Kawasaki Concours Forum
The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: Elfmaze on April 06, 2012, 09:36:46 AM
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I am currently looking at three versions. The Techmount, the Kawasaki OEM, And Project D's fork mount.
Are there any differences besides style in the units? better range of articulation? or thicker metal between one or the other?
Seemes they all kinda get the job done so i'm thinking get the cheapest of the three.
Universal ram mounts do sound appealing too though, I don't like stem mounts if they can work loose.
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One thing to consider is location of the mount. If you will be pressing buttons on the GPS while riding (as I do on occasion - I know, not safe), having the GPS mounted on the left handlebar is preferable to the center location of the Kawa OEM mount. Also, the Kawa OEM center mount is lower than a handlebar mount, which necessitates taking your eyes off the road to a greater extent when looking at the GPS screen.
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This plastic mount cost less than a dollar. Took all the crap off the back side. Drilled one hole in top of glove box.
Easy to reach and solid as a rock.
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If you have the already installed Murph's Kevin Baker Risers, Murph's now offers a ram ball mount that easily attaches to the risers. You will also need an extension arm and a cradle for your gps. I have this setup for a TOM TOM and it works quite well.
Regarding the GPS on the top of the glove box, the process is innovative but I think this would be little hard to see when wearing a full face helmet.
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I ran my gps units down low for a while and found it better for me to run them up higher to my line of site. You cover a lot of ground when you look down to the gps, find what info you want and then back up. I find myself just lowering my eyes slightly to get to the units now.
I made this out of 1.5 x 1.5 aluminum angle and coated it with plasti-dip spray.
Just another option, John
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One thing to consider is location of the mount. If you will be pressing buttons on the GPS while riding (as I do on occasion - I know, not safe), having the GPS mounted on the left handlebar is preferable to the center location of the Kawa OEM mount. Also, the Kawa OEM center mount is lower than a handlebar mount, which necessitates taking your eyes off the road to a greater extent when looking at the GPS screen.
what he said. Having the GPS close to your left hand is a big plus, and it sits higher than on other locations, which minimizes eyes-off-the-road time.
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I use the TechMount and I think of the 3 you listed, it offers the best adjustability. I think (and I could be wrong) that the Kawi and the Projekt D are just rigid mounts that do not adjust. This is just a personal preference, but I like to keep the look as clean and OEM'ish as possible.
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I use the adjustable one from ProjektD, it's adjustable, mounts to all 6 handlebar bolts and is sturdy.
It tilts up and down, which you will need due to glare
(http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a1dd01b3127ccefcfd953aec5f00000030O01CcNWzly0Yg9vPhw/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/)
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I ran my gps units down low for a while and found it better for me to run them up higher to my line of site. You cover a lot of ground when you look down to the gps, find what info you want and then back up. I find myself just lowering my eyes slightly to get to the units now.
I made this out of 1.5 x 1.5 aluminum angle and coated it with plasti-dip spray.
Just another option, John
How do you see where you're going with all of that stuff up front??? Can you even see the speedo and tach?
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This plastic mount cost less than a dollar. Took all the crap off the back side. Drilled one hole in top of glove box.
Easy to reach and solid as a rock.
I agree. It's an innovative idea, but too low for my taste. Mine's on a RAM mount on the left handbar. Easy access and up high enough to see easily.
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lots of places to put things on those balls
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I used to have my Zumo mounted on a RAM ball on a stem mount. It was ok but flexed a bit and I had to tighten up the stem mount every now and again. Just recently I replaced this setup with the non-adjustable Projekt D solution and it's a lot more vibration resistance and secure.
Install here: http://banditrider.blogspot.co.nz/2012/03/newold-farkle.html (http://banditrider.blogspot.co.nz/2012/03/newold-farkle.html)
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-t9xnuhI6p24/T1FtYy5zFQI/AAAAAAAATCQ/XfqGn1RnJQs/s400/DSCF0620.JPG)
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I did mine a little differently. I modified the mount to angle it up a bit and attached it to the plastic dash. Works just fine for my purposes and I am really surprised at how well I can hear it.
