K11 Owners Group

BMGraeme · Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2008 12:04 pm Post subject: Garmin Zumo 550 Mount

Has anyone tried the standard RAM mount that comes with the Zumo? Does it fit a K? I'm interested to know not only if it fits, but also if you can still turn the bars without impedance and still see the clocks and rocker switches.

I believe Touratech also do a mount - has anyone got one on their K?
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1980 CB900FA
1994 K1100RS
2008 R1200GSA

mnb · Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2008 1:23 pm Post subject:

What might work for you is:
RAM Mount Adapter with 11mm Hole
Part Number: GRAB11

I got mine here: http://www.cycoactive.com/ram/parts.html

Without modifying the plastic that covers the bars, there's no way to get the universal handlerbar mount installed on a K bike (or at least a K1100LT). The mount does work like a champ on my Road King, though.

I used the GRAB11 part in the spare hole on the left clutch handle. With a screw, nut and a few washers (some spacing was necessary), it's worked like a champ. I pivoted the ball as far as it would go towards the center of the bike, but I mounted two balls on it (the other for a video camera, which provides a crappy picture due to vibration, btw).

The only problem you should have is positioning the zumo so that it's not so low as to interfere with operating the choke lever.

I use a stereo mini to cassette adaptor (I got one with a right angle jack at Best Buy) to patch into the stereo so I can rock while I ride. Smile

Enjoy the toy! I love my zumo.
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M N B
1997 BMW K1100LT ABS Special Edition
2003 Husqvarna TE610e
2007 Harley Davidson Road King
2009 BMW F800GS
2011 Husqvarna TE310
2014 Ducati Multistrada Pikes Peak MNB Edition

Large John · Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2008 8:23 pm Post subject:

standard ram mount that comes with it is totally useless. unless you plan on significantly cutting plastic and modifying your dash board.

better to go to www.gadgetguy.com and buy the parts to mount it from the near top of fairing. he shows a k11lt mount and you can modify parts to make a k11rs mount that mounts from the trim screws above the 'wing' screws it's mostly out of the way of the tank bag and only semi obscures the speedo. but the gps has it's own speedo and is accurate as opposed to the bmw speedo which is optomistic to the tune of usually 10%

quality is excellent price is $$$ but like most things you get what you pay for.

my $.02
_________________
John Merrick
KOG # 16

You're never too old to have a happy childhood

Jim · Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2008 11:04 pm Post subject: gps mount

Don't know if this'll help you any or not. Some pix of the RAM mount on the K.

The rusty Allen head bolt was replaced with stainless when I had the bike in Houston at DesmoParts.

Easy install - no spacers, no washers - bolted right on. It's a good location (for me) - doesn't block anything, isn't in the way of anything, and it's easy to change screens while riding.
_________________
Jim
1997 K1100LTSE 94,000 - still has gremlins!
1995 R100RT Classic 16,650 crashed - repaired!
1992 K75RTP 46,000

"We shall not all die, but we shall all be changed."

BMGraeme · Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2008 12:37 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the info guys especially the pics Jim - those help a lot. I like the idea of fitting it to the clutch lever pod and it looks like a cheap addition to the standard fitting kit. I take delivery tomorrow so will take a look at the standard fitting but it's nice to know there is another option.
_________________
1980 CB900FA
1994 K1100RS
2008 R1200GSA

Jim · Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2008 1:06 pm Post subject: gps mount

Graeme - It's been a number of years since I got that setup - I can't remember where I got the different bits - had to call two different places to order - neither one had everything I wanted. I imagine if you poke around the 'net a bit, you'll find what you need. The piece that bolts to the pod is the key.

Although I like the RAM mount system, I noticed the rubber balls are beginning to crack pretty badly. Guess I should have kept some silicone or Armor All or something on them. That part of the mount will eventually have to be replaced.
_________________
Jim
1997 K1100LTSE 94,000 - still has gremlins!
1995 R100RT Classic 16,650 crashed - repaired!
1992 K75RTP 46,000

"We shall not all die, but we shall all be changed."

BMGraeme · Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2008 5:14 pm Post subject:

I think I will have to wait and see till I get the Zumo and see how much space there is. I'm a little concerned about the lack of space between the bars and the screen on an RS - bar mounting may hamper the turning capabilities. I'm in no hurry and there does seem to be loads of options available from many sources so I should get something that works OK. I'm trying the get a dealer to part with an LT trade in he couldn't get up to reserve on e-bay. Nice metalic black 95 model with less than 30K miles. If I get it the Zumo will go on that.

Thanks for the info.
_________________
1980 CB900FA
1994 K1100RS
2008 R1200GSA

Mystic Red · Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2008 4:25 am Post subject:

I mounted my 2610, using the Ram system, to the dash. They have a ball mount that requires two holes in the dash and is very unobtrusive. I then used their http://getfeetwet.com/products/SKU-RAM-201-D-RAM-DBL-SOCKET-ARM-C-BALL-D-LENGTH__RAM-201-D.aspx to position it anywhere I want.

