Steering stem GPS?

Are there any disadvantages to mounting a GPS to the steering stem via ram mount? Has anyone had it there and on the left handlebar? Zumo 550 is what I would like to get someday anyone chime in, have a 07 VFR.

From what I've heard from others here, is that a gps in the stim doesn't stay tight and you get vibrations.... This set-up is using the stim as an electric plug, and the two tank screws hold the ram ball for the gps.
There should be a lot of peeps coming with their own set ups.... Stay tuned.

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I have that exact setup on my 07: Zumo 550 mounted with a Ram stem mount. While the stem plug doesnt get super tight, it doesn't create any problems with the Zumo. I've heard from a couple of people that were able to get the Ram tight, so you might have better luck.

Let me know if you'd like some pics. I'm sure I have some around somewhere.

I've used a stem ram mount without any issues, but it was a pretty light unit. The plug was very tight, though. Maybe the earlier plugs were tighter?
I do like the tank bolt mount with the Powerlet plug in the stem idea better.

I have not tried a stem mount but have looked at four other locations. The center tank mount is my preferred location as I use a powerlet in the stem.



Edited to add another option on left Clip on. RAM mounts on the reservoirs do not fit.

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I hated mine on the steering stem. No matter how long of an arm I put it on it was still too low and too close (for my eyes). I ended up mounting mine on the windscreen.... Perfect. It blocks the tachometer, but that is not an issue for me.

YMMV.... but I hated lowering my vision that much to glance at the GPS.

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If you look closely in the photos above you can count no less than 4 Ram Mount balls. I tried everything. I mean everything. Love it on the windscreen.

I've had no issues w/ the RAM mount using the tank bolts & running the powerlet through the steering stem. :beer:

Started with this GPS setup :biggrin:


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I've had a stem mounted RAM setup, older plug, for a long time and never had any issues with the plug becoming loose. I have a Nuvi 550 and the problem is that the road vibration, bumps, etc. tend to bounce the unit some aand I just re-adjust as needed.

An alternative to the rubber plug in the stem is just to run a threaded rod through to the bottom and bolt it solid with washers on either end.

I use a Ram mount, with a long arm, on the left side brake reservoir for my camera. I like to take some stills while I'm riding sometimes. Plus I stopma lot for pics, and the Ram is handy. Easy on/off.

As for the GPS being visible, I don't have that problem as I use a Cardo headset to listen to it. That way I don't have to look at the GPS while riding. But even when I do want to look at it, I don't have a problem, even with the shortest arm.

I use the steering stem mount and a 6-inch Ram arm with my Zumo 550. A shorter arm is too low for me and also does not allow a clear view of the Zumo's screen when I use my Luggage Locker tank bag (looks similar to Monk's first photo). The stem mount does loosen after a while, but I just give it a clockwise turn to tighten / reposition it again.

I don't like anything blocking my view of the gauge pod, so I have my Sirius Radio on my clutch reservoir and my GPS on my brake reservoir. That way, I can easily see everything at a glance.

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Like so many others I run the Powerlet through the steering stem and use the gas tank mount to hold a ball connector.

It works really well and is tidy and does not block the view of the instruments.

John

I use a RAM mount on the fuel tank bolts on the Viffer, and a RAM mount in the steering stem on my Bimmer, no probs.
With the stem mount, make sure you dont trim the plug too much before fitting...
Cheers
AB

I took a piece of solid al-u-min-ium and turned it on my rickety old Atlas lathe making a very slightly tapered section with a round cap on the top. I tapped a thread in the cap and pressed the tapered end into the steering stem. Then screwed in a Ram ball on the cap and attached the Garmin Zumo mount to the rig. It has been flawless since installed.

Of course this is all B.S. because there are no pictures of the set up but if you want to see it in the flesh, you can at T-Mac. You can't really trust pictures due to the expertise we have with Photo- Chop. :pinocchio:

I was sure someone would have mentioned this....

Mounting the unit on the steering unit, whether on the resevoir or stem, will have the GPS `moving around` as you steer. I specifically mounted mine on the TANK mounts to avoid that. As noted earlier, it does sit kinda low. I had a longer arm on the RAM but found that it cause too much motion on the bumps and stuff, so I put back the shorter stem. Just can`t use a towering tank bag.

Brian

For anyone that is going to start using a gps and has never used one before, Don't trust it to be correct as far as which way and how sharp the next turn is.... They are not always right..... It only takes one time............

Which brings me to why I don't mind that it isn't high and in my face, because I'd rather not get into depending on it instead of just watching the road......

Thanks everyone, the tank mount makes the most sense, it's just so far down and don't like taking eyes off the road but sure there is a learning curve to it.

This is what I do when I have a big tank bag (not shown in this picture). I use a short and medium arm and a barbell thingy. This also allows me to access my steering stem powerlet without interference.

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BonusVFR has this one figured out. Check out his thread. I have been using a Zumo 550 for several years now and kinda miss it not being there when I take it off for the truck. Even if I know where I am going I use the Speedometer on the Zumo as it is actually more acurate than my bike. You can see the powerlet in the stem, Zumo mounted to tank bolts. I use the resivoir mount to mount a camera for riding video.

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[image: View Post]DDO-VFR, on 07 February 2011 - 08:44 PM, said:

I was sure someone would have mentioned this....

Mounting the unit on the steering unit, whether on the resevoir or stem, will have the GPS `moving around` as you steer. I specifically mounted mine on the TANK mounts to avoid that. As noted earlier, it does sit kinda low. I had a longer arm on the RAM but found that it cause too much motion on the bumps and stuff, so I put back the shorter stem. Just can`t use a towering tank bag.

Brian

Just curious why having it move with the steering is a problem? I've had mine this way for maybe 7,000 miles or so, and have not had one problem. Am I missing something?

[image: View Post]Knife, on 09 February 2011 - 02:01 PM, said:

[image: View Post]DDO-VFR, on 07 February 2011 - 08:44 PM, said:

I was sure someone would have mentioned this....

Mounting the unit on the steering unit, whether on the resevoir or stem, will have the GPS `moving around` as you steer. I specifically mounted mine on the TANK mounts to avoid that. As noted earlier, it does sit kinda low. I had a longer arm on the RAM but found that it cause too much motion on the bumps and stuff, so I put back the shorter stem. Just can`t use a towering tank bag.

Brian

Just curious why having it move with the steering is a problem? I've had mine this way for maybe 7,000 miles or so, and have not had one problem. Am I missing something?


It's just personal preference and opinion...no biggie. I like mine on the tank bolts and use the stem powerlet. On my ST I mount it the same, but hardwired the cradle back to the fuze block..