Thanks to all the VFRD members that purchased one of my original Alternative RAM mounts. I have stopped making that mount for a couple of reasons. Due to having to source the parts from so many vendors and the amount of machine work involved, the cost to make that mount was more than what most people wanted to pay for a GPS mount. I understand that. Also, even though the mount would lock in solid, if you exerted enough force on the ball you could loosen it up. It would take more force than any GPS could ever exert, but it could be done. That was always something that bothered me. I started looking around at the available RAM mounts for steering stems and came across one that uses a wedge type system to lock the unit in place and also has index points between the base and the ball mount to keep the ball from rotating. With a little bit of machining on the lathe I modified that mount to work with the 4/5/6/7/8th Gen just like the old style but without the high cost and rotating problem. I am happy with the mount now, it is rock solid and will not rotate. Here is the price breakdown and some pictures of the modified mount:
4/5/6/7/8th Gen
The base for this mount along with an OE steering stem cap are cut to fit together when inserted into the steering stem.
I bought mine off a guy from Manchester area, his company is called Telferizer.
His uses a rubber system that expands when twisted so it locks in place. The ball on the top is also rubber so it grips.
I think hes got a patent?
I have seen the telferizer, it is a pretty good unit. I know that it is assembled from a rawl nut, a piece of all thread, a flat washer, and a RAM ball mount from RAM products. The unit fits against the steering stem with the flat washer and the rawl nut expands inside the steering stem when tightened. Not sure on a patent though as there are probably 20 different companies that make steering stem mounts for motorcycles using the same principals. This unit is made from a modified RAM mount with a wedge design and an OE steering stem cap, not from a rawl nut that expands, so it is quite a bit different than the Telferizer.
I have seen that mount somewhere else for sale, never thought about it working on the VFR good catch .
Roll On ..
Its a brill place to mount the sat nav tbh. Ive got my Garmin zumo 390 there.
I tried it on the handlebars with the supplied mount but thought it left it too exposed and it moves abit with the bars too much.
On the stem, its easy to look at, out the way of any damage (feels like its nice and tucked in, which is nice when youve just spent a small fortune on a sat nav), no dangling wires for the power supply as it just tucks under the tank.
I got my new and improved mount a week or so ago...life gets in the way. Anyhow, it's perfect. Tha's all I've got to say about that.[image: post-18624-0-30495100-1434654093.jpg]
Awesome job, and you can't beat the price. Perfection all around.
Update to the initial posting. After taking a poll of all the members that attended Sum Sum 3, I have decided to only make the mount with the black cap. It was a pretty unanimous decision by all that the mount with the cap looked the best on all generations of VFR's. Hopefully all the members that were able to get one at Sum Sum will post up their thoughts and pictures of their set ups of the mounts soon. For all the other members that wanted one but did not get one, I have just received some more components and can fab up a few when needed.
I haven't gotten a good picture but did get out and use mine yesterday. I mounted a 5" extension, a round base, and a modified otterbox belt holder. I cut the clip off of the back of the belt holder and mounted it to the round base. Now my phone/gps/music is all in front of me. Steady as a rock and sits just above my tank bag. Not water proof but I haven't seen one I'd trust yet anyway. The great thing is that my phone can stay in its otterbox case. I can even plug it in for charging with this setup.
Gunns, this looks like a really slick setup. Dumb question I have to ask = this location is a better spot than the clutch lever location, yes? I'm asking as my stem location has a powerlet in it = I'm thinking I've got things in reverse here as the central spot would be easier with tank bag etc. Is this kind of the common wisdom with this? (Would assume you've move power to one of the side panels then)
Many schools of thought on that question. Most run the GPS or phone cradle in the steering stem so it will be centrally located in front of the rider for easier viewing. As far as power goes, I hate to drill pretty fairings so I either make mounts for the USB port to mount by the key switch or use one that mounts to an inner panel. Hope this helps.
I'm using a steering stem mount (of my own design) at the moment on my FP, and my Zumo 590, mounted with a long RAM arm, almost completely blocks the view of my bike's tachometer. Not ideal. However, mounting location is always going to be a compromise. In theory, the higher you can mount a GPS, the better, because that means you have to lower your sight less to look at it. I mount my GPS onto the dashboard on my ST1300 for that reason. But mounting location options are more limited on a SPORT-touring bike like the VFR. Handlebar mounting might make the GPS a little higher, but it's off to the side, which isn't great, either. Compromise...
