Need some input on what others are doing for their GPS units. I have a cheapo Garmin Nuvi 205 that I use in my car and on my bike ('12 RK). On the bike I have a RAM mount on the handlebars that I can easily remove the dock which just leaves a small ball.

Typically I only put the GPS unit on the bike if I'm planning on taking a long ride and I normally leave it turned off until I need it to get me back home (basically I take off and try to get lost ). I don't have any type of power connector for the unit and I have to rely on it's battery life for use, which typically lasts me 1-2 hours.

What I'd like is to have a power cable to power the unit but have a way of easily disconnecting the power cord. That way if I don't have the GPS mounted I don't have a power cord dangling anywhere. I've thought about the HD aux power connector, but I have no idea where I'd mount it on my RK up near where the GPS unit is.

Also even though I like the RAM mount, I'd like to see if anyone has used any other types that might look/work better mounted on the bike.

Send me your thoughts, pics, suggestions please

 

I had wired a cigarrete lighter socket in a windshield bag. When I mounted GPS it plugged into bag. When off the bike wires were in bag and all you saw was the ram mount ball. Don't have fat boy anymore but this worked well for me.

 

Here's my complete write up of my (waterproof) Nuvi 550:

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...gps-setup.html

Post #4 has a complete list of parts, links and prices.

 

Ideally you need a USB power connector. Unfortunately you alos need a bit more juice than the average USB power adapter. I solved this by building my own adapter and wiring it into the accessory power. This is waht I ordered:

http://www.digikey.com/product-detai...6-5-ND/2259781

I wired it up and put it in a very small and water tight container that is hidden inside my fairing - although you don't need a fairing to tuck something like this out of sight.

I sacrificed a spare USB cable that I had lying around.

I use Velcro reusable cable ties to secure the cable. (Home Depot sells them)

http://www.homedepot.com/buy/velcro-...ck--90924.html


I then bought a GPS mount off eBay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Motorcycle-G...4&cmd=ViewItem

(search eBay for "Motorcycle GPS Mount Garmin Nuvi Streetpilot 1" barMotorcycle GPS Mount Garmin Nuvi Streetpilot 1" bar", make sure you get the right size for your bike).


The whole set-up works like a charm.

 

The cleanest setup is to install a Kuryakyn power outlet on your handlebar. Mine is wired so it comes on when the key is on. Then, either use the power cord you have for the Garmin or better yet purchase a USB garmin charging cable from 3BRPowersports. If you use the USB charging cable you will also need a Griffin Powerjolt Dual Universal USB Micro adapter. You can order this from Amazon.com for $5.60.

I have this setup on my Road King and it works great. Much better than snaking a cord from your GPS to a power outlet in your saddlebag.

 

Ordered the powerport and connectes it to the fender tip lighting circuit so it turns off when the ignition switch is off from http://www.3brpowersports.com/. I also ordered the 1 foot usb cable for the garmin Nuvi. The powerport supplies USB voltage from the 12 volts that poweres the fender light. Even though my '04 RK Custom doesn't have the light the wiring is there. The powerport has a handlebar mounting.

 

Crikey - I just looked that up. I'm having a hard time equating "cleanest" and that big thing hanging off my bars. No offense - I'm not even sure there'd be room for that on my bars.

This is what you're talking about right? http://www.jpcycles.com/product/383-548

 

Great suggestions by all...thanks alot guys!

 

It fits just fine and is fairly unobtrusive. If I could figure out how to upload pictures I post of pic of my setup so you could see. i've tried the running wires to my bags and found that to be a messy solution.

Unfortunately, there are only a few solutions for a Road King. I like the Kuryakyn powerport the best.

 

That's cool - I believe you. These things always look different in real life! Post em if you can.