To ensure my Motorcycle Navigator stays charged and has power to run at maximum brightness, I installed a marine-grade USB charger near the handlebars. It uses leads running across the frame, under the tank, and tapping into the headlights fuse in the fuse-box. This ensures it runs only when key is turned and doesn’t drain the battery otherwise.

Installation

The most complicated aspect of the design is how to mount the charger, so that it is secure and doesn’t look out of place. I wanted a clean, professional look. I ended up designing a PETG 3d printed adapter that is sandwiched between the USB charger and the front fork with a heavy duty zip-tie. Before getting sandwiched in place, few strips of vinyl tape ensure high friction and no movement.

Notes

Lithium batteries in electronic devices degrade when stored at 100% charge, but most phones have a setting for stopping the charging process at 80%. Since this charger is capable of 25W per port, even short rides can quickly re-charge the Navigator, hence enabling charge limits is very important.

I’m aware of many motorcycles having a USB port. Mine has a low power USB-C port under the rear seat, but utilizing it would require a long USB cable run. Instead, my solution provides multi-device charging, high power and even provides a voltage display.

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