If the system is set up right it will not interfere with the view of the instruments at all. Here are pictures of that set up on the 1200. All instruments are clearly visible without having to look around the GPS and the view of the GPS is in line with the instruments. In the picture posted the GPS was moved a little too far forward but still did not interfere with the view of the instruments. See the pictures in post #1 on this thread:
Thanks for the pics Stan, now we have pictures of the mount installed on all the generations of VFR's that it fits. Looks like it worked liked I envisioned, to look like it came that way from the factory.
Hi lint, the mount you show in the link does mount using the tank bolts. However, some members have an issue with the arm scratching the tank. The mount I modify goes in the steering stem tube.
Thanks HGuns. I'll see if I can pull both off. I had money set aside to use for some gear, the RAM Mount and your mount as well, however my Ford Explorer decided it wanted to break a band in the automatic transmission. I'm waiting to get a total on the repair from my transmission guy. I'm flying out from where I live in SoCal to Nashville to buy the bike that Baileyrock is selling and I have to be more frugal than originally intended due to the transmission problem. Ugh. On the plus side, I am very grateful I have the extra money to fix my truck, and still get the bike. I crashed my 05 February 6th on Mulholland Drive when someone poured oil in the middle of a turn. Multiple locations up and down the road...
Hi lint, the mount you show in the link does mount using the tank bolts. However, some members have an issue with the arm scratching the tank. The mount I modify goes in the steering stem tube.
Never mind, Info I need is above.. Edit again, the price is on page one. ***tucks head and shyly sneaks into dark corner***
You are welcome lint and no rush, take care of your things first. I'll have parts when you are ready for one. Understand the oil thing also, oil field in Oklahoma is non stop and tanker trucks are always forgetting to turn their valves off after picking up crude from a pumping site. Oil everywhere so caution is needed until you get on a main road.
Just completed installation of my new RAM mount courtesy of HGuns, on my 2010. As everyone else has noted, it is rock solid, and the finish level is very high. Definitely worth it!
But...it doesn't come with installation instructions. As an aid to the forum, I spent a few hours putting together the detailed instructions below. You may want to print them for reference:
You are welcome lint and no rush, take care of your things first. I'll have parts when you are ready for one. Understand the oil thing also, oil field in Oklahoma is non stop and tanker trucks are always forgetting to turn their valves off after picking up crude from a pumping site. Oil everywhere so caution is needed until you get on a main road.
There is a slight difference in Lint's case, it was reported that residents were PURPOSELY pouring oil on the roads...
Just completed installation of my new RAM mount courtesy of HGuns, on my 2010. As everyone else has noted, it is rock solid, and the finish level is very high. Definitely worth it!
But...it doesn't come with installation instructions. As an aid to the forum, I spent a few hours putting together the detailed instructions below. You may want to print them for reference:
Thanks for posting those pictures, it just works so well in that spot. Able to see all instruments and the gps is directly in line with them. You did forget to add enjoy your favorite beverage while installing the mount in the instructions :biggrin:
Duc2V4
huntinggunns
You are welcome lint and no rush, take care of your things first. I'll have parts when you are ready for one. Understand the oil thing also, oil field in Oklahoma is non stop and tanker trucks are always forgetting to turn their valves off after picking up crude from a pumping site. Oil everywhere so caution is needed until you get on a main road.
There is a slight difference in Lint's case, it was reported that residents were PURPOSELY pouring oil on the roads...
A little late to the party on this, but here is my Ram mount on my 8th gen all hooked up and ready to ride. I did about 200 miles yesterday and the setup is perfect. Very easy to see without blocking any instruments. I'm a happy camper.
I received my mount from huntinggunns shortly after placing my order. The mount is strong, well made and looks great. I have been using it for a couple of weeks and for a few hundred miles with no issues. Definatley worth the money. Thanks huntinggunns! [image: image.jpeg]
I should add that I have an x grip and stem mount on the CB500x. The x grip works fine with my phone in the case. The stem ball not so much. Fred's mount is the way to go.
MysteryRider246 I received my mount yesterday. What an intriguing piece of engineering! It'll be abit before it's installed and I have no doubt it'll serve it's purpose just find & dandy. Thanks, hg, for creating this for us!
Anyone have suggestions on what I should get to mount my phone on it?
You are very welcome. Most use the x grip and the short ram extension arm.
I received my mount yesterday. What an intriguing piece of engineering!
It'll be abit before it's installed and I have no doubt it'll serve it's purpose just find & dandy. Thanks, hg, for creating this for us!
Anyone have suggestions on what I should get to mount my phone on it?
