Electrical Stuff

[pinehiker]

One of the reasons I run a Garmin GPS is so that my emergency communication device stays on my body. While road touring that's my cellphone, while riding trails it's most recently been a Garmin inReach Mini 2. If you are ever unfortunate enough to be in an emergency situation or a crash, there's a chance you'll be separated from your bike which could put the bar-mounted GPS out of reach. Just something to consider.

In addition to my Montana GPS with inreach I carry an ACR personal locator beacon in my pants pocket. Also have a cell phone and the bike has a SPOT tracker. I learned from experience that no matter what your survival skills level real help comes from the cavalry. Hikers have a 15 step rule that holds that you are “lost” fifteen steps off the trail.

 

[Low-gear]

There is a megathread over on ADV forum about using the Kyocera Duraforce for navigation purposes. Most of the info however would apply to any Android phone. If nothing else, read the first post.

Ultra rugged Kyocera phones,GPS smartphones ..my guide

The $50 -$100 smartphone GPS solution,from left to right the Kyocera family Duraforce XD 5.7 inch screen , Duraforce Pro 5.0 inch screen , and the...

www.advrider.com

Garmin as company does many things well but they basically eliminated themselves from the ADV market. Overpriced and no innovation.

 

[Alvin A]

One of the reasons I run a Garmin GPS is so that my emergency communication device stays on my body. While road touring that's my cellphone, while riding trails it's most recently been a Garmin inReach Mini 2. If you are ever unfortunate enough to be in an emergency situation or a crash, there's a chance you'll be separated from your bike which could put the bar-mounted GPS out of reach. Just something to consider.

So, your recommendation is to use a product like the InReach Mini2 and then utilize something like the Zumo XT2 or Montana 710 (non-InReach model) for my bar-mounted navigation ?

 

[dmonkey]

That's been my setup in recent years, often interchanging the inReach Mini 2 for a cell phone when I know there's going to be service or I'm in a populated area. What works for you may be different. If you're concerned about an emergency scenario though, I'd certainly recommend keeping some form of communication device or locator on your person rather than just on the bike.

 

[gef]

I picked up my new 2025 last week and it came with a Battery Tender connector wired to the battery for charging. It protrudes from under the frame on the right side above the engine. I found that Battery Tender makes adapters for those connectors to convert to USB-C for $20. They have a 3A capacity. Battery Tender also has one with a standard USB 2.0, USB-C connector and digital voltmeter. Simple way to charge your phone or power a GPS.
https://www.batterytender.com/products/quick-disconnect-usb-c-charger-adapter

I'm new to the CT125 and have question. Will it start (with the kickstarter) even if the battery is fully drained?

 

[dmonkey]

Will it start (with the kickstarter) even if the battery is fully drained?

Yes, it will. It's still a good idea to maintain the battery though.

 

[BaldRider]

Yes, it will. It's still a good idea to maintain the battery though.

Apparently, I like to let mine sit until it is dead and then waste money on a new battery (or two…when the first one is delayed in shipping and I need one ASAP)

 

[dmonkey]

That's one of the reasons I prefer lithium batteries in my bikes, the self discharge rate is much lower so if you aren't good about connecting a battery tender, you can let them sit for a longer period of time without issue.

 

[George S.]

Apparently, I like to let mine sit until it is dead and then waste money on a new battery (or two…when the first one is delayed in shipping and I need one ASAP)

In the “Wasting money on a new battery” category… On another bike that I bought used and as it was more than a few years old, and it did look cosmetically like it wasn’t looked after very carefully, the starting was becoming weak and labored so I figured the battery was as old as the bike was, and about to leave me stranded somewhere. Ordered one on Amazon and it arrived quickly. Upon starting to install, I noticed the battery cable connections were loose. Tightened them up, and it started like a champ. So I installed the new battery and now have a fully charged spare sitting on my garage shelf...

”Don’t assume” life lesson learned (?) for the umpteenth time…

 

[Kritou]

Those pesky battery terminal screws! Unless you have extremely deft young fingers you WILL drop them into the the stygian depths of your engine …

I put an inch or two of heat shrink tubing over the head of the screw so that it is still accessible to the screwdriver but grippable by my stupid old and clumsy digits

On a similar note I have a length of ribbon tied loosely around the battery to make it so much easier to remove and lower back in