GPS Mount (pics pls)

[duckb0y]

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.

[RavnMonster]

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

[DucME]

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.

[elevy18]

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

[scooby]

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...

[optiato]

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.

[DucME]

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

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.

[duckb0y]

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

You need to pick out the parts separately.  If you go to 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.

[Chchadder]

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

[woodyracing]

I've got a RAM mount on mine, here is a pic:


bit more info on my install:
click

[DucME]

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

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

[DrNo08]

I've got a RAM mount on mine, here is a pic:


bit more info on my install:
click

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

[herm]

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.