Here is what I end up doing. Note that round object on the side of the mount is a locking mechanism. Unlike the stock knob, which can be loosened by anyone, these require a special "key" to allow you to loosen or even tighten them. It works similar to a wheel lug key. I did this so that I would worry so much about leaving my bike unattended and having some unscrupulous person remove the mount(s) from my bike. Is it full proof? probably not but I'm sure its a deterrent to a certain extent.
The mounts and arms can be numerous but for the 6 Gen, I have a medium length arm...
and the 5 Gen, I have a short length arm...(Note: This is an older photo and I have since changed the position of the mount, but the pieces are the same)
This looks great. What is the cost shipped? Is the consensus to use the Ram X mount? I found some others on amazon with USB hooks ups too... but I still need this mount.
Here is what I end up doing. Note that round object on the side of the mount is a locking mechanism. Unlike the stock knob, which can be loosened by anyone, these require a special "key" to allow you to loosen or even tighten them. It works similar to a wheel lug key. I did this so that I would worry so much about leaving my bike unattended and having some unscrupulous person remove the mount(s) from my bike. Is it full proof? probably not but I'm sure its a deterrent to a certain extent.
The mounts and arms can be numerous but for the 6 Gen, I have a medium length arm...
and the 5 Gen, I have a short length arm...(Note: This is an older photo and I have since changed the position of the mount, but the pieces are the same)
From what I've read HG's modification to the RAM stem mount makes it fits alot better & prevents it from spinning which some members were having a problem with. That's what I seem to remember anyway. :unsure:
For how well it's built, $43 is quite reasonable. There is a break down of cost in the first post.
Here is what I end up doing. Note that round object on the side of the mount is a locking mechanism. Unlike the stock knob, which can be loosened by anyone, these require a special "key" to allow you to loosen or even tighten them. It works similar to a wheel lug key. I did this so that I would worry so much about leaving my bike unattended and having some unscrupulous person remove the mount(s) from my bike. Is it full proof? probably not but I'm sure its a deterrent to a certain extent.
The mounts and arms can be numerous but for the 6 Gen, I have a medium length arm...
and the 5 Gen, I have a short length arm...(Note: This is an older photo and I have since changed the position of the mount, but the pieces are the same)
Hi can you give me more detail on how you mounted your accessories on the 5th gen? Maybe pictures as well? How does your USB port mount in front of the tank in the picture there too? I have the same but have yet to mount it on either of my bikes.
Hi can you give me more detail on how you mounted your accessories on the 5th gen? Maybe pictures as well? How does your USB port mount in front of the tank in the picture there too? I have the same but have yet to mount it on either of my bikes.
Art
I'll see if I can get those posted tomorrow before I head to work.
Hi can you give me more detail on how you mounted your accessories on the 5th gen? Maybe pictures as well? How does your USB port mount in front of the tank in the picture there too? I have the same but have yet to mount it on either of my bikes.
Art
Art,
Unfortunately I have changed my setup so I cannot take anymore pictures of how I had it in my previous post. I did have one more photo that may be useful. Essentially what I did to mount the USB ports to the bike was take a piece of aluminum bar (1/2" wide) and bent it into a "U" shape and drilled two holes in to to match the front gas tank mounts. The opening was just large enough to get the bolts in and a 1/4 ratchet with an 8mm socket on it to tighten the bolts, then I double sided taped the USB port block to the mount.
This is the only other photo of what I had on there that I could find.
As for the stem mount, this is the part I bought from Ram Mount. It is not listed under "motorcycle" accessories but rather in "fishing"! http://www.rammount.com/part/RAP-B-354-75U
BTW, this is the new USB port device I am using. I cut out the inner front panel just to the left of the opening. It is a "panel mount" meant to be cut into whatever panel you plan on using it on. I also have one on my 6 Gen but that one I just used heavy duty Velcro and placed it on the inside of the right panel. I thought I had pics of that install but I can't find them at the moment.
Thanks for the pictures. What is that telephone wire next to the right ram ball mount for? I currently have 2 of those USB adapters one for the Hawk and VFR but not installed yet. I currently just have the battery tender brand adapter connected to the sae lead when I'm riding, charging my phone on my belt clip and traditional headphones connected. So I have been using navigation via audio only but have been wanting a solution to have it visible. But next I would have to figure out which blue tooth solution for audio unless I get longer headphone cable to connect to the front. Been researching stand alone gps units as well but cost and features etc. Google maps has been pretty awesome - I like to use the avoid highway features when not in a rush etc. What do you use for navigation?
