[Lost Rider]

I use the Garmin Montana unit because I need the ability to use/manage .GPX tracks. Mostly for dual sport riding on my other bike where tracks are all I need, but for street rides too I prefer to follow tracks instead of routes.
No bluetooth, no XM, no turn by turn spoken directions on the Montana but much more flexibility when it comes to setting up the unit both on how things are displayed and how I manage tracks and routes, plus the ability to have birdseye satellite imagery or Topo maps loaded. The imagery is great when looking for a place to camp, I can look at the actual roads or trail instead of map data that might not be accurate. It's completely readable in direct sunlight too.
The Montana also acts as a remote for my Garmin Virb camera using a built in app and charges the spare VIRB battery, while one is in use one is being charged with no additional gadgets or wiring.

Lots of wiring info in the wiring gadgets sticky thread, like Bose pointed out.


Thread moved to Electronics.

 

[Lost Rider]

From an old GPS hand here, One thing some folks might consider, is if they want to also use the unit in a car. Personally, I have refused to purchase Navigation on any car I purchase new (which is few and far between these days), as I like to move my GPS from car to car. I find I use the Garmin software on my iPhone more than anything else these days, but still use my Nuvi on long trips. Next GPS I buy, I will purchase one that is useable both in the car, and my bike. On the other hand, due to certain issues, I will not be doing long trips on my NineT, so may just find a nice waterproof case and mount for my iPhone! (btw, the Garmin Onboard software for iPhone is seriously more sophisticated than Google or Apple Maps, and has a hook to Google maps for good local info). One caveat, the satellite reception is much more accurate and sensitive on a standalone, than on any current phones.

I agree completely,(though my 5S reception is perfect) there's no need to buy multiple devices or OEM GPS systems, I also use the Garmin app on my iPhone whenever I'm not using the Montana.
This RAM mount works great on a bike or in the car and for $60 you can have your iPhone or any smartphone waterproofed by Liquipel so no case needed.

 

[Lost Rider]

Cool Info Lost. I've looked at that Virb, and wondered whether to get one of those or a GoPro. You have a much more specific need in your GPS than I do. I actually looked into the Montana and other models for back country use, but ended up getting topo maps for my nuvi. Not a good solution, and bad battery performance. For that use, I will probably get one of their better hand held (and AA battery) GPS's. Do you use the Tracks for your clients on tours? So you share those with them digitally, or print out instructions? From your pics and videos, I would imagine some of those routes are not even on mapped routes LOL. Tracks would be very helpful in those situations!

Yeah I have special needs.

Yes, I use tracks on tours, mostly my own tracks from lots of exploring areas I take people to, and many not on any map (Burro trails) but on the ninet I convert routes to tracks using Garmin BaseCamp sometimes. Instead of letting the GPS decide how I'll go, I'll make a route how I want it including telling Basecamp to take twisty roads or not other avoidance's then convert it to a track then drop it in the Montana.
For example, while on this last ride out east I had the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Natchez Trace as tracks on my GPS, something we wanted to ride, but not always limit ourselves to. Meaning, the route I wanted to follow was always showing on the map so when we saw something interesting (or a waypoint I had loaded) we just turned of, wandered a little but still was able to see where we wanted to be heading back to eventually. I can see the track even when zoomed out very far, no guessing if I'm heading toward or away from my "proposed" route.

There's also a fairly large community of people who share tracks online so I can look up tracks and various waypoints (historic places, view peaks, gas stations, valleys, etc) for an area I'll be going through, load them in the Montana and voila, when I'm far from home I have some various routes or places I can interconnect and make work for me while I'm there. It's like having a local guide without having anyone around. The less I have to touch the GPS throughout the day, while keeping my general course + exploring, the better for me.

It might sound like a lot of work, but once you get a workflow going it's fun and something to do before a trip.
Search online for new tracks, look at my tracks, study bird eye imagery, make some tracks giving your self lots of options while still keeping a general direction is common for me.

Many times though just the iPhone (like when going to a new address locally) with Garmin North America app that doesn't need any cell service since it has all maps stored works great. Like you said. On the Ninet it's minimal and is always with you anyways, just need a simple RAM mount.
There's no one tool thats best for all jobs, all GPS's have compromises , luckily at this day and age there's many choices to fit peoples needs, any Garmin product that fits the users requirements is what I'd recommend.



There's many thousands of miles of tracks on my site anyone can download, Garmin Basecamp is free too though it just comes with a world base, detailed maps you have to buy. GPX tracks can be opened in google earth too.
Here's a few places I look for tracks and POI files:
GpsXChange.com - GPS Tracklog / Waypoints / Route exchange Forum POI Factory | new & interesting places for your GPS Dual Sport Maps and GPS Resources

 

[Lost Rider]

Lost, any particular Ram base you suggest? One to attach to the bars or ?.

This is what's pictured on my bike, mounts into the top clamp. About as minimal as you can get and works great if you don't mind your mount in the center of the bike.

RAM Motorcycle Handlebar Clamp Base with M8 Screws

This is the mount I use for an iPhone:

And the arm I use, though you could get longer ones depending on what and how you're mounting on there.

 

[Lost Rider]

yup

 

[Lost Rider]

Sounds like you guy could use some LOST decals.

