Guest Patto Posted April 5, 2011 Share Posted April 5, 2011 We just removed one of the TomTom units from a company vehicle to make way for an in-dash unit. I thought this would be a good opportunity to fit a GPS unit to my bike, I've looked at the options used on this forum and I'm quiet impressed with what members have come up with. Just for convenience I've decided to go with using the stem as my mounting point, I couldn't find any ram options locally. This is where the fun starts, any advice or experience with mounting in the stem would be much appreciated. I'm going to use stainless bar for my material. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted April 5, 2011 Share Posted April 5, 2011 60mm stainless about to be turned into a mounting plate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer VFRbeliever Posted April 5, 2011 Member Contributer Share Posted April 5, 2011 I have a 2002 VFR and bought the RAM stem mount for a TomTom One. Be aware that the RAM mount fits rather loosely into the stem. Even cranked down tight, the mount will spin left or right with very little effort. I've been on several long rides with the GPS mounted and even though it is not as tight as I'd like, it has not moved out of place during the trip. The tapered rubber grommet that fits down into the stem really needs to be a bit larger for a tighter fit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer NorthernVFRDave Posted April 5, 2011 Member Contributer Share Posted April 5, 2011 The RAM handel bar mount fits on the 2 forward tank mounts on 5th and 6th gen VFRs, it seems to be the best way to go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Dutchy Posted April 5, 2011 Member Contributer Share Posted April 5, 2011 FWIW if is an automotive TomTom and not a Rider version, it will not like water............ but then again, if it was free......... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted April 5, 2011 Share Posted April 5, 2011 I have a 2002 VFR and bought the RAM stem mount for a TomTom One. Be aware that the RAM mount fits rather loosely into the stem. Even cranked down tight, the mount will spin left or right with very little effort. I've been on several long rides with the GPS mounted and even though it is not as tight as I'd like, it has not moved out of place during the trip. The tapered rubber grommet that fits down into the stem really needs to be a bit larger for a tighter fit. Thanks for the advice on the rubber grommet, I've finished the stem mount with two 1/4 threaded holes for the GPS to be fixed to. Next is the rubber grommet, this will be made as a neat fit which will hopefully expand to give me a tight fixture. The TomTom is not waterproof, is there an easy way of sealing the unit? Maybe a bag, I don't need audio so I could seal the unit with some sort of compound leaving the screen and power button exposed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monk Posted April 6, 2011 Share Posted April 6, 2011 Put the smallest Zip-lock bag you can find over it and still be able to close most of it. This is my set up for a TT rider 2. DSC00062.JPG DSC00066.JPG DSC00059.JPG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timmythecop Posted April 6, 2011 Share Posted April 6, 2011 use a bicycle gooseneck in the steering stem. will work like buttah Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer justsky Posted April 6, 2011 Member Contributer Share Posted April 6, 2011 Put the smallest Zip-lock bag you can find over it and still be able to close most of it. This is my set up for a TT rider 2. Monk, could you tell me the model name of your ram-mount please? I can't find the one like yours mountable on the fuel tank front fixation bolts. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timmythecop Posted April 6, 2011 Share Posted April 6, 2011 I can't find the one like yours mountable on the fuel tank front fixation bolts. Thanks! there is no gas tank mount, Just use the brake perch attachment. It has the right spacing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted April 6, 2011 Share Posted April 6, 2011 Thanks for all the info. I've been looking at this myself. where's the best place to buy the mounts here in the States? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer y2kvfr Posted April 6, 2011 Member Contributer Share Posted April 6, 2011 Thanks for all the info. I've been looking at this myself. where's the best place to buy the mounts here in the States? GPSCity, Amazon, etc (google is your friend) Tightwad's site has good prices on powerlet parts as well (not affiliated) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monk Posted April 6, 2011 Share Posted April 6, 2011 Put the smallest Zip-lock bag you can find over it and still be able to close most of it. This is my set up for a TT rider 2. Monk, could you tell me the model name of your ram-mount please? I can't find the one like yours mountable on the fuel tank front fixation bolts. Thanks! Like Timmy said, this'll work. You'll need to go to a hardware store and buy some 1/4" longer bolts...........I don't know the spec's on the bolt, take one with you and use their test board to find the hole that works.( I know Lowes has a board). http://www.gpscity.com/ram-mount-zinc-u-bolt-motorcycle-mount-base-ram-b-231zu.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer justsky Posted April 6, 2011 Member Contributer Share Posted April 6, 2011 Thanks Monk! I think this is the best option how to fix this bracket on our Hondas. It doesn't restrict your movements and it's very easy to remove if necessary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted April 7, 2011 Share Posted April 7, 2011 Progress has been slow. Finished setting the rubber to size and have now locked the mount in place. Hopefully will get time tonight to run the power, is there any path to follow or just attach to the main loom. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monk Posted April 7, 2011 Share Posted April 7, 2011 Nice looking mounting plate you made..... I didn't wire my own due to my not knowing what to do.... But to have a relay hook up. I heard that the low beam headlight is a good place to wire it to........... Hopefully someone wil come along and agree or tell you a better place........... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted April 7, 2011 Share Posted April 7, 2011 Thank you Monk. Well the unit is fitted, but here is the problem. The unit is 5V so I have to use the cable that came with it, so the power is reduced from 12 to 5V. I'm going to install a socket under the seat with an isolator switch that can be activated behind the rear cowl. This way I can turn the power off or on to the TomTom power lead, and the switch will be hidden. I'm worried that the charge light on the car charge cable might drain the battery over time. Maybe someone has hard wired them and the drain is minimal, I don't know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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