GPS Mounting Location

[LKLD]

Wow! I didn't realize there were this many options. When they are mounted to the reservoir locations, does it interfere with viewing the mirrors?

The Rambone is an option that I didn't know of 'til recently, anyone have it? Does it interfere with the dash readout?

Also, I just ordered the Garmin 660LM. What's the best way to get power to it? I wouldn't think using the plug to the cubby as being optimal. So do you wire directly to the battery, or do I need to get a fuse block? ( God, will it ever end?).

 

[MNFJR Pilot]

Just got a Rambone mount from Dave at WynPro via the forum that mounts via the two forward gas tank bolts. Looks pretty good too and would def recommend for quality and service. 40 bucks shipped can't be bad.

+1

Avoid the (stem)nuts, go straight for the bone. At least, that's what momma said...

+2 on the Ram bone from Wynpro....and Momma was right!!!

 

[Tango Sierra]

The Zumo will come with it's own fused wiring harness so it can be connected direct to the battery. If you are going to have several accessories needing power then a optional fuse block with a relay will be best.

The reservoir mounts do not interfere with viewing the mirrors for me.

 

[K Rider]

I have used both, a techmount stem mount and a clutch reservoir mount. I highly prefer the clutch mount. As stated it doesn't interfere with the mirrors and it is closer to your line of sight. The less your eyes have to travel away from focus on the road, the better off you are and the clutch mount accomplishes just that. I got zero vibration with both mounts.

 

[BobbyBlue]

I personally wouldnt mount one in public but i have snuck up on a few in the dark...i use a paper map but much prefer asking for directions...or following you guys...i keep my borgness close to my heart...they know where i am...

 

[rbentnail]

Wow! I didn't realize there were this many options. When they are mounted to the reservoir locations, does it interfere with viewing the mirrors?
The Rambone is an option that I didn't know of 'til recently, anyone have it? Does it interfere with the dash readout?

Also, I just ordered the Garmin 660LM. What's the best way to get power to it? I wouldn't think using the plug to the cubby as being optimal. So do you wire directly to the battery, or do I need to get a fuse block? ( God, will it ever end?).

This is just the beginning, seems you have been assimilated!

What you see in the pic I posted is what you get- my reservoir mounted gps sits right in the middle between the speedo and the mirror and doesn't block the view of either. I know it looks a little cattywhompus but that's just in the pic. When you plop into the seat and adjust it level it looks alot better. For me it's far enough away to not need reading glasses (most of the time

) but close enough to use earbuds in heavy traffic areas. Just my preference.....

The Powerlet socket I wired directly to the battery with an in-line fuse I picked up at Advance Auto. The fuse is the same kind used in the main fuseblock on the bike so nothing special to keep up with. Plus the fuse/socket/wiring can handle the amperage of the small air compressor I keep on board or a battery tender (I've never used it for this tho) where the 3 amp cubbyhole socket fuse won't.

The mount plate and ball came from MCL, the Powerlet from Eastern Beaver; the gps cradle/clamp and cable from gpscity.com.

I know it seems confusing but make the jump. You'll be glad you did!

 

[Redfish Hunter]

Your Garmin Zumo 660 will come with the cheapest and easiest of RAM mounts. You can attach it to the clutch mount on the handlebar. This will keep the GPS very close to your line of sight and easily within your reach. Routing the wires from this location is easy and nearly invisible. Try it first, it does not have to be permanent. Once you have ridden the bike with the GPS installed, you will have a better idea of what you really want. If you use the mount that comes with it, you are not out any extra money.

 

[LAF]

I had mine mounted on a T-Bone at the front of the gas tank for a time, and then put it on the clutch side on a ram ball from a vendor here and love it there.

 

[Enn]

Your Garmin Zumo 660 will come with the cheapest and easiest of RAM mounts. You can attach it to the clutch mount on the handlebar. This will keep the GPS very close to your line of sight and easily within your reach. Routing the wires from this location is easy and nearly invisible. Try it first, it does not have to be permanent. Once you have ridden the bike with the GPS installed, you will have a better idea of what you really want. If you use the mount that comes with it, you are not out any extra money.

That's exactly how I have done it, just didn't have the pic available and was too lazy to go out to garage to take one. I am very happy with this solution and I hid the wires for intercom connections (just in case) to the glove department from inside the fairing

 

[LKLD]

Well, I went with the Rambone from Dave. Thanks to everyone for taking the time to give their input and photos, in helping me. I'll post a pic when I get it installed.

Now to tackle the panel(s) to get to the battery...ugh!

 

[stevec677]

I have used both, a techmount stem mount and a clutch reservoir mount. I highly prefer the clutch mount. As stated it doesn't interfere with the mirrors and it is closer to your line of sight. The less your eyes have to travel away from focus on the road, the better off you are and the clutch mount accomplishes just that. I got zero vibration with both mounts.

Ok, I'll buy the short sleaves, but not strapping on the helmet?

 

[odot]

Just a short ride to gramma's house.

 

[K Rider]

I have used both, a techmount stem mount and a clutch reservoir mount. I highly prefer the clutch mount. As stated it doesn't interfere with the mirrors and it is closer to your line of sight. The less your eyes have to travel away from focus on the road, the better off you are and the clutch mount accomplishes just that. I got zero vibration with both mounts.

Ok, I'll buy the short sleaves, but not strapping on the helmet?

It's strapped, I use an aftermarket buckle.

 

[stevec677]

My bad!!!! Sorry.

 

[@rjen]

Simplest RAM mount so far: partnr, AM-B-349U

 

[mferriter]

I'd place it where it can easily be reached with your left hand so you don't have to remove your right hand from the throttle/brake. The brake reservoir looks a little cumbersome to me.

 

[YummYam]

Well I've chosen the stem mount on a RAM holding my Garmin 1490 LMT. I did chose this location, because I don't want a distraction in my line of sight, and since my Armin talks to me minimizes the look away from traffic matter. You could also get a dash shelf and position it center. On a side note, the OEM power plug from Garmin is huge, so you either want to look for a permanent cable or find yourself a small connector which then fits the little fairing AUX compartment. V RPK

I too have a 1490 LMT but how did you get yours to talk to you? Mine will not pair with my Sena headset.

 

[LKLD]

It took me 4 tries on the 660. The key, for me, was to put the phone in pairing search first, then hit the "ok" button the start the Garmin to pairing search. Not sure if the 1490 is different though.

 

[rbentnail]

I'd place it where it can easily be reached with your left hand so you don't have to remove your right hand from the throttle/brake. The brake reservoir looks a little cumbersome to me.

We're talking a span of what, 20"? How is the right grip not "easily reached with your left hand"?

As a teenager I suffered a severe injury to my left eye. Glancing left creates a bit of a blur so I have to turn my head to the left a bit to see clearly that way. Glancing right is no problem so minor compensation is to mount it on the right. Operating the gps on the right with the left hand is no big deal. Really, it isn't cumbersome in the least. Particularly when stopped. I rarely ever do anything with/to it when moving other than toggle between the map and the speedo data.

 

[hppants]

Can someone please point me to a website where I might see the Ram Bone Stem Mount?

Also, the RamMount website doesn't show a steering stem mount for a GPS. Can someone please direct me to the proper part number for this?

The techmount stem mount looks real nice, but at $80.00, it seems pricey.

It's time for me to upgrade my GPS and mount. Tx.