Touratech vs Ram

[All gone Pete Tong]

I have been comparing the Touratech gear against the cheaper Ram product to mount a Garmin map60csx.

What does one gain by spending the money on a Touratech mount compared to the Ram composite mount? Apart from Anti vibration mounts.

Does the touratech hold the GPS $100.00 better than the Ram unit? Yes it does look cool, and if I was in the Dakar it would maybe be worth the extra cash. But on a Vstrom on the highway all the time would it be worth it?

I am mostly concerned about how the GPS is held in place. After all if it falls out, it does not end up on the floor mat like in a car. So does one cheap out and spend $19.00 to hold a $500 GPS, or go and spend $119.00 on the full Monty?

I am hoping to attach it to the center part of my handlebars. That way it is easy to read but out he way. I do not have the 1/2 crossbar. I will just use AA Lithium batteries to run the GPS so it does not tax my electrical.

Any ideas on fitment, and quality of the products out there?

Thanks. All the best.

[SCraig]

I have a TechMount (http://www.techmounts.com/) on mine with a Garmin GPS cradle and like it very well. The mount is well made and very solid, and the Garmin cradle holds the GPS very securely.

[Cheff]

Depending on what you are doing, I would use both. I have not received my Touratech locking mount for my Zumo yet. But when it get here I will be mounting it to my existing Ram mount with locking knob.

There is more to the Ram mounts than just the cradle for the GPS.

[rhbell]

Can't comment on the alternative but I use a RAM and Garmin mount for my 60cx on my sled, bike and ATV with no issues. I do however tie a safety string to the actual mount handle in case but even checking tightness frequently have never had a problem with loosening.

Safe riding,

Bob

[V-Tom]

The Ram mounts provide pretty decent anti-vibration.

The only reason I could see for getting the other is for the ability to lock the GPS to the bike.

..Tom

[awd505]

I have the RAM for my 2720. I like I can pivot it out the way when I am not using it. No vibration on road use. Haven't used it off the pavement yet.

[msheron]

My RAM mount for the Garmin Quest is very solid and does not have hardly any vibration unless I am off road on a rutted road. Other than that.............when I get off my bike I take the GPS and put it in the lockable side cases or with me. I can't see paying over $100 for a mount either. But I tend to cut corners on some things and go overboard on others.

[Tollster]

I don't know, I use a ram on my quad but got the high dollar one for my strom. It was 175.00 from britian. I got it because i wanted to keep my dash area clean. I have an aluminum dash with 2 sockets and a voltage LED on my upper triple tree, and my Wolfman denali tankbag would interfere with anything mounted on the center bar location. So the 175 mount put my 550 above the tach and speedo. Its CNC machined aluminum and it brick house solid. I also like it there as I can keep my eyes on the road and still see the zumo, any lower and I would be doing a head bob, which gets old..real fast. Not to mention the potential trouble you could get into in that instant. Now the zumo is almost in my line of sight, kind of like a HUD.
Anyway heres the link to the 175 mount.

http://www.motorradconcepts.com/eshop/gps-mounts/garmin-for-suzuki/suzuki-v-strom-1000-650-adjustable-gps-mount-type-x-for-garmin/

[All gone Pete Tong]

http://www.motorradconcepts.com/esho...-x-for-garmin

Suzuki V-Strom 1000/650 Adjustable GPS Mount Type X for Garmin
Designed & Manufactured by Motorrad Concepts in the UK
Jointly Developed with Belgian Innovator MiGSel
CNC Machined From Billet Aluminium
Durable Hard Black Anodised Finish
Stainless Steel Fasteners
Suitable for All Garmin Motorcycle GPS Units
Fully Adjustable (Tool Supplied)
Allows Full Range of OE Screen Adjustment
Full Fitting Instructions Supplied
Lifetime Guarantee


Hi Tollster
that is one of the cleanest looking mounts I have seen. Looks almost Factory. post some pic's of it on your bike. The shots from the web look like it fits on the bike really well between the screen and gauges. Seems like it is worth the money.

[Tollster]

Here are some shots I had on file. They where really good people to deal with and put customer back in service!

HEY I WANTED TO ADD that this bracket is fully compatable with THE MADSTAT Windshield bracket. I just put mine on last night and because the GPS mount has 2 points of adjustment you can put it almost anywhere. I see no interferance issues at any position.

[Cheff]

I mounted the TT mount to the Ram mount, and the Ram mount is bolted to the SW-motek dash mount. I am using a locking knob on the Ram.

Here are some pics of it on the bike.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v230/darkcheff/IMG_1937.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v230/darkcheff/IMG_1938.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v230/darkcheff/IMG_1939.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v230/darkcheff/IMG_1940.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v230/darkcheff/IMG_1941.jpg

What do you all think?

[jayhawknavy02]

I was looking (because of the price) at the RAM Mount Garmin nuvi 2xx Stainless Steel U-Bolt Mount for a Nuvi 2XX series GPS. There is also a mount from Twisted throttle, the SW-MOTECH vibration-damped GPS Holder. Any comments, experience, or other inputs appreciated!

http://www.gpscity.com/ram-mount-garmin-nuvi-2xx-stainless-steel-u-bolt-mount.html

http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/4899/

[aogop]

You know what's funny..I live about 30 minutes from Touratech and went there after work to purchase a mount for my Garmin Nuvi. They sold me the RAM mount for it. The counter guy was great. He convinced me that unless I was going to keep it on the bike 24/7 and taking it to Dakar the aluminum mounts were overkill. So far he has been proven right. No problems with the RAM whatsoever after thousands of miles..

[jayhawknavy02]

How is the RAM handlebar mount on the bike? I was more concerned with not having to look down more than anything else. I do like the fact that its about 1/3 the price of Touratech, because the only time I'm using it is on long trips. If you have a photo of your setup from the rider view that would be awesome, if not, no worries.

Thanks for all the help and advice.

Cheers

[aogop]

No prob! I'll take some pics and post them tonight when I get home from work. I also have a RAM setup for my Sirius satellite radio as well.

[aogop]

Here's the pics I promised. Both the GPS and the satellite radio mounts are attached to the handlebar. I also use the GPS in my truck using another RAM base, so it's pretty easy to swap out.

[Travman]

Here's an alternative to some RAM mounts that I do not see too often. The GPS bracket for my TomTom is on ram ball mounting bracket from Strombone. The handlebar risers and ram mounts are from Motorcycle Larry (www.motorcyclelarry.com). I'll eventually mount my Blackberry on the open ball.

[jayhawknavy02]

Travman,

Is that a cupholder?

Thanks both for the awesome photos, greatly appreciated. Do you guys have any trouble seeing the GPS while riding with the light and what not.

Cheers

[Travman]

Travman,

Is that a cupholder?

Thanks both for the awesome photos, greatly appreciated. Do you guys have any trouble seeing the GPS while riding with the light and what not.

Cheers

A cupholder it is, got it from MotorcycleLarry's. I where a flip up helmet so its easy to have a quick drink at lights.

The TomTom is use is a car model not the Rider, glare is a problem but I use it mainly for general directions. It's easy to put a hand over at a light and see the next turns. I have seen a hood for these that would work.