Garmin Montana GPS on my Apex

[Yamahadj]

I'm getting a Garmin Montana GPS for Christmas. I'm going to mount it above the gauge pod. I've been using an etrex mounted to the riser with a RAM mount. While this is ok when stopped, it's impossible to glance down that far and see anything while moving. I've found a few gps pics on here, but none mounted above the pod. Anyone have one mounted above the pod and care to share how you mounted it? I'm going to use the Amps Rugged mount with probably some combination of RAM parts. I'm going to check right now and see what I can come up with.

 

[trailhed1]

These guys make a system that has a bracket that mounts to the rear of the pod. It is kind of Pricey and not sure if you can fit the Montana in the included pouch to cover it but you can just use the braket and it has a ram mount ball on it.

Can't seem to post the link

Google Trailsytems.com

Check Smartholders

 

[steiner]

Here is a thread with the GPS mounted to the gauge pod
http://www.ty4stroke.com/threads/which-ram-mount-should-i-buy-nuvi-550-and-2010-vector.116646/

 

[Yamahadj]

Thanks for the ideas guys, I checked them both out, but not quite what I was looking for as far as placement. The smart holder seemed to put it way out front of the pod.

Here's what I come up with, pretty simple, should be plenty sturdy, and I can use a couple of the RAM pieces I already have.

Took a piece of 3/16 x 1 1/2 x 1 1/2 aluminum angle I had laying around and cut it to 4" long.



I'll use SS flat head machine screws coming up under the aluminum to hold the RAM base (nuts on top). To hold the angle to the housing, I'll use flat heads again from the side you see above and put a strap of aluminum behind the housing with washers and nuts. That will give a lot of bearing surface to the plastic on both sides and the aluminum angle will also rest on the top of the housing. There is just enough space between the pod and housing for the angle and plenty of room on the other side for a strap and nuts. Also, this will only add holes to the housing behind the pod so if I ever take it off, I won't be left with any visible holes.

I did a little shaping for looks...



This should position the Amps Rugged Mount about where I want it. (Don't have it yet). It it's too high, there is a shorter arm.



I'll post more pics and details as I get the rest of the parts and put it together.

 

[trailhed1]

Nice Job on that. I like it.

 

[CaptCaper]

You must stand up when riding???? I have no issues reading my Montana mounted on the riser with a ram mount. I mount it landscape mode with a rugged mount. If you sit it's actually much closer to your face and I'm able to easily touch the screen for menus.

I'm getting a Garmin Montana GPS for Christmas. I'm going to mount it above the gauge pod. I've been using an etrex mounted to the riser with a RAM mount. While this is ok when stopped, it's impossible to glance down that far and see anything while moving. I've found a few gps pics on here, but none mounted above the pod. Anyone have one mounted above the pod and care to share how you mounted it? I'm going to use the Amps Rugged mount with probably some combination of RAM parts. I'm going to check right now and see what I can come up with.

 

[burlyviper]

I just bought a 6" ram arm and installed this past weekend. A downside to this is I cannot use my wind shield bag.

 

[Yamahadj]

You must stand up when riding???? I have no issues reading my Montana mounted on the riser with a ram mount. I mount it landscape mode with a rugged mount. If you sit it's actually much closer to your face and I'm able to easily touch the screen for menus.

Nope, I rarely stand.

I just bought a 6" ram arm and installed this past weekend. A downside to this is I cannot use my wind shield bag.View attachment 101688View attachment 101689View attachment 101690

Thanks for the pics. That's what I'm going for. Do you like that location? I'm hoping I can still use my windshield bag.

 

[burlyviper]

I like the location, in my line of sight. With the Nuvi, the top edge is touching the windshield, so I doubt I can use my windshield bag.

 

[airboss]

I'm the one, who had posted the mod referred to in the link above. I've been running this set-up on two sleds for the past few seasons now, with no complaints. As you can see, this also allows the use of a windshield bag.

 

[Grimm]

I made my own mount out of a plastic kitchen cutting board in which I mounted my guage to it, as well as a RAM mount. Because I installed a set of handlebar risers, I also mounted the guage a couple of inches higher to allow for a better sight line.It does interfere with the windshield bag though and makes it diffult to access.

A couple of downfalls mounting the gps to the dashboard is that it doesn't make for a real solid mount. The gps bounces/flops around more than I like, plus using the gps is more difficult as you have to reach over your handlebars to use it. I ended up going back to mounting my gps to the handlebar riser for better access, but kept the speedo guage in its relocated higher position.

Sorry I don't have any pics...sled is still waiting to be taken out of storage.

 

[airboss]

I made my own mount out of a plastic kitchen cutting board in which I mounted my guage to it, as well as a RAM mount. Because I installed a set of handlebar risers, I also mounted the guage a couple of inches higher to allow for a better sight line.It does interfere with the windshield bag though and makes it diffult to access.

A couple of downfalls mounting the gps to the dashboard is that it doesn't make for a real solid mount. The gps bounces/flops around more than I like, plus using the gps is more difficult as you have to reach over your handlebars to use it. I ended up going back to mounting my gps to the handlebar riser for better access, but kept the speedo guage in its relocated higher position.

Sorry I don't have any pics...sled is still waiting to be taken out of storage.

In my case, I fabricated an aluminum backing plate which provides reinforcement for the ram mount. There is no movement or vibration whatsoever.

 

[Yamahadj]

Finished.








Put a connector on...

 

[Irv]

Finished.








Put a connector on...

Nice work.