OP
@momnipotent2k avatar
UTC

Enthusiast
2008 Vespa GTS 250ie
Joined: UTC
Posts: 89
Location: NH
 
Enthusiast
@momnipotent2k avatar
2008 Vespa GTS 250ie
Joined: UTC
Posts: 89
Location: NH
UTC quote
I am trying (actually my husband is trying) to install a USB outlet and can't figure out where to connect this thing. I've looked at a dozen YouTube videos and also found this here:

Installing a USB socket to a Vespa GTS step-by-step walkthru

But I can't find info on how to install this kind of outlet on this 2008 GTS 250 or anything that looks like what I see when I remove the knee panel or look in the glove box. The husband tried to snake a wire down the steering column to see if it was possible to get to the battery unsuccessfully (we are hoping not to have to disassemble everything to get to where the outlet has to connect). Has anyone done this? Any pointers to share?
Forum member supplied image with no explanatory text
@juan_orhea avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
S150 '09, Beo 500ie '08
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1326
Location: Bermuda
 
Molto Verboso
@juan_orhea avatar
S150 '09, Beo 500ie '08
Joined: UTC
Posts: 1326
Location: Bermuda
UTC quote
If you need a higher power circuit for a big horn, heated jacket, etc. there is no substitute for disassembling the panel to run a fused wire directly to the battery.

But you don't have to run a separate line to the battery for a small draw like a USB outlet. You can patch into any circuit under the front panel that is powered when the ignition is on. In fact you can tap into the ignition line itself.

Some observations:
* the USB connection you pictured ends in a Battery Tender-style connector. This is great if you have a Battery Tender connector already wires to the battery in a place that happens to be convenient for the USB outlet. Otherwise, that type of connector is just a distraction.
* a USB connector flopping around unmounted may or may not be all that solid a feature. Personally I prefer a mounted 12V "cigarette lighter" connector, into which a USB charger can be connected, or a 12V voltmeter, or other low-draw accessory.
@maggiegirl avatar
UTC

Addicted
2021 Primavera 150 touring, 2016 LXV 150 ie, 1978 Vespa P125, 2019 Piaggio Liberty 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 816
Location: central Illinois USA
 
Addicted
@maggiegirl avatar
2021 Primavera 150 touring, 2016 LXV 150 ie, 1978 Vespa P125, 2019 Piaggio Liberty 150
Joined: UTC
Posts: 816
Location: central Illinois USA
UTC quote
Re: USB port installation
Momnipotent2k wrote:
I am trying (actually my husband is trying) to install a USB outlet and can't figure out where to connect this thing. I've looked at a dozen YouTube videos and also found this here:

Installing a USB socket to a Vespa GTS step-by-step walkthru

But I can't find info on how to install this kind of outlet on this 2008 GTS 250 or anything that looks like what I see when I remove the knee panel or look in the glove box. The husband tried to snake a wire down the steering column to see if it was possible to get to the battery unsuccessfully (we are hoping not to have to disassemble everything to get to where the outlet has to connect). Has anyone done this? Any pointers to share?
What you have pictured is what I have in my pet carrier and plugs in to the battery tender which is also in there. Not exactly handy as to use my phone when it's charging, I have to park the scooter, lift the seat to get to my phone. But it does work. To have a handy usb hub means taking apart some of the scooter to install it, not always an easy job and sometimes it's far better with good help.
@kedierluc avatar
UTC

Addicted
GTS250ie, R1200R
Joined: UTC
Posts: 552
Location: Orange County, CA
 
Addicted
@kedierluc avatar
GTS250ie, R1200R
Joined: UTC
Posts: 552
Location: Orange County, CA
UTC quote
An alternative is to get this from scooterwest

https://www.scooterwest.com/gt-gts-gtv-power-plug-gtspp-bk.html

and the use the USB dual plugs on it.
@jimc avatar
UTC

Moderaptor
The Hornet (GT200, aka Love Bug) and 'Dimples' - a GTS 300
Joined: UTC
Posts: 44221
Location: Pleasant Hill, CA
 
Moderaptor
@jimc avatar
The Hornet (GT200, aka Love Bug) and 'Dimples' - a GTS 300
Joined: UTC
Posts: 44221
Location: Pleasant Hill, CA
UTC quote
Just cut an appropriate hole in the left black knee-pad. Cut off that connector and wire the outlet to the ignition-on wires on the big rectangular alarm connector. You need the white wire for positive, black for negative.

Wiring diagram here:

https://manuals.wotmeworry.org.uk/Vespa/GTS250/GTS250%20Wiring%20Diagram.pdf
@bluside avatar
UTC

Addicted
2020 GTS 300, 2011 LX150ie
Joined: UTC
Posts: 857
Location: Jupiter, Florida
 
Addicted
@bluside avatar
2020 GTS 300, 2011 LX150ie
Joined: UTC
Posts: 857
Location: Jupiter, Florida
UTC quote
jimc wrote:
Just cut an appropriate hole in the left black knee-pad. Cut off that connector and wire the outlet to the ignition-on wires on the big rectangular alarm connector. You need the white wire for positive, black for negative.

Wiring diagram here:

https://manuals.wotmeworry.org.uk/Vespa/GTS250/GTS250%20Wiring%20Diagram.pdf
OP- In your situation, this is what I would do. Very simple to splice into the alarm wires.

I am in the middle of doing something similar but with a cigarette outlet. In my case, I want it to be connected directly to the battery so I can use a battery tender plug. I was able to fish the wires from the battery compartment up to the left knee pad area. I used a 2' long heavy duty zip tie. It took a little playing with it but it eventually came out where I wanted it to. Then I just pulled some wires back through the opposite way.

My cigarette socket should be here tomorrow and I will complete the job.
⚠️ Last edited by bluside on UTC; edited 1 time
OP
@momnipotent2k avatar
UTC

Enthusiast
2008 Vespa GTS 250ie
Joined: UTC
Posts: 89
Location: NH
 
Enthusiast
@momnipotent2k avatar
2008 Vespa GTS 250ie
Joined: UTC
Posts: 89
Location: NH
UTC quote
Thank you for the help! Lots to consider here. The husband is determined to figure this out!
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