Motorcycle GPS

I alluded to providing greater detail of how I set up GPS on my 1986 Kawasaki Concours (ZG1000).  I had noticed some commentary in the COG forums where people were seeking cheaper alternatives to the $600-700 GPS units designed for motorcycle.  Don't get me wrong, those expensive units are nice and will definitely get the job done, but that is an awfully steep price tag.



Here is the solution I designed:

 Parts

     TomTom One touchscreen GPS
     Suction cup mount
     Glue gun (or screws)
     Power outlet from the battery
     USB charger

Steps

     1. Attach power adapter wires to the battery.
              a. Route wires from under seat along left inner fairing
              b. Tie down to prevent abrasion and shorting out 
     2. Connect usb adapter in a secure area along the inner fairing.
              a.  Secure with ties.
     3.  Secure the GPS mount
               a.  Squirt some hot glue into the suction cup base and secure to the top of the
                     instrument panel.  (See photo above)
               b.  For additional security, screw to plastic.
      4.  Run usb cable provided with GPS to adapter in fairing. 
               a.  Secure the cable to avoid abrasion
      5.  Fasten GPS into mount and plug in USB.

Considerations

The discussion found on the COG forum also was concerned with function in wet weather.  I lived up in Seattle with this arrangement and can vouch for it's capability.  The full fairing and (tall) windscreen on the Concours provide ample protection.  However, in the worst of conditions (which you should probably just park in), I found a simple ziploc bag placed over the GPS worked fine.

On the cheap

This solution's total cost retail would be maybe $120.  However, I believe in recycling and am uber cheap, so I sourced my materials from Craigslist.  My TomTom GPS only cost me $20, the mount another $6, and the wiring and adapters I had already.

Function

I found the TomTom usable even with gloves on, but just barely.  It was far easier to do with the gloves off.  As far as adjustments and corrections while riding down the road.....I wouldn't recommend it.  After all, we have enough to worry about while on a bike anyway.

Keep the rubber side down!