GPS Install (with pics)

Just thought I would share my own GPS install. I had tried using the RAM mount system, but the way it looked reminded me of that Mac-PC commercial where the guy duct-tapes a webcam to his head as an upgrade. Anyways... here's what I came up with...

1. I wired up a cigarette lighter plug to the license plate circuit in the tail section. Black (-) to Green (-), and White (+) to Brown (+). This way, when you turn off the ignition, it cuts power to the GPS adapter.



2. Under the seat, I plugged the GPS power adapter into the cigarette lighter, and zip-tied the wires to the frame, so things don't shake around.



3. I zip-tied the GPS/USB power plug to the wire group coming from the tail section, and followed the wires up and under the fairings so it remains hidden. You could probably find many paths for the wire, but I fed mine through the fusebox section, then up behind the display gauges.



4. I applied silicone to the suction cup mount, and adhered it to the tach. This way it stays solid, and can clean up easily if you want to remove it later. I found this the best viewing position for the GPS, it is protected from the elements tucked behind the windscreen, and looks more integrated.



5. Finally, a photo of the GPS mounted and running off the motorcycle power.



This was done on a 1993 VFR, using a Garmin Streetpilot i3. I'm sure this will work for other years and other models of GPS.

 

WoW...
You REALLY didn't just install that right over the tach..
Did you?

 

I never really use my tach anymore... I have learned to drive by feel. However... with the GPS unit off, you can still clearly see the tach needle around the edges of the mount.

(oh, and I can still see the fuel light, even with the GPS mounted)

 

I guess... each their own.
I just bought a GPS mount for a few bucks and put it on the handlebar. On the XX, VRF and K12S....

 

I suction cup mine to the Tach at times

 

Clever, very clever set up.
my set up kind of hides the tach as well, but I can still see it.
In reality, I ride by feeling too so I don't see myself looking at the tach much.

 

May want to take a look at the ways I mounted my GPS'...z with the link below my name. I would have never thought to do it your way...kinda makes sense since my old way blocked the dash anyways. I would be afraid the glass or clear plastic is going to crack over time.

 

Nice mods on your bike! I love the hidden compartments. Has a James Bond feel to it. I see you also have your radar detector mounted. I had mine confiscated a few years ago.

I can't really see the plastic cracking. It is a pretty light weight GPS. I'll keep my eye on it though.

 

As preventive work you may want to cut a piece of lexon the same size as the tac window and put it between the gps mount an the tac window to give it more support and spread the load before it does crack. You can find Lexon at home improvement places or places that replace windows. If you look around or as for scrap pieces you can get a big enough piece for free.
Welcome to Lexon

 

Very NICE i attempted to hard wire my Nuvi to my battery ( DIDNT WORK KILLED MY GPS) anyways..
I suction cupped mine to my gastank... HEHE worked for what i needed i had the other problem had NO speedo so i road by RPM that was interesting never knowing how fast you were really going.

 

are any of those gps units waterproof?

 

the ZUMO is its NICE my pops just installed on his Tuono..

 

The expensive Zumo's are waterproof as is the Quest series. I have a Quest for sale if interested PM me $120.00 shipped. Brian

 

Magellan Meridian series are submersable.

 

The way mine is mounted on the display gauges, it is tucked behind the windscreen and very protected. I've been in medium rain storms and barely a drop has got on the unit. Haven't tested it in a torrential downpour though.

 

Interesting setup. I noticed that you have both the Valentine 1 main unit and the remote display unit mounted. Why did you also mount the remote display unit?

 

Terry how has the suction cup working? A friend is going to let me use his and your idea is a good one. Has it held on good? I hate to have his pop off. He just bought it. But the location looks to be the best.

 

It is still rock solid! I'm also enjoying the viewing position much better than when I had the handle bar mount.