► GPS mounts/connections and Autocomm (consolidated)

I think sat-nav manufacturers and dealers have a vested interest in worrying motorcycling customers into paying more than three or four times the cost of a car sat-nav for a bike specific one.:augie

Things like the Givi bag could signal the end of them being able to overprice motorcycle items. Let's hope so.:thumb2
 
Just rung Bykebitz and tried to buy a Givi S850 sat-nav holder. Apparently there's none in the country yet, and they hope to take their first delivery next week.
After getting lost (again) last weekend on the Brecon Beacons, I'll be buying one as soon as they're in stock.
 
Just passing on a warning from the local, large GPS dealer... They strongly recommend only using automobile GPS units on motorcycles when mounted in tank bags. They have had many bad experiences with bar-mounted automobile units being returned for repair with loose components rattling around inside. They argue that the surface-mount technology of the automobile units cannot withstand prolonged vibration when mounted on rigid handlebar supports. Only the motorcycle-specific (and consequently expensive) units are built to take the vibration. Be forewarned ...

Mike

Is there a problem though?
I thought with the modern solid-state technology in GPS that there was nothing really to rattle around and become damaged.
Is this just a scare tactic to make us all buy zumo's at £400 a pop or is there really an issue :nenau
 
The givi one is ugly but a gooooood solution.

I'm planning to get one next time I go back to Rome.

or

There are some on the italian eBay. I'll ask the seller if they can ship it to UK and how much it will cost.
(oooops didn't see dickieboyt post :) )
 
Givi S850 - just made one in the garage....

Thanks for the posts on the subject, I really like the look of the Givi S850 but can not justify the £30-40 for one. So a look in the garage found a small tank bag (purchased from e bay a couple of years ago for £9.00). The GPS fits in the clear window section and the power lead pops out against a closed zip.

The bag has a clip at the bottom and a securing loop at the top, so I folded the bag into two and secured with a zip tie. Test ride las weeked and it works fine , the only problem is the sun, a rare thing in the UK but if it is above or behind you then you can not see the screen without shielding the unit with your hand. So solved one problem and now have another:blast

Thanks

Tim
 

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Hi Tim

I was thinking of a similar solution but wondered whether you could use a small ear / headphone to get the spoken instruction rather than the need to see the screen?

john
 
tom tom on bikes.

Hi John,

don't see why not, I managed to use mine fitted this way across France and down through Spain last year. It was perfect for finding the hotels and checking where we were.

Bike versions have yet to come down in price, I am sure they will eventually.

Tim
 
Hi Tim

I was thinking of a similar solution but wondered whether you could use a small ear / headphone to get the spoken instruction rather than the need to see the screen?

john

Thats what I do with my phone/pda..use Co Pilot and stick it in my pocket. Earphones on, rely on spoken instructions...works fine .

Phil
 
Came across this on ebay. Looks an interesting alternative if you're also in the market for a magnetic tank bag.

Just below £60 though.
 

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Just got back from home (Rome), bought myself a small present.
Quick and dirty: does the job.

givigps.jpg
 
I'm heading off on the bike for Italy on Friday - I'm tempted! :)

How much was it? And would it work while a tankbag was in place?
 
Not really sure what the price was: I bought a couple of small things (the shop is my usual "dealer" back home :lol: ) and the credit card statement said 50 quid... so considering exchange and the other stuff I bought it might have been roughly 40 euros.

A few things to be said: I seldom use the sat nav, I don't like it too much, still a fan of paper maps and "following the road". :augie :D
On the R1150R I used to place it in the tank-bag, under the transparent part.
That's why I was interested into this GIVI thingie.

I use no tank bag on the S. You usually drive with your chest on top of the tank... a bag will be a pain ;)

Fixing the tomtom into the bag takes some time (the tomtom one is really small, bigger sat nav might fit in a easier way), and you need to "block" it properly with the provided straps, otherwise it will float around.
The bag it's quite large. I think it was initially created for scooters and maxi scooter use.

Visibility is bad in direct sunlight, but I already knew it since the tank-bag experience :augie

The transparent plastic sometimes pushes on the tom tom screen activating the menu, etc.
The easiest thing for me so far is to set the tom tom outside the bag and then put it in. Experience for other sat navs might vary ;)

Apart from this is a nice quick and dirty solution, especially if you don't want to buy or use any metal mounts and waterproof plastic cases to use the sat nav a few times during the year. :thumb2
A waterproof protection is included (but it's not shown in my photo).
 
Thanks for the description er-minio. I'll look out for one next week and make my mind up then. Not just as cheap as I'd have liked though!
 
Yes it's not really cheap but it's quality: the zips, the extra pocket on the back, etc.
 


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