GPS Mounts

[jonnybgood]

Hi
ive just got myself a garmin csx gps for my xr - ive been trying to locate a good quality mount - the ram mounts dont look that solid - anyone got any experience or ideas for mounts - most my time is spent off road so i want something that isnt go and let go of the gps when we hit the deck!!

[JMo]

Hi Jonny - I've just bought a Garmin 60 series too, plus a Ram cradle for it - I've go no concerns using the Ram parts (I used those with all my GPS' a 45, a GPSII and the 2610 for years, they are excellent and great value)...

A lot of people who use the 60 series GPS' on rally bikes use the Ram cradle - you can always put a lanyard/zip tie through the slot next to the arial and connect it to the cradle if you are worried about the GPS ever bouncing out, but it clips in there pretty tight - especially if you put a thin pice of foam in the base of the cradle...

Jen xx

[Rocketraz1982]

I will second that....Cant go wrong with Ram use one for my Etrex venture and probs thus far (Toiuring'Offroad ETC)

I have however got a Touratech mount for my TomTom rider and i must say im very happy with the quality and fit so see if Touratech have made a mount for your GPS bit pricey but worth it!!

[JMo]

I agree Touratech cradles are a work of art (in the same was a replacement hip joint is), but with the GPS 60 version:

Touratech UK Webshop

It doesn't really hold the GPS any more securely than the Ram cradle... and is almost 10 times the price!

I'd have a look at Adventure-Spec.com for Ram bits and bobs...

J x

[davsato]

+1 for RAM stuff, it might look flimsy but its very strong and the cradles fit perfectly and securely, ive had a quest and GPS II/III mount but no reason to expect any change for yours. ive also bought the odd part to make video camera/handlebar mounts, if you dont want an off the shelf solution the website has every part for sale seperately. not cheap though!
the only thing is they dont have power/sound feeds like the proper garmin cradles, which i dont think TT ones do either do they?
and i agree the TT mounts are expensive, they are very well made but over engineered really when a RAM arm and cradle takes out the vibes just as well.

also RAM cradles are made of a plastic that doesnt glue or weld very well, some sort of fibre reinforced ABS or something so IF you break it, once its broke its broke, the only option is part replacement. an alloy TT mount you could probably fix. but if the link above is an example, if it was £85 i would expect it to never break!

[jonnybgood]

Cheers guys,
I going for the Ram system - it looks like i need a ram cradle but then there appear to be various U bolt mounts to attach the cradle to the bike with -
i ve been looking on this site RAM Mounting Systems UK - Garmin GPSMAP 60C/60CS Cradle - RAM-HOL-GA12
any ideas which mount u bolt i need?? I dont really want the gps sticking out any further than need be ! Is it necesary to have this arm or can the cradle be fitted directly to the handle bars.

[Xman]

Go for the smaller u bolt mount with the ball end on to mount your cradle to, if you have standard size handlebars.
I have these on all my bikes and then you can quickly swop the cradle from bike to bike.

[jonnybgood]

Thanks xman, do you mean the short arm 149ZA part- details here www.ram-mount-uk.com/handlebar-mounts.htm

???


I dont seem to be able see any other short mounts that attach direct to the cradle!!

cheers

[davsato]

Thanks xman, do you mean the short arm 149ZA part- details here www.ram-mount-uk.com/handlebar-mounts.htm

???


I dont seem to be able see any other short mounts that attach direct to the cradle!!

cheers

there are four parts, a cradle for your gps, a ball plate that goes on the cradle, an arm (three different lengths) and another ball that goes on your bike, many different designs to choose from but usually a U-bolt.

you could bolt the cradle direct to the bike somehow but i recommend the arm, it takes out a lot of vibration.

[JMo]

there are four parts, a cradle for your gps, a ball plate that goes on the cradle, an arm (three different lengths) and another ball that goes on your bike, many different designs to choose from but usually a U-bolt.

you could bolt the cradle direct to the bike somehow but i recommend the arm, it takes out a lot of vibration.

A Davsato says, the design of the Ram system includes the rubber coated ball-joints, that not only help hold the arm/cradle in the desired position, but cut down the vibrations too...

The short arm is what I use on my bikes - it gives enough adjustment to position the GPS at the angle you desire, but keeps it low profile - on my XR400 with the U-bolt bar fixing (mounted between the bar clamps) my Garmin 2610 sits just a little higher than the top of the headlight number board...

Alternatively, you can screw a cradle directly to a flat surface (see photo of GPS II version), with little detrimental effect on vibration to be honest:





J xx