Fitting a QUADLOCK USB charger to any motorbike, DO IT YOURSELF - IT'S EASY

We’re all about bringing riding motorbikes, adventure travel, extreme travel, easy travel and the odd skydive and bungee jump. Now COVID is no longer holding the world to ransom, we can get out and about a lot more, and have some big plans for 2024.

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THE BLOG:
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Most bikes these days come with a USB charger somewhere, or with a connection into which to fit one - except the Z650RS doesn’t. There’s a Kawasaki OEM add-on, or you could do what we’ve done and fit a QUADLOCK version instead.

Quadlock sell them direct on their website. We decided against a MAG style charger, and against anything which was phone specific. Instead we chose the USB charger unit which attaches to the battery at the terminals. My worry was the fact it has no off switch so would leaving the phone in the cradle run the battery down to nothing. Well, probably. So best not to leave the phone plugged in. Quadlock sells the short USB-A to lightning cable which wee also ordered. Make sure your quad lock phone holder is not too far away that you can’t leave enough cable to get to the battery. I imagine if you have a larger than life bike such as a Harley Davidson, or a big Honda tourer the cable may not be long enough, so think about this before you buy it. By the time we had attached the USB charging unit on to the quad lock phone holder, run the cable down the headstock, followed some existing cables along the underside of the tank, and come up in the battery bay, there was only some 100mm of “spare” cabling so it could be tight.

We are using the FORCITE MK1S smart helmets which work through an APP on the phone. If the GPS is running the phone is “on” all of the time. This is awesome except running the phone constantly means the power is sucked out of it. The solution, add the QUADLOCK USB charger so the phone can be on trickle charge the whole time you are riding. Having a generic USB charger also means in an emergency some other item can be charged (if you have a long enough cable). Of course, always ensure the bike is running, don’t attempt to charge anything when switched off or it could deplete the battery and leave you stranded.

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We live in rural South Australia where adventure and trail bikes are the go. So riding a retro Kawasaki to create meaningful content is “challenging”. Life however just would not be the same without ICE powered two wheels, so we’re doing our best to create for your entertainment ;-)

We have BIG plans for 2024 as 2023 has been a bit of disaster with the major hit and run in India, but that is behind us now (see separate video documentary on the crash and the aftermath).

If you watch the videos please leave a LIKE, and SUBSCRIBE to the channel. Please also make massive use of the COMMENTS section. Let us know what you think, or what you’d like to see more of. If you have any hints on what to do with the GoPro besides hit it with a big hammer - we’d love to hear that too.

Take care and safe riding. Have a great week - and see you in the next vlog.

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Our channel is all about bringing you informed content. Yes we both ride bikes, but we also have cars and are totally addicted to travel, especially adventure travel. Now COVID is no longer holding the world to ransom, we can get out and about a lot more, and have some big plans for 2024.

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You can also find us on:

  / the_sticky_beak  
  / realstickybeak  

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