Oops! Model 1450 and I use a tether tied to the GPS just in case

 

Presently use a Garmin 205W in a Ram mount on my 1.25 slammer bars, mounted right in the middle of my bars behind my WindVest windshield. Black friday I am going to pick up a new Garmin 60Csx which is the gold standard for reasonably priced gps units that really does a great job. And yes, it is waterproof. and rugged. $219 for the 60Csx versus $800 for the Zumo 665. Ram Mount also makes a mount for it. Dual Sports riders swear by the 60Csx. Garmin has just come out with an upgraded version called the 60st.

 

I have enough info (now) to chew through to get a unit & a mount...
But I am wondering why so many folk here are posting about power cords for these guys?
I was on a few sites (Garmen, Ebay, etc) most of them appear to have 3 to 4 hour rechargeable batt's, so:
Either everybody rides a really long way without breaks near an outlet;
or these units eat their "Charge" up a lot quicker than they say.

I was thinking even on a four hour long ride I'd have maybe an hour or so of "Shut Down" time for when you've got 50 or 60 miles on the same road. U know: "Turn it on when I need it, shut it off when it's a long stretch where I know where I'm going". I was thinking I could stretch the charge to last for even the longest rides I'd take and only need to charge it up again on over-nighters?
Also my cell phone charges back up in a few minutes (45 or so from dead to full) do these things take a long time to charge?
OK I never used one of these things, so am I missing something or is the supplemental power source really needed?

 

Yes, you really need a power source, battery does not last as long as they say. Full power on screen and full volume will drain the battery quickly. The only other way to charge it would be via the usb port on the computer. A four hour ride isn't much, a long ride to lunch and back would eat that up. It looks like you have been given ample information good luck.

 

Here is my Navigon GPS with a custom mount I made for my Ultra by removing the bags, wending extensions onto the base to separate the bags, and then welding a tongue to mount the gps to.
Did I mention the GPS cost me $80 and I already had the bags. Add another $20 for the GPS hardwire kit and the total cost was $100.

 

ram-mount

 

With a Softail you won't have speakers, like on my RKC, so this is what I did after some research.

I originally wanted to put a Garmin GPS on my and be able to remove it easily and maintain as clean a look on the bars as possible. I also needed to find a way to hear the voice prompts and music loaded onto a data card on a bike without speakers. It's pricey but works a charm.

Powerlet Plus - $130
http://www.powerlet.com/product/hand...ts-gadgets/350
It wires directly to the battery.

My GPS broadcasts voice prompts and music via Bluetooth so initially I used the Sony DRC-BT 15 receiver that I'd hang around my neck under my T-shirt or put in my pocket and plug my ear buds into.
http://news.ecoustics.com/bbs/messag...81/454603.html
http://www.amazon.com/Sony-DRCBT15-B.../dp/B0016KJQDK

I did a lot of research into earbuds specifically for motorcycle riders and these were considered the best bang for the buck as far as audio response, noise canceling, durability and price.
http://www.amazon.com/Etymotic-Resea.../dp/B000BQSGMM

I was planning a cross country trip and I planned to get the satellite radio antenna that plugs into the GPS but it doesn't broadcast Bluetooth so I went looking for a good, custom length audio cable.
I went to Moon Audio and ordered a 4' Blue Dragon with RA Mini to Female Mini for $75. It's heavy weight and well sheaved to resist abrasion. I ran it under my tank and out by my seat and now plug my ear buds directly.
http://www.moon-audio.com/Moon_Audio...dio_Cables.htm

 

Only bad thing is your Bluetooth battery life. Most Bluetooth has couple hours if using GPS with them.

 

I have two Bluetooth receivers in case one wears down but I've gotten six hours service out of each one.

 

My "Hands" are not at your level
You did a beautiful job on that install.