Ram mount for GPS

[wolf13]

I just got an 03 Venture with 32,000 on it and really like the bike. Got rid of an 06 Gold Wing that I bought brand new I had put 26,000 on it. Now the question Has any body tried to put a ram mount on the plastic piece that is just in front of the gas tank cap. I have an I-way 350 and it would not work on the Handle bars of the Gold Wing so really don,t expect it to work on the Venture. I was thinking of putting the base that is about 1 inch wide and 3 inches long on it by using two sided tape and drilling two holes and wide flat wasjers under it. Do you think this will work. Thanks Larry

[SteveP]

Though I can't answer your question specifically as I haven't tried mounting to that plastic piece, I can suggest another RAM mount solution: The RAM-B-252-U. The mount fits nicely on the left mirror post and provides the base for your RAM system. I have a RAM-B-201-A next, then the mounting plate for my GPS unit. It puts the GPS right above the radio/CB controller and looks (at least to me) like it belongs there.

 

RAM-B-252-U http://www.custommounts.com/photos/RAM-B-252U-1.jpg RAM-B-201-A http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/graphics/11-03458.jpg GPS mounted http://www.geocities.com/smpst46/vr/RSVi3.jpg

 

Right now, I'm using a Garmin i3... unitl my new Zumo 550 arrives next week!

 

The best selection & pricing I've found for RAM components is http://www.expressmounts.com. They have excellent customer service & fast shipping.

[GunnyButch]

I don't think I'd want to mount anything like a GPS to that plastic piece on the tank. It would likely crack pretty quick I think. Here is how I mounted mine, used a 3.5 inch arm.

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v325/gunnybutch/P1010003-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v325/gunnybutch/P1010004-1.jpg

[BEER30]

I have my Zumo mounted just as GunnyButch has his . I have to agree about the plastic piece as well and also look about how it will interfere with refueling and the ignition .

Gene

[wolf13]

I would like to put it on the handle bars but to do that I would have to get a new GPS as the I-Way 350 blacks out on the Gold Wing handle bar because of the vibration and the Venture feels like it has just as much as the 06 Gold Wing I had did. I put a ram mount where the GW emblem was just below the center console and it worked great if I put it on the mount I had on the left handle bar it would black out after about 2 miles. That is why I was asking about the plastic around the gas cap. It would only be on there on long trips not an every day thing as I agree it would get in the way for gas and keys. Thanks for the replys. I have been wanting a new GPS any way.

[BEER30]

It sounds more like you have a problem more with the GPS if it blacks out on the handlebars . I have a Radar Detector , GPS , and Camcorder on my handlebars with no problems at all . If all possible , make a mount that will secure as close as you can to the handlebar clamps to reduce vibration . The further out , the more vibration you get , but you also cover up your instrument panel as well . Having the GPS up on the handlebars also keeps the eyes closer on the road .

Gene

[rosebud]

We have a ram mount for our Iway 350 for the handlebars. I can send you pictures if you want of the mount.

 

We do have a problem with the 350 shutting down, but it's not from the vibration. There is a know problem with the unit if the internal temperature gets about a certain temperature the unit shuts down. I just know that if it's 80 and sunny outside, the unit is going to shut down. If it's overcast or in the evening to where the sun is not beating down on it, or it is cooler outside, we can ride for hours with it up and running. I also understand that the Iway 500 does not have this issue, it will stay up in the heat and sun.

 

Of course we found this out after we had the unit and it was shutting down on us. One solution that might help is to turn the screen brightness down by 3 positions. That has made a difference us.

 

The over heating also occurs in automobiles too, not just on motorcycles so don't feel like you are being punished. Funny thing is the headquarters of Lowrance is about 8 miles from our house, you would think they would make a unit that works at their headquarters - wouldn't you?

[Eugene]

I too have the Iway 350 - I've mounted mine on the handlebars with a RAM mount. I have an RSTD. So far, 13,000 KM later, I have never had a problem - I do switch it back and forth from the bike to the car. Never had a "blackout", never had a vibration problem.

This may not help you much - just to know that handlebar mounts do work.

Cheers

[rosebud]

I too have the Iway 350 - I've mounted mine on the handlebars with a RAM mount. I have an RSTD. So far, 13,000 KM later, I have never had a problem - I do switch it back and forth from the bike to the car. Never had a "blackout", never had a vibration problem.

This may not help you much - just to know that handlebar mounts do work.

Cheers

 

Eugene, I suspect that the average temp in the summer where you're at in Ontario is not 95 degrees either. I know that our issue is temperature related, and I'd bet real money the wolf13's is too.

[noahzark]

Eugene, I suspect that the average temp in the summer where you're at in Ontario is not 95 degrees either. I know that our issue is temperature related, and I'd bet real money the wolf13's is too.

 

Thank you for clearing up that problem for me. I also have an iWAY 350C that shuts itself down. I also thought it was vibration related because I don't have the problem in my truck. Of course, I never drive my truck in the heat without the air conditioner set on "MEAT LOCKER."

 

Thanks again for the information.

 

Oh, yeah, I have the RAM mount on the handlebars, too.

[wolf13]

With my I-way I ruled out the temperture problem by taking it off of the handle bar mount on the same day right after it had shut down. I put it on the new mount in the center of the bike and it worked fine for the rest of the day. I started riding early that moring and the temperture was only 75 when it shut down just two miles from the house by lunch it was 86 and the 350 was working fine and I did not have any more problems with it as long as I did not put it on the handle bar mount. I agree it is a GPS problem as I have talked to a lot of riders that have the 350 on the handle bars and it works fine mine will not so with it being out of warnnity I have to fine another place to mount it or get a diff. GPS Thanks for all the help

[Gray Ghost]

in a pre-crash discussion about GPS systems, someone had mounted their GPS on the "crown" by the gas cap. It may have been Spud.

Cliff Fargason