Tether my Garmin GPS?

[gymbo87]

 Bought a Garmin Nuvi (Non motorcycle GPS) and a handlebar mount for the Valk. I would like to tether the unit from one of the two mounting screws on the Garmin unit, as an extra measure of security, in case it pops off of the bracket, or if the bracket pops off of the mount ball. I hate to see it hit the pavement! Any suggestions on what I could use, or perhaps another safety option. I thought of using some fishing line aound one of the scews, then just wrapping around the handlebar. I'm sure someone here a better way?  Thanks, Jimbo

[scoot]

I used a piece of strap with a clip on the end. I screwed one end to the back of the GPS. I then just clip the other end over a cable when its on the bike. Unfortunately I learn this after the first GPS took the drop, bounce and get run over test of the first GPS. It failed  

[Skinhead]

Crimp a ring terminal on the end of a piece of stranded wire, if you have a splice terminal make a loop in the other end of the wire and hook it over the ball of your HB mount.

[dreamaker]

I don't know what Nuvi you have but I would not recommend  the dash mount for the bike. Ram makes motorcycle mounts for Nuvi's, they have better holding power and you can go to the sight and punch in your model.  One thing about Ram if you go to the complete mount the ball joints are rubber coated so it soaks up the vibration and shock of the road.

http://www.rammount.com/Products/MotorcycleMounts/tabid/128/Default.aspx#/wizard

Also there is a waterproof mount you may consider as an other option.

http://www.amazon.com/Motorcycle-WEATHERPROOF-Handlebar-Mount-Garmin/dp/B001G189DM

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

I use a large rubberband to hold mine in the ram mount for extra protection.

[Promagnaman]

I've had good luck with these guys for ram mount products...


http://www.mountguys.com/category_s/4917.htm

[Fudd]

After drowning a Garmin Nuvi last year, I've since bought a water proof mount from Amazon for $16.  It works great.  Two thumbs up!

[mirion]

Ive got the RAM mount now for several years and as Dreamaker said, it isolates from vibration very nicely and it has never loosened at all while riding. I think the double rubber ball is a great idea.

[dragon_slayer_129]

I'd suggest getting a ram mount like mentioned before.  I've got one for my older garmin nuvi 680 and it works great....it can be hooked up to the valk via the aux plug to play mp3's and for navigation as well.  Granted the gps isn't a motorcycle specific model that is waterproof but it works fine for me.....a ziploc bag makes mine pretty much waterproof

I had it mounted on my VTX and now it's on the valk


With the gps installed:


I am getting power for it on the vtx via a 12V outlet mounted in the windshield bag and on the valk via a 12V outlet mounted in the left side pod.

Dragon Slayer 129

[Motorider]

I used stainless steel fishing leader on my mount. Strong, already has the loops, and it dosen`t distract from the looks of the bike.

[salty1]

+1 RAM mounts!

[gordonv]

I went to the $ store and bought one of those necklesses with a clip on the end. I looped it around my GPS and then clip it to the bike. It will hold the GPS if the suction cup lets loose from my tank.

I also mounted my radio remote control with a RAM mount ball screwed to a custom plate on the back. No need for a safety strap. (pictures coming)

[MarkT]

I'm confidant in my Zumo 550 Ball mount - it has never released accidentally in years of use, with the same mount on both bikes.  I like that I can pop it off and stick it in my pocket in one second.  I note, while reading many RR's on advrider, I have never seen any mention of a lanyard or seen one in a photo - nearly all adventure riders use the Zumo 550.

Edit - I'm thinking mine is also a RAM mount. The one provided by Garmin, has two rubberized gimbal balls that are connected.  Is really solid and adjustable.  A quick-release holds the Zumo.  It has never released unexpectedly.  I duplicated the same mount for the wing.  BTW the Zumos are waterproof, gasketed to a mil spec - immersible to some depth for some time.

[RainMaker]

I got one of the handlebar mounts with a ball to use with the Garmin Nuvi and it fell off a few times during a long trip.  Enough so that I bought the RAM mount and had it delivered to Inzane before riding back.  The RAM mount never has let go and with the double ball, you can position it anywhere.  For rain, I just put a sandwich bag around it and bind the back with duct tape.  Just rode thru two days of soakers with no water getting close to the Nuvi and I could operate the screen with both the bag and my gloves on.

RainMaker

[GotValk]

 I also have the ram mount, It is so solid I don't have it tethered very trust worthy , I did have it mounted to the bars closer to the front brake lever but there was way too much flex in those handle bars that I moved it to the center of the bar mounts, This is a very stable mount , plus I see it better.

Gary

[Farther]

Here's the Ram Mount I use with good success with my Garmin Nuuvi.
http://www.rammount.com/CatalogResults/PartDetails/tabid/63/partid/082065077045066045051054055085/Default.aspx