Will using a 12v cigarette socket effect battery life?
In a car, as long as the engine is running the alternator is charging the battery, so you can plug in whatever you want. On a motorcycle, the battery is only charging when the engine speed is above a certain point (that point could be a couple thousand RPMs, it depends on the load and the model of bike – your owners manual may say.) You will most likely be fine with something like a navigation system that is low current draw, but like another comment said, you will want to make sure you do not leave it connected with the bike off. A good suggestion is to change the way your socket is wired up to use a relay that is ignition switched. Go to your local auto parts store and pick up a 4 or 5 pin 12V relay. The pins will be numbered 30, 85, 86, and 87. You will want to connect pin 86 to ignition controlled power. You can get this by using a tap-splice off a headlight or taillight wire (since the headlight and taillight will always be on when the ignition is on). Pin 85 should connect to gro