I will take a better pic if you want but it's late now and this is all I have. Smile

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Scott Hespelt, '94 K11LT
K11 OG #466

BMGraeme · Posted: Thu Apr 17, 2008 6:23 pm Post subject:

I have the Zumo now and the standard ram mount fits 99% perfectly underneath the bars near the L/H switchgear. I had to move it in from the switchgear about 1 inch to prevent it fouling the cables. The plastic dash will fit back in place except the L/H side fouls the bracket slightly and sits raised about 1/4 inch high. If it grates on me I can just snip a tiny peice of plastic off but I may not bother. If I fit a tank bag the mount just catches the top so I will get a slightly longer extention piece and that should cure that. Has anyone else using this type of mount ever worried about it being stolen? It seems really easy to just unscrew the ball mount and the whole lot comes off.

I now have to wire the power lead in. Does anyone know if I could power this from one of the spare sockets of the existing fuse box i.e is it a simple matter of finding the back of the fuse box and connecting it up or is it not that simple? I could just connect it up to the battery but I would prefer it switched off with ignition off. I am a dummy with electrics so would appreciate some simple advice for this.

I have to say though this is a great toy and connects really well with a Bluetooth headset.
_________________
1980 CB900FA
1994 K1100RS
2008 R1200GSA

mnb · Posted: Thu Apr 17, 2008 8:28 pm Post subject:

Here's a couple crappy images of my zumo mounting on the clutch level housing...

I need to get shorter screws for the cradle as the long ones interfere with the movement in the ball joint. But I manage to get by for now.

There are two GRAB11 ball mounts on the clutch level housing. The visible one w/o the arm is swung out when used with a video camera.
_________________
M N B
1997 BMW K1100LT ABS Special Edition
2003 Husqvarna TE610e
2007 Harley Davidson Road King
2009 BMW F800GS
2011 Husqvarna TE310
2014 Ducati Multistrada Pikes Peak MNB Edition

BMGraeme · Posted: Fri Apr 18, 2008 4:14 am Post subject:

Looking at the Zumo on the mount I can't see that it would fit on the clutch housing without fouling the fairing/screen on the RS. There's that much more room on the LT. I'm happy with having it on the bars at least until I find a perfect mount - I will look at the Touratech ones in time.

How have you powered the cradle? Did you wire to the battery, fuse box or borrow from another live wire?

Thanks for the help BTW.
_________________
1980 CB900FA
1994 K1100RS
2008 R1200GSA

mnb · Posted: Fri Apr 18, 2008 9:38 am Post subject:

Jim · Posted: Fri Apr 18, 2008 12:26 pm Post subject:

Mystic Red · Posted: Fri Apr 18, 2008 1:07 pm Post subject:

Jim · Posted: Fri Apr 18, 2008 2:41 pm Post subject:

Mystic Red · Posted: Fri Apr 18, 2008 2:49 pm Post subject:

I assumed he meant the Ram nob. My Garmin mount came with a lock in the mount. Ram makes a lockable replacement nob for the arm.
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Scott Hespelt, '94 K11LT
K11 OG #466

BMGraeme · Posted: Fri Apr 18, 2008 5:53 pm Post subject:

I will get the longer armature as I will need that to clear the tankbag. Took it out for a run today with my 13 year old son on the back and it worked just fine. I have both helmets fitted with the Scala Rider Q2 and so far this is working great as well. It would have been nice if both headsets could hear the Garmin at the same time but you can't have everything. My son seems to have caught the biking bug at the same age as I did.

Thanks for the headsup on the lockable RAM mount - this sounds just the thing. I have so far always screwed the unit in using the security screw but only as a precaution to it coming of whilst on the go. Off the bike it goes with me.
_________________
1980 CB900FA
1994 K1100RS
2008 R1200GSA

Scouse · Posted: Tue May 20, 2008 7:27 pm Post subject:

Sorry guys I guess I should have said that I have an LT
I did mount the GPS which I should have said is an Explorist on the windshield but it flew off and I just caught it with my knee, not a good thing. Thanks for all the info. Bob

Flying Duck · Posted: Tue May 20, 2008 8:57 pm Post subject:

Bob: I made a custom one for my Magellan Meridian which keeps it right under eye level in the middlle. Makes for a nice spot when Im' using it as a digital speedometer. I laos built a camera mount onto it soI can shoot vids on my LT.

Only drawback is that I can't see the highbeam or blinkers in the instrument cluster but that's not an issue to me.

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93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE

PHIL1601UK · Posted: Fri May 23, 2008 4:05 am Post subject:

Graeme,

I fashioned a mount to utilise the ram ball set up, on the left hand set of blank switches - power is taken from splicing into the map light. it positions my zumo just to the left, but with a short arm from GPS Warehouse it sits in the left crook of the dashboard, and more importantly in my view, out of the way of the instrument cluster. It is also positioned out of the secondary air stream below the screen as some people have reported damp getting into the mount.

I fitted a power socket just above and to the right of the left speaker, although you can hardwire it if you wish. I'm off to Yorkshire for a long weekend, but I'll post some pictures when I get back after Monday eve. Bonus, it doesn't move when you turn.

Phil.
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1996 Aspen Silver K1100LTSE - acquired 23/03/07