PLEASE forgive me-GPS question

[VanDan]

I am looking at getting a GPS for my R and I was thinking either the Zumo 660 or the BMW Nav IV (rebadged Zumo 660).

Obviously the price of the Zumo ia a major bonus but I REALLY like the clean install of the BMW.

Does anyone know whether I can purchase the Zumo 660 and use the BMW mount and the accessory plug on the bike for the BMW GPS? That would be the best of both worlds. I really want a very clean install with minimal clutter. I also want to keep the unit centered (middle of handle bars). If you have not figured it out I am a little OCD

Any pictures of personal installs and or ideas to make a setup like above would be great.

Cheers,
Dan

[websterize]

Does anyone know whether I can purchase the Zumo 660 and use the BMW mount and the accessory plug on the bike for the BMW GPS? That would be the best of both worlds

It would be, but the Navi IV mount buttons do not work with the 660. I had the 660 but returned it for the Navi IV.





More nav pics in the link below my signature.

[fleuger99]

More nav pics in the link below my signature.

Cool setup. If you don't mind me asking, what was total cost including installation (unless you did it yourself)? Thanks.

[websterize]

About ~$700 for the GPS and ~$100 for the OEM mount and worth every penny.

Installation is literally and figuratively a snap and some screw-driving. The most difficult part was fishing out the GPS connector zip-tied to the frame, on the throttle side, under the metal fuel tank cover. To reach in and grab the connector, I had to remove the plastic fuel cover on the front of the tank. Even then it was more feel than see. On your 2012, however, the connector isn't as buried -- cinch city.

Check out the Max BMW parts fiche for details and the BMW Motorcycles of Countryside "PROMO15" coupon code -- 15 percent off total orders and (I think) free shipping. I used to buy a lot of OEM farkle from Chicago BMW, with its 20 percent discount, but I'm fairly sure they went out of business. Countryside might be selling the same inventory under new ownership. Have not bought anything from them.

It's a terrific kit for getting around backcountry roads while getting zen with Radiohead. With its Bluetooth *stereo* audio streaming that is paired to a Jabra BT3030 receiver that is plugged into noise-isolating Etymotic ER-6 earbuds, the Navi IV is my favorite R12R farkle. I almost never motor without it.

[2wheelfish]

I don't typically do this, but I am pointing you in the direction of something that I have little information about, and no direct experience. I just happened to be on the Tourtech site this morning looking around. On that site they have a center mounted universal GPS mount and a universal BMW CAN-bus power connection for a GPS. Not sure if these will work with the Zumo 660, but if they did, you may be able to have your best world solution. The CAN-bus connector is under "specialty products" in the R1200R "streetline" website for Tourtech.

Just FYI, hope this works. Again, no personal experience, and no affiliation whatsoever with Tourtech.

[Shakey]

I have a 660 which I used to run on my FJR and now have installed on the R using a touratech mount (fixes to the handlebar mounting screws) with a Touratech locking mount (also was used on the FJR).
From old habits with a street pilot 2720, I have taken the power direct from the battery via an in-line fuse so that I can sit and play with routes at rest stops without having the ignition on. I know the 660 has an internal battery whereas the 2720 didn't but as I say, old habits .........

The 660 is easily operated whilst wearing gloves so I've never understood BMW's button operated mount for this device. It certainly made sense for their version of the 2720 so maybe old habits die hard with them too.

I would always go with the 660 as it is readily transferable to other bikes.

That's the easy bit - now you have to learn to plot routes in such a way that the Zumo doesn't try to change them on the fly when you are on the road. That, however, is a whole post-graduate course by itself