I'm home for a few days from tour and while I was in the garage I snapped a few photos to share of the iPhone mount I mentioned for anyone interested.

 

[Lost Rider]

Lost, where would be a good electrical point to attach the power cable for the iPhone? If I am not mistaken, there is an adapter for Standard car 12v charging unit, to the BMW on board accessory socket. Since it would be on the bike maybe 10% of the time, wouldn't it just be easy to plug it in there? I think its 5amp, so thats within parameters I believe. Or, would it be advisable to find a can bus adapter, to connect to that GPS plug. Its obviously in the right place. And would keep the accessory unit open. In that case, I would just put an extra wire and plug in there, and tie it in.

The cleanest thing to do IMHO would be to get a USB Weatherproof Power Socket and wire it into the OEM GPS circuit. You could splice it in or get the Touratech adaptor if you don't want to cut the plug. They also sell one with the BMW plug or SAE already on it.
I say cut the plug off and wire directly into the USB charger if you have no plans for a overpriced rebranded BMW (Garmin) unit, but that's just me.
Then you have a waterproof USB power supply, no bulky adaptors or mess of cables when you want to use it, just tuck it in behind head stock. Could also get a short, black Lightning connector on Amazon and get rid of the far too long white Apple one. One thing is for sure, if you plan to use the iPhone as a GPS for more than an hour then it needs to be plugged in or you'll drain your battery quick like.
Cheers!

 

[Lost Rider]

That OEM GPS plug is just a hot and a ground, two wires, no other "info" in it.

You could get one of these Universal GPS Power Connector, BMW CAN-BUS System - Touratech-USA or one of these AMP superseal 2 pole connector set - Touratech-USA to wire in that USB charger I posted.
In the product description Touratech says that having a 5v inline voltage regulator could drain the battery, on the NineT I am certain that none of the accessory circuits stay live after a few minutes with the ignition turned off. No worries there, and I would avoid a cigarette lighter plug or adaptor, they are large and bulky, plus not waterproof and can vibrate apart. BTDT many years ago. .

 

[Lost Rider]

Lost, now that I have a powerlet to USB setup, where do you think a good place to mount the USB head would be? I can go anywhere from 0 distance from the center of the bars, to about 24 inches (standard iPhone cord). Now that I have USB, I can either use my auto garmin nuvi, or my iPhone (have to get some conductive gloves, or stitch in my own thread).

Does the USB head you bought have a cap? In other words can it be waterproof, or are you concerned about it being waterproof?

I just ask since if it need to come off for washes or when riding in the rain it could change how you mount it.

If staying permanently you could run the cables up the frame to the head and secure with zip ties, leaving the USB head behind the steering head to be tucked away between the gussets on the frame when not in use.

Either way post up some photos of what you come up with please, like too see your setup.

 

[Lost Rider]

If any of you Apple Geeks are wondering, the iPhone 6+ does indeed fit in the RAM mount.
The big screen is great for GPS duty on the NineT too.

 

[Lost Rider]

Sooo, I took the plunge and bought a GPS. A Garmin Nuvi 52 LM. A $75 factory refurb.
I don't even have a cell phone so this is a big step, but in my "advancing" yrs I find I can get lost going to the bathroom...

Questions:

Why would you spend (lots) more on a MC specific unit? Seems real easy to spend $500 plus.

Why all the Rube Goldberg mounts? It fits (and is visible) in the clear topped pocket in the top of my official BMW tank bag very nicely. Have to shade it to read it but that's minor.

There's a few reasons people buy MC specific GPS's, first off they are waterproof and vibration proof. I tried running a Nuvi some years ago but it didn't last on the bike before it died.
I did have it in a mount connected to the bars though and not in a tank bag.
Having it in a tank bag clear pocket should help with the vibrations, or keeping it dry, but you also run the risk of it overheating in there with no ventilation. Having it mounted on the bars makes it easier to see and use while in the saddle, if it's facing straight up then you get the sky reflection.
The other thing is MC GPS units have larger buttons for better use with gloves on, different routing options (like "curvy roads) and the much fancier/more expensive ones have bluetooth integration for music and phones. ( something you obviously don't need)
Being able to pump the turn by turn directions into you helmet via bluetooth is great though, no need to take you eyes off the road, just listen when a turn is coming up.

You can also use/manage GPX tracks on the MC specific ones, or use a computer to plan routes and then transfer them, something you might not want, but could be good for winter time planning of trips to pass the time.


Here's a thread/forum you might find useful when it comes to using a Nuvi on a bike.

Nuvi Threadfeast - If it's Nuvi for Autos - it goes here - ADVrider

Layin' down tracks - ADVrider

Either way, it's cool that you took the plunge, a GPS is good tool for riding, finding new routes and exploring. I've ended up on so many cool roads I just would have not found other wise by using a GPS to find my way in a general direction, they are an integral part of my "Getting Lost".

 

[Lost Rider]

Inspired by the informative GPS mounting thread, I decided to add a USB charging cable and RAM phone mount to my bike.

*Snip*
Just one more option to ponder if you want USB power and a place for your electronics!

Since yours is a very relevant, comprehensive and useful post we'll merge it in with the GPS mega thread so it doesn't get lost.