Gadget : GPS device on bikes

ORen · April 8, 2012

I've been using a Garmin Oregon 450 for almost a year now. Went touring with it around South East Asia and use it daily in SG and weekly in MY.

It's an excellent value for the price and even though it's not marketed as a motorcyclist GPS, it's incredibly tough (I have a history of breaking gadgets or make them suffer twice as much as normal users do), fully waterproof even under storms of biblical proportion, dusty rides (the sort of dust you find inside your bike even after 4 months of weekly washing) and scorching sun. There has been no decrease of performance and the GPS still looks and feels brand new.

Never had an issue with not being able to read the screen, I use a RAM mount made for the model and a simple tilt of the GPS lets you see the screen under any sun reflections.

I use it with rechargeable batteries, with the settings to save energy. It says ON for between 10 to 13h of ride. I had planned originally to use the micro USB cable to charge it on the bike but because it only uses 2 small batteries it's not a big deal to leave them to charge overnight at the hotel or at home so I only use the USB cable for computer transfers. (maps, images, data)

The satellite acquisition is fast as long as you're not indoor obviously. Never had an issue with navigating to coordinates, the Oregon is very precise and reliable.

Pros:

- very small and compact can be carried in a jacket pocket

- very easy to use

- ability to control the touch screen wearing gloves even under heavy rain

- waterproof no need for a casing

- sturdy RAM mount available for this model

- reads all type of maps Garmins read (so Malfreemaps too)

- all the latest geotag capabilities (navigation to where a photo was taken, geocaches etc.)

- battery life suitable for daily use in SG and touring purposes. Easy to find and change batteries. Easy to keep a spare on you.

- usable outside the bike (when traveling as regular tourist on foot, to visit places and cities)

Cons:

- smaller screen than some car/moto GPSs. But once you get used to it, it doesn't bother you at all while riding.

- no Bluetooth, no MP3 function

All in all an underrated gps for bikers that's actually an amazing little companion for road trips and city navigation. Never failed me, given the right map it does it's job with resilience and impressive efficiency for its size, especially when it's not originally meant to be used on the road.

Photos:

http://blog.darkhawk.de/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/garmin1.jpg

http://www.gpscity.ca/gallery_pics/pic00979-1.jpg

http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/commercial/2010/8/31/1283256327725/A-Garmin-Oregon-450-GPS-i-006.jpg

http://www.all-about-moose.com/images/garmin-oregon-450-lg.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e8/KiwiGPS/PLB%20EPIRB/Garmin62swithKannadPLBandGarminOregon450sideSmall.jpg

http://files.witnessthis.co.za/2011/10/Oregon450-menus1.jpg

http://radioworld.ca/images/product_images/gps/gps_garmin/handheld_gps/gar-oregon450rf.jpg

http://radioworld.ca/images/product_images/gps/gps_garmin/handheld_gps/gar-oregon450ac2.jpg

Edited April 8, 2012 by O'Ren

aloha · April 8, 2012

Hi Bros,

Do you guys leave your mount on the bike? I always take it out after use cos I scared kena stolen, but very troublesome when setting out again in the morning. Have to wear jacket, glove, helmet, shades, and still have to position the GPS mount again. What do you guys do? Leave it there or take out every single time? Thanks for the impromptu poll!

CSV · April 8, 2012

I've been using a Garmin Oregon 450 for almost a year now. Went touring with it around South East Asia and use it daily in SG and weekly in MY.

It's an excellent value for the price and even though it's not marketed as a motorcyclist GPS, it's incredibly tough (I have a history of breaking gadgets or make them suffer twice as much as normal users do), fully waterproof even under storms of biblical proportion, dusty rides (the sort of dust you find inside your bike even after 4 months of weekly washing) and scorching sun. There has been no decrease of performance and the GPS still looks and feels brand new.

Never had an issue with not being able to read the screen, I use a RAM mount made for the model and a simple tilt of the GPS lets you see the screen under any sun reflections.

I use it with rechargeable batteries, with the settings to save energy. It says ON for between 10 to 13h of ride. I had planned originally to use the micro USB cable to charge it on the bike but because it only uses 2 small batteries it's not a big deal to leave them to charge overnight at the hotel or at home so I only use the USB cable for computer transfers. (maps, images, data)

The satellite acquisition is fast as long as you're not indoor obviously. Never had an issue with navigating to coordinates, the Oregon is very precise and reliable.

