So the theory and setup looked good, but how did it perform in practice? Most importantly, it made light work of jump-starting my Tenere’s big 660 single with a completely flat battery. The ability to charge devices in the tent after a day in the saddle, instead of leaving them plugged into the bike’s USB output, made life much easier and more comfortable - especially when the rain was falling outside. The 7500mAh capacity was sufficient to charge my iPhone, GoPro and intercom each evening, with power to spare. The only limitation was the single USB output, but given the diminutive size of the Mirco-Start Sport it would be unrealistic to expect more.
So far so good. However, after a few days using this setup, charging all my devices each evening, I discovered a flaw in the system. Micro-Start batteries require a minimum level of charge to be able to jump-start. To be safe, I keep mine fully charged. But starting the day with a drained battery, having charged all your devices the night before, removes the capability to jump-start your moto; furthermore, recharging the Sport off the USB socket is slow. So for the first few hours of the day, you are without the capability to deal with a flat battery; leave your lights on when you stop for a morning coffee and you may be stranded.
So what's the solution? Well, the obvious one it to carry two Micro-Start Sports - one reserved exclusively for jump-starting and kept fully charged at all times. Given the tiny size of these batteries, this is no hardship. Alternatively, we can give up the USB-only quest, and opt for the Sport’s bigger brother, the XP-1. This will bring other advantages too.
Charging the Sport from the bike’s
USB socket whilst in the road
Comes with carry case