Easy GPS on R1200R-Garmin 60CSX-Pics

[Dan-A]

Here are pics of my Garmin 60CSX mounted on the R1200R. This is an easy install. Probably the hardest part was hack sawing the u-bolt down to the appropriate size for the BMW's handlebar diameter. The kit comes with a hard Stainless U-bolt and it was a bitch to cut without a vise.

I had already had the 60CSX for my KLR (the last pic is of the Touratech mount on the KLR) the theory being if I get stuck and have to walk out, the 60 CSX runs for 10+ hours on 2 AA cells, and I didn't care about voice prompts as long as I could see the directions. It is also a nice unit for hiking etc.

Since I already had the unit, it seemed like a good idea to try it on the R1200R with a RAM handlebar mount, purchased here:
https://www.offroute.com/product/view_p ... omsearch=1.

Downside: The RAM mount does not lock, or have external power. Upside. Saved a bunch since I already had the 60CSX. Easy to install.

Rider's view:


Wider view:


Mount without GPS unit:


From the back:


Touratech mount on KLR. NOTE, the touratech locks, and works with the optional external power cable. The unit reverts to internal batteries when the power is turned off. IT mounts on a cross bar, not a handlebar.

[Caol]

Mounted


Unit and Garmin Bracket


Unit in the bracket


I'm using the Garmin handlebar mount. I thought, at first, that there is no way that this mount is going to stand up to the vibration of washboard gravel roads etc., but it hasn't let go yet. (14000+ kms) The mount came with two or three thicknesses of rubber shims, so getting a tight fit was easy and the unit and its holder slip on/off without a problem.

One of these days I'll get around to digging out the power cable from under the tank and fit it up to provide power to the unit, so that I can put the backlight on continuously after dark.


Kyle

[Dan-A]

I'm using the Garmin handlebar mount. I thought, at first, that there is no way that this mount is going to stand up to the vibration of washboard gravel roads etc., but it hasn't let go yet. (14000+ kms) The mount came with two or three thicknesses of rubber shims, so getting a tight fit was easy and the unit and its holder slip on/off without a problem.

One of these days I'll get around to digging out the power cable from under the tank and fit it up to provide power to the unit, so that I can put the backlight on continuously after dark.
Kyle

Good point. I forgot about nite riding, the touratec is connected, this one isn't. I think I lites up to show approaching manuvers, but I cannot remember.

Can you show the back of how it is connected to the handlebar?

Thanks,

Dan

[Caol]

Hi Dan,

Here's the mount on the handlebar:






Lugs engaged, but not locked in place:



Down and locked:




If the wheel is hard left, the Garmin will bump into the tank bag, but it isn't a problem. I should probably adjust the angle on the GPS unit a bit.

Hope this helps!

Kyle

[Dan-A]

Kyle,

Thanks for posting that. It is a different mount than the one I got from RAM, but appears to work just as good!

[Caol]

I had the mount, originally, on my '87 K75T for a Garmin eTrex Legend. I was using the GPS unit as a speedometer when the bike's instrument cluster finally gave out (one of the original, unvented, units). I dropped the eTrex one too many times (not while riding!) and replaced it with the 60CSx and got the handlebar kit for it and it included the same mounting unit with a different bracket set-up. I didn't think the 60CSx and that mount were going to stay put in high vibration environments (read: bad back roads) but it has been very solid and the GPS unit has not even threatened to jump out of the bracket.

The Ram mount seems to be more versatile though, and I think I have most of the hardware, from other projects, so may give it a try. The Touratech having the power plug is also of interest.

Hmm...

more experiments

more farkles

Kyle

[Dan-A]

I had the mount, originally, on my '87 K75T for a Garmin eTrex Legend. I was using the GPS unit as a speedometer when the bike's instrument cluster finally gave out (one of the original, unvented, units). I dropped the eTrex one too many times (not while riding!) and replaced it with the 60CSx and got the handlebar kit for it and it included the same mounting unit with a different bracket set-up. I didn't think the 60CSx and that mount were going to stay put in high vibration environments (read: bad back roads) but it has been very solid and the GPS unit has not even threatened to jump out of the bracket.

The Ram mount seems to be more versatile though, and I think I have most of the hardware, from other projects, so may give it a try. The Touratech having the power plug is also of interest.

Hmm...

more experiments

more farkles

Kyle

The real downside of the Touratech (besides the price ) if it can be considered a downside is that the mounting is designed for a cross bar. Touratech sells a cross bar that can solve that problem. The power cable it uses is the one Garmin sells. The mount has rubber spacers that help isolate the GPS unit from vibration, a bigger issue on the dirt. It doesn't look all theat great eiyther IMHO. The keylock is a big plus, so your 60CSX doesn't become someone else's.