Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)When I got a new GPS, I needed a new mount for my motorcycle since the old was 4x3 and this one is wide screen.
I considered some of those cheaper mounts that hold on essentially with a large zip tie. I finally decided to pay the extra money and go with this mount manufactured by RAM Mounts. I'm so very glad I did.
The quality is excellent and it really holds the GPS securely. Plus, RAM offers a large number of spare parts and optional add-ons for their products, so if it breaks way down the road, I know I can replace anything that is broken. With those other mounts, they seem to be pretty much an all-in-on device, meaning it's replace it all if part of it breaks. That giant molded in zip tie worried me a lot on those other solutions.
Here are a few highlights of this mount:
- It has a very robust adjustment arm that pretty much lets you place the GPS about anywhere you need it. I have mine set so, when I'm on the bike, it appears below my gauges. That makes it easy to check everything in essentially one spot.
- The mount attaches to the bike with a large U-Bolt. There is a plastic insert to protect the handlebar chrome. You may have to trim the ends of the threads down for very skinny handlebars since they're pretty long. I have 1" diameter bars and it was very close to avoid interfering with the arm. I couldn't use the rubber caps provided since those made the threads stick up just a bit to far to allow full arm motion. I may trim them down, though I'm not sure if I'll use the caps. They seem like something that is bound to fall off on the road, anyway. I mounted the arm right above the clamp for my windshield, so if it does slip, it won't go far.
- You can adjust the arm in multiple directions with one friction knob. It holds very securely when tightened by hand.
- The GPS is held on both the top and bottom and stays thoroughly put. I have no fear it will pop out of the cradle. There is room to leave the car power adapter attached while in the mount. You'll want to connect it to the back of the GPS before placing it in the holder, though or you won't be able to fit it in behind. There's just enough room back there when it's already installed, which is good. It means the connector won't pop off the GPS.
- The only negative part is the lack of directions. It fit together fine, but there were extra screws provided that worried me until I realized they really were extra. There was a set of black and a set of shiny screws you can use to attach the mount. It's pretty easy to figure things out, though: screw the holder onto the arm with two of the steel screws and the nuts, stick the U-bolt around the handlebars with the plastic insert on the curved side. Tighten the nuts onto the U-bolt until it doesn't move. Then use the knob on the arm to adjust things. It may be easier to loosen it and remove the arm from the U-bolt assembly while you tighten the nuts. If the thread ends stick out too far, just use a hack saw or Dremel tool to shorten them.
I rode for at least 20 miles, half on the highway and half on our famously beat up streets we have in the Northeast. The GPS didn't budge. The mount held it very well. I have no worries it will do its job on longer trips.
I'm very pleased I didn't cheap out.
I included some photos at the top of the page so you can see the mount in use.
Click Here to see more reviews about: RAM-B-149Z-GA26U: RAM Bike / Motorcycle Handlebar Mount for Garmin Nuvi 710, ...
Design: Sleek and rugged construction for heavy duty operation. Fit: Fits on handlebars up to 1? inch in diameter ( from 0.5" to 1?" inches). Material: Powder Coated Marine Grade Aluminum. Ball Size: 1 Inch Rubber Ball. Color: Black Powder Coat
No comments:
Post a Comment