Hi can you give me more detail on how you mounted your accessories on the 5th gen? Maybe pictures as well? How does your USB port mount in front of the tank in the picture there too? I have the same but have yet to mount it on either of my bikes.
Not really related to the RAM mount post, but I also have that same USB port connector. Here's a couple pics of how I mounted it on my 8th gen. The USB connector mount has adhesive, and I attached that to the handlebar frame as shown and works well. The wiring for the connector was also spliced to a SAE connector that routes underneath the gas tank, and gets power from the battery, hence always on.
Cool thank you. I am trying to figure out how to have it to switched power. I am also going to be mounting auxiliary driving leds as well and would also like it to be on switched power.
Thanks for the pictures. What is that telephone wire next to the right ram ball mount for? I currently have 2 of those USB adapters one for the Hawk and VFR but not installed yet. I currently just have the battery tender brand adapter connected to the sae lead when I'm riding, charging my phone on my belt clip and traditional headphones connected. So I have been using navigation via audio only but have been wanting a solution to have it visible. But next I would have to figure out which blue tooth solution for audio unless I get longer headphone cable to connect to the front. Been researching stand alone gps units as well but cost and features etc. Google maps has been pretty awesome - I like to use the avoid highway features when not in a rush etc. What do you use for navigation?
Art
I've been using audio GPS from phone for years. This year I'll try using the ram mount with my phone for visual GPS. I'll probably only use this for longer trips.
I like that my eyes are always on the road when I use audio, but I tend to miss turns when in unfamiliar areas or the directions get more complicated.
In Google Maps app I download the maps for where I live and the path I'll be traveling in trips. Saves a lot of data costs.
I'll probably use a portable Bluetooth receiver to get the sound from the mounted phone to the wired helmet speakers I use.
I've been using audio GPS from phone for years. This year I'll try using the ram mount with my phone for visual GPS. I'll probably only use this for longer trips.
I like that my eyes are always on the road when I use audio, but I tend to miss turns when in unfamiliar areas or the directions get more complicated.
In Google Maps app I download the maps for where I live and the path I'll be traveling in trips. Saves a lot of data costs.
I'll probably use a portable Bluetooth receiver to get the sound from the mounted phone to the wired helmet speakers I use.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Yeah I have been collecting parts for awhile, and waiting until I have everything before I dive in as I really not sure what I am doing. On both of my bikes, Hawk GT and VFR800 I would like to have the front mounted USB port, voltmeter, and LED auxiliary driving lights installed and powered on only with the ignition. I have the same issues with audio only nav, most of the time is fine but occasionally miss turns due to not being able to hear clearly if a lot of wind, or complicated or weird traffic pattern. But would be nice to have it mounted up front with a GPS unit when I get one down the road but can be used alone until then for visual. Then upgrade to one of the Sena bluetooth headset units to complete the package I have been putting together for some time now. If interested in the LED auxiliaries, here his a link. They are not cheapo eBay crap brand, the Denali DM minis by Twisted Throttle are the smallest of the line but still throw a beam further than stock high beams when mounted up correctly. I want them for daytime visibility as well as night time.
I plan to use the fender mounts for both bikes for low profile and triangulate the lighting to oncoming traffic. The company specializes in adventure/touring so they stock and sell proven quality products. I believe Denali is Twisted Throttle house brand.
Thanks for the pictures. What is that telephone wire next to the right ram ball mount for? I currently have 2 of those USB adapters one for the Hawk and VFR but not installed yet. I currently just have the battery tender brand adapter connected to the sae lead when I'm riding, charging my phone on my belt clip and traditional headphones connected. So I have been using navigation via audio only but have been wanting a solution to have it visible. But next I would have to figure out which blue tooth solution for audio unless I get longer headphone cable to connect to the front. Been researching stand alone gps units as well but cost and features etc. Google maps has been pretty awesome - I like to use the avoid highway features when not in a rush etc. What do you use for navigation?
Art
The "phone line" is for making long distance calls when I'm away from home...
Not really, it's for the radar detector. The wire goes back to the PDM 60 I have mounted under the seat.
Not really related to the RAM mount post, but I also have that same USB port connector. Here's a couple pics of how I mounted it on my 8th gen. The USB connector mount has adhesive, and I attached that to the handlebar frame as shown and works well. The wiring for the connector was also spliced to a SAE connector that routes underneath the gas tank, and gets power from the battery, hence always on.
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![[image: IMG_0021_zpswc8ujl6l.jpg]](http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab288/FSSGrp/Ram%20Mount%20Stuff/IMG_0021_zpswc8ujl6l.jpg){kind=link}
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