What gauge wire is recommended to safely install a powerlet socket?

It depends on the load that will plug into it.

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Pat- 2007 DL650A was ridden to all 48 contiguous states. 2012 DL650A is just getting started.
Nicknames for posting ease on my part, Vee = all DL1000s. Wee = 2004-2011 DL650s. Glee = 2012+ DL650s

I just bought the whole thing, wires and all from Eastern Beaver. Nice clean easy to do setup

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K4 DL650

+1 on that. Works great.

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2006 Suzuki V-Strom DL650K
1986 Honda Shadow VT700C
1974 Suzuki TM-250
1966 Triumph Bonneville T-120R
1965 Suzuki 80

If you are talking about the BMW (or Euro) type socket, it is rated by Powerlet at 15 amps - so I would use nothing higher than 14 gauge. This type of socket can be used as a power source for heated clothing. If you are talking about the typical Cigar/Cigarette (auto) socket - these connectors (and hence, circuits) are not rated for heated clothing. Typical use would be:
* GPS Units
* Radar Detectors
* Satellite Radios
* Camcorders
* Music Systems
* Cell Phones
* Battery Charging (Power-In)

Since power need is not as high for these items you could get away with 16 gauge wire. By all means use 14 gauge if you want.

I generally match whatever gauge Powerlet uses in the cables they provide. If in doubt put in heavier gauge - you can't go wrong there, BUT, never use mono-filament wire (single core) in auto/moto installs .Always use multi-filament wires only. Easily found in any hardware, auto supply store and is available in four different colors on spools.
Good luck.

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Shiro nakama nijuu-ni - White Wee-Strom #22

'11 Suzuki DR-Z400sm (farkling well underway)
'10 DL650A (farkling - a never-ending process)
'08 Road Star Silverado S (extensively farkled - during my chrome phase)
'65 Honda Cub 50 - (long gone-great commuter)

Why is this? I've heard this before, but don't know why.

Thanks,
Walt

Flexibility and connectivity.

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Pat- 2007 DL650A was ridden to all 48 contiguous states. 2012 DL650A is just getting started.
Nicknames for posting ease on my part, Vee = all DL1000s. Wee = 2004-2011 DL650s. Glee = 2012+ DL650s

Mono-filament wire isn't as flexible as multi-filament wire of the same thickness. A single strand of wire, when it is forcibly flexed, will develop a weakness and eventually break. This is far less likely for a multi-filament wire as it is capable of considerable flextion without breakage. Single strand, large gauge wire is only used in situations where the wire will be fixed in place and non-movable - like house wiring. On the other hand, power transmission lines are usually made up of several strands, for both strength and flexibility, due to the fact that they move around some in windy conditions.

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Shiro nakama nijuu-ni - White Wee-Strom #22

'11 Suzuki DR-Z400sm (farkling well underway)
'10 DL650A (farkling - a never-ending process)
'08 Road Star Silverado S (extensively farkled - during my chrome phase)
'65 Honda Cub 50 - (long gone-great commuter)

greywolf beat me to it. Ah, the beauty of simplicity. My diatribe = 102 words. Grewwolf's answer = 2 words!

__________________
Shiro nakama nijuu-ni - White Wee-Strom #22

'11 Suzuki DR-Z400sm (farkling well underway)
'10 DL650A (farkling - a never-ending process)
'08 Road Star Silverado S (extensively farkled - during my chrome phase)
'65 Honda Cub 50 - (long gone-great commuter)