Alternate GXM Mounting Location

[Semper_Fi]

This weekend I swapped over the farkles from the RT onto the GT.

One of the things i wanted to do was have the GXM Antenna mounted in the same location as on the RT - behind the instrument panel.

Mostly for aesthics - do not want to clamp on the bar or other areas.

Also was thinking of doing what others did by drilling a hole and mounting it under the windshield cover.

So I took off the front end and took a look behind the IP and found this place:

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm43/Semper_Fi_LR/1300KGT/GPS%20Install/DSC05638.jpg

There is no interference with the cover

It is very securely mounted

And most important no effect to reception.

Just another idea.......:lurk

[wmchardy]

Some time back, I came across this photo, along with other pics and pretty detailed mounting information. I can't seem to locate it now. Can you tell me where I can find that information, as I am about to mount my Garmin Zumo 550 and GXM30. Also, as an update, have you experienced any reception problems with the antenna mounted under the front cover?

Thanks

Will

[Gilly]

http://www.k-bikes.com/forums/showpost.php?p=129937&postcount=1

Not it, thought you might like to see it.
Gilly

[Gilly]

Or this?
http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=38866

[Gilly]

You could get your bike taken apart to that degree pretty quickly by following the instructions I wrote for installing an aftermarket Xenon bulb also:
http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=40129

[dwestly]

If you don't feel like burying your GXM antenna, it fits really well right behind the handelbars. Just take off the black plastic cover on the underside of the bars, and with a very quick grind, the standard Garmin GXM mounting bracket will fit right between the cover mounting screws...then you just put the black cover back on over the bracket for a nice, clean installation.

http://bdrfjw.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pUv4H5nrcnacvsXqBtd7IAE5WyFfv-CDLIg1pw7DQCNDMOv5KBM41Lbk-TUV1b04AkI-c1EIstH7hvMimuFnSlnatqkiz2iy_/SANY1025.JPG

[Semper_Fi]

If you don't feel like burying your GXM antenna, it fits really well right behind the handelbars. Just take off the black plastic cover on the underside of the bars, and with a very quick grind, the standard Garmin GXM mounting bracket will fit right between the cover mounting screws...then you just put the black cover back on over the bracket for a nice, clean installation.

http://bdrfjw.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pUv4H5nrcnacvsXqBtd7IAE5WyFfv-CDLIg1pw7DQCNDMOv5KBM41Lbk-TUV1b04AkI-c1EIstH7hvMimuFnSlnatqkiz2iy_/SANY1025.JPG

Very COOL!

[dwestly]

Actually, I mounted it here because I had the bike for less than 24 hours before I had to leave on a long road trip, and didn't have time for another solution. It turned out so well I just left it. Just pull off the plastic cover behind/under the handlebars. All you have to do is make 4 little rounded notches in the edge of the mounting bracket (2 on each side) so it will fit between the black plastic cover mounting screws and pins. Once you look under there, the solution is obvious. I did it with a bench grinder, but you can do it with a round hand file just as easily. The mounting is secure and clean once you put the black cover back over the mounting bracket. It took me all of ten minutes to do it, once I figured out where/how to mount it.

[Gilly]

Will the painted cover over the cycle battery still come off without removing the bracket?
Gilly

[dwestly]

Yep, there is plenty of clearance. I even have the bars set back with the Pirate's Lair risers, and still have clearance.

[Gilly]

Just thinking it might be a good place to put a holder for an mp3 player. Normally wouldn't really think about a mount for that, but I'm thinking about a charger cord for it, so I wouldn't have to worry about a dead battery on a longer trip.

Gilly

[dwestly]

It's a good mounting spot, with the right mounting bracket. The GXM antenna bracket for the Garmin just happens to fit almost perfectly...sheer luck that I discovered it...

[Gilly]

OH but I'd need something for a bracket. Well the MP3 player is still on Santa's sleigh over in japan somewhere yet anyways. I "asked" for a SanDisk Clip Plus, I can probably get the clip to interact with something I can make myself, still unsure about hardwiring a charger cord though:scratch

[dwestly]

Try http://www.gadgetguy.net . He makes a lot of good mounting bracket solutions...

[Gilly]

If you mean me, I have a brother that can make something up for me. Once I get an MP3 player I'll have some idea what the part needs to look like that the player mounts to.
Gilly