Pros:

- very small and compact can be carried in a jacket pocket
- very easy to use
- ability to control the touch screen wearing gloves even under heavy rain
- waterproof no need for a casing
- sturdy RAM mount available for this model
- reads all type of maps Garmins read (so Malfreemaps too)
- all the latest geotag capabilities (navigation to where a photo was taken, geocaches etc.)
- battery life suitable for daily use in SG and touring purposes. Easy to find and change batteries. Easy to keep a spare on you.
- usable outside the bike (when traveling as regular tourist on foot, to visit places and cities)

Cons:

- smaller screen than some car/moto GPSs. But once you get used to it, it doesn't bother you at all while riding.
- no Bluetooth, no MP3 function

All in all an underrated gps for bikers that's actually an amazing little companion for road trips and city navigation. Never failed me, given the right map it does it's job with resilience and impressive efficiency for its size, especially when it's not originally meant to be used on the road.

Photos:

http://blog.darkhawk.de/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/garmin1.jpg

http://www.gpscity.ca/gallery_pics/pic00979-1.jpg

http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/commercial/2010/8/31/1283256327725/A-Garmin-Oregon-450-GPS-i-006.jpg

http://www.all-about-moose.com/images/garmin-oregon-450-lg.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e8/KiwiGPS/PLB%20EPIRB/Garmin62swithKannadPLBandGarminOregon450sideSmall.jpg

http://files.witnessthis.co.za/2011/10/Oregon450-menus1.jpg

http://radioworld.ca/images/product_images/gps/gps_garmin/handheld_gps/gar-oregon450rf.jpg

http://radioworld.ca/images/product_images/gps/gps_garmin/handheld_gps/gar-oregon450ac2.jpg

How much did you get it at?

Paikia44 · April 8, 2012

Hi Bros,

Do you guys leave your mount on the bike? I always take it out after use cos I scared kena stolen, but very troublesome when setting out again in the morning. Have to wear jacket, glove, helmet, shades, and still have to position the GPS mount again. What do you guys do? Leave it there or take out every single time? Thanks for the impromptu poll!

Leave on the bike?? No no no....

aloha · April 8, 2012

Leave on the bike?? No no no....

So you take the mount out everytime? Isn't that troublesome?

ORen · April 8, 2012

How much did you get it at?

$200 USD amazon promotion, watch this page for flash deals amazon does

Hi Bros,

Do you guys leave your mount on the bike? I always take it out after use cos I scared kena stolen, but very troublesome when setting out again in the morning. Have to wear jacket, glove, helmet, shades, and still have to position the GPS mount again. What do you guys do? Leave it there or take out every single time? Thanks for the impromptu poll!

Mostly, yes I take it out and put it back in every ride. And yes, it's a pain.

Now, sometimes I leave the mount on the bike when: private residence, or super empty carpark (in or outdoor).

I also sometimes leave it on when I do not have time to store it securely in the bike's luggage space.

Now, with time, I learned that most of the time we get worried for nothing.. yes theft happens, but unless you forget the mount in an area populated with tons of bikers, and you are using a very standard mount easy to take out and put in, then there's very little chance someone will grab it...

My rule is : more then 2 other bikes parked with me ? -> don't leave ANYTHING easy to grab on the bike.

No bikes around ? -> just leave things as is and cross fingers

Now, if you get a RAM mount, they have an add-on secure locking mechanism that locks the mount. Their mounts are made of 2 pieces: the piece you fix on the handle bar, and the piece your GPS is attached or slipped (on)to.

The lock I'm talking about is between the two, so you don't have to carry any part of the mount once the GPS removed. The great thing about RAM mounts is they are sturdy, can be fixed on any bike and will probably survive a few bikes before they give in. The problem is that they are popular. So basically if say you have one, and are missing a piece, and happend to stumble on my Pulsar one of those days when I didn't take the mount off, you will be tempted to help yourself to mine, or at least the center tube part - the rest is useless to you unless you are also using an OREGON 450 GPS.

