Being that I have a motorcycle rally event to attend next weekend, I was short on time to order a mount for my Garmin Zumo 550 nav/sat unit to put on my new motorcycle. Plus, why would I buy a unit for $80 or even a couple of parts for $30, when I can make my own for the relative value of a couple hundred dollars?
The two pieces I made are shown in the first photo. The base plate fastened to the handlbar clamps. Screwed to the plate at a 15º angle is the 5" long ball-end post. I don't have a ball turner, but did find I had a 3/4" HSS grooving tool bit that had been ground with a nearly-perfect 1/2 radius. With a couple of repositioning moves of the tool, I got a very round, smooth ball shape. I may someday make a ball turning attachment...but I really doubt I'm motivated enough. ;)
This is the view of the unit assembled, from the rider position.
This is likely just temporary. I may be adding a taller windscreen, so if I do the GPS unit may go above the instruments and be nearer the same eye-to-subject distance. As it is now, I rely upon the GPS as my speedometer (more accurate) and also as a more accurate fuel gauge, so I don't need more than an occasional glance at the tachometer (rev counter.)
The two pieces I made are shown in the first photo. The base plate fastened to the handlbar clamps. Screwed to the plate at a 15º angle is the 5" long ball-end post. I don't have a ball turner, but did find I had a 3/4" HSS grooving tool bit that had been ground with a nearly-perfect 1/2 radius. With a couple of repositioning moves of the tool, I got a very round, smooth ball shape. I may someday make a ball turning attachment...but I really doubt I'm motivated enough. ;)
This is the view of the unit assembled, from the rider position.
This is likely just temporary. I may be adding a taller windscreen, so if I do the GPS unit may go above the instruments and be nearer the same eye-to-subject distance. As it is now, I rely upon the GPS as my speedometer (more accurate) and also as a more accurate fuel gauge, so I don't need more than an occasional glance at the tachometer (rev counter.)