Mounting Gadgets - RAM Mounts [Archive] - 1130cc.com: The #1 Harley Davidson V-Rod Forum

: Mounting Gadgets - RAM Mounts


LiquidSilver
06-14-2007, 03:53 AM
I have been using RAM mounts for several years to mount various things on all my vehicles. I currently have 3 mounting positions on the VROD. I put two on the driver facing side of the cross-member on the touring windshield. I have a third on the clutch side of the handlebar.

When in full array, I have a Garmin RINO GPS mounted (includes 2-way Radio), a forward looking movie camera, and an XM radio or cup holder. I have an additional RAM mount attached to my tank bag for the GPS when I'm traveling light.

I like the RAM mounts because I can move the same gadgets to the ATV's, pickup, or bicycles with minimal effort. RAM keeps updating their product line so there's a continual supply of mounts for new things as they're released. Most recently they've added some waterproof boxes so you can still use the controls on a pocketPC based GPS while it's protected from the weather.

My favorite supplier for these things is GPScity.com.

While they weren't available when I purchased the original pieces I have, new parts are available in chrome to minimize the visual impact.

I curious what other people have used and why?

Cheers!

luxlamf
06-14-2007, 04:09 PM
I bought a TOMTOM One which isnt made for MC's so the only Mount it came with was the Suction Cup for a Auto windshield. I had a Local fella that gas a Water Jet machine make me a Simple Mount for the bars, the only thing was that teh TOMTOM mounts to its holder in a Odd way so there was no other way but have Him dissassemble the Suction Cup mount and use the Mounting plate on the newly Machined mount. It works out excellent.

Kelley
06-14-2007, 07:23 PM
I bought a TOMTOM One which isnt made for MC's so the only Mount it came with was the Suction Cup for a Auto windshield. I had a Local fella that gas a Water Jet machine make me a Simple Mount for the bars, the only thing was that teh TOMTOM mounts to its holder in a Odd way so there was no other way but have Him dissassemble the Suction Cup mount and use the Mounting plate on the newly Machined mount. It works out excellent.
a local fella???? That's my local fella. Who introduced ya????

So if anyone else wants a set up like Dave has....I'll hook ya up. This guy can make anything.

Jeff
06-14-2007, 07:31 PM
I too use the RAM mounts. Another fine vendor is www.cycoactive.com.

Kelley
06-14-2007, 07:35 PM
I too use the RAM mounts. Another fine vendor is www.cycoactive.com.
My guy is less expensive.....AND it is all custom made so whatever you need mounted, he can make a perfect mount for.

luxlamf
06-14-2007, 11:05 PM
My guy is less expensive.....AND it is all custom made so whatever you need mounted, he can make a perfect mount for.
Why are you talking, Your guy is More expensive

Kelley
06-14-2007, 11:20 PM
Why are you talking, Your guy is More expensive
no...that was the special Princess price you were charged. Or did you think that's what the non-whiners pay as well?

EZE RIDER
06-17-2007, 08:36 PM
I have been using RAM mounts for several years to mount various things on all my vehicles. I currently have 3 mounting positions on the VROD. I put two on the driver facing side of the cross-member on the touring windshield. I have a third on the clutch side of the handlebar.

When in full array, I have a Garmin RINO GPS mounted (includes 2-way Radio), a forward looking movie camera, and an XM radio or cup holder. I have an additional RAM mount attached to my tank bag for the GPS when I'm traveling light.

I like the RAM mounts because I can move the same gadgets to the ATV's, pickup, or bicycles with minimal effort. RAM keeps updating their product line so there's a continual supply of mounts for new things as they're released. Most recently they've added some waterproof boxes so you can still use the controls on a pocketPC based GPS while it's protected from the weather.

My favorite supplier for these things is GPScity.com.

While they weren't available when I purchased the original pieces I have, new parts are available in chrome to minimize the visual impact.

I curious what other people have used and why?

Cheers!
So you are the tester for us and you approve of the RAM system. I am concerned about vibration destroying the gps. I have the older garmin street pilot 3 it's about the size of a brick and was wondering if it will crumble into little pieces mounted on a motorcycle. How do electronics stand up in general to vibration and shock?