(http://www.stevenferris.com/C14Garmin1.jpg)
(http://www.stevenferris.com/C14Garmin2.jpg)
(http://www.stevenferris.com/C14Garmin3.jpg)
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I do like that left side dash thing. And it looks like Project D has moved to an angle adjustable version. We went on a ride last night and used my cell phone as GPS. Could not see the screen to save my life sitting in the map pocket of my tank bag. Cell phone stayed on top of the bag the whole way home. Thank god it didn't go flying (still in break in period :) ) But it did secure the need for the mount.
I think i'm still aiming for the tree mount. It just seems a cleaner install. I think i'll even still be able to see it over my tank bag. But I was surprised to see that not much bigger than my cell phone in wide aspect can fit there. I don't think some of the wide GPS's will.
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How do you see where you're going with all of that stuff up front??? Can you even see the speedo and tach?
LOL- I was thinking the same thing.
And I was also wondering why anyone would want or need TWO GPS units...
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I used to have my Zumo mounted on a RAM ball on a stem mount. It was ok but flexed a bit and I had to tighten up the stem mount every now and again. Just recently I replaced this setup with the non-adjustable Projekt D solution and it's a lot more vibration resistance and secure.
I have used my Zumo on a RAM mount off my Helibar risers since day one and never have to tighten it and have no vibration problems...
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LOL- I was thinking the same thing.
And I was also wondering why anyone would want or need TWO GPS units...
Nice feature on the Diamond DA40 I fly!
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I have used my Zumo on a RAM mount off my Helibar risers since day one and never have to tighten it and have no vibration problems...
And you probably wouldn't. The one I had relied on a piece of rubber pushed into the steering stem hole which was then squished outwards to hold it in place by tightening the bolt - nowhere near as good as a ball bolted to something solid. In saying all that the mount worked ok for the bike's first 70,000km...
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How do you see where you're going with all of that stuff up front??? Can you even see the speedo and tach?
I can see the speedo clearly but the gps units are more accurate, mine is off 4mph at 60. I just need a clear line of sight to the LCD display.
As far as seeing the tach there is no need to see it. I am not a drag racer having to hit shift points. I certainly dont need it to ride in a civilized manner.
I've spent 40 years riding listening to the engine. When it bogs, downshift. :)
John
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LOL- I was thinking the same thing.
And I was also wondering why anyone would want or need TWO GPS units...
Do you run rallies. Have you ever seen serious rally/LD bikes.
2 gps units are standard on most rally bikes with 3 units very common. And a 4th unit if it is a 2 up pair. Some are even using IPads in the tank bags.
They are used for different applications by different people. Some are strictly back up units with routes and waypoints downloaded for when/if the primary goes on the fritz. Some always have the rally HQ set as home on one unit and it constantly reminds the rider of the amount of time and the route back to HQ so as
not to DNF. Some show all the preselected POI's a particular rider may want on 1 and not the other.
I usually run 2 units with routes entered into both units. The primary is zoomed out to show a larger picture of the route and upcoming towns, weather etc., while the secondary is pulled in tight to show all cross roads/streets with names and also to show what the upcoming road ahead looks like, especially helpful at night in unfamiliar areas. Once you get a feel for curves and bends on the gps screen it is easier to determine entrance speeds into those curves and bends knowing (hopefully) what lies beyond. The Lowrance unit I ran a couple years ago would auto zoom at the city limits and then back out to the level I wanted it outside of those boundaries.
Just a quick abbreviated answer to your question,
John
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Do you run rallies. Have you ever seen serious rally/LD bikes.
No, and no. But now I understand your need!
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No, and no. But now I understand your need!
+1
On long tours I take GPS and maps, and also detailed printouts of those B&Bs I like so much here in Europe. :)
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I've had my Garmin 2610 on a RAM mount up near my LOS since new. I like it there and I can smash a few buttons underway with minimum risk.
(http://dolomoto.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/HNBAS-Tour-2010/IMG0169/1052480652_oeTcw-XL.jpg)