GPS mount on 2012 Super Tenere

[gadgetguy.net]

Hello, Every one!
I am new to this forum.
For the last 30 years I ride all kind of motorcycles, 10,000-15,000 miles per year. And for the last 10 years I make mounting brackets for installation of GPS, radar detectors and other gadgets on motorcycles.

Today I had an opportunity to install my GPS mounting bracket with Garmin Zumo 550 on 2012 Super Tenere, which sits in the show room of Chaparral Motorsports, San Bernardino, California.

I invite every one, who is interested, to see the pictures of my installation at my web page dedicated to 2012 Super Tenere: http://gadgetguy.net/PhotoGallery/Yamaha_2012_Super_Tenere/index.html

 

[SpeedStar]

Nice work there gadgetguy. Any idea how long Chapparal will have the bike there? I would love to see it.

 

[gadgetguy.net]

No, I don't know how long it going to be there. I know that it does not belong to Chaparral. It belongs to Yamaha. It is one of the bikes, which was used for introduction to the journalists. I was told, Yamaha gave it to Chaparral for the purpose of steering some excitement around it. It is NOT a demo ride unit.

 

[HoebSTer]

Wow, that looks like one major piece of metal!!! Alot more than a Ram Mount Configuration, or TouraTech!!! How much would that set us back?

 

[RomKnight]

I also have a zumo 550 and that's too cool. I assume its unobtrusive and one can see the manometers?

Why that position instead of the usual between the windscreen and the manometers?

 

[rocca]

It does look good. I have a 550 mounted in a similar position, but it's a tall bike with an upright seating position so it's less than ideal from a visibility point of view as you have to take your eyes so far off the road. Still looking for an effective accessory for mounting the Zumo above the instruments.

 

[colorider]

I'm still a bit undecided on how I will mount my Zumo 550. I may just go with the basic handlebar--clamp-type RAM mount.

Good looking unit though!!!

 

[gadgetguy.net]

My bracket tree components allow large number of "mix and match" combinations, as you can see at: http://gadgetguy.net/PhotoGallery/PhotoGallery.html. There fore I sell them individually. All the prices can be found at: http://gpsforless.stores.yahoo.net/motbracforga.html.
As for comparing my products with RAM and Touratech, RAM and Touratech offer function, aesthetics and prices appropriate to their material and fabrication process. The example shown in my first post will set you back $162.36, plus sales tax (only if delivery address is in California), plus $9.85 for shipping within US, or $38.00 for shipping outside US.
It is not unusual to see some mixing of my and RAM or Touratech components. For instance:
1. RAM ball installed on my Swivel Joint and Kit II: http://www.motorcycleinfo.co.uk/index.cfm?fa=contentGeneric.ejdlwmdldgctiiar&pageId=173835
2. Touratech mount for Zumo 550 installed on Kit II on Ducati Multistrada: http://gadgetguy.net/PhotoGallery/Ducati_Multistrada_1200s_KitII_Touratech_Zumo_EJII_BPI_TPX/index.html

The first picture in my first post shows the view of the dashboard from normal sitting position. I am 5'8", and that is what I see - the entire dashboard in clear view.
As for the reason for installing on the handlebar instead of above the dashboard, it is because I already have the components that work. Installation above the dashboard will require fabrication of special component. I did something like that when BMW released R1200GS. See: http://gadgetguy.net/PhotoGallery/BMW_27_R1200GS_BKVII_2610Housing/BMWR1200GS_BKVII_2610Housing.htm. It did not turn out to be too popular. Most dirt road riders, who used my products, preferred GPS closer to the handlebar. Some of the reasons for that were: no bouncing of the GPS screen (the further away from the motorcycle frame, the more bouncy it gets) , closer reach to the GPS buttons, and better location for bifocal glasses. I use GPS on all of my rides for a long time. And over time I learned to use GPS audio prompts more than the screen. That way my eyes rarely leave the road. And if I need to look at GPS for longer than at the rear view mirror, I get off the road and do it when I stop.

 

[hANNAbONE]

nice nice very very nice.!

 

[supert]

Looks good in black finish. The center mounted GPS location makes ignition key accessibility a bit of a PITA but I see that it can be mounted to the side.

 

[gadgetguy.net]

Yes, it is PITA if you will try to insert or remove the ignition key while sitting on the bike. But if you stand next to the bike and especially if you turn the handlebar to the extreme, the GPS installed over the ignition lock leaves plenty of space for access. No need to learn any new tricks to get to the keyhole. See the picture.

 

[fjr1300]

Going to be at any of the IMS shows? I have a 660 with a Touratech lockable cradle, so I would need just the Universal mount.

 

[gadgetguy.net]

No, I am not going to IMS shows as a vendor any more. But I sell my products with 60 days unconditional money back guarantee. It gives you 2 months to complete your installation project and, should the weather permit, do the test drive. So you could decide if you want to keep your purchase based on your riding experience.

 

[Mondo Endo]

Why not just mount it to the bars? Seems like it would save a lot of weight and bulk

 

[markjenn]

Another simpler (and I presume cheaper) option is to get a RAM ball mount that works off the mirror stalk,

http://www.ram-mount.com/CatalogResults/PartDetails/tabid/63/partid/082065077045066045050053050085/Default.aspx

and then a RAM arm and cradle of your choice for your GPS. This has worked fine for my V-Strom for years and years and while it doesn't put the GPS directly in front of you, it also is not interfered with by tank bags. It also is in some ways handier to have the GPS offset to the left where it is more easily reached with your free (non-throttle) hand. Obviously, this sort of lightweight mount is better for lighter GPSs, although I have seen Zumo's mounted successfully this way with no reports of major problems. I've done 15K+ miles this way, many on extremely rough roads.

I assume the S10's mirrors simply unscrew and you can put the mount plate under them. It's worked for every bike with handlebar mirrors I've tried.

- Mark

 

[gadgetguy.net]

Why not just mount it to the bars? Seems like it would save a lot of weight and bulk

Of course you should go with what ever works the best for you. Expensive or cheap? Good looking or ugly? Billet aluminum design, sheet metal construction, plastic or duct tape? Answers to these questions are very personal. Bottom line - what ever works the best for you.
On the funny note, this reminds me a conversation some years ago with a proud owner of a brand new Honda Gold Wing:
- Why are you accessorizing your Gold Wing with the cheapest junk you can find?
- Because I am broke!
- Nevertheless you bought a $25,000 motorcycle?
- That is why I am broke!

I wish every one to be able to buy what they like, rather than what they can afford!

 

[Bill310]

I just stumbled onto this older thread. I am in the process of ordering a setup from Gemma.

I used to have his set-up on past Motorcycles. The quality is far above the regular mounting systems sold.

Premium product and worth the price.

 

[ar15a3]

I bought the SW Motech vibration resistant mount from Twisted Throttle for around $80.00 and it mounts above the instrument cluster and the bracket that holds the GPS clicks into and releases from the mount easily. Takes a bit of time to install but is very solid and out of the way and is just below line of site and easy to see. Works very good.