum?) bracket. You can sorta' get your hand up under there to feel around once the fairing piece is removed.   Once I drilled through the plastic 'cap' I used a round file to open up the square hole enough to insert the Powerlet and install the nut to hold the Powerlet in place.  I used the switched accessory leads that are hidden inside the big black electric boot that is right there. In total it probably took 40 minutes to do - and I took my time.  Be aware that the switched leads are on the same circuit as the leads that are back in the tail of the bike.  Be sure that you are not connecting stuff through both of them (if you have anything connected to the rear set) than the fuzed circuit can handle. On the 2010 it's a 5 amp fuse.   

[maxtog]

I mounted a Powerlet at the left side dash location.  It was difficult, but not impossible.

Thanks.  I should clarify (and did modify my post, above)...
You are correct that it is not impossible (depending on exactly what is being installed).  I will also confirm what you are saying- there is a square hole in the bracing behind it.... but I tend to remember it being surprisingly small compared to what I expected to find behind it.

[OregonLAN]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone.

I'm really looking for a bracket type mount instead of drilling holes in my plastic. While I wouldn't mind putting an extra Powerlet plug in the dash, it would be inconvenient for plugging heated gear into. I'm trying to avoid having long lengths of wire from my heated gear to the plug as they have a tendency to flap in the wind.

Another option is to use a SAE plug. I could simply tuck it up under the seat when not in use...

[charliespain]

rear right panel

[stlheadake]

I put mine in almost EXACTLY the same location.  Mine is just a wee bit more forward (about mid panel).  It is fairly easy to route the wires PLUS I really like it there for plugging in!  It almost looks like it was meant to be there. 

rear right panel

[Steve K]

Same idea, but mine's on the other side.  Really handy location for plugging in my heated vest as I get on the bike, rather than having to do it once I'm on.

[Mal]

Same idea, but mine's on the other side.  Really handy location for plugging in my heated vest as I get on the bike, rather than having to do it once I'm on.

Mines on the same side, but centered under the emblem...

[OregonLAN]

Same idea, but mine's on the other side.  Really handy location for plugging in my heated vest as I get on the bike, rather than having to do it once I'm on.

I think the left side is optimal for heated gear. Gerbings and Powerlet gear both have the power plugs located on the left side. I might just have to break down and drill a hole in the fairing if I can't come up with a clean bracketed solutions.