Having 12V (cig. lighter) power supply on Suzuki GN125H

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the installation of a 12V power supply for a dash cam on a Suzuki GN125H motorcycle. Participants explore concerns regarding battery drain, compatibility with the motorcycle's electrical system, and the potential impact on existing electrical components.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Nishant expresses concern about the impact of a dash cam installation on the motorcycle's battery, particularly regarding battery drain and the effect on lights.
  • Some participants suggest tapping into the fusebox on a switched circuit, assuming the motorcycle operates on a 12V system.
  • Others caution that the fuses on a motorcycle may not adequately protect a dash cam, suggesting the need for voltage regulation due to unstable power supply conditions.
  • A suggestion is made to consider using a GoPro camera instead, which can be recharged separately, although Nishant prefers a dual cam DVR that requires continuous power.
  • Participants discuss the importance of checking the motorcycle's alternator specifications to ensure it can support additional power requirements for accessories like a dash cam.
  • One participant shares their experience with insufficient alternator output when attempting to add heated grips to a motorcycle, highlighting potential limitations on smaller bikes.
  • Another participant mentions adding a USB converter for powering devices, suggesting it as a possible solution for Nishant's needs.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the best approach to install the power supply for the dash cam, with multiple competing views regarding the safety and feasibility of different methods. Concerns about battery drain and alternator capacity remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the need for careful consideration of the motorcycle's electrical system, including the specifications of the alternator and the stability of the power supply. There are mentions of potential limitations based on the motorcycle's design and existing electrical load.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for motorcycle owners considering the installation of additional electrical accessories, particularly those interested in dash cams or similar devices. It may also benefit those looking to understand the implications of modifying their motorcycle's electrical system.

Nish6242
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Hello Guys

My baby is a Suzuki GN125H (Bought in year 2013).

I have been pondering for a while to have some kind of dash cam installed on her. Thus I thought to have a power supply installed so as to get power for the dash cam (only to be used when the motorcycle is ON and running).

My concern

  1. Will my motorcycle battery be seriously affected by this installation ?
    I mean , there is NO kick start in this model of bikes so I do not want my battery to drain down by some 3 4 days use of the camera, as I actually am planning this system for an everyday use.
  2. I do not want my lights to be affected by this installation.
    Here I mean that I do not want the bulbs to start fusing up and so on occasionally.
Best suggestions and advices for this task are most welcome guys.

Thanks,
Nishant R.
 
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Hi, Nish.
There should be no problem with just tapping into the fusebox on one of your switched circuits, as long as the bike is on a 12V system.
If your question regards rigging a 12V tap into a 6V system, I don't know anything about that.
 
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Danger said:
Hi, Nish.
There should be no problem with just tapping into the fusebox on one of your switched circuits, as long as the bike is on a 12V system.
If your question regards rigging a 12V tap into a 6V system, I don't know anything about that.

Thanks for this response mate.

I will try this out and let you know the outcome.

Cheers.
 
Glad that you liked it. I probably don't need to point out, but will anyhow, that you should tap the cold side of the fuse, so it protects your camera circuit as well as the original one.
 
The fuse will not protect the camera at all! All of the fuses on a motorbike will be far too large to offer any protection to a camera.
You need some sort of voltage limiting/regulation unless the camera is designed to be connected directly to a 'dirty' power supply (Very dirty in the case of a motorbike - the voltage is not at all stable)
 
billy_joule said:
The fuse will not protect the camera at all! All of the fuses on a motorbike will be far too large to offer any protection to a camera.
You need some sort of voltage limiting/regulation unless the camera is designed to be connected directly to a 'dirty' power supply (Very dirty in the case of a motorbike - the voltage is not at all stable)
Dash cams are designed to be powered by a vehicular supply.
 
Nish6242 said:
Hello Guys

My baby is a Suzuki GN125H (Bought in year 2013).

I have been pondering for a while to have some kind of dash cam installed on her. Thus I thought to have a power supply installed so as to get power for the dash cam (only to be used when the motorcycle is ON and running).

My concern

  1. Will my motorcycle battery be seriously affected by this installation ?
    I mean , there is NO kick start in this model of bikes so I do not want my battery to drain down by some 3 4 days use of the camera, as I actually am planning this system for an everyday use.
  2. I do not want my lights to be affected by this installation.
    Here I mean that I do not want the bulbs to start fusing up and so on occasionally.
Best suggestions and advices for this task are most welcome guys.

Thanks,
Nishant R.

Why not just use a GoPro camera instead? You take it off the bike and recharge it every night. Much simpler and safer solution... :-)
 
It seems many dash cams are battery powered too - Makes sense really, you need them to function most during a crash when it's very possible power is lost.

I'd recommend installing a cigarette lighter socket. I've put one on all my bikes. to keep my phone running on long trips when I use it for GPS, charge my mp3 player etc etc
 
berkeman said:
Why not just use a GoPro camera instead? You take it off the bike and recharge it every night. Much simpler and safer solution... :)

Hello mate ,
Indeed it is much simpler and I had considered the GoPro camera too.
In my country those are very dear but the cost is not my issue,
however I want and will be installing a DUAL CAM DVR which, will not hold long on its own battery only (as my everyday journey is quite long), this is the main reason why I want the power socket.

Cheers
Nishant R.
 
  • #10
Nish6242 said:
Hello mate ,
Indeed it is much simpler and I had considered the GoPro camera too.
In my country those are very dear but the cost is not my issue,
however I want and will be installing a DUAL CAM DVR which, will not hold long on its own battery only, this is the main reason why I want the power socket.

Cheers
Nishant R.

Have you compared the input power requirements of your camera/DVR against the specs for your motorcycle's alternator? Many motorcycles (especially smaller displacement motorcycles) have alternators that are not sized to run any accessories...
 
  • #11
berkeman said:
Have you compared the input power requirements of your camera/DVR against the specs for your motorcycle's alternator? Many motorcycles (especially smaller displacement motorcycles) have alternators that are not sized to run any accessories...

:eek:... Was not aware of this ... Will cross check the specs again before proceeding.

Thanks.

Nishant R.
 
  • #12
My guess is that billy_joule rides a Goldwing or some big bike. I know that when I looked at adding heated hand grips to my commuter CBR600F4 many years ago, there was not enough excess alternator output to run them. Sometimes installing a larger aftermarket alternator is an option, if there is physical room in your cases
 
  • #13
The biggest bike I owned was a 250. My phone charger is 10W max, I'd never charge from flat so more like 2-5W.
The headlight would dim more when I used the brake than when I plugged in the phone, neither was noticeable while riding.

But still, definitely check the specs before going ahead.
 
  • #14
They make 250 Goldwings? :-)
 
  • #15
I wish. Twas a GSF250 Bandit. Fine bike, sounded great at 16k rpm
 
  • #16
I added a USB convert in the overhead console for GPS and Dash-Cam, No more wires coming up from the lighter socket!
Here's the unit from Amazon: RioRand(TM) DC to DC Converter Inverter 12V to 5V 3A 15W Power Supply
Then added USB > USB Mini adaptor cables that plug into the units. Maybe this would work
 

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