I connected mine directly to the battery, running the wires under the tank (I didn't remove the tank, just lifted it and cable-tied the Garmin wiring along the inside of the frame). You have to be aware that it draws from the battery even if the bike is switched off this way. I only use mine on the road traveling along so this doesn't worry me - generally I take it off when I get to my destination which you'd probably do for security reasons anyhow.