But if you can afford a RAM mount, I hope you are not into stealing and can afford again the piece you are missing

Anyway, here's a few images and a video about the locking RAM piece I'm talking about :

http://www.ram-mount.com/Portals/0/Skins/NationalProducts/images/ga255.jpg

http://www.motorcycleinfo.co.uk/resources/6795/assets/images/GPS/Security/gps_ram_mount_lock.jpg

Or you could try this to secure your mount :

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=429351

I am currently trying to find a way to secure my camera mount, it's an awesome mount with an easy to open mechanism, very sturdy and reusable on various pipe/bars sizes so I don't want to take the chance to have it disappear.. A little wire + lock could do the trick !

Edited April 8, 2012 by O'Ren

aloha · April 9, 2012

$200 USD amazon promotion' date=' watch this page for flash deals amazon does

Mostly, yes I take it out and put it back in every ride. And yes, it's a pain.
Now, sometimes I leave the mount on the bike when: private residence, or super empty carpark (in or outdoor).
I also sometimes leave it on when I do not have time to store it securely in the bike's luggage space.
Now, with time, I learned that most of the time we get worried for nothing.. yes theft happens, but unless you forget the mount in an area populated with tons of bikers, and you are using a very standard mount easy to take out and put in, then there's very little chance someone will grab it...
My rule is : more then 2 other bikes parked with me ? -> don't leave ANYTHING easy to grab on the bike.
No bikes around ? -> just leave things as is and cross fingers

Now, if you get a RAM mount, they have an add-on secure locking mechanism that locks the mount. Their mounts are made of 2 pieces: the piece you fix on the handle bar, and the piece your GPS is attached or slipped (on)to.
The lock I'm talking about is between the two, so you don't have to carry any part of the mount once the GPS removed. The great thing about RAM mounts is they are sturdy, can be fixed on any bike and will probably survive a few bikes before they give in. The problem is that they are popular. So basically if say you have one, and are missing a piece, and happend to stumble on my Pulsar one of those days when I didn't take the mount off, you will be tempted to help yourself to mine, or at least the center tube part - the rest is useless to you unless you are also using an OREGON 450 GPS.

But if you can afford a RAM mount, I hope you are not into stealing and can afford again the piece you are missing

Anyway, here's a few images and a video about the locking RAM piece I'm talking about :

http://www.ram-mount.com/Portals/0/Skins/NationalProducts/images/ga255.jpg

http://www.motorcycleinfo.co.uk/resources/6795/assets/images/GPS/Security/gps_ram_mount_lock.jpg

Or you could try this to secure your mount :

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=429351

I am currently trying to find a way to secure my camera mount, it's an awesome mount with an easy to open mechanism, very sturdy and reusable on various pipe/bars sizes so I don't want to take the chance to have it disappear.. A little wire + lock could do the trick !

Thanks for the very detailed reply! Really appreciate it. Yeah I've been taking it out every time for the last 6mths and its really a pain in e ***. My RAM mount doesnt come with the locking device tho - it's just the part attached to the handlebar and the cradle w its stem. So I can't really lock it unless I buy the additional lock. Haha. Its a catch-22 - either extra money or extra work.

I suppose I'll just take it off everytime I use it then.

Thanks!!

Paikia44 · April 10, 2012

So you take the mount out everytime? Isn't that troublesome?

Just a matter of adding this into the routine. Of course u won't need the gps everyday when in Sillypore. But if u have/want to, it's always prudent to take it off when parking. Remember... Low Crime doesn't mean No Crime. Haha!!

Sometimes if I'm close by I'll leave mine on the bike just becos mine which is on a ram mount and the screws are very tight. One can hardly unscrew with barehands easily and usually I'll have to wear glove to unscrew. BUT.... Mine is those small zipper leather casing type and all it takes is to unzip and take the device out leaving only the casing with the ram mount still fastened.

ORen · April 10, 2012

I think all the RAM mount have that type of easy-off system to release the GPS. We all grab the GPS with us I think when leaving the bike, it's leaving the mount behind that's interesting.

