Selection process
In researching improvements I could make to my bike I stumbled across Rick's Auxiliary Shelf. Other mod'ers have made great choices for items to place on Rick's shelf and I decided I wanted to take it one notch higher and see how many useful things I could cram into his shelf.
I wanted at least two power ports. One to power heated gear, and another to charge a phone, etc. I selected a BMW style Powerlet socket because they claim to be watertight when something is plugged in - unlike a standard auto 12V outlet. I selected a USB port because it was small and most electronics (phones, cameras) now charge via a USB port.
I'm just one of those guys that wants an ambient thermometer. That's one of the big things in the 2012 V-Strom which is missing in earlier models. I came across a great digital thermometer. It's a bit large and isn't backlit, but the quality looks excellent.
I consider it a necessity to disable the ABS when going on dirt. I know I can pull the fuse, but if I have camping gear, etc. strapped to the seat, I don't want to go through the hassle of taking that all off to disable ABS - and a second time when I get back on asphalt. I went with a toggle switch from Eastern Beaver, but almost went with a small circular rocker switch.
Finally with all this new ability to draw current I wanted to make sure I wouldn't kill the battery. I no longer had space for a digital voltmeter, but felt a simple LED style voltage monitor was a better solution: smaller and requires less thinking on the part of the rider.
I went with powdercoat to avoid glare from the sun.
