If you have a GPS that you plug the factory cable into the cigarette lighter on the fairing you will damage your tank.

GPS factory cables have large fused plug in devices that, when plugged into your cigarette lighter, will scratch or even dent your tank. A Garmon has a voltage regulator built in to the plug in piece on the cord so it is unusually large. If sitting still or turning hard to the left the regulator will be pinched between your inner faring and tank.

Please check yours. I will be adding an accessory plug in inside of my fairing and moving the GPS cable adapter there.

 

I installed my TomTom Rider 2 and then recently switched to the Garmin 660 and wired the mount directly to the back of the lighter. My light still works and have had no issues.

 

I wired my Garmin to the Accessory switch.

 

That's great guys...

....but for those who simply plug it into the fairing cig lighter... the adapter will dent your tank if you turn hard to the left.

 

That is probably the best and safest way to supply power to an accessory! I vaguely recall seeing a cautionary note in the ’09 Tri-Glide owners’ manual about using the cigarette lighter outlet as a power source for accessories.

 

good to know...

 

Now I know Why it's in the Owners Manual. Thought they the MC were saying Electrical damage not tank Damage. THANK YOU Mr Wizard for the Heads up. I Never would of thought of that. If I would of dented my tank I would of been SICK and lost at least one nights sleep. I hate when dumb stuff like that happens. Thanks again.

 

Carlo,

I don’t have my owner’s manual handy because it’s with my bike and my bike is at the dealer (and that’s a whole another story). Maybe someone could pull their book out and see exactly what Harley says about using the lighter outlet to power accessories.

I am under the impression that the concern has to do with electrical safety not denting the tank!?!

 

I hardwired my Garmin to my ignition switch with an inline fuse.

 

On page 56 The lighter is not intended to be used as a power port for electrical devices. Damage to the lighter receptacle may occur. ( It reads nothing about tank damage. But I can definitely see this happening.) Again Thanks to Mr Wizard.