Powering your GPS or smartphone while riding is one of the smartest upgrades you can make for long trips. For car owners it is as simple as plugging into the accessory port. For motorcycle riders it takes a little more work — but it is very doable. If you are not comfortable working on your bike’s electrical system, we always recommend letting your dealer handle the job.
Choosing the Right Cable
Your GPS likely uses a mini-USB or proprietary connector, and you will need a hardwire adapter cable designed specifically for your device. Most GPS units draw 1 to 2 amps — make sure the cable you buy matches that draw. More importantly, buy one that has a fuse in the line and a voltage regulator to step power down to the level your GPS requires. We have heard of riders cutting the DC charger cable and trying to wire it directly to the battery. This will damage your GPS and potentially your bike — do not do this.
Garmin in particular uses a proprietary pin pattern on its USB port. A generic cable will put your Garmin into data mode and it will not function while plugged in. This is why we recommend the Garmin Hardwire Cable made by Garmin themselves. A few dollars more, but you know it will work correctly every time. Once you have the right cable, the next step is choosing the right mount — see our guide to motorcycle GPS and phone mounts for recommendations.
Keeping Your Traffic Updates
Here is something most people do not realize: on many Garmin units, the charger cable also functions as the traffic antenna. If you use a standard hardwire cable, you will lose live traffic updates. The workaround is to hardwire a dual USB and accessory port kit to your battery instead. This puts a standard outlet on the other end so you can plug in your original Garmin charger — keeping the traffic antenna active — while still drawing power directly from the bike.
This approach works for your phone too. Our recommended kit for this purpose is the EXTRACTME Motorcycle USB Charger. It includes both a DC outlet for your Garmin charger and a USB port for your smartphone cable — two devices powered from one clean hardwired install. If you are using your phone for navigation, check out our recommended motorcycle phone mounts to pair with your new hardwire setup.
Power Requirements
Match your amp output to your device before buying anything. Most GPS units need 1 to 2 amps — verify your specific model. Smartphones running GPS apps typically need 2 amps, and underpowering your phone means it will drain faster than it charges. A dual USB kit rated at 2.1A per port covers both scenarios cleanly. For more on protecting your devices on the road, see our article on waterproof motorcycle mounts.
Installation
Most motorcycle hardwire kits connect directly to the battery terminals — red to positive, black to negative. It sounds simple and usually is, but read the instructions for your specific kit carefully. For cars, hardwire kits can tie into the fuse box for a cleaner install. If you are not confident doing this yourself, refer the job to your dealer or a mechanic. It is a small labor charge for real peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any USB hardwire cable with my Garmin GPS?
No. Garmin uses a proprietary pin pattern on its USB port. A generic cable will put the unit into data mode and it will not operate normally while plugged in. Always use a cable made specifically for Garmin devices.
Will hardwiring my GPS disable traffic updates?
It can, because many Garmin units use the charger cable as the traffic antenna. The fix is to hardwire a dual USB accessory port kit to your battery, then plug your original Garmin charger into that outlet so the traffic antenna stays active.
How many amps do I need to charge my phone while riding?
Most modern smartphones need at least 2 amps to charge effectively while running GPS apps. A dual USB kit rated at 2.1A per port is the safest choice and will handle both your phone and GPS simultaneously.
Is hardwiring safe to do myself?
It can be, as long as you use a kit with a fuse in the line and follow the instructions carefully. If you are not comfortable working with your motorcycle’s electrical system, have a dealer or mechanic do the install. The labor cost is minimal.
