Phone / USB Charging?

[noodlenoggin]

If I were thinking of taking my XS on a road trip or two, and I wanted to run a GPS thingie or plug in my phone so it stays charged...has anyone here done that? I'm well aware of the weak charging system on our bikes, is it just a straight-up no-go for adding in a USB port to the existing system to charge things? Since my bike has been parked since 2006 and needs a full rebuild, is there an aftermarket upgrade to the charging system I could put in while I have the thing torn apart anyway?

Has anyone found an alternative way to do this? Solar panels on your helmet? Or am I relegated to just carrying a big battery pack? I searched around the forum and thought someone would've asked this already, but I didn't find anything.

 

[Jim]

I have a USB charger on my '80 SG and the stock charging system. It's never had any problem maintaining the phones battery charge. Even just puttering around town, the alternator still puts over 14V.

 

[noodlenoggin]

I have a USB charger on my '80 SG and the stock charging system. It's never had any problem maintaining the phones battery charge. Even just puttering around town, the alternator still puts over 14V.

That's reassuring, thanks.

 

[RC4MAN]

USB devices draw so little current there shouldn't be any problem

 

[noodlenoggin]

Thanks. I'm guessing I shouldn't expect to run a phone, and a GPS and a GoPro, but if I could keep my phone charged, that'd be cool. You know, in 14 years when I manage to actually resurrect my bike.

 

[gggGary]

I run a quality bright LED headlight and the watt savings is still more than enough to cover for USB charging of devices. I have done several long trips on XS's Even charging a phone from dead with the bike off while camping isn't a problem.
A combo USB voltmeter with on off switch wired direct to the battery is a good solution for this.

 

[DogBunny]

I have a USB charger on my '80 SG and the stock charging system. It's never had any problem maintaining the phones battery charge. Even just puttering around town, the alternator still puts over 14V.

View attachment 355083

What is the object in your picture that I have circled for?

 

[Jim]

Garage door opener.