GPS mount on a R1150R

[ladybeemer]

I recently bought a Garmin StreetPilot2820. I've taken it out the box and synched it with a satellite! Other than that I haven't done much else.....Yet.
I was wanting to know the opinions were on mounting brackets for the 1150. The more expensive but lockable Touratech or the Ram mount?

TIA

[combustor777]

I found the ram that goes over clutch res. works best for me. Didn't know they made a locking one, thats kinda cool if you're out of LOS or pistol range.

[CycleRob]

ladybeemer, Welcome back !

Here is my GPS mount solution you may have seen . . . . . that will not fit my New Bike:
viewtopic.php?f=5&t=18099

Yes, the GPS is mounted on the F800's handlebars temporarily while another more elaborate multifunction custom bracket is being created. The finished product will be posted in our new F800 section next week.

[ladybeemer]

Thanks guys......Rob, I haven't been away, well not really.

I love your new bike and look forward to reading the updates. I'd buy your mount, however I rarely ride without a tank bag.....A girl always needs her stuff!

[rdsmith3]

I've had my Zumo on the handlebars for 1.5 years now without any problems. I use the supplied RAM mount that connects to the handlebars with a U bolt. I remove the GPS if I am parked for a significant period of time.

For me, the overriding concern was having the screen in the exact right location. I want to be able to see it with just a slight glance down of my eyes. I do not have to move my head. I am looking at the Zumo frequently for GPS, XM radio, mp3 player, and traffic information. The Zumo is supposed to be made for motorcycles, including Harley's. If it cannot withstand the vibrations of a BMW boxer, then it is not doing the job for which it was designed.

[combustor777]

I'd think something would have to be poorly made to not withstand boxer vibrations. I use a lowrance GPS designed for RVs and boats and its never been unhappy, and its even spinning a 30 gig hdd

[Flashdog]

I've got a RAM mount on the center of my handlebar for my TomTom One. If it going to rain I put a zip lock over it.

[rdsmith3]

Correction: I have had the Zumo on the handlebars for 2.5 years, not 1.5, without any issues.

[CycleRob]

At a cost over a year ago of $467 I did not want to test it's claim of being vibration resistant (not vibration proof). Yes the view is a quick look down, but as I pointed out, with your earpiece you don't have to look, or "the look" can wait for a boring straightaway.

I want my expensive GPS unit to last 5 years++

The bracket has sold anyway, going to California.

[rdsmith3]

"the look" can wait for a boring straightaway.

How quickly you have forgotten New Jersey traffic?! No ride is boring here. If the other drivers are not out to get you, then the deer are.

[CycleRob]

Point taken. I used 3 quick glances rather than 1 long one.

I had my first deer in 5 years, a 3/4 sized one, run FAST across the road about 200 feet in front of my F800ST going 55MPH less than a mile from my house. That was yesterday afternoon on an errand to town. The deer was scared/panicked by my presence and tried to jump the steep 8 foot high dirt bank to my right. I watch it's front feet just clear the bank but his/her stomach scattered dirt when it hit the sharp crown and then it disappeared into the trees. Stupid deer. They are 100% unpredictable as to what they will do. There is no collision path avoidance prediction whatsoever built into their brains.

[sweatmark]

Since you're a tank-bagger like myself, here's the option I'm using:

One of these tank-bags: http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productlist/451/

With this tank-bag gadget/GPS holder: http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/pr ... /2626/451/

And using this particular GPS mount: http://www.ram-mount.com/CatalogResults ... fault.aspx

The bag's quick-lock system works well, and the gadget holder's attachment to tank-bag provides enough flexibility to dampen motorcycle vibrations. Nice thing is having all my electronics located within the tank-bag, facilitating simple removal of the entire system (Garmin 2730 GPS in my case, Autocom, iPod, cell phone) after disconnecting power cord and detaching the quick-lock ring.

[TexasRoadster]

Instead of the SW-MOTECH GPS mount, just get the "Engage" tank bag with the GPS option. The gas cap lock ring is also required and purchased separately. I don't have the GPS option, but do have the Engage tankbag/lock ring and really like.

Try this link to see the bag: http://www.twistedthrottle.com/imagecat ... /2131/206/

[ladybeemer]

Thanks guys....So many choices.

[jeepinbanditrider]

I use a non-locking RAM mount and really like it for my old TOMTOM. Simple and works and is quick to remove the bike if I don't need it. This thread reminds me I really need to upgrade to a newer better mounted GPS lol.

[Beemeridian]

11

[Daryl.Stamp]

I mounted my Quest above & to the right of the clock; I just barely have to glance down to see it.
I like it there much better than the handlebar mount that required more of downward look; not much of a difference dimensionally but it makes a big difference in convenience.

[R4R&R]

I originally had a quest and used the 'powered' Garmin mount with RAM hardware:


I moved it lower when my tankbag wasn't on:


Here's behind the scenes:


I used the generic handlebar RAM mount.

Eventually I got a Streetpilot 2720, again with the powered Garmin mount using RAM mounts:

[jeepinbanditrider]

You can kinda make out what I have on the bike here.

Far left is my TOM TOM GPS unit. To the right of that is my Aquabox with IPOD in it. And then far right is my video camera mounted to a ball mount. I think I'm going to make a move to the Oregon scientific helmet mounted cam soon though as there are too many vibes for the camera to get good video there on the handlebar.

Not seen in that pic is my radar detector mounted to the windscreen. No ram mount for it. I still have room for one more ram mount on the right mirror stock before it starts to get obtrusive and block my view of the instruments.

[ladybeemer]

Well I went with the lockable touratech gizmo along with the Ram mount. As I was having the local shop change out my battery and hard wire the GPS, i had them mount the gear. Quite pleased with myself I picked up the bike and rode home, only to realize on route, that the more expensive touratech mount could be whipped of in seconds as it was attached to the easily removable Ram mount.

Foiled again