New to Me

Howdy!

Just a quick introduction: I am Mike L, and am new to BMW's. Had a variety of bikes over the years, starting with a 50cc Sears Puch in 1968. Most recently I acquired a 2008 F800ST this last March. Wonderful machine! Very smooth, very comfy! I am planning on doing some touring with it, as well as commuting to work and the usual weekend ride. I went around Lake Superior last year on a Kawasaki 650 Ninja. The Beemer is proving to be quite the step up.

This year the tour will be around Lake Michigan. My brother (who has a Triumph Tiger) and I will be tyring to hit a number of brew pubs/micro breweries on the way around. Always at the end of the day's ride. I do not drink and ride, having enough problems avoiding SUV's with out adding alcohol to the mix.

I do have a question for those of you with electrical experience/expertise. I recently purchased a Garmin Nuvi 1690 with the intent of using it to navigate around the southern end of the lake. My brother and I do not have a sudden death wish, and so will be cutting a wide path round Chicago. The BMW has two power points: the BMW plug on the right hand below the seat, and an SAE two plug power point up by the triple tree the the previous owner added to run his battery trickle charger to. My question is: can I use a SAE two prog to Cigarette lighter plug run off of the SAE plug that was installed for the battery charger to run the GPS unit? Or do I have to purchase a BMW plug to standard cigarette ligher plug to power the GPS off of the BMW power plug point?

Thanks! Mike L

Welcome to BMW, Mike. I am sure you will enjoy your new ride.

Can't help you with the electrical issue except to say I have used the cigarette lighter adapter to BMW plug for many years and had no problems.

The ride around Lake Michigan can be very enjoyable. I, too, would avoid metro Chicago. It is easy to do by adding a few extra miles.

Welcome to the forum! You might try posting your question in the Gear forum where a lot of people have asked questions about GPS units and providing power. They should be able to help you.

Welcome Mike
Most of us have a similar story on our bike ownership progression. Enjoy the latest for you!
Take a minute to complete your profile...we are a mostly friendly bunch here and like to know where the heck and who folks are.

You can ask that question over in Gear or in the F-Twin section with your model in the title. Most recent BMW's have an accessory power lead taped to the steering head area. A lead available from the dealer can be plugged in and wired to your power supply of your GPS...but that will be answered over there.

anyways..Welcome again