It's really a first world problem. Much like some females collect high end purses or perhaps high healed shoes that come with a pedigree, I collect bikes. To make matters perhaps even worse, I love, rather I utterly, completely unequivocally adore navigation by GPS. While a bit long in the tooth now, my Garmin Zumo 660 has been fabulous, but I hate the Motorcycle Power cradle.
It's easy to see why I hate this mount. First off, we are powering a GPS, not running NASA. This all-in-one mount not only includes the power wires, but also a audio out for your headphone navigation and also another audio port (in?). Perhaps the best feature of this whole contraption is the female micro USB port which is used to allow you send files to the GPS without undocking it. However, this port is not waterproof and when it gets wet will send all kinds of messages to your GPS which will render it useless as it will cover the entire screen with useless error messages. For all of this joy, you will be $60 dollars lighter in your pocket.
It's easy to see why I hate this mount. First off, we are powering a GPS, not running NASA. This all-in-one mount not only includes the power wires, but also a audio out for your headphone navigation and also another audio port (in?). Perhaps the best feature of this whole contraption is the female micro USB port which is used to allow you send files to the GPS without undocking it. However, this port is not waterproof and when it gets wet will send all kinds of messages to your GPS which will render it useless as it will cover the entire screen with useless error messages. For all of this joy, you will be $60 dollars lighter in your pocket.
The next sticker shock comes when you realize that mount is really not designed for off-roading motorcycling. In fact, one friend of mine lost not one, but TWO Zumo 660s as they unclipped from the above mount and skipped down the tarmac to thier ultimate demise. Also, electronics really don't flourish in high vibration environments, so it's also a good idea to find a mount that cannot only provide security but also vibration dampening. Touratech to the rescue!
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However, I really don't want to spend $300 on every bike I own just for the privilege of using a GPS. That is $300 if you installed it how Garmin suggest. But what if you really only needed to power the GPS and throw caution to the wind on the other functions in the cable? Well, that it is exactly what I did. I started with buying two of these 2-Pin SAE cable with 7.5AMP inline fuse. Since I use a PDM60, I will cut off the fuse on which gets power from the bike. However, do ensure you keep the polarity the same. The positive lead should be the wire with recessed pin.
I also add a 1" RAM Mount ball somewhere on the handle bars. This is what two prepped bikes look like.
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With the bike end prepped, it's now time to tinker with GPS end. I will cut off all the connectors and only leave about 8-10" of power lead wires. Since they are such a small wire, I will solder them, then cover them with a short and long piece of adhesive Lined heat shrink. The adhesive lining is excellent for weatherproofing, and the shrink itself will provide strain relief and hopefully prevent mechanical fatigue. Some of my favorite adhesive heat shrink is from Napa Auto parts #NW 729134.
Of note here, in order to get the SAE plug to mate to your bike's connection, the positive connector on your GPS MOUNT is now going to the be exposed pin. There is no harm such as arcing, as it's impossible for this pin to be engerized when unplugged.
Of note here, in order to get the SAE plug to mate to your bike's connection, the positive connector on your GPS MOUNT is now going to the be exposed pin. There is no harm such as arcing, as it's impossible for this pin to be engerized when unplugged.
