Why Honda would:
A). Put the usb connection in the sidebag
B). Leave the connection hanging from the top the way they did? Why not put an extra few inches of cable to at least set a player down in the trunk. One of the dumbest designs I have ever witnessed. Maybe I'm wrong, but I can't think of a single advantage to leave just enough wire to leave an MP3 player dangling while riding, which is how they designed it if bags aren't in the saddle bag. Just makes no sense.
This issue is length. Only certain cords can be that long and any longer causes issues. Most of us used two sided tape to hold a device or thumb drive on the wall of the bag. There are extensions but again the length thing causes issues. Try a thumb drive !
" Truth is often deemed rude, blunt and to the point which is why so few make their friend " Freddy Hayler ..352-267-1553 Sanford, FLA Gutterman6000@Gmail.com
That actually does make sense, but goes back to the placement of it. Why not put it closer, somewhere up in the dash in the cubby or create another cubby. Just cheap and/or bad design IMO.Originally Posted by Steve 0080
I agree completely with you
Former owner of a 99 Valkyrie for 15 years.
Same place on the GL's as well.
" Truth is often deemed rude, blunt and to the point which is why so few make their friend " Freddy Hayler ..352-267-1553 Sanford, FLA Gutterman6000@Gmail.com
A lot of bikes seem to put the USB in the bags. The VStar 1300 does that as does another brand that I cannot recall at this time.
On the Chieftain, the USB was in a tiny bin with a flimsy plastic cover in the lower right of the fairing, which is only accessible underneath. A complete PITA. They give you a little pouch to put your phone in. Mine barely fit with the OtterBox on it. They do have Bluetooth as an option, but can't charge the phone via Bluetooth connection.
I use an extra 3' power supply cord for my iPhone connected to the USB in the bag at all times. When I use it, I connect to my phone and hold the device in place under the rubber strap that secures the owner's manual.
Since I got the Ram Mount, I have been using the auxiliary 3.5mm jack and power supply in the fairing cubby.
Former Ride:
2013 F6B Standard, black; sold 7/2019
Latest Addition:
2016 Gold Wing Level 3, red; SCT transmission stuck in manual mode
2019 Miles:
7,900 as of 10/6
Try a thumb drive [never needs charging], or move your mp3 player into the left cubby.
Honda seems to build products conservatively to maintain reliability and ease of maintenance, and installs/endorses only the technology it has nailed down. IMO
The way it's placed works fine for a thumb drive, and it can be easily moved out of the way for gear.
As an aside the iphone/ipod connects with a 3 foot oem cable and can lay down in the bag, not sure why a knockoff mp3 player wouldn't behave the same.
Gotta make sure that you are not overloading the pre-amp on the stock amplifier.
Too much and after a while pffffft....there goes the genie.
My girls:
Isleen - 2014 F6BD
Saorla - 1995 FLSTN Heritage Special
"Politeness, n: The most acceptable hypocrisy."
Ambrose Bierce
I bought a cheap 6' or 8' long usb to lightening cable and use it to connect to the usb cable in the saddlebag. no issues whatsoever with it not working. and i can use it to play the music files from the iPhone 6 plus, voice directions from google maps on the phone, and charge the phone at the same time.
How did you route that, and where do you keep your phone?
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