R1150 GS RAM Ball Install
 

Since I recently bought myself a new Garmin GPS, I thought it was about time that I install a dedicated mount instead of using Velcro strapping to hold my GPS to the crossbar pad.

I didn't like the RAM ball mounting options offered by RAM, so I came up with my own solution. What you see is a modified RAM-B-236 ball installed atop the BMW threaded bushing that holds down the BMW handguard.

http://edelweiss.smugmug.com/photos/148883143-L-1.jpg

The following describes the simple steps required for this installation.

The BMW threaded bushing after it was modified. It was removed by unscrewing the T-30 fastener (6 mm) from the underside of the BMW handguard. The minor diameter of an M6 x 1.00 fastener is 5 mm, but I used an M4 drill bit to drill the pilot hole the remainder of the way through the threaded bushing so as not to shave any material off the existing threads. It was then finish drilled using an M5 drill bit, the size required for an M6 x 1.00 tap.
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The RAM-B-236 ball with 3/8" - 16 thread post as received from RAM.
http://edelweiss.smugmug.com/photos/148883104-L-1.jpg


The modified RAM-B-236 ball after the 3/8" - 16 threaded post was cut off, filed flush with the flange, lapped on wet sandpaper and then center punched, drilled and tapped for an M6 x 1.00 threaded fastener. 10 mm of threaded length is adequate.
http://edelweiss.smugmug.com/photos/148883108-L-1.jpg


The modified RAM-B-236 ball with an M6 x 1.00 stud installed. Loctite 242 was used on the stud. The exposed threaded length should be no more than 9 mm long so that it doesn't bottom out against the existing fastener that is screwed into the BMW threaded bushing from the bottom.
http://edelweiss.smugmug.com/photos/148883125-L-1.jpg


Additional notes:

The BMW threaded bushing comes "keyed" so that it doesn't rotate during installation. See the photo of the modified threaded bushing and you'll notice one of the two "flats".

The T-30, M6 x 1.00 BMW fastener that screws into the BMW threaded bushing from the bottom was originally coated with Loctite 242 (blue). The threads were cleaned and Loctite 242 was re-applied prior to re-assembly.

When screwing the modified RAM-B-236 ball with stud into the BMW threaded bushing, Loctite 242 (medium strength) should be used. Should any torque be applied to the RAM ball, then Loctite 270 (permanent strength) should be used at both ends of the modified RAM-B-236 stud.

In any case, be it a GPS, camera or whatever, I use a tether as a back-up.

A nylon washer was installed between the RAM-B-236 ball and the BMW threaded bushing; visible in the first photo.

The finished product is elegant looking due to the lack of the usual bracketry employed when installing a RAM ball.

The Finished Product
 

As viewed from the seated position, this is what my Garmin 60 Cx looks like mounted to my RAM ball install as discussed above.

Positioning couldn't be better.

Positioning also places the unit close to the rider for better viewing and access to the GPS controls. More importantly, positioning doesn't obstruct the view of the Rider Information Display (RID) or the instruments. The reason why I chose not to go with the "speedometer mount" method was that its positioning of the GPS clearly obstructed the view of either the RID or the instruments, depending on the GPS in use. Cost? Under $10 or € 6.

http://edelweiss.smugmug.com/photos/148883087-L-1.jpg

Note the Garmin lanyard that I've looped around the stalk of the mirror to act as a tether.

Anyone else wanting to use this set-up, here is the itemized list:
- RAM-B-236, RAM 1" ball with 3/8 - 16 thread post, aluminium, modified as per the instructions in the initial post;
- RAP-B-201, RAM double socket arm for 1" balls, 3" long, plastic;
- RAP-B-238, RAM 2.5" x 1 5/16" base with 1" ball, plastic;
- RAM-HOL-GA12, RAM holder for Garmin 60 series, plastic.
- and one very capable Garmin GPSMAP 60 Cx.

Nice one Alex but I beg to differ when you say it couldn't be better......There is a guy who make the ultimate in GPS mounts for a variety of bikes including most models of GS. Take a look at www.migsel.com . His mount positions the GPS unit up above the speedo and tacho just behind the screen so it is ideally placed to have the unit in your line of sight to avoid looking down when riding and it is also protected from the elements a lot more. I had mine on a handlebar mount on my 1100GS similar to you but the difference in the MiGSel mount is really amazing.

OK, I'll rephrase that. Positioning couldn't be better for ME and for the Garmin 60Cx or any other "upright" GPS. Besides, since I hardly refer to it, I didn't want my GPS "in my face".

The "ultimate in GPS mounts"? Well I beg to differ. I'm familiar with the Migsel mount and I would not go for it for two reasons; price and I didn't like the design for various reasons. My mount cost me €9.75 or £6.50. That is kind of hard to beat. As someone commented on one of the forums, it looks like a BMW factory item.

Each to their own but I find having the GPS in a position where I don't have to look down and away from the road very comfortable. I tried all kinds of variations and different positions for the GPS unit but except for really bumpy off road riding the MiGSel mount won for me. When I'm off road for any length of time I move it back to the centre of the handle bar cross bar as I can angle it better for seeing when I am standing up on the footpegs.
You will find that after time the connector pins on your 60CSX will oxidize and get wet. It's not a problem if you keep an eye on it and clean the pins regularly but the added advantage of having the GPS behind the screen and protected from the elements is a good thing in my experience. When I had mine initially, a 60cs , it was exposed on the handle bars a bit like yours and when you are riding at 100km plus in rain , that rain is hitting your little GPS unit with every intention of testing it's waterproof abilities to the max..... I like the added protection of the unit being out the weather if possible.
Ride safe
Cheers
Gecko

My pins appear to be gold plated. They are still as bright as the day I bought the unit a year ago.

Having the GPS behind the screen as you claim will get it wet. There is a 2 cm gap between the windshield and that silver cover under it. When I'm riding in the rain, the inside of my windshield gets wet. Not a concern really either way.

Note that the GS Adventure windscreen is larger than the regular GS windscreen. My GPS in the upright position is shielded by the edge of the windscreen. Plus my mount is probably a bit more inward than yours was.

Having seen the Migsel mount with the 60 Cx shown, sure enough, it and any other "upright" unit has to be placed lower and to the left side which partially blocks the Rider Information Display. It just looks too cluttered for my liking.

Whatever works for you and makes you happy.

used a small plastic lunch box with hole cut in it & bubble wrap inside to take the shocks worked well in the desert & was quick & cheap to make for my garmin