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[JaimeC]

Okay, as long as I'm on a roll asking "stupid questions," might as well go with another one.

I'd read the hollow tube in the rear frame is for storing the charging cord when it isn't in use.  There are actually TWO hollow tubes, one in the frame under the seat, and one in the swingarm.  Neither one has any kind of a "cap" to seal it off, so I can easily envision the cord sliding out and getting dumped on the road somewhere.  Am I just being paranoid or is this a serious concern?  Are there "caps" available to give me peace of mind?

Right now I just leave the cord in the garage plugged into an outlet.  When I come home, I just plug the other end into the bike.

Thanks in advance,

[BrianTRice@gmail.com]

The hollow tube has some bumps that have always kept my cord in place. But the design did change recently (15/16 model years), and I also have switched to just throwing the cord in either the tank storage bin or my top case so it doesn't bend so much/often. Once you decide to use a bin, just bring a secured spare if it bothers you. I've never had a cable get away from me, although I "retired" my 3-year old cable from the 13DS to the garage since it was getting a little softer from use.

The cord is very easily replaceable from Monoprice (25ft example, but shorter ones are available and nice alternatives): http://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=5295

[DPsSRnSD]

The tubes can be used for lots of things. I use one or both to pass a cable through to lock the bike. I also use them to pass the charging cord through to keep it off the ground if it's coming from the other side. I just realized I might be able to pass the lower strap for by bike cover through them because under the bike hasn't worked out. I didn't like shoving the charging cord into the smaller tube. It fits nicely in the swing arm tube, but on principle I don't want the added weight there.

[Fivespeed302]

The tube in the frame has very sharp edges and I actually sliced my finger in there.  It also scraped some rubber off the charge cord.  I store mine in the swingarm which is smooth and it sits there just fine.  I also keep my cell phone in the gap between the storage container and the "bucket" or whatever they call it.  It's in there good and tight and I can easily pull it out without having to search around in the container. 

[MrDude_1]

Since the cords are so cheap, just keep a spare folded up in the swingarm tube and leave it there. Keep leaving the other one plugged in at home to keep it quick and easy to plug in.

this way, you wont get stuck somewhere without it, and its not an additional hassle. well worth the $5 or so the cable cost.

[JaimeC]

Since the cords are so cheap, just keep a spare folded up in the swingarm tube and leave it there. Keep leaving the other one plugged in at home to keep it quick and easy to plug in.

this way, you wont get stuck somewhere without it, and its not an additional hassle. well worth the $5 or so the cable cost.

Now THAT sounds like a capital idea!

[remmie]

and if you're worried that the cord will fall out, you could also use something like this.

https://www.rvsland.nl/meubeldop-verstelbaar-60mm

or this

https://www.rvsland.nl/meubeldop-60

The diameter of the hole in the frame is 60mm exact, so these will probably fit
If you don't use the threaded one, be sure to have something around to remove the cap, otherwise you're still stuck without a charge cord 

[WoadRaider]

Every way I've folded the power cord it's been so tight in the tube that it wouldn't ever come out without a good tug; and nothing other than pulling it out is going to generate that kind of force. Maybe some extreme accident, where you get destroyed going 70mph, but at that point a charge cord is the least of your worries, in fact you probably don't have any worries at that point.

[JaimeC]

But would it survive a 17 mile trip at 70 mph on our LOVELY, poorly-maintained highways... that's my worry.    That generates an awful lot of vibration, especially on the swingarm that is working overtime to keep the fillings in my teeth from rattling out...

[BrianTRice@gmail.com]

But would it survive a 17 mile trip at 70 mph on our LOVELY, poorly-maintained highways... that's my worry. 

Yes, it does. None of that produces large lateral forces; pretty much the only lateral forces that could knock out the cord are also going to really ruin your day.

[gman669]

I bought a handlebar storage bag in the bicycle aisle of target. $10 and it fits the cord,brake lock,my neck garter, and still has room for other small things.

[Doug S]

When I got my bike, I immediately removed the cord from the hole in the frame and have kept it in the tank bag ever since. I wasn't concerned about losing it, since the fit seemed quite tight (and as Brian pointed out the lateral forces on a motorcycle are very small), what I was concerned about were several flat spots that had already developed on the cable. I just can't imagine it's a good idea to cram the cord into a tight spot like that and vibrate it for thousands of miles over the years.

[Fivespeed302]

Since the cords are so cheap... Blah, blah, blah, well worth the $5 or so the cable cost.

Really? Where can I find cheap parts besides going through the dealer?

[MrDude_1]

Since the cords are so cheap... Blah, blah, blah, well worth the $5 or so the cable cost.

Really? Where can I find cheap parts besides going through the dealer?

It's a standard PC or Kettle cord.. just be sure any replacement cable is 14awg or bigger (lower nbr)   the 18awg 6ft cables get warm.

[Fivespeed302]

Thank you.