Which Ram Mount should I buy? Nuvi 550 and 2010 Vector

[ODogfromMA]

Buying on-line with a short window before my trip and I'd like to order the correct Ram Mount the 1st time I have a 2010 Vector and just ordered a Garmin Nuvi 550.
There are so many options on the Ram Mount website, I'm bound to order something not optimal.

I have a tank bag, so would prefer to mount it higher up near the speedo.
If you have a similar setup, would you please share which mount you use?

Thanks!
O
Optimally, I'd like to buy a mount, or part of such that I could use on my motorcycle come spring, but don't want to compromise quality or effectiveness.

 

[airboss]

Here's what I've done to both my 2010 Vector LTX and Apex LTX.

 

[ODogfromMA]

That's the best setup I've seen. Thank you.

I see you're from N.B. I'm heading to the Gaspe in late Feb for the first time. I hope they get some more snow!
Thanks again.
Owen

 

[airboss]

Yeah, I hope we get more snow as well... there's a two-day melt down heading our way forecasted for tomorrow and the next day.

Let me know if you would like to see more detailed pics of the installation.

 

[ODogfromMA]

My only concern would be the vibration. How long have you had this setup? Does it stay pretty still, considering the mount location is plastic? Any chance the dash could crack after a few bumpy trails?

Thank again.

 

[Grimm]

I mounted mine to the handlebar riser so the gps sits above the gas cap. Easy access while stopped, no awkward reaching over the bars to change settings, etc.

 

[airboss]

My only concern would be the vibration. How long have you had this setup? Does it stay pretty still, considering the mount location is plastic? Any chance the dash could crack after a few bumpy trails?

Thank again.

I ran this setup on my Apex all last winter, with no issues. I had a similar setup on my previous RX-1, and preferred the location next to the RPM gauge. There is no vibration, and as far as cracks, none (so far), which is the reason I installed a backing plate in behind. I put in a small bend (on the plate) to match the curve in the plastic panel to ensure a uniform fit between the two pieces. If you should decide to do this, you should file down the back of the RAM mount, so it matches up with the dash, as I have previously noted.

I also have a RAM mount on the handle bar riser, which is how I started off, after moving up from my RX-1. But (for me) with that setup having the GPS unit sit on top of the riser pad, I find you take your eyes off the trail too long to look at the display. That's why I took the trouble to install a mount up front next to the gauge pod.

 

[airboss]

That's the best setup I've seen. Thank you.

I see you're from N.B. I'm heading to the Gaspe in late Feb for the first time. I hope they get some more snow!
Thanks again.
Owen

If you're going to ride in Quebec, or even in New Brunswick for that matter, and you don't have any mapping software for your Nuvi, you should checkout www.trakMaps.com . I am running their new mapping software (which is routable) on both my 60CSX and Nuvi, and it works awesome.

 

[marq]

Check out this thread: http://ty4stroke.com/viewtopic.php?t=78805&highlight=

I'm at work right now, and our firewall doesn't let me see photos that are hosted on imageshack or photobucket, but if you can view the pics mine and others are listed there.

I use the RAM handlebar mount without the "U" bracket. I ditched the "U" part of the bracket and bolted it to the riser.