Big-D
Well-known member
Using the RAM Ball mounting part number Product Number: RAM-B-349U, I mounted my Garmin Nuvi 760 on the Stem Nut. Once the stem nut is removed you'll see it already has a 1/4" hole in the stem itself that is about 3/8" deep. Using a 5/16" very sharp drill bit, I drilled a hole through the center of the cap and enlarged the already existing hole in the stem from a 1/4" to a 5/16th, keeping it at the same depth of about 3/8".
The threaded end of the Ball mount is a 3/8" - 16 thread. Using a Tap of the same size I first thread through the nut (it's only about a 1/16" thick) and then placing the nut back on the stem loosely, tap threads into the top of the stem itself going only as deep as it will allow without forcing anything. During this process I covered the tank with a towel and using an air-hose and a vacuum, I kept the aluminum shaving cleaned up as I slowly drilled.
Once you are finished cutting the threads in both the stem nut and the stem, put the nut back on and torque to 87 ft lbs using a 36mm socket and a 1/2" drive torque wrench.
Then just screw in the RAM Ball, tighten (snug it up) with a small channel-lock type plier. Now you can use a variety of RAM accessories depending on your needs and/or GPS unit.
Total cost: $8.40 for the RAM Ball Mount. I already had the other RAM parts from using my Nuvi 760 on other bikes.
Harm Done: None, the Stem Nut and the Stem are made of aluminum. The stem itself already had a small 1/4" hole about 3/8" deep. Enlarging the hole from 1/4" to 5/16" staying at the same depth of about 3/8" does nothing to weaken anything.
The threaded end of the Ball mount is a 3/8" - 16 thread. Using a Tap of the same size I first thread through the nut (it's only about a 1/16" thick) and then placing the nut back on the stem loosely, tap threads into the top of the stem itself going only as deep as it will allow without forcing anything. During this process I covered the tank with a towel and using an air-hose and a vacuum, I kept the aluminum shaving cleaned up as I slowly drilled.
Once you are finished cutting the threads in both the stem nut and the stem, put the nut back on and torque to 87 ft lbs using a 36mm socket and a 1/2" drive torque wrench.
Then just screw in the RAM Ball, tighten (snug it up) with a small channel-lock type plier. Now you can use a variety of RAM accessories depending on your needs and/or GPS unit.
Total cost: $8.40 for the RAM Ball Mount. I already had the other RAM parts from using my Nuvi 760 on other bikes.
Harm Done: None, the Stem Nut and the Stem are made of aluminum. The stem itself already had a small 1/4" hole about 3/8" deep. Enlarging the hole from 1/4" to 5/16" staying at the same depth of about 3/8" does nothing to weaken anything.
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