Daniii
06-18-2007, 07:26 AM
No probs with my Garmin 60C, but both my iPod and Tao XM radio's headphone jacks no longer make good contact. And the iPod occasionally loses its mind, and I have to pull over and hold the unit in my hand while it reboots. You know the iPod is messed up when one of the language options comes up in Japanese script.

Ergoguy34
06-18-2007, 08:04 AM
So you are the tester for us and you approve of the RAM system. I am concerned about vibration destroying the gps. I have the older garmin street pilot 3 it's about the size of a brick and was wondering if it will crumble into little pieces mounted on a motorcycle. How do electronics stand up in general to vibration and shock?

Your not relly gonna mount that brick on your bike are you?

EZE RIDER
06-18-2007, 10:22 AM
Your not relly gonna mount that brick on your bike are you?
Well um yea, I was thinking about it. Only when I am touring.

LL Cool K
06-18-2007, 11:05 AM
I have the Quest2 with a mount made by CapnGeo. Check out his gallery. It's easy to make from standard marine parts.

LiquidSilver
06-18-2007, 11:14 AM
So you are the tester for us and you approve of the RAM system. I am concerned about vibration destroying the gps. I have the older garmin street pilot 3 it's about the size of a brick and was wondering if it will crumble into little pieces mounted on a motorcycle. How do electronics stand up in general to vibration and shock?


I have run the Garmin GPS III+, V, and RINO on my ATV under conditions far more extreme than the VROD will ever see and they have stayed together very well. I'm sold on Garmin's hardware quality.

EZE RIDER
06-20-2007, 09:37 PM
I have run the Garmin GPS III+, V, and RINO on my ATV under conditions far more extreme than the VROD will ever see and they have stayed together very well. I'm sold on Garmin's hardware quality.
On the RAM site they do not list a mount for the streetpilot 3. Do you have a suggestion?

knightenforcer
06-20-2007, 10:21 PM
So you are the tester for us and you approve of the RAM system. I am concerned about vibration destroying the gps. I have the older garmin street pilot 3 it's about the size of a brick and was wondering if it will crumble into little pieces mounted on a motorcycle. How do electronics stand up in general to vibration and shock?

I had my Garmin Ique m4 on my road king, mounted using the ram mount, No problems with the vibrations from the TC88.:)

cbdane
06-21-2007, 02:01 AM
On the RAM site they do not list a mount for the streetpilot 3. Do you have a suggestion?

Check out this mount:

http://www.cycoactive.com/gps/ttsp3.html

Otherwise, you can use the standard plastic bracket that came with the StreetPilot since it already has mating holes that match up to the Ram ball mount. Here is a link for that approach:

http://www.cycoactive.com/ram/ramsp3.shtml

Hope that this is helpful.

Diamond Lil
06-21-2007, 09:41 AM
So, what is the Forum wisdom on how to mount a small garage door opener, about half the size of a deck of cards, on a V?
Here is a pic...from Sears
http://s7.sears.com/is/image/Sears/00953879000?hei=250&wid=250&qlt=90,0&resMode=sharp&op_usm=0.9,0.5,0,0&op_sharpen=1

Daniii
06-21-2007, 01:55 PM
I keep mine in my cup holder........

Diamond Lil
06-21-2007, 02:29 PM
I keep mine in my cup holder........
Thanks Danii. I don't have a cup holder. :)

stever975
06-21-2007, 04:04 PM
So, what is the Forum wisdom on how to mount a small garage door opener, about half the size of a deck of cards, on a V? ...For long trips I usually stash the thing. When riding around town, running errands, or to and from work I use the Aerostich HD Sleeve Window Pocket #1332. (http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/Aerostich-HD-Sleeve-Window-Pocket-p-16488.html)

Although designed to work with their suits I can get it adjusted to stay in place on my leather jacket sleeve and it easily holds the opener (same as you show) and my ID badge (guard needs to see it so I can get into work).