As for unscrewing the U-Bolt part from the handlebar, good luck to thieves, unless they come at it with plenty of time and the right wrench size, I doubt they can unfasten mine...tightened that baby like there's no tomorrow

I'm going to get the lock, for 22USD + shipping I think it will be still cheaper than getting it in SG. Anyone can confirm its price here ?

Maybe we can order a few and save on shipping ?

I think it's worth the investment, seeing that the RAM can not only be used for our current GPS but for other things as well in the future if we want.. If I get the knob and use it everyday for a year, that'll be worth it !

Maybe we could look it up online as well: the knob screw size is very standard, it's possible there are out there cheaper mechanism to lock it the way the RAM one does.

fairSquare · April 10, 2012

Thanks for the very detailed reply! Really appreciate it. Yeah I've been taking it out every time for the last 6mths and its really a pain in e ***. My RAM mount doesnt come with the locking device tho - it's just the part attached to the handlebar and the cradle w its stem. So I can't really lock it unless I buy the additional lock. Haha. Its a catch-22 - either extra money or extra work.
I suppose I'll just take it off everytime I use it then.

Nobody steals the ram device, I left my whole mounting kit + ram mount for the past 3 years. Parked in all sorts of public car park.

I think all the RAM mount have that type of easy-off system to release the GPS. We all grab the GPS with us I think when leaving the bike, it's leaving the mount behind that's interesting.
As for unscrewing the U-Bolt part from the handlebar, good luck to thieves, unless they come at it with plenty of time and the right wrench size, I doubt they can unfasten mine...tightened that baby like there's no tomorrow

The thefts are more interested in your bike than the mount, another suggestion is to put a cap over the mount each time you leave your bike. You can easily find these caps anywhere.

ORen · April 10, 2012

Nobody steals the ram device, I left my whole mounting kit + ram mount for the past 3 years. Parked in all sorts of public car park.

Is it also made of a central piece that can be removed by turning the plastic knob ?

aloha · April 10, 2012

I think all the RAM mount have that type of easy-off system to release the GPS. We all grab the GPS with us I think when leaving the bike, it's leaving the mount behind that's interesting.
As for unscrewing the U-Bolt part from the handlebar, good luck to thieves, unless they come at it with plenty of time and the right wrench size, I doubt they can unfasten mine...tightened that baby like there's no tomorrow

I'm going to get the lock, for 22USD + shipping I think it will be still cheaper than getting it in SG. Anyone can confirm its price here ?
Maybe we can order a few and save on shipping ?
I think it's worth the investment, seeing that the RAM can not only be used for our current GPS but for other things as well in the future if we want.. If I get the knob and use it everyday for a year, that'll be worth it !

Maybe we could look it up online as well: the knob screw size is very standard, it's possible there are out there cheaper mechanism to lock it the way the RAM one does.

On Amazon US its about USD18. Here's the link: http://www.amazon.com/RAM-Mount-Knob-Keyed-Lock/dp/B001GFCZV0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1333988638&sr=8-1

aloha · April 10, 2012

Nah I don't use it that much in Singapore. But if dun use also abit wasted. Leaving it around and letting the battery drain. So occasionally, like once a week, i'll just turn it on to let it have a go. I supp those that can afford to buy a GPS can afford to buy a mount as well. But as O'Ren said, some people might just be missing that particular part. o.o

ORen · April 11, 2012

On Amazon US its about USD18. Here's the link: http://www.amazon.com/RAM-Mount-Knob-Keyed-Lock/dp/B001GFCZV0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1333988638&sr=8-1

Yeah but they don't ship it for free to the US, it's +4 USD shipping

I am looking at other knob locks, and found a set of 4 going at the same price as the Ram one.

Now I need to make sure the bolt thread size will fit.

Can anyone confirm that the central bolt of the RAM vertical piece, where the knob goes, is a M6 thread ?

richard3121sg · October 10, 2012

Hi fellow riders.

Sorry to interrrupt. Im riding a Gilera St200 with the original windscreen and I have a Garmin 735. Normally, I just use the original sucker from Garmin to stick onto the windscreen. After sometime, it doesn't hold that tight anymore. When the road is bumpy, the whole Gps and sucker will drop. I'm thinking if anyone can advice me a shop who can install a holder permanently on the windscreen and also a cigarette socket where i can charge the Gps. Thanks a lot.

