During the bike overhaul last month I decided to install a cigarette lighter socket on my PC800. The most logical place to me to install it was in the “glove box” compartment on the left side of the dash. While buying some antifreeze at the local auto parts store I found the cheapest aftermarket cigarette socket they had and bought it.
Installation was pretty easy. I found a drill bit that was the right size and popped a hole in the front side of the “glove box.” The cigarette lighter socket slid right into place and screwed down tight. I then proceeded to go overboard with the black silicone RTV, covering the ENTIRE length of the outside of the socket with the stuff. Better safe than a shorted out socket, right? Right?!?
I ran the wires for the socket around the front of the instrument panel and down the top frame tube on the right side. I chose to go on that side of the bike because I had another set of wires installed over there for a voltage meter in the dash and figured I might as well put both sets of wires in the same set of zip ties. Previously I had installed an auxiliary fuse block in the trunk which I wired the cigarette lighter socket into. I made sure to put a 15 amp fuse (and make everything from there to the socket rated for 15 amps) so that when I get an electrical compressor, I can use the cigarette lighter socket up front. Most of the ones I’ve seen for sale online require a 15 amp fuse.
Unfortunately I was so excited to install the socket that I didn’t take any photos of the installation process. Instead, here is a photo of it all done. The socket and the plug cap are at the top end of the “glove box.” The screwdriver is so I can pop of my radiator cap to make sure I have enough fluid (replaced the coolant recently). The two knobs at the bottom at the photo are part of my Heat Troller installation. It looks like there should be plenty of space in there to charge a cell phone or Ipod while riding. Wouldn’t recommend doing that in the rain though 😉
