GPS Mount

[kurt1305]

I tried to cough down the price if the OEM Navigator II bracket for my 2720, and just couldn't make myself spend $130. I elected to use Touratech parts but it was just as expensive and I hated the way it obstructed the view of the instruments. Nothing else met my needs so I improvised.

Using the Touratech handlebar clamp mount and a piece of 3.5" x 3" sheet aluminum, I fabricated something that was low and strong.

[Smeggy]

Nice job.


I just went down the 'cost doesn't matter' route.

[stevef]

Originally Posted by Smeggy

Nice job.


I just went down the 'cost doesn't matter' route.

+1. I figured if I'm shelling out all this dough for a new bike ('07-which I have yet to pick up...) I'll just have the dealer install it while it's there being prepped.

The're also installing an Escort 8500 radar detector, H-B engine and tank guards (which is what's causing the hold up! ), PIAA 510 driving and 510 fogs, Fiamm horn, etc., etc.

I'll post pic's when I finally get it.

Steve

[kurt1305]

Another issue I forgot to mention was the use of bar risers. I couldn't use the risers with the OEM mount due to bolt length. Touratech offered a kit for use with risers. They also sell the bolts separately, but who knows if they will work with the BMW parts?

[stevef]

What tank bag are you using? Any conflict with the GPS?

I got the Chicane tankbag and had the GPS Ram-mounted above the instruments so the bag wouldn't interfere.

[kurt1305]

I don't use a tank bag, I instead use a tailbag. As pictured, it would interfere with a tank bag, but if I flipped the Touratech mount around it might work. I might flip it and see.

[kurt1305]

Here it is with the brackets flipped and a Marsee tankbag set in place. It would work, but would contact the bag during full-lock turns. Mounting it higher in the plate would help, but it would be in the way of the very lowest part of the instruments.

[HMarc]

I originally used a Touratech mount for my 276C which put the GPS right above the handlebar clamps. I had a tail bag, and didn't need a tank bag, so that solution worked okay. Or so I thought.

Then after 30k miles or so I went to a seminar at the IBA National meeting in Denver last year, and the speaker made the point that the best place for a GPS is as close to your 'normal' line of sight as possible. That means above the instrument panel. The guy seemed otherwise to know what he was talking about, and I noticed that the most common GPS mount on the bikes in the parking lot was anything but where I had mine mounted.

So when I got home, I fabricated my own mount (Touratech makes a nice one, but they were out of stock). Wow what a difference! Now when I'm looking at the GPS I can still see the road and traffic ahead with my peripheral vision. Previously, I really couldn't.

Plus, now I can (and did) reverse my fuel cap orientation which is a great, free mod. Plus I got a Chicane tankbag, which is also a damn nice accessory for the R1200GS.

The only drawback I notice is that it's a bit harder to reach the buttons on the GPS now. But it's a favorable trade-off...

[JimVonBaden]

I like the Ram mount. It was about $60 with wiring kit, and all pieces. Best of all it doesn't hit anything, and gets the GPS close enough so I can operate it when moving.

Jim

[ivar]

I am considering buying the Navigator 3 for my '07 1200GS. W/ the BMW OEM mount, since I am 5'9", I am concerned about not being able to see the instrument cluster. Does anyone have any suggestions for where else to mount it and from where I could get a mount?
Moreover, should I consider another type of GPS? Thanks.