My GPS came in today and to install it I'm meant to tap into the power that's on accessories. So, anyone have any tips on how to find the right + and - to tap into? And, should I use those plastic lugs with screws in them or is there new ways that were invented last time I was mucking around with electronics in vehicles?

Hints/tips greatly appreciated....

 thanks Steamer - tell me, why do you need the trickle charger? I was thinking that once you disconnect the GPS unit, there won't be any extra draw on the battery?

The unit I ended up getting was the "strike genius motorcycle gps" that is supposed to be weather proof - the actual unit itself sits in a cradle thing and everything seems sealed up to the cradle so assuming those things you described will let me tap into the accessory lines and still all be water proof...

 steamer, it's really about keeping the battery charged when it's idle huh - I don't have a powerpoint anywhere near my bike (it's parked on the street, under cover), so having a trickle charger isn't really an option for me. It does worry me as to what I'll do over winter though... few months off I guess... perhaps I'll take the battery out of the bike and just keep it on the shelf inside (even connected to a trickle charger?) - what about the alarm then? oh dear... so many questions...

thanks steamer.

I went to auto pro.. or auto 1.. or something - they had no idea what I was talking about and told me the only way to do what I wanted to do was to strip wires and solder the new ones on. I could do that I suppose, but I'd hoped for a simpler solution. Perhaps I should just take it into the service place and ask them to install it for me and while I'm at it, get one of those battery meter things so I can tell if everything is "ok".

The biggest problem I have right now (with a ride pending tomorrow with a few mates) is that the bracket that goes around the handle bars is a bee's dick too small and won't fit. I'm at a loss really, aside from looking for some kind of new mounting kit (erk.) Perhaps I should just get a tank bag and stick it in that like you do steamer.

And here I thought it was gonna be a simple job...

good idea Steamer - I'll see if Trivetts can do it for me, otherwise I'll spend a day in the cafe at frasers while I wait for them to put the trickler stuff in. I'll try and avert my eyes from the 48 they've got in there too - no point in pointless temptation