EZE RIDER
06-21-2007, 09:07 PM
I had my Garmin Ique m4 on my road king, mounted using the ram mount, No problems with the vibrations from the TC88.:)
Thanks man.


http://www.cycoactive.com/gps/ttsp3.html

Otherwise, you can use the standard plastic bracket that came with the StreetPilot since it already has mating holes that match up to the Ram ball mount. Here is a link for that approach:

http://www.cycoactive.com/ram/ramsp3.shtml

Hope that this is helpful.[/QUOTE]


It sure is thank you cbdane.

knightenforcer
06-30-2007, 04:07 PM
Here's my older Garmin V, mounted using ram mount...I like this gps bec its water/weather resistant, not too many out there can stand up to pouring rain and keep working like this one, thats why I held on to it. (even though I got a newer one I use in my car)

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e8/knightenforcer/vrodgps.jpg

LL Cool K
07-01-2007, 09:52 AM
Here's my Quest 2 with the custom CapnGeo mount.

Kelley
07-03-2007, 11:01 AM
I bought a TOMTOM One which isnt made for MC's so the only Mount it came with was the Suction Cup for a Auto windshield. I had a Local fella that gas a Water Jet machine make me a Simple Mount for the bars, the only thing was that teh TOMTOM mounts to its holder in a Odd way so there was no other way but have Him dissassemble the Suction Cup mount and use the Mounting plate on the newly Machined mount. It works out excellent.
I've gotten a few PM's about this. If anyone is interested in gettin one just like Daved's, I can arrange it. PM me and I'll let you know the price.

Daniii
07-03-2007, 11:10 AM
Thanks Danii. I don't have a cup holder. :)
This weekend, I moved it from the cup holder to a location just above the V-Gauge, velcroed to the back of the windshield. (I know, you don't have one of those either!)

Diamond Lil
07-03-2007, 12:01 PM
This weekend, I moved it from the cup holder to a location just above the V-Gauge, velcroed to the back of the windshield. (I know, you don't have one of those either!)

Me???? No windshield????
http://www.1130cc.com/gallery/files/6/8/6/6/DSCN0837.JPG
Now that idea has GREAT potential It should work just fine.
Thank you!!!

Daniii
07-03-2007, 12:17 PM
I should have said fairing windshield (so it can't really be seen except by the rider).

Diamond Lil
07-03-2007, 01:08 PM
I was afraid of that! After going out to the garage to give it a look I came to the conclusion that it would be impossible to hide. Ok, still in need of a good idea.

Daniii
07-03-2007, 04:16 PM
One time, I hid it in my soft bag, and could activate it through that. I see you don't have that option either. Have you looked into the HD high beam garage door opener? It is supposed to work pretty well.

Diamond Lil
07-03-2007, 09:07 PM
If I could get a functional windshield bag, not the one HD offers, I would gladly keep it in there. The integrated option you mentioned may be the best way out. Thanks for thinking.

Docmdnite
07-04-2007, 11:07 AM
i have some mount i saw advertised in American Iron. no clue who it is, but they used the XM reciever i have in their ad so i knew it would work. it uses the car mount and i have gotten up to 120mph w/ no issues.

Vrod-Mike
07-04-2007, 12:54 PM
So, what is the Forum wisdom on how to mount a small garage door opener, about half the size of a deck of cards, on a V?
Here is a pic...from Sears
http://s7.sears.com/is/image/Sears/00953879000?hei=250&wid=250&qlt=90,0&resMode=sharp&op_usm=0.9,0.5,0,0&op_sharpen=1


Lil, I have the same one mounted under my seat on top of the gas tank. I hardwired it to the HD auxilary switch and put it up on my handlebars. Works like a charm. The switches are right next to the handlebar controls in this pic.

http://www.1130cc.com/gallery/files/5/1/2/1/IMG_1025.jpg

Diamond Lil
07-04-2007, 10:55 PM
Lil, I have the same one mounted under my seat on top of the gas tank. I hardwired it to the HD auxilary switch and put it up on my handlebars. Works like a charm. The switches are right next to the handlebar controls in this pic.

http://www.1130cc.com/gallery/files/5/1/2/1/IMG_1025.jpg
So, let me see if I get it:
You added a wire to the remote so it could be connected to the HD auxillary switch.
You mounted the opener remote under your seat on top of the gas tank.
You mounted the auxillary switch on the handlebars.