Advrider · October 10, 2012

Hi fellow riders.

Sorry to interrrupt. Im riding a Gilera St200 with the original windscreen and I have a Garmin 735. Normally, I just use the original sucker from Garmin to stick onto the windscreen. After sometime, it doesn't hold that tight anymore. When the road is bumpy, the whole Gps and sucker will drop. I'm thinking if anyone can advice me a shop who can install a holder permanently on the windscreen and also a cigarette socket where i can charge the Gps. Thanks a lot.

See above post by Oren.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

tee kong kia · May 26, 2013

Hi guys,

I would like to buy a GPS to install on my bike for touring in Malaysia and Thailand. Not looking for top of the range but something that is value for money. Please recommend.

Cheers

gixxerchen · May 28, 2013

Hi everyone

May I know where can I purchase a GPS and mounting? Usually how much would it cost? Please guide. Thanks.

Garfield · May 28, 2013

Try J K Commercial - where I bought my Garmin Zumo & RAM from. Good Service. Price varies per model - pls check directly.

swish · May 30, 2013

I just saw the facebook page of the ram mount distributor for south east asia. Dont know if they sell direct or not, but maybe we can do a mass order? I'm interested in an X-Grip for my iPhone. https://www.facebook.com/RAMMountSG

Paikia44 · May 31, 2013

I just saw the facebook page of the ram mount distributor for south east asia. Dont know if they sell direct or not, but maybe we can do a mass order? I'm interested in an X-Grip for my iPhone. https://www.facebook.com/RAMMountSG

I seriously doubt that is the actual agent for ram mount SEA. Their only product now is the X-grip. Hahaha!!

Try GPScity on eBay. Their prices are quite good and lots of selection too. I got all my ram stuff from them. X-grip, camera screw base, arms, GPS cradle etc.

S750WP · June 1, 2013

I bought the Ram mount and aqua box, to waterproof my Garmin automotive GPS. The aquabox with the ram mount total about USD65 not inculsive of shipping yet. Total paid about SGD120.

http://www.rammount.com/EmptyPages/AQUABOXES/AQ2MAIN/tabid/1539/Default.aspx

http://www.rammount.com/Gallery/images/RAM-B-149Z-AQ2U/high/RAM-B-149Z-AQ21.jpg

Before that I was using those water proof pouches from ebay, however when I put the pouches under the rain to test, I found water seeps into the pouch. The plastic parts cause alot of vibration compare to using the ram mount which is solid as rock.

The total cost is cheaper than the zumo, but then the automotive GPS is not readable under the sun light.

virux · June 14, 2013

Guys, I am going to buy the NUVI2465LM since i can't find cheaper that that, around 200$.

As for the RamMount , so far reading through posts and i know that can get from jkcommercial.

PPL saying ram mout is about 200 but from amazon, it only cause 20US$~+.

Also found Arkon which is 17US$

http://www.amazon.com/Arkon-GPS032-Handlebar-Mount-3-5/dp/B003FMUP0K/ref=pd_rhf_ee_s_cp_1_NVNZ&tag=t601000000-20

Is Ram mount in singapore really expensive?

Or should i bought from Amazon. Any advice, thanks.

Edited June 14, 2013 by virux

S750WP · June 22, 2013

Guys, I am going to buy the NUVI2465LM since i can't find cheaper that that, around 200$.
As for the RamMount , so far reading through posts and i know that can get from jkcommercial.
PPL saying ram mout is about 200 but from amazon, it only cause 20US$~+.
Also found Arkon which is 17US$

Is Ram mount in singapore really expensive?
Or should i bought from Amazon. Any advice, thanks.

I buy direct from RAM Mount website, because Amazon don't ship these to Singapore and you have to pay 2 times shipping, 1 time to ship from Amazon to Vpost and 2nd time from Vpost to Singapore.

S750WP · June 22, 2013

I just leave the ram ball on my bike, I remove the rest of the ram mount and GPS, by just loosening the knob, takes about 10-20sec at most. And keep everything inside my box.

For stop and Go, i.e pump petrol, where I can see my bike, I will just remove GPS and leave the ram mount on the bike.

Edited June 22, 2013 by S750WP

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