[actually, its a 550, but you can't edit the title. ]

OK, sports fans.

I wanted a semi-permanent setup, I think the result is pretty good (see last pic), not completely ideal but it doesnt look terrible with the GPS off the bike.

Starting in a few weeks I'll be going on a lot of long rides (some business, some pleasure), so I wanted a GPS setup that didnt look hideous.

I ordered some cables from http://www.3brpowersports.com/

Specifically the waterproof cable that connects to your accessory plug under the seat, part number 150-0052-01, $39.95

And the 9" cable that connects to the GPS part number 202-0040-09, $19.95

First, I bought a GPS mount that works with the cradle supplied by Garmin, here's the mount on my bike, first part of the setup with just the handle bar mount on, sorry that it's blurry:



Then I ran the cable under the console:



Zip tied and connected to the aux connector under the seat:



Front view all buttoned up:



View of the setup without the GPS and the 9" wire unplugged and the cap on the cable:

 

Very Nice.

 

I had the bike out for about 75 miles today, very pleased with the setup. I was worried about the display washing out in the bright sunshine, but it was quite visible today, which was very sunny.

 

Here's the complete setup, in case anyone's interested:

Nuvi 550: http://www.gpscity.com/garmin-nuvi-550.html. Thats where I got mine, best price I could find. It comes with a cradle that snaps onto the device and has a ball mount on the back of it. $229, which beats the hell out of $799 for a Zumo, and the 550 *is* waterproof.

I bought this mount which fits the ball mount on the back of that bracket: http://www.motomount.net/products/

And from http://www.3brpowersports.com/, - specifically http://www.3brpowersports.com/products.php, but I'd suggest you call them for the right parts.

And part number 202-0040-09 which is the 9" mini-USB cable that plugs into it. Find the part number on this page and add to cart: http://www.3brpowersports.com/products_usb_cables.htm. You'll notice there's a 9, 12 and 18" version, 202-0040-09 is the 9" which I have, but depending on where you mount yours, you might want a longer version.

3brpowersports.com is very helpful, you can certainly call and they will help you out.

 

Very Nice Man! I have been looking for that exact setup for my Ultra. I see they have the ball mount for the 1 1/4" chubby bars too! How do you like the 550? Mapping pretty accurate? Appreciate the post!

 

I'm completely digging it. As I mentioned before I was concerned that the Nuvi would wash out in the sunlight, but its not bad and very readable. Yesterday was as sunny as it could get, and no probs.

You can set it to ignore highways of course, but you can also set it to ignore unpaved roads, which is awesome (maybe not unique, but I love it).

You know how you are very familiar with how to get from home to <any location here>, but never from location to location?

Yesterday I was in a small rural town, and I set my destination to another rural town 30 miles away and had a *terrific* ride on roads I've never been on - really fabulous.

Not completely sure of map accuracy, it was fine yesterday. Garmin's are usually as good as they get. One bit of advice is to update the maps and the firmware if you get one. The 550 is a few years old, so it will have the factory map and firmware from the date they were made.

 

Delete

 

Update - I moved the connector mount from the tank to the neck. Much better!

 

Nice Mod.
My 09 RKC came with a HD Garmin Zumo 550 ,from previous owner, still in the box.
It came with the HD mount in black , funtional but looks goofy.
I see that Moto Mount make the same set up as you have for the Zumo 550.
I will have to give one a try.

 

Noticed your flush mounted fuel filler cap and gas guage.
Are they HD or after market ?

How do you like the speedo / tach combo ?