Garmin Sat Nav

John I. Stephen · Post by **John I. Stephen** » Sat Dec 23, 2006 3:51 pm

I have literally just bought a 2002 R1150R and was wondering about how and if I could use my Garmin 2720 GPS / Sat Nav (which I use in my 4x4). Having used GPS for the past 10 years now I would be lost without it. But even though Garmin advise that the 2720 is a Sat Nav suitable for mÃ¢â‚¬â„¢bikes, I can see no obvious way to mount it safely and keep it dry? And thatÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s before I consider how one can use the voice directions which require a small external speaker ?
Any ideas please

Post by **challey** » Sat Dec 23, 2006 7:44 pm

I'm no expert on this subject but believe that the chances are good that you'll be able to find a mount for your Garmin. I have a Quest, for which there is a motorcycle cradle which then uses the RAM mount system to attach to the handlebars. There are numerous sites in the State that have mounting systems and one UK site I know of: http://www.ram-mount-uk.com/
As far as keeping it dry, the Quest is a waterproof unit, so I didn't need to worry about that aspect and don't have any first-hand experience. I did see quite a few solutions on the web as I was looking for a suitable mount - they ranged from jury-rigged plastic bags to a coated nylon bag with velcro closures and a vinyl window. You should be able to find something with a little searching.

Post by **rdsmith3** » Sat Dec 23, 2006 9:15 pm

Try the Gadget Guy mounts

http://www.gadgetguy.net/Catalog/01/CatalogIntro.htm

John I. Stephen · Post by **John I. Stephen** » Sun Dec 24, 2006 1:04 am

Many thanks guys, I'll take a look at the kits available from these two excellent sites; thanks very much.

John I. Stephen · Post by **John I. Stephen** » Sun Dec 24, 2006 1:27 am

These two websites look good

; however I donÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t see any power cables in the photo galleries and, importantly how the vocal instructions work. Perhaps on a bike we donÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t concern ourselves with voice instructions e.g. Ã¢â‚¬Å“At the roundabout, take the second exit towards A21Ã¢â‚¬Â?

Thanks again

John

REDSTAN · Post by **REDSTAN** » Sun Dec 24, 2006 8:39 am

$\:D/$ satnav

you can have more fun with a good map

getting lost is all part of touring on a bike

munchmeister · Post by **munchmeister** » Sun Dec 24, 2006 11:27 am

I think GPS units are great fun for motorcycling. I've used a little Garmin Etrex Vista for quite a while on my F650GS and now my R1150R. Not as a map replacement (I love maps) but for the many other feature, such as tracks, the trip computer which tells how long you've been running, odometer, average speed, altimiter, etc., etc., Of course, it is also hard to get lost... which has been important to me when on dual sport rides on roads that have no signs.

I use a RAM mount which works very well. One of the web vendors with the most information on using GPS units on bikes is http://www.cycoactive.com/. They are also the US Touratech dealer. They have a gallery of the RAM and Touratech mounts with various GPS units. If your unit is not waterproof, you might search around for a plastic cover. I have one for my Roady2 which I got from Hoon Hardware.

http://www.hoonhardware.com/index.htm

The RAM mounts seem to be the most popular and versatile and they will have a mounting system to fit everything from GPS units, to Ipods to PDAs.

There is a ton of information in the Adventure Rider forum, in their "Laying Down Tracks" section. http://www.advrider.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=37

GeoffJ · Post by **GeoffJ** » Sun Dec 24, 2006 1:47 pm

I use a Ram Mount to secure my Garmin c330.

Post by **Valueman** » Sun Dec 24, 2006 4:27 pm

I have a Garmin 2720 that I use on my 1150R and my FJR. Garmin makes a motorcycle mounting kit that includes power and audio cables. You can get these directly from Garmin - I actually got mine on ebay.

You will still need some sort of mount to attach the unit to the bike. I use a RAM mount on my 1150R.

VM

Lion_Lady · Post by **Lion_Lady** » Sun Dec 24, 2006 5:10 pm

+1 on Ram Mounts!!! I use an aluminum bracket to hold the GPS to the Ram set up... the Touratech brackest have rubber shock washers that help dampen the vibration.

Okay, its a bit much, but here's my 'dashboard:

P

Post by **chibbert** » Sun Dec 24, 2006 11:42 pm

Try http://www.gpscity.com they are one of the largest carriers of ram mounts as well as having all the garmin stuff. They also develop their own cradles.

I use my 2610 on my bike and have never had a water problem.

John I. Stephen · Post by **John I. Stephen** » Tue Dec 26, 2006 3:14 am

Thanks very much for the comments.

I have looked through the RAM mounts but cannot seem to find anything suitable. Valueman, do you have a photo of your set-up?
What I have found (thanks to the URLÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s from other members) is this http://www.gadgetguy.net/PhotoGallery/BMWR1150R.html from Gadget Guy in the US. This type of mount looks clean and neat and I assume would need to be combined with GarminÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s Dashboard mount and the Motorcycle power/audio cable?

