Is there a single motorcycle that comes with a power distribution box? Every bike I’ve owned had a rat’s nest of wires with fuses randomly strewn (or even hidden) around the bike’s frame. And that’s before adding gizmos like heated grips, navis, USB ports, and auxiliary lights. These devices are usually bolted directly to the battery, which may result in all kinds of issues. And, let’s not forget that every add-on has its own fuse that’s not only big ’n’ bulky but also ends up zip-tied to various locations on the frame. Then, when a fuse blows, it requires partially stripping the bike to hunt it down.

Adding a power distribution box is the most common solution, as it pulls much of the wiring (and fuses) into one central, easier-to-maintain location. The big problems I’ve had with these units have been their sizes, which can be too big for many bikes, or they’re too flimsy to take the battering of motorcycling, especially off-roading, or they’re difficult to attach to the bike due to size limitations. And what’s with the fuses? Why not something a little closer to the 21st century—like circuit breakers?

Speaking of stepping into the 21st century, I recently discovered an intelligent little black box solution made by Neutrino. Products centralizing your wiring with circuit breakers instead of fuses is on the “boring” side of their offerings. Neutrino’s black boxes are tiny in comparison to most other distribution boxes, and are potted in a solid block of epoxy resin. This means they’re bulletproof and waterproof, along with allowing numerous other location options on a bike. But the fun doesn’t stop there—their features are fully programmable and controllable from your smartphone!

Features? It took me a while to wrap my noggin around the additional “intelligent” goodies the Neutrinos make available. Here are a few of ’em:

• Six fully programmable circuit breakers up to 60 amps, along with customizable settings (and, you can give each circuit a descriptive name)
• Speed, temperature, sunset, or relay activation/deactivation (e.g. set circuit for heated jacket to not only turn on, but increase or decrease in temp with the climatic conditions)
• Switched on or variable circuits (e.g. timed delays for circuits to be turned on or off)
• Real-time amp and voltage readouts
• Servo control (e.g. usable with flapper exhaust valves for some bikes)
• 2.1-amp Bluetooth port
• Programmable ignition-off circuit shutdown
• Open or close your garage door via your smartphone
• Real-time ambient temp, time, MPH, direction, and altitude reporting
• Circuit diagnostics and troubleshooting from your smartphone
• Deceleration brake light flashing
• Modulation of aftermarket lighting (e.g. strobing headlights)

Aside from a little time to track down the amp ratings for each connected device, the initial set-up was really easy for basic on/off operations. However, it took me a while to get a better grasp of the black box’s more exotic features. Some you’ll never have a use for, while others you never knew you had a use for!

Neutrino’s power distribution boxes are not only a wise purchase, but a sanity break. If a fuse blows, fire up your smartphone and you can reset it from there—it just takes a few seconds! Instead of fiddling with your electric jacket or heated grip controls, let the Neutrino turn them on when the temps drop, and then make the incremental adjustments based on ambient temperatures. I’m also a big fan of the safety aspect of flashing brake lights and I sometimes want my LED winglights to strobe, especially in dense traffic.

Neutrino makes two versions: The basic Element and the advanced Aurora. This review is based on the Aurora, but most riders will find that the Element does everything they need. Many of the advanced features are cool, but not necessarily vital. Think of either version as a way to “sanitize” your wiring and eliminate potential electrical nightmares. Two thumbs WAY UP for Neutrino! MSRP: Neutrino Element—$249.99 | Neutrino Aurora—$349.99 NeutrinoBlackBox.com