Now, did you post directions on how you did the hard wiring of the remote somewhere here on the Forums a while ago?

Vrod-Mike
07-04-2007, 11:36 PM
So, let me see if I get it:
You added a wire to the remote so it could be connected to the HD auxillary switch.
You mounted the opener remote under your seat on top of the gas tank.
You mounted the auxillary switch on the handlebars.

Now, did you post directions on how you did the hard wiring of the remote somewhere here on the Forums a while ago?


No I didn't, but if you're interested in doing it I can. It's a pretty simple thing to do once you figure it out.

Diamond Lil
07-04-2007, 11:46 PM
No I didn't, but if you're interested in doing it I can. It's a pretty simple thing to do once you figure it out.

Since I know how to put wires together and I'm not so afraid to try that I'm paralized by it, I would appreciate seeing the directions if it is not too much to ask. I cannot say I promise to do it. I can say that I will give it a good read, think it over and make a decision. Is soldering involved?

Vrod-Mike
07-05-2007, 12:12 AM
Since I know how to put wires together and I'm not so afraid to try that I'm paralized by it, I would appreciate seeing the directions if it is not too much to ask. I cannot say I promise to do it. I can say that I will give it a good read, think it over and make a decision. Is soldering involved?


You need to solder two wires to the circuit board of the remote, but it's not difficult. Give me a couple of days to open up my spare remote and write up a How To for you. It's well worth the time. I know I love pulling up to the house and just hitting the handlebar switch to open the garage. One of the best mods i've done.

Diamond Lil
07-05-2007, 12:37 AM
You need to solder two wires to the circuit board of the remote, but it's not difficult. Give me a couple of days to open up my spare remote and write up a How To for you. It's well worth the time. I know I love pulling up to the house and just hitting the handlebar switch to open the garage. One of the best mods i've done.
Please, only if you are in the mood. I'd hate to have you do it only to have me chicken out or change my mind. Thanks!

Vrod-Mike
07-05-2007, 08:06 AM
Please, only if you are in the mood. I'd hate to have you do it only to have me chicken out or change my mind. Thanks!


No bother at all. That's what this place is all about isn't it?

knightenforcer
07-05-2007, 11:03 AM
My garage door opener remote is about the size of the HD key fob, so I dont need to mount it on the bike, just have it in a pocket and use free hand to press button while you're still on the bike. I believe they sell universal ones (same small-size remotes)that you can program to your existing opener.

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e8/knightenforcer/956D.jpg

Jetgod
07-05-2007, 12:45 PM
Now, did you post directions on how you did the hard wiring of the remote somewhere here on the Forums a while ago?
That was me Lil. http://www.1130cc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=48527
There are a few other great ideas there too!

Diamond Lil
07-05-2007, 12:48 PM
No bother at all. That's what this place is all about isn't it?

All of the responses go to prove your point, don't they! Max says it best:
""It's the members that make this forum what it is."

THANK YOU ALL!

dviry
07-27-2007, 02:58 PM
I was too playing around the idea of getting a RAM mount for my TT510 to put on my VRSCR. Only drawbacks I can think of so far are:

- I don't have a windshield, and the "sleeve" seems quite long, so I wonder how good it would stand up to wind in StreetRod's speeds?? :D

- the docking for the TT510 doesn't actually have any connectors (batteries would last only for 4h), and the original TT car dock is where you connect the power - the GPS itself doesn't seem to have any special connections only for power (couldn't find any so far, not even from 3rd party), so I don't see how I could tour with this on the whole time... Any ideas?

Daniii
07-27-2007, 07:17 PM
Stick it under the plastic cover of a tank bag. Put a 12V plug in the tankbag, connected to a RadioShit plug attached to the Battery tender. (Been there, done that)

dviry
07-27-2007, 07:27 PM
Yes I thought of that already only the same problem remains - the unit itself doesn't have any power connectors. I could try using the home-dock itself as well, as that one has the connector... Not sure thought how "stable" that would be in the bag...