Thanks !
John

leno · Post by **leno** » Wed Dec 27, 2006 9:46 am

I have a mio 510e which is a slim unit intended for car, bikes, cycles and walking. It has it's limits not being waterproof. But the small size means that I can slip it into my jacket pocket. I then have ear plug speakers in my ears. So I don't look at the screen at all just listern to the directions. This works well for me because the eyes are dim and I find it hard to read close up things like maps with my driving glasses on (yes the body is all going down hill). But also I can keep my eyes on the road but just follow what the directions say pluss it has speed camera warning as well. The only problem is getting a good fit with the speakers.

Boris Badenov · Post by **Boris Badenov** » Thu Dec 28, 2006 7:17 pm

I have 2820 - same form factor. Mounting is very easy and straightforward using Garmin mounting plate and RAM components. RAM is also making a mounting bracket for this model but I prefer the one from garmin.

2720 is waterproof, so you donÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t have to worry about it.
I am using earphones to get an audio feed from it.

Ã¢â‚¬Â¦and yesÃ¢â‚¬Â¦ I know Ã¢â‚¬Â¦ my garage is not well organizedÃ¢â‚¬Â¦

John I. Stephen · Post by **John I. Stephen** » Fri Dec 29, 2006 1:37 am

Hello Boris; this looks perfect ! So, I guess the following kits would be the one http://www.gpsw.co.uk/details/prod3334.html This includes the RAM mounting plate; why do you prefer the Garmin equivalent?

Just a thought, does vibration cause a problem with using the unit?

I do appreciate the pictures (how did you embed them into this forum?)

Thanks

Boris Badenov · Post by **Boris Badenov** » Fri Dec 29, 2006 8:32 pm

John,
The reason I went with Garmin bracket is that it is more secure then RAM. It comes with a unique security screw to lock the GPS in place. You need to use the silver two piece screw driver that comes with it to turn the screw as it has a unique head. (The screw driver does not look like a tool until you unscrew the top from it) I am also using RAM locking knob (part number RAM KNOB3L)
Garmin bracket is also designed to hold power cord in place.

As for the images, I am hosting them on my personal server and using [img] tags in my post.

If you have any questions Ã¢â‚¬â€œ IÃ¢â‚¬â„¢m alwaysÃ¢â‚¬Â¦

John I. Stephen · Post by **John I. Stephen** » Tue Jan 02, 2007 10:53 am

Can any of you advise how to power the Garmin SAT NAV? Ideally I would want it to be powered directly from the battery so that when I stop to re-fuel I wouldn't have to turn off the SatNav when I remove the ignition key.

Having only owned the R1150 for 12 days, I have finally found the battery; it seems to be located under the fuel tank; not exactly easy to get at?!!

So, fellow Sat-Navers, wheer do you run your power from?

Thanks !

Post by **sjbmw** » Tue Jan 02, 2007 11:26 am

Power Accessory Socket.
Should be near your left ankle when riding.
Now, not all R1150R bikes shipped with this, as mine did not.
It was installed at my 600 mile service.

Post by **rdsmith3** » Tue Jan 02, 2007 12:45 pm

John I. Stephen wrote:Can any of you advise how to power the Garmin SAT NAV? Ideally I would want it to be powered directly from the battery so that when I stop to re-fuel I wouldn't have to turn off the SatNav when I remove the ignition key.

Having only owned the R1150 for 12 days, I have finally found the battery; it seems to be located under the fuel tank; not exactly easy to get at?!!

So, fellow Sat-Navers, wheer do you run your power from?

Thanks !

I think the answer depends on your requirements and your particular GPS unit. The Garmin Zumo runs on either vehicle power or battery power (with supplied rechargeable battery).

First, you have to decide whether you want to connect to switched or unswitched power. With switched, you will not accidentally drain the battery if you forget to turn of the GPS. That is the option I chose. With unswitched, you might accidentally drain the battery. However, with my Zumo, when I turn off the ignition there is this annoying message asking me if I want to continue to use the GPS on battery power. I have to answer yes or else it will automatically turn off. I would prefer not to have to answer yes every time I stop for gas, but I can live with this.

Second, once you have decided on switched or unswitched, you have to do the wiring. Any easy source for switched power would be the accessory socket, as Herb noted. Another approach would be to use a Little Fuse Add-a-circuit device and plug into the fuse box. A good switched circuit to use would be the heated grip circuit (it is non-critical if something goes wrong, and it shuts off when you crank the starter.) Finally, for unswitched power, you can connect directly to the battery. You will probably have to remove the tank to do that.

Boris Badenov · Post by **Boris Badenov** » Tue Jan 02, 2007 1:51 pm

Garmin 2720 doesnÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t run on battery, so wiring is a must.
I have an additional fuse block wired directly to the battery and GPS as well as few other connections wired to that block.
Ones I have left GPS on overnight but next morning bike started with no problem

so from the convenience prospective I prefer to have it unswitched. This way I can play with it while stopped without worrying that my 100 watts headlight will suck up all the juiceÃ¢â‚¬Â¦
Removing a gas tank is not such a big deal, just donÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t forget to reset throttle sensor when you put it back