Deek Posted July 16, 2008 Posted July 16, 2008 I recently bought a 1200 RT and I'm in the process of getting it outfitted for touring. I have been trying to figure out a way to mount my Roady XT XM radio. Finally I decided to see if I could some how get the handlebar mount to fit the RT's non-tubular handlebars. I had assumed it would not fit ....well, turns out it does fit, although just barely on the right side near the front brake hydraulic reservoir. I have a COM BMW J&M com system on the left side. Anyone have any issues I may not have considered for mounting the unit there? I've ordered a BMW PowerLet outlet adapter and plan to run the power cord from the outlet on the left side to the radio on the right side. Not the neatest solution, but it's the quickest. During the winter I will tidy up the wiring. I also have an XM SureConnect kit to mount that oddity to the bike's antenna. I understand that will give me a better signal to my BMW's OEM radio than just using the Roady's internal transmitter. I plan on mounting the XM's antenna on the RAM mount itself or on top the front brake reservoir. That is how I had it mounted on my other bikes with the exception of the SureConnect which I did not need on the Venture (it has an Aux input that the BMW does not). Pictures at the link below. Not sure why the photos themselves don't display...... Thanks! http://community.webshots.com/photo/2795697320061932057uQMQFp?vhost=community http://community.webshots.com/photo/2962717080061932057SGjYYK?vhost=community http://community.webshots.com/photo/2759864280061932057zzBeSi?vhost=community
Semper_Fi Posted July 16, 2008 Posted July 16, 2008 Deek - it's totally personal preference but i mounted my GPS on top so I could see the instrument panel. This is a Gadget Guy Mount I located the XM behind the front panel on the bike frame - unless you are going to be moving the XM antenna from vehcile to vehicle it will only take up space "outside" No pictures of the antenna mount but I secured it by zip tying to the frame - it doesn't move and no effect on reception.
Deek Posted July 17, 2008 Author Posted July 17, 2008 Nice installation with the Gadget Guy. Looks like it provides space for other items, right? If your XM is behind the front panel, how do you reach it to change the station, etc.?
Semper_Fi Posted July 17, 2008 Posted July 17, 2008 Deek - clarification. I have the XM antenna mounted on the frame. I access the "radio" thru the GPS. Additonal items can be mounted to the left or right, with size limitations of course
BarOne Posted July 17, 2008 Posted July 17, 2008 Semper_Fi Couple questions for you--I have the NAV II mounted (the one with the extra buttons on the left) with the BMW mount located down low just in front of the ignition. It interferes with the sight line to the dash and also can't be seen easily with the tank bag mounted. I want to raise it like you have done. My questions are these: Did you have enough cable length on the GPS to install it that high on your bike or did you need to modify the cables? Also, does the gadget guy mount require drilling or windshield adjustment? Thanks for your help.
Deek Posted July 17, 2008 Author Posted July 17, 2008 Deek - clarification. I have the XM antenna mounted on the frame. I access the "radio" thru the GPS. Additonal items can be mounted to the left or right, with size limitations of course You must have a different GPS than I do. Your GPS has a built in XM radio I takt it? What a great idea.
Deek Posted July 17, 2008 Author Posted July 17, 2008 I have a 2820 I heard the BMW Nav III is a 2820 but it cannot be. The GPS I have has no XM radio. Good idea to have an XM built into the GPS however.
Mike05 Posted July 18, 2008 Posted July 18, 2008 Semper_Fi, I'm really interested in the specifics of where you mounted the XM Antenna. I'd like to mount it out of sight (will not be moving it around) on my '05 R1200RT. When you refer to "behind the front panel", could you please provide some more detail? Does it mount "face up" or sideways? Is the front panel the dash or one of the front side tupperware pieces? Thanks for any detail you can provide!
Kenn45 Posted July 18, 2008 Posted July 18, 2008 Which antenna are you using? I have the GXM 30 with a Zumo 550. I have the Zumo mounted on the clutch reservoir using the Ram mounting plate and ball from Cycle Gadgets. I have added the mounting plate that fastens to the Zumo mount another Ram product from Cycle Gadgets. However, it is too big and I cannot fully lower the windshield. I am going to try to adapt a reservoir mount on the brake side to work with the mounting plate that came with the XM 30. The instructions and the Zumo Forum say the XM 30 needs a clear view of the sky.
Semper_Fi Posted July 18, 2008 Posted July 18, 2008 Semper_Fi, I'm really interested in the specifics of where you mounted the XM Antenna. I'd like to mount it out of sight (will not be moving it around) on my '05 R1200RT. When you refer to "behind the front panel", could you please provide some more detail? Does it mount "face up" or sideways? Is the front panel the dash or one of the front side tupperware pieces? Thanks for any detail you can provide! Mike - this is what i did to mount mine. I took off the front headlight nacelle assembly - it is only 4 bolts and 1 connector. I did it because I have my GPS mounted on top of the Instrument Panel and routed the harness behind the support for the IP. Depending on how you have your GPS/XM radio mounted this may not be neccesary, but it greatly facilitates access. I mounted the antenna to the provided mounting braket in the kit and then zipped tied that assembly to the bike's frame as shown. I have no reception issues as the antenna is basically surrounded by plastic and plastic is invisible to the signal Second view
Semper_Fi Posted July 18, 2008 Posted July 18, 2008 Semper_Fi Couple questions for you--I have the NAV II mounted (the one with the extra buttons on the left) with the BMW mount located down low just in front of the ignition. It interferes with the sight line to the dash and also can't be seen easily with the tank bag mounted. I want to raise it like you have done. My questions are these: Did you have enough cable length on the GPS to install it that high on your bike or did you need to modify the cables? Also, does the gadget guy mount require drilling or windshield adjustment? Thanks for your help. BarNone - responses below Did you have enough cable length on the GPS to install it that high on your bike or did you need to modify the cables? I used the Garmin Power Cable it is about 2 meters long so I had plenty of length to go to power (Centech panel mounted near top of rear shock). I have the cable routed along the side frame, underneath the gas tank and then up the back of the IP to the top where the GPS is mounted. Does the gadget guy mount require drilling or windshield adjustment? Yes the instructions call for drilling two holes - see referenced link for more details http://www.gadgetguy.net/Installation_Instructions/KitIX/Bracket_Kit_IX_no_base_plate_installation.pdf) However what I did was at the 12 o'clock position of the cover for the instrument panel I created a recess were to tuck in the cables to the GPS and wire wrapped them - can't really see them unles you look under the mount. The is absolutely no interference issues with the windshield - i have full operation capability full down to full up. You do however have to raise the windshield to access the lock to open it GPS holder to remove the GPS. I have had this mount for many months and recommned it very highly, extremely sturdy and robust and also does not interfere with line off-sight. Genna (Gadget Guy's service support is excellent)
Mike05 Posted July 18, 2008 Posted July 18, 2008 Semper_Fi, Perfect! Exactly what I needed to see! Thanks for the photo's; makes it easier to understand. Nicely done.
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