RAM ball on dash?

[Steve in Phx]

Who has mounted a RAM ball above the instrument cluster?

I would like to mount my GPS higher, above the gauges and below the windshield. I don't know if that plastic is strong enough to hold a RAM ball with a GPS hanging off it?

Ideas or pictures would be appreciated.

My ride is a 2007 (Gen 2). I already have a RAM ball on the right-side brake reservoir and another on the tree between the handlebars.

 

[Ignacio]

I've only seen it with those that have had an aftermarket dash installed on Gen 2 and earlier (they stopped making them some years ago) and even then never with a RAM ball....just to the surface with a Garmin mount.

Adding two RAM balls, an arm, mounted to a plastic mass held on by a few small fasteners, that's mounted to a subframe that's made of pot metal.....not a good idea in my opinion. Gen 2 and later dash areas sometimes don't survive tipovers let alone a big heavy thing with a big moment arm.

 

[Geezer]

I agree with Iggy and would not mount a ram ball to a plastic part. You can mount two Ram balls to the handlebars, one on each side. My '05 had a hole on the clutch side that was tapped and Ram makes a ball that fit it. I had to drill and tap a hole in the brake side to match the other one.

I also use a dash shelf that I bought from someone, but I don't know if they still make them. I have my GPS and a couple other things on the shelf and it is much better having the GPS up high above the instrument cluster. If I were to do it over I would fabricate a bracket to hold a pipe horizontally above the instrument cluster so I could mount five or six Ram balls in a more open arrangement rather than using a solid shelf.

 

[RossKean]

His is an "AE" - no clutch-side reservoir with tapped hole.

 

[worney]

I have 2 of these (one on each side) https://www.rammount.com/part/RAM-B-309-2U They look a little overkill

But I have never run out of mounting options. You could use a variety of parts from RAM and create a horizontal mounting area like what Geezer suggested. The only thing you have to be aware of is that you could have interference issues with the windshield and/or tank bag.

-Worney

 

[Bill Lumberg]

I use a dash from secathey. Puts the gps right where it needs to be on a bike with mv or helibridge installed.

 

[Steve in Phx]

Sounds like I'll have to stick with what I've got.

Thanks

 

[eflyguy]

If you use the bar clamp ram mounts, you can use a pretty hefty arm to mount things up high. I've done it with a camera.

 

[Mihalis fjr]

Not on a Gen 2 but anyway... https://www.gpscity.ca/gallery/2011/gps-ram-mount-on-yamaha-fjr1300

 

[dcarver]

WOW. Lots of good feedback. I got nothing..

JSNS and

Hugs n' Kisses

 

[TomInPA]

That link by Mihalis is pretty slick. Another option is the RamBone mount that fits on the fuel tank bolts and holds the GPS just below the instrument cluster.

 

[Ignacio]

Sounds like I'll have to stick with what I've got.

I wouldn't presume that. I suggest not limiting your options to just shelves with RAM balls. There are still many, many ways to get there that have been discussed on the forum. It may be a bit of work, but more searching on the forum and Googling always helps.

I've even seen an IBR guy do custom CNC brackets forming a giant halo full of gadgets on a BMW.

 

[08FJR4ME]

I designed one but haven't made it yet. Made the paper doll prototypes and cnc programs. I just need to cut the aluminum pieces.

Someday,

Dave

 

[Steve in Phx]

I have two RAM mounts already. It just seems that without a dash shelf, there's no good way to get the GPS up high where I want it.

I considered mounting it to the back of the windshield, but then it would move around and I want it to be permanent.

 

[ogopogo]

I have two RAM mounts already. It just seems that without a dash shelf, there's no good way to get the GPS up high where I want it.I considered mounting it to the back of the windshield, but then it would move around and I want it to be permanent.

I've toyed with the idea of center-mounting, but will probably stick with my high mount on the left. Viewing would be better in the center, but it's easier to reach on the left. I worked at using voice to eliminate button-pushing, but found that I have to poke the thing enough that reachability is important. https://s11.postimg.org/9jxur8utf/phone_mount_3.jpg