GPS recommendations
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 514
Likes: 2
From: Visalia CA
When I got back to the house last week from overseas I installed the Nuvi 250 on a Ram Mount and routed the power cord under then dash to the battery. So far so good, I can see the screen except for when the sun is shining directly on it. When I get back from the trip I am on now I will probably re-route the power cable to the ACC switch so that I can give it power when I want instead of it being live all the time on the direct battery hook up.
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 18,304
Likes: 26,543
From: Northwest of Los Angeles
All great points, Doc, and some of the reasons I leaned towards getting the 765T instead of a less featured (...and less expensive) model GPS. I figured it was better to spend a little more many than originally planned and have all of the features at my disposal, instead of saving a few bucks and then wishing I had some of the features I didn't. 
And it wasn't such a bad thing that I could save about $400+ in the process by deciding not to go with the Zumo series. 
And it wasn't such a bad thing that I could save about $400+ in the process by deciding not to go with the Zumo series. Here's a tip regarding Nuvis and screen brightness. If you hook it up to a power source on your bike using the external power outlet on the bottom of the Nuvi (the outlet used for the wall power cord), it will only get just so bright and will be hard to see on the bike much of the time. If you hook it up using the car power cord with the cigarette lighter plug, it will be MUCH brighter on the bike and you probably won't need a hood.
Try it yourself. Turn it on using the internal battery, then connect the external power cord and plug it into the wall. You'll see the screen dim immediately.
I soldered a lighter plug to the end of the external power cord, with the other end attached to the battery, and ordered a spare car power cord from Garmin without the traffic attachment (I don't care about traffic in California -- we're allowed to lane split here). Works great.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 255
Likes: 11
From: Southwest, MT
What size diameter are the stock handlebars on the 2010 Ultra Classic Limited?? I need to order the handlebar mount. And do you recommend getting the usb hard wire setup for the 765T?
I almost got the 780 on Amazon for 169.99, but the 765T refurbish is more of a current model for the same price.
I almost got the 780 on Amazon for 169.99, but the 765T refurbish is more of a current model for the same price.
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 18,304
Likes: 26,543
From: Northwest of Los Angeles
What size diameter are the stock handlebars on the 2010 Ultra Classic Limited?? I need to order the handlebar mount. And do you recommend getting the usb hard wire setup for the 765T?
I almost got the 780 on Amazon for 169.99, but the 765T refurbish is more of a current model for the same price.
I almost got the 780 on Amazon for 169.99, but the 765T refurbish is more of a current model for the same price.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 255
Likes: 11
From: Southwest, MT
[quote=ngoti8tor;6365215]I ran my power cord under the console on top of the tank, then to a fuse, then to the ignition switch.
When I don't have the GPS on my bike, you can't even see the power cord because I tuck it down with the other wires going towards the headlight.
Do you have any problems with this mount setup? Another post said to buy the ram mount because the craddle that comes with the ram mount is way better (stronger) than the stock backing of the gps. I like your setup..Simple. Just want to know if it holds the unit in place while riding. Looks like the ball is barely on the backing of the gps craddle.
Thanks.
When I don't have the GPS on my bike, you can't even see the power cord because I tuck it down with the other wires going towards the headlight.
Do you have any problems with this mount setup? Another post said to buy the ram mount because the craddle that comes with the ram mount is way better (stronger) than the stock backing of the gps. I like your setup..Simple. Just want to know if it holds the unit in place while riding. Looks like the ball is barely on the backing of the gps craddle.
Thanks.
Last edited by Buszzbait; Apr 3, 2010 at 06:48 PM.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 255
Likes: 11
From: Southwest, MT
Thanks.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,704
Likes: 95
From:
Do you have any problems with this mount setup? Another post said to buy the ram mount because the craddle that comes with the ram mount is way better (stronger) than the stock backing of the gps. I like your setup..Simple. Just want to know if it holds the unit in place while riding. Looks like the ball is barely on the backing of the gps craddle.
Thanks.
Thanks.
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Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 522
Likes: 27
From: Glendale, Arizona
Take a look at the Zumo 665 it will be shipping soon we have been told, Has all the features plus more and is shipped with satellite antenna and weather nav
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=135&pID=65203
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=135&pID=65203
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,324
Likes: 522
From: Dutchess County, NY
Here is my setup:
Got the mount from ebay ($36.50). It is a very nice piece. Really solid and well made.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Motorcycle-GPS-M...Domain_0?hash=
Ordered an extra cradle ($32.00):
GARMIN nuvi 780 755T 765T 775T hard wire charger cable ($10.50)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=110448293026
Went to walmart and got a cigarette lighter plug ($2.00) with built in fuse cut the hard wire charger to 14 inches and soldered and shrink wrapped the lighter plug. It's just long enough to reach from the GPS to the cig lighter socket. Does not hit the tank even at full turn. I did replace the 5 amp fuse with a 3 amp.
When I want to use the GPS I snap it into the cradle, plug the cig lighter in, plug the GPS into my stereo and off I go. When I stop for lunch, I unplug the chord from the stereo and unhook the GPS and put it in my pocket. The power chord stays attached to the cradle.
I have 1000 songs loaded onto my GPS. Went for a 250 mile ride today. The GPS worked flawlessley and the tunes were cranking. I have it mounted on the left. I can easily navigate the menu while riding even with gloves on.
When I'm not using the GPS I leave the cradle on the mount.
I also bought a Nintendo DS carrying case to hold the GPS when not in use. The Nuvi 750 fits it perfectly. Works great and protects the screen.
Got the mount from ebay ($36.50). It is a very nice piece. Really solid and well made.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Motorcycle-GPS-M...Domain_0?hash=
Ordered an extra cradle ($32.00):
GARMIN nuvi 780 755T 765T 775T hard wire charger cable ($10.50)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=110448293026
Went to walmart and got a cigarette lighter plug ($2.00) with built in fuse cut the hard wire charger to 14 inches and soldered and shrink wrapped the lighter plug. It's just long enough to reach from the GPS to the cig lighter socket. Does not hit the tank even at full turn. I did replace the 5 amp fuse with a 3 amp.
When I want to use the GPS I snap it into the cradle, plug the cig lighter in, plug the GPS into my stereo and off I go. When I stop for lunch, I unplug the chord from the stereo and unhook the GPS and put it in my pocket. The power chord stays attached to the cradle.
I have 1000 songs loaded onto my GPS. Went for a 250 mile ride today. The GPS worked flawlessley and the tunes were cranking. I have it mounted on the left. I can easily navigate the menu while riding even with gloves on.
When I'm not using the GPS I leave the cradle on the mount.
I also bought a Nintendo DS carrying case to hold the GPS when not in use. The Nuvi 750 fits it perfectly. Works great and protects the screen.