Guidance needed to install Garmin Zumo 660, especially the wiring harness

Okay, so this is my first post as a new, pending 2000 VFR owner. I searched the forum but didn’t find the info I’m seeking.

I haven't seen the bike yet, but will pick it up later this week and ride it home. I have some questions about the tools I'll need to install a Garmin 660 for the ride home. Especially the type and size of fasteners on the bike that'll need to be removed and any extensions, etc. for sockets to reach fasteners so I'll know what tools to take.

I need some guidance on removing the side panels and gas tank, etc. in order to properly route the harness from the battery to the left handlebar where the GPS will be mounted. I’ll be using all Garmin-factory parts. I plan on taking the tools (hopefully only a few will be needed) with me to be 100% certain that I can install it with no problems, since I'll have a several hundred mile ride home.

What panels, etc. will need have to be removed to route the harness on the left side of the bike? I hope there’s a factory harness that I can follow it somewhere along the frame. Is there? I expect this will require removing...
1) the seat (with the ignition key right?)
2) the left side fairing panel under the seat (what type/size of fasteners? recessed hex head/allen wrench?),
3) the main left side fairing panel (what type/size of fasteners? recessed hex head/allen wrench?),
4) the gas tank (what type/size of fasteners? standard hex head bolts? 10mm? maybe a x" extension to reach the bolts at the front/rear of the tank?)
5) anything special about access to the battery? Do the battery posts use standard hex head bolts or a phillips screwdriver to connect the factory harness to the pos/neg terminals?

I know I asked a lot of questions, especially for a first post, but I really appreciate help with this as I get ready to enjoy the world of the VFR as all of you have already done.

Thanks,
mcrider18

 

Do you have standard tools like socket and screwdriver?
You need to order a mount (Tec mount) my choice sterm mount
Remove your seat
Remove the two bolts in front of the tank 10mm socket. I would keep the tank near empty so easy to work with
Lift up the tank better to remove the whole tank by remove the two bolts at the rear. Un plug all the hoses make sure mark them before remove so you can reinstall later.
I would run the wire following the break line to the battery or a fuse box (My choice) this will cover in another thread
Connect the ground to a negative.........
Install your mount and GPS , plug all in and now install the positive to the + terminal. Test to make sure power is up.
Reinstall in reverse order.
Let me know if you need picture of my installation. Good luck

 

Here is on of the link

http://vfrworld.com/forums/gear-accessories/27154-garmin-zumo-gps-thread.html

 

Jasonsmith also installed my 660. Haven't had any probelms at all. He is very talented with the hands on stuff, but from what I observed, it was not that difficult of a task. We did not remove the tank.

Mine is mounted on the left handlebar. I used to use a large tankbag all the time so mounting it to the left was the only option at the time. If I were to do it over, I would mount it on the centre of the handlebars this time. Just easier to see when driving. But I don't need the tank bag any more.

But I gotta ask, why not wait until you get it home to do the install? No time pressures so you are less likely to run into the stress factor.

 

Scuba, thanks for the info and the Zumo 660 link. I read through all of it. There's a lot of good info here.

Randy, I want to install it for the ride home which will be a long ride and I'll try to go off the beaten path to enjoy the scenery and twisty roads as much as possible while avoiding the superslab.

mcrider18

 

for the ride home, why not just run it off the battery, worry about something more permanent when you get home; that way you can take the time to do it right?

 

Well I was able to get my Garmin 660 hooked up to my 2000 VFR for my 900+ mile ride home. It was easy to get access to the battery and route along the left side of the frame with some zip ties for a temporary installation. I have the Garmin factory mount attached to a 3 inch Ram Ball extension that's mounted via the clutch lever housing. I like having it placed there. I can see the Gramin's screen by just looking down with my eyes and I don't even have to move my head for a quick glance. I'll post some pics once I get them downloaded.

 

Glad things work out for you.....Now enjoy your new toys.