Stick it under the plastic cover of a tank bag. Put a 12V plug in the tankbag, connected to a RadioShit plug attached to the Battery tender. (Been there, done that)

Daniii
07-27-2007, 07:28 PM
I could be mean and say something about the TomTom. The guy in the ads is obviously named DickDick.

LiquidSilver
07-30-2007, 03:22 PM
I'm with Danii on this one. The RAM mount will handle it, but don't count on the TT taking a beating in the weather.

VRay-PDX
07-31-2007, 08:54 AM
No probs with my Garmin 60C, but both my iPod and Tao XM radio's headphone jacks no longer make good contact. And the iPod occasionally loses its mind, and I have to pull over and hold the unit in my hand while it reboots. You know the iPod is messed up when one of the language options comes up in Japanese script.

Fast note about the iPod...
The NANO is a flash drive based system that is "not" going to have a problem with vibration like the hard drive based iPods.I have a 40gig that if I expose it to vibration it chokes, as the cache empties as the hard drive skips and gets lost. I switched to the NANO and can velcro the iPod directly to the bike now with nary a skip or stutter...

Daniii
07-31-2007, 10:44 AM
Yeabut, the headphone jack is still a weak link. Both my iPod and XM unit have failed headphone jack sockets after a few thousand miles.

Tango09
08-28-2007, 07:20 AM
After getting "turned around" a bit in the comparative wilderness of West Virginia, with "Duelin' Banjos" ringing in my head, I decided to try to mount my TomTom One on the bike if only for the "get me outta here!" feature. After reading this thread, I researched a little online and found that RAM now makes a cradle specifically for the 'One, and I ordered the recommended base, brackets, and arm necessary. My problem is, using the bracket that fastens on to the brake or clutch hydraulic fluid reservir, and then connecting the cradle to the base, I cannot seem to position the GPS toward the centerline or behind the windscreen (while the front of the screen is facing me). I can only put the GPS straight up from the handlebars, in the wake turbulence from the windscreen, or directly toward me (still in the turbulence.) What RAM parts, installed where and how, are other people getting good use from?

LiquidSilver
08-28-2007, 02:25 PM
What RAM parts, installed where and how, are other people getting good use from?

Option 1. Handlebar
Use either the Ubolt mount or the one you have. You can use an articulated arm like this one..CLICK HERE (http://www.gpscity.com/item-ram-mount-double-3-inch-long-arm-with-double-ball-joiner/ramb201j.htm) or use a rotating mount like this CLICK HERE (http://www.gpscity.com/item-ram-mount-plastic-double-1''-socket-arm-and-center-rotation/rapb200-12.htm)

Option 2. Windshield
If you use a touring windshield, you can mount a ball (http://www.gpscity.com/item-ram-mount-small-plate-with-9mm-hole-base-and-1''-ball/ramb272.htm)to the back of the cross member. This is nice because it goes away with the windshield. This base can be mounted in a number of different places.

Option 3. Tank Bag
If you use a tank bag, use a piece of aluminum plate inside as a support plate for a mounting base on the outside wall of the bag. This mount also disappears when you pull the tank bag.

I have all three options mounted in different combinations for different rides.

BTW - if you don't like the black color... the spray-chrome paint at Checker Auto turns them a nice grey similar to the frame on an 02 VROD. :) This is far less expensive than buying the pseudochromed parts from RAM.

Tango09
08-30-2007, 10:34 AM
Great! I'm trying the rotating mount first. Thanks for the options.

rippie74
07-08-2009, 04:57 PM
I have the GARMIN NUVI for my car & I wanna use it on the bike. How do you wire this thing up to the bike? & whats the best mount out there that won't damage my chrome handlebars

Thanks

beaglebiker
07-08-2009, 09:59 PM
I have the GARMIN NUVI for my car & I wanna use it on the bike. How do you wire this thing up to the bike? & whats the best mount out there that won't damage my chrome handlebars

Thanks

What's wrong with some of these options?

http://www.1130cc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=123257&highlight=gps+mounts