Ducati Monster Forum

I need to buy a mount for my GPS. I've seen a few on eBay, but I wanted to check with you guys to see what you are using. I'd like to mount it on the handlebar since I use a tank bag.  suggestions? Pics would be great!  [thumbsup]

The Ducati accessory mount is really nice. I dont have one but I saw one on a bike at a show last weekend. The guy had a GPS mounted to it. Im not sure if this will work on a monster though.

I have been planning on doing this as well.  I have halfway decided I am going to use one of the stock mirror mounts (I use bar ends now) cut it down to the height I want and  weld the GPS bracket to it. Should be cool 8)  I will post some pics (if I ever actually accomplish it ;D )

I will probably go with one soon too. I am a bit of a "gear queer" and love to use my GPS in my car. I will probably be doing some long trips soon too and last thing i want is to get lost on my bike.


I like that Ducati mount but not sure if it will work with a monster.

this is what I found on ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=012&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=220261215015&rd=1

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=150269690567&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=005

I like the first one. For the price I dont think you can go wrong. And it is specifically made for a monster.

the thing with that one is that you can use a tank bag to carry your water  [drink] or anything else... and if you are using a GPS.. chances are that you will need to carry more stuff.

I'll post some pics of mine tomorrow.  I'll actually be using it tomorrow to make a short trip.  I have the RAM mounting system for my Garmin Nuvi 660, and it works great.  I also found a power cable that I could hook into my electrical system so I can have power running to the mini USB port on the side of the Nuvi when it's mounted.  I'll post details about what and where I purchased them tomorrow when I post the pics.

check this site
http://www.ram-mount.com/ (http://www.ram-mount.com/)
there is alot of options

Definitely want tot see pics of the RAM, not sure I like it, I need to see it mounted on a monster

I got the ram mount for my nuvi.  It's super easy to remove whenever you aren't using the gps.  I'll get pics up if i can find some.

My Zumo came with the Ram mount. Works great. The only thing I don't like about the cradle from Garmin is the power cord is not easily removable, but I've had no problems with water or anything. Mounted it on my clip on.

Those mounts that attach to the tank are going to make you miserable. You want the GPS in front of you, not under your chin so you have to completely take your eyes off the road to see it (IMO). It's a little forward of the gas cap, but I don't think I'd like it.

Here are some pics of the RAM mount for my Garmin Nuvi 660 on my Monster.  It is very steady and stable, and I don't worry about it falling off at all.

http://w-oww.com/GPSimages.html (http://w-oww.com/GPSimages.html)

I ordered the RAM mount setup from GPSCity.com, and got the USB power cable from Amazon (Direct Wire 12-30V DC Hardwire Pigtail Cable for Garmin Nuvi GPS 200 200W 250 250W 260 350 360 370 600 650 660 670 680 750 760 770,).  I paid $31 for the RAM mount kit, and about $20 for the cable.  In all, it's a pretty sweet setup, and works really well.

Thank you! That looks really good!! If you don't mind, could you explain how you routed the power cable?  [thumbsup]

Yup I like the RAM thanks for the pics. I was wondering if it would lay flat like that. I assume that is the Handlebar mount?

I'm gonna order one for my garmin.

I bought a mount on Amazon that came with the Ram cradle, a usb power cord, and some crappy linkage to hook it to the handlebars for about 30 bucks.  The crappy linkage broke, so I ponied up another 30 bucks for the genuine aluminum Ram linkage.  So far it seems a lot more sturdy.  I would go with the Ram mount kit.  I can post a picture of the Ram mount later if anyone wants.  Here is a link to my thread when I installed my gps. (http://ducatimonsterworldwide.org/index.php?topic=4243.0)

ok so with the RAM setup, what all do i need to buy? does the cradle come with the mount if I buy the mount or do I need to buy it separate?

I have a Garmin Street pilot C430

The cable that I bought on Amazon (from one of the partner sites) was pretty long, and the guy at my local Duc shop suggested I hook into the brake light wiring, since it is easily accessed, and then I would only have a live connection when the ignition is on.  I ran the cable along the inside of the frame and attached it in a few places with zip ties, and I found a velcro piece at Lowes that I can use to hold the live end of the cable against the frame when I'm not using it.  When I am using it, the cable length is perfect and it has exactly enough play to turn my bars without any problems, but not hang loose at all.

Please excuse my ignorance, but why would anyone be adding a distraction to a bike?

  ???

Maybe so on long tours you can figure out where you are and where you are going... I use mine all the time as a "help, get me outta here!" tool; I explore a lot (I ride 3-4k a month) mostly by myself and when I get somewhere "out there" I use my GPS (which I keep in my tank bag) to get me "home"... An incredibly useful tool, IMO...

(http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u11/optiato/GPS.jpg)

Not the best picture and I don't have it all centered, but it was quick.  That's the RAM mount.

I actually have a small weatherproof power port (cigarette lighter adapter) mounted to the back of the windshield, now.

I have a few thousand miles with the GPS on, I usually take it off and just leave the ball mounted to the handlebars for my day-to-day riding.

It's not a distraction if you don't know where you're going.  I had a doctor's appointment yesterday in a town I'd never been to, and I got right there on time because of my GPS on my Monster.  Of course, on the way home the Garmin woman did a lot of recalculating because I took some scenic detours.

It's the same reason I use it in my car.  It's not that I like to look at pretty maps; I like to know where I'm going.

You need to pick out the parts separately.  If you go to http://www.ram-mount.com/products/motorcycles.htm (http://www.ram-mount.com/products/motorcycles.htm) you can get a good starting point.  From the looks of it you need to choose the cradle, the arm linkage, and the mount that goes on the handle bar.  I didn't see the C430 on the website, you may have to find out if there is another model that has the same body.

Check these guys out.  They had a really reasonable solution for a semi-obscure GPS I purchased a while back.  Just email them with your GPS info and how you want to mount it and they'll most likely be able to hook you up.

http://www.mountguys.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=264&Click=2

I've got a RAM mount on mine, here is a pic:
(http://woody-racing.com/gps4.jpg)

bit more info on my install:
click (http://msriders.org/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=84)

Try GPScity.com.  You can search the RAM mounts by GPS model and they have the pieces you'll need pre-packaged together.

Great tutorial.  thanks.  I'm located in Tupelo, by the way.  [thumbsup]

also check out the aqua box by Ram Mounts. it is a weatherproof box with a usable touch screen face. about 50.00, and will keep the electronics dry.