Mounting GPS to Suzuki V-Strom
May 18th, 2010 | 
Author:
The recent product review of the Garmin Nuvi 500-series GPS received many inquiries about how it was mounted to my motorcycle. This is how I mounted the Garmin Nuvi 500 to a Suzuki DL650 V-Strom.
The Strombone mounting plate is key to easily bolting on a GPS mount to the V-Strom.
To start, I have a Madstad adjustable windshield bracket with the stock Suzuki windshield. A Stromtrooper.com member makes a simple and fantastic custom machined and anodized base to start from. The Strombone mounting plate costs $30 including shipping and is well worth the money. It doesn’t require any drilling because it fits neatly above the Madstad bracket and is bolted directly into the V-Strom’s stock windshield holes. Installation of the Strombone mounting plate requires the extra space provided by the Madstand bracket.
The remainder of the mounting products were purchased from GPSCity.com. Here is more information on each.
The Strombone mount is attached to the basic screw-in RAM Mount one-inch ball (RAM-B-236U $7.42). I used the RAM Mount medium arm (RAM-B-201U $11.95) to allow for easier reach of the Nuvi 500 while seated. Many people suggest using the short arm. This all comes down to your preference. Next up is the RAM Mount diamond plate (RAM-B-238U $5.36) that attaches the arm to the RAM Mount Garmin Nuvi 500-series cradle (RAM-HOL-GA32U $7.37).
From left to right, medium length RAM arm, Nuvi 500 RAM cradle with attached diamond plate ball.
In all the Strombone mounting plate and the RAM mounting products from GPScity.com cost $68.48 with shipping.
I am very happy with the end product. These parts make adding a Garmin Nuvi 500 to a Suzuki DL 650 V-Strom an easy, bolt on affair. As you can see from the pictures, the set up looks great on the bike. It is easy to view the screen and adjust as needed. The Madstad bracket can still be fully adjusted without hitting any of the GPS RAM mounting hardware. Best of all, I don’t notice any vibration being transferred to the GPS.
The final step will be adding a power source so I don’t drain the battery on the Nuvi 500 on long multi-day rides. I still need to get the power socket added. I’ll share that experience in a future article.
Do you have a different set up that motorcyclists should know about? Use the comments section to share how you’ve attached a GPS to your motorcycle.
The installed Nuvi 500 GPS on the Suzuki DL650 V-Strom.
Posted in Product Reviews | 
Tags: Garmin Nuvi, MadStad, motorcycle gps, Motorcycle product review, Nuvi, RAM, RAM mounts, Strombone, V-Strom, Vstrom
Sean, I have a RAM-Mount attached to the handlebar next to the left mirror. I use a Delorme PN-40. For me, the reach to the GPS is just about perfect–not much movement from handlebar grip to GPS controls. Do you think the GPS mounted behind the windshield is a long reach? Do you feel safe with that longer reach while riding? –Brent
Brent, it doesn’t feel too far of a reach with the GPS mounted behind the windshield. It is easier to reach than the “selection” or “adust” buttons for the odometer and trip. As far as safety goes, I find the windshield location quite safe. The position allows my eyes to stay forward, looking ahead. Butt firmly planted on seat and arm extended allows easy on-screen button pushing. I have found that I sometimes miss the plus/minus when zooming and it jumps to the browse map mode, but that’s about it.
Sean:
You’ve given me an idea. I want to use that set up to mount my GoProHD video cam. I have all the bits except for the Strombone, we sell aluminum so perhaps I will just make my own bracket.
My GPS is mounted on my left handlebar using RAM mounts, U-bolt bracket and short arm with Garmin cradle. Power comes from the 12v car adapter plugged into a cigarette light power receptacle which I have mounted beneath the right faring, hidden in the corner using a hose clamp onto the front end torsion bar. My power source can be switched on or off. My intention was to have this power outlet to power my portable air compressor
I also have the Madstad bracket with standard OEM Suzuki Windscreen
bob
Wet Coast Scootin
Ha, I was just reading Wet Coast Scootin’ and saw that the Madstad was blocking your camera view. Let me know how it works out.
Speaking of mounts, I just mated my GoPro camera to the RAM Mount system by buying the small Ram-Mount ball/camera mount, and the GoPro tripod mount. These two pieces fit each other perfectly, allowing me to mount the camera via RAM-Mount, which is much more solid than the GoPro handlebar mount, and none of those sticky mounts to mess up paint finish.
You guys and your fancy schmancy motor-sports wide angle cameras and mounts. I want one badly!
