GPS installation

[LonestaRR]

I have a GPS that I would like to use on my RR. (after getting lost the other day, I thought it might be a good idea). It is this one (Garmin 176c)
http://www.garmin.com/products/gpsmap176C/#

This is the bracket I have with it:
http://shop.garmin.com/accessory.jsp?sk ... 10257%2D00Will I be able to use this bracket or will I need a new one?

These are the cables I have with it:
http://shop.garmin.com/accessory.jsp?sk ... 10082%2D00
http://shop.garmin.com/accessory.jsp?sk ... 10085%2D00

I've looked at the R.A.M GPS mounts online but would like some opinions on how and where to mount the 176c to my bike. I don't want to keep it on the bike all the time so that is a factor. Also, should I have it wired in, or should I just plan on using the cigarette lighter power adaptor in the power socket?

If someone has pictures of the GPS mount they used and where the put it, I would like to see those too.

[mcooperstein]

Kristi,
I have the Garmin 176 (black and white version of what you have). I use the RAM mount. It's a great mount, and it allows me to switch it quickly between bike and car. I use the cigarette adapter cable and plug it into my accessory outlet with an adapter I made that has a female cigarette plug going to a male BMW plug so that everything is compatible. Works for me!

Mark

[LonestaRR]

At the R.A.M website, it looks like there are a bunch of different types of mounts to use. Which one would work best for the RR?

[mcooperstein]

Check out this stuff from cyclegadgets. They have everything you need.

http://www.cyclegadgets.com/Products/RA ... RAM-GPS176

Also, here's a picture of my GPS mounted on the R's handlebars. Actually, its Bill Haycock's bike, he sent me the pic before he sold me his 176! - Mark

[DSKYZD]

Here is the RAM clamp I use (with a short length of leather strap to protect the handlebar):

(you'll have to cut and paste the link becuase phpbb doesn't like the quote mark in the URL)
http://www.gpscity.com/item-ram-mount-s ... 1steel.htm

Then get whatever cradle fits your 176C and a 3" arm. Once you have that, add a suction base (pictured in this kit) for use in the car. You leave the rail mount on the bike, and take the arm and cradle with you to the car for use with the sturdy suction base.

http://www.gpscity.com has good pictures and part numbers for every little bit in their bundles.

DSKYZD

[DJ Downunder]

Kristi I've seen many ball and socket type mounts like this that would be very quick and easy to remove from the bike.

DJ

[LonestaRR]

I don't have time to take a picture of where I want to mount the GPS right now as I am "under the gun" on an assignment, so I will try to describe.

I want to mount it on the handlebar just under the ignition switch (in the center of the bar). Is that "u-bolt" type clamp going to be the type I need? And will it stay securely there?

Also, if I use the 12 volt accessory cable, is there an inconspicuous way/place to run the cable so that it's not just flapping against the tank? Right now I have my adaptor cable running from the socket up under the seat and it stays under the front part of the seat (towards) the tank when not in use.

I'd rather have it on the bar by the ignition switch protected by my windscreen so that it is not sticking up by the mirrors catching bugs as I go down the road. Because - when I went to take it off the bike.......ugh....there would be bugs....yuck.

[DSKYZD]

I don't think the U-Bolt will go under the handle bar between the clamps. But , it will mount on either side of the clamps and you can center your GPS with the RAM arm.

Here are some pictures of my setup that may clarify things.

http://R1150R.smugmug.com/gallery/1398760/1/66148929

The first 8 pics are from back in August of 2003, the last two (of the U-Bolt) I took just a few minutes ago.

The whole shebang goes on and off in seconds. I power the GPS from it's DC adapter. I run that down in front of the tank, along the left side, and under the seat. There I connect it to an adapter with a powerlet connector on end and a standard female DC socket on the other.

Works for me because I don't always use the GPS, and can take it off at night and put it on easily in the morning while travelling.

DSKYZD

[TonyT607]

Kristi, I had my V1 nounted on a RAM mount when I had the RR. I used that little U bolt thing (with a smal rubber strip in between the bar and the u bolt).

I can't use the U bolt on the ST so if you want it PM or email me at TonyT607 at aol dot com

Yours for the asking.

[LonestaRR]

Those pictures made things a lot more clear for me. Thank you Mr. Moderator DSKYZD! That looks just like what I want to do and the pics showing the cable helped too.

Tony - THANKS!!! I'll PM and email and be indebted for your generosity.

[rdsmith3]

It's not GPS, but I have my XM radio mounted with a RAM mount in a similar way on the left side of the handlebars. It works well.