Show me your GPS RAM mount

[Charlie-brm]

I just bolted my motorcycle kit to the clutch master clamp by using longer cap screws, same as illustrated by RAM for that application.
But it results in the cradle mount being extended almost over the gas cap. It won't articulate enough to get it forward over the triple.
So it just looks suspended "out there". It used to be mounted on a XS750 on the handlebar and that worked out pretty well. On the FJ it looks goofy.

The GPS is a Garmin 2720 which is an old brick, but it's a water resistant brick with some big buttons and works great with routing programs from my PC.
What other mounting solutions have been accomplished on specifically FJ's?

[Zwartie]

Here's how I mounted my Garmin Zumo 550 to my '92 FJ. I had tried the handlebar mount but I didn't like the position and it tended to transfer a lot of vibration back to the GPS. I've had the Zumo for about 4 years now and have had no problems with the current mounting set up. It's also kept out of the elements. Note to any other Zumo 500 owners - even though the GPS is waterproof, the mount is not! I replaced the mount a couple years ago after the connection failed due to water intrusion in the pins. If it is raining out and the GPS is not on the bike I either remove the mount or wrap a ziplock bag around it.

Mounted:


Side View:


RAM Mount:

[Yamifj1200]

I mounted my gps using some Ram Mount parts and made a spacer to use one of the bolts used to locate the right hand handle bar.

Then added a short Ram mount link between the monting ball and the back of the Ram gps cradle.

I think it looks pretty clean and does not require any modification to the faring.


Eric M

[ribbert]

Here's how I mounted my Garmin Zumo 550 to my '92 FJ. I had tried the handlebar mount but I didn't like the position and it tended to transfer a lot of vibration back to the GPS.

On a '92 you should have zero, I repeat, zero vibration in the handle bars.  Have you done your engine mounts?

Noel

[ribbert]

I prefer my gps mounted low so I can refer to it rather than it being in my face the whole time, particularly at night, but that's an entirely personal choice.
I used a RAM U-bolt ball mounted to the LH handlebar riser.  With the double ended knuckle it gives an excellent range of positions and sits just below the instruments and just off the top clamp.

Zwartie, with all that weight cantilevered off the plastic instrument housing I'd be worried it's going pull a chunck out or have you put a plate or something under it?

[SkyFive]

RAM makes a stem mount, it's a expanding rubber plug device. I had a spare stem nut and I cut the top off with a hacksaw, which left the top of the stem tube open. The mount is very secure and versatile, it can be rotated 360° by loosening and retightening.

[Zwartie]

I guess I should clarify it a bit - when I mean vibration, everything was fine until about 180 km/h (112 mph) (on a contolled, closed-circuit track of course!) when I noticed that the left (or right) speaker (earbud) would cut out. I have no other noticeable problem with vibration on the handlebars. I also like the current mounting position - not in the way of anything yet easy to view without having to look down too far.

Here's how I mounted my Garmin Zumo 550 to my '92 FJ. I had tried the handlebar mount but I didn't like the position and it tended to transfer a lot of vibration back to the GPS.

On a '92 you should have zero, I repeat, zero vibration in the handle bars.  Have you done your engine mounts?

Noel

[Firehawk068]

I mounted mine exactly how Ribbert did.

It puts the GPS where I can easily refer to it, but it's not up in my face while riding.
It is very solid, and does not interfere with my tank bag on longer rides.

[Charlie-brm]

Much appreciated guys, especially with the close up photos. I chanced the mosquitoes and took a look tonight at using the riser. What I'd need to do for that is replace my kind of bar clamp mount with the one you are using - ie. with the ball on the end of the bar. Then I can get the RAM cradle rotated up to a decent angle; can't quite get there with my mount.
REPLACE THIS

WITH THIS:


Also that mount by Eric M is slick. Is that using an extended length bolt down through the collar? My 84 FJ has two black flush heads at those points and I can feel something like the exposed end of a bolt underneath. Are those bolt heads capped off with a plastic dress up? eg. Part No. 4 from this oem diagram.

[Yamifj1200]

Yes I removed the stock black cap and bolt for a longer one for the spacer and offset bracket I made. Using the ball mounts and short arm the gps cradle stays nice and solid. Very little if any vibration.  I have upgraded the cradle for use with my Garmin Nuvi 1490 and its just as solid. I like to use the factory fastener locations when ever possible.

Eric M

[Charlie-brm]

To take a line from Carla on Cheers: "Sometimes the little hamster falls asleep on the wheel."

Very late last night it popped into my head to, oh, I don't know, TURN THE MOUNT 90 DEGREES. 
Funny how one gets into a mental rut sometimes.
So first thing this morning that's all I had to do. Here is my setup now. It will be a reach over the cradle to operate the ignition key but the view of the dash is unobstructed.



For anyone's reference, all the pieces except for the cradle are available in the RAM package RAM-B-149ZU.