Good review…I have the same set up illustrated above with the Madstad bracket using the Strombone mount and the Garmin GPS cradle with bare wire kit from West Marine (was $19.95).It works very well and I can see the GPS with a quick eye shift in this position without turning my head down. Seems to be well shaded from sun in that position and I have yet to have a problem seeing the screen. I connected the bare wire kit for my 550 from the heated grip option plug which also powers my Oxford grips. The Nuvi does not draw much power so the addition on the circuit is not an issue.
Sean:
we are just in the talking stage right now, but perhaps in a week or two, on a Saturday we may be down in your area for a day trip. Perhaps to Chuckanut Drive to La Conner / Anacortes, Deception Pass for some photos. I have been on that road behind the Casino that winds around the oil tanks westward . . .
StromTech has a good system. We have ridden together last September on the Renfrew Loop on Southern Vancouver Island. I have a ride report posted back in September 2009. He may not realize that I use a different name on MC forums. He knows me as “bESS” which I use on Stromtrooper.com and ADVrider.com
take care,
bob
Wet Coast Scootin
Sean:
found link. sorry, I actually posted this on Stromtrooper.com and Stromtech (Ian) is on the other V-strom
http://wetcoastscootin.blogspot.com/2009/12/port-renfrew-loop-revisited.html
There is also a video there
bob (aka: bESS)
Wet Coast Scootin
Bob,
Saturday, June 5 is the Stromtrooper dirt day up on Snoqualmie Pass. I haven’t fully committed yet, but I’ll be there if time allows. As for this Saturday, we have friends from Minnesota in town. Going to watch the Twins stomp the Mariners. Did I just jinx it?
Rain and video is just a plain PITA. Droplets are an issue even with the camera protected behind the windshield. Still looked like a great ride. Victor Stromboli (my bike) just had his physical and is wearing new shoes. He’s ready to ride, ride, ride.
Sean – First, thanks for the info on the Nuvi 500 and attachment hardware. I have been looking for a GPS for my Strom and believe I will go w/the 500. And the way you have it mounted looks perfect. I am a relative newbie to all these gadgets and don’t do my own work, so I am a bit lost on a couple of your points. I don’t know how to contact the guy who makes the Strombone mounting plate. I’ve been to the forum, but frankly, haven’t a clue how to work it. I can read through info, but don’t know how to contact anyone. Do you have a way I can contact him to see if he has any of his mounting plates? Also, you mention that you have a Madstad adjustable windshield bracket …. Is the bracket something you added? If so, where do I get it? I figured out all the RAM parts (thanks again for that). What about wiring? Don’t I have to get something other than the connections that come w/the 500? Sorry this is a bit long-winded (and elementary). Thanks for your time!
Hi Abigail,
I’m glad that you found the article of use. You can find more information on the Strombone mount here. Follow the link and then you can click on the bold blue “Strombone” at the top left and click on “Send private message.”
The MadStad adjustable windshield bracket is another part that I added to the bike. It helps with the buffeting issue. Here is a direct link to TwistedThrottle.com’s listing for the bracket.
The Nuvi 500 has about a five hour battery life. That means that it is ok to go without wiring if you’re not up to the task. I installed a cigarette-type socket to the fairing of my bike from Eastern Beaver. This allows me to charge the Nuvi with the car charger that is included in the purchase. The Eastern Beaver kit is very high quality and easy to install. I drilled a hole in the top of the fairing to place the socket conveniently.
I hope all of this helps. Please let me know if there is anything else that you need.
That’s a big help. Thanks.
Any thoughts as to which of the main lead connections to get w/the socket kit – Fuseholder, plain wire ends or 3 circuit solution connector?
Eastern Beaver is speedy with advice on personal install questions. I just used the standard fused battery lead that comes with the Vstrom Left Front Panel Socket Kit. If you’re planning to add more electric gadgets, then a 3-circuit or more solution may be better. Most of my gadgets have batteries. I can charge one while using the battery on the others. Comes in handy on our bike with relatively little power remaining for extras.
Garmin GPS are the best, i accidentally dropped one on the pool and it is still functioning after a minor cleanup’`”
i use Garmin GPS whenever i go out, Garmin GPS is very reliable ***
Great set up! I have the Strombone mount as well and it works flawlessly. I’m told i’m the first Canadian to order one from him too
. What a great product!!
Glad that you like it, Scott. Where did you learn about the Strombone mount? Any chance that the article had any bearing on your buying the product? I’m always curious as to the usefulness of the information on this site.
Thanks,
Sean