Ideas for installing a GPS

bmwr1150rbmw · Post by **bmwr1150rbmw** » Mon Jan 21, 2008 9:02 am

Does anyone have a home remedy for attaching a GPS to the bike. The aftermarket options seem limited and a bit obtrusive. There seems to be very little room on the handlebar.

I have a 04 r1150r and a Mio c220 which is approximately a 5 inch by 4 inch GPS unit. (The Mio c220).

I have considered attaching the round suction cup plate to the top of my my tankless bag but then I have to have the bag attached when I use the GPS.

Any home remedies out there? Thanks.

Post by **awagnon** » Mon Jan 21, 2008 10:33 am

Lots of people mount theirs on their tank bag. I didn't because it seems too insecure or unsteady. Also, I ride more without the bag and still like to have my GPS. I used a RAM mount as in the pictures. The Powerlet outlet is to power the GPS. I've since removed the thermometer as it's very inaccurate in this location. I usually use a smaller Garmin GPS 60CSX, but occasionally a ZUMO which is about the same size as yours and it doesn't seem to be that intrusive. Also, I use the speedometer on the GPS, so I don't mind if the bike's speedo is covered up by the GPS.

Post by **taosports** » Mon Jan 21, 2008 11:25 am

Interesting that you consider most after market options "a bit obtrusive" and yet want to attach a 5 X 4" monster of a gps on your bike.

Anyway, DO NOT use the suction cup on your tank. They may work great on the protective interior of a car windshield but that is entirely different than the exterior of a round gas tank exposed to the elements.

I'd look further into the after market options if I were you. There are all kinds that mount anywhere you want and not just on the handlebar.

Here is my set up with a mount by TechMount. It works for me.

Good luck on your search!

bmwr1150rbmw · Post by **bmwr1150rbmw** » Mon Jan 21, 2008 4:25 pm

How about using the suction cup mount that came with the unit, primarily used to mount to a car windshield, on the rpm/tachometer display? It fits. Thoughts?

bmwr1150rbmw · Post by **bmwr1150rbmw** » Mon Jan 21, 2008 4:35 pm

Michael, I like your techmount system. Question-How is you Garmin attached to the mount? From Techmounts website, it appears that I would have to figure a way to attach my GPS to the Techmount. Velcro? Thanks,

ScooterCop · Post by **ScooterCop** » Mon Jan 21, 2008 5:00 pm

bmwr1150rbmw wrote:How about using the suction cup mount that came with the unit, primarily used to mount to a car windshield, on the rpm/tachometer display? It fits. Thoughts?

I don't think anybody here would trust that way of mounting. I use the Techmount short arm, with a Garmin Streetpilot 2820, and GXM 30, connected to an Autocom, with etymotic earplug headphones in my helmet.

Post by **taosports** » Tue Jan 22, 2008 2:06 am

bmwr1150rbmw wrote:Michael, I like your techmount system. Question-How is you Garmin attached to the mount? From Techmounts website, it appears that I would have to figure a way to attach my GPS to the Techmount. Velcro? Thanks,

Yes, it's attached using the velcro Techmount supplies. The reason for this is that I rarely use the gps so when I am not using it, the gps mount is detached from the Techmount and out of sight leaving me the velcro surface of the Techmount for other things like a bridge toll transponder or my Ipod remote. It's more versatile that way. Note that the Techmount has holes drilled into it for a more permanent, secure mount of whatever you want to attach to it.

Post by **Dr. Strangelove** » Tue Jan 22, 2008 6:33 pm

I too use the Tech Mount for my Zumo--pictures will follow

There is a plate that comes with the techmount that the zumo cradle securely screws into with 4 screws.

I really like the tech mount. They were very good people to deal with and their product has an elegance about it that RAM mounts lack--ymmv.

I have the zumo mounted to the left and on a second techmount is my sirius starmate radio. I have them adjusted do that they neither hit my tank bag, nor block the view of my dashboard.

BTW I have the silver bracket that attaches to the handlebars, but got the black plate. I think it looks better that way because the backs of the zumo cradle and the sirius are both black. Makes it look mor "finished."

John

I will try to post the pictures tomorrow--the tech mounts go for $69 + shipping and they are worth it.

Arbreacames · Post by **Arbreacames** » Tue Jan 22, 2008 8:27 pm

The easiest way would be to drill a couple of holes on both side of the mount below and zip-lock it onto the handlebar. I do the same on a similar GPS. For shock absorption, you can stick some rubber tubes into the heads of the four Allen bolts that hold the hadlebar.
http://www.semsons.com/miofabrdehof.html

bmwr1150rbmw · Post by **bmwr1150rbmw** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 7:05 pm

Thank you all for the ideas and insight. I broke down and ordered the Techmount short arm in silver. I like the fact that I can velcro all sorts of stuff. Thanks again.