I will be traveling quite a bit this summer on my bike. I have used a handlebar mount for my GPS before; however, my fiance has my GPS for her work travels this summer since she does not have GPS navigation on her phone and I do... I have a Lifeproof case, and I have an Otterbox Armor series case for my iPhone 4S. I have seen mounts for the Lifeproof case out there, but I don't think I trust the mounts as much as the case, and a majority of the reviews aren't the best for the mounts.
Has anyone come across mounts for the Armor Series cases? I would trust the Armor series on my bike much more than the Lifeproof anyway; however, I have lap swam and powerbocked with both cases and they perform excellent in the elements either way.
There are flaws with each case, but I'm mostly concerned with the best way to mount them. There are good and bad reviews regarding both cases, but neither has failed on me, and they do what they are supposed to do for me, so I feel comfortable with this application. I put this in Odds and Ends to anticipate some off topicness, So if anyone is curious for themselves about the cases, I'll certainly answer no problem. Just try to keep from bashing apple vs. android, and stuff like that, we've all been there before and there is never agreement anyway.
Any ideas on mounting the Armor series on my bike, or better mounting options for the Lifeproof?
:cheers:
- Bboy
A friend of mine made his own for his evo 4g and his honda.
IF you dont need pretty it's worth a shot.
I will try and get pics from him but he bought a otterbox style 2 part case and a spare plastic back part (not otterbox brand, maybe Seidio?). Then he dremeled 4 slits in the plastic part. Then He ran regular hardware store hose clamps through the holes and around the bars. Then he has his phone in its case, but if he wants to mount it to his bike he pops it out of the plastic and into the one on his bike.
Not sure if his case is waterproof or not, but it has to be close, all posrts have rubber plugs and there is a plastic screen covering built into it.
I like the simplicity of that, but I'm afraid it would be hard to find a back to one of these cases... or another that I would trust.
I did find these at RAM mounts that might do the trick, and many of the RAM mounts have good reviews.
http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/ram-mounts-stem-mount-finger-grip-cell-phone-kit
- Bboy
I too have been in the market for a phone mount but cannot use a handle bar type mount.
I've been considering one of these...this is an alternative to a handle bar mount. You can get various attachements to fit phones, GPS etc
http://tinyurl.com/ox5dbya
Quote from: Thomps991 on May 26, 2013, 04:59:42 PM
I've been considering one of these...this is an alternative to a handle bar mount. You can get various attachements to fit phones, GPS etc
http://tinyurl.com/ox5dbya
^^^^ $100?
Hell no.
Ram mounts, the easiest, and best store bought available
Agreed on the ram mounts. ive used em on multple occasions. w/o a single problem.
Quote from: weedahoe on May 26, 2013, 02:14:44 PM
I too have been in the market for a phone mount but cannot use a handle bar type mount.
Been looking into stem mounts. They seem to be pretty sturdy mounted there, and are still pretty visible. I feel like the gas cap mounted or other type of tank mounts would be too far under my field of vision.
- Bboy
Edit: Needing to buy one this week, so if anyone has any more persuasive words to share, I'm listening! :cheers:
How would you use a stem mount when our stem has a solid bolt through it?
LMK what you buy and how you like it because I need/want one also
Yes, didn't look close enough at how they actually mounted till about 20mins ago... just thought the idea of mounting it there would be perfect, but probably won't work for our bikes :icon_sad:
But I'm looking into others ways besides handlebar mounts which I'm trying to avoid... need to stare at my bike for a bit lol.
- Bboy
Im not feeling bar mounts either as then you might turn they might make the device come in contact with something. At least in a stem mount it would turn in one place rather than swing with the bars.
Of course, you could always take out the bolt in the stem, center drill and tap/thread it and then use a bolt to mount the device stand in place
I was wondering that myself... how would that hold up you think?
- Bboy
It would hold fine. I would drill and tap 1/4-20 since it is a common thread size. Use one or two rubber washers between the mount base and the top of the stem for cushion. Ive got one or two stem bolts myself and might try this route.
Scratch that. I just looked at a spare bolt and the checked it and it is just under 10mm OD. You wont be able to drill and tap that with a bolt I feel to be large enough to support what we want to do.
However, we could fab a mount to go under the bolt and hold it that way.
That'd probably pretty easy to do too... Ideas are flowing right now :icon_idea:
... I'll have to check around my garage this evening and see what I can come up with
- Bboy
Check this out
http://www.ebay.com/itm/190640317749
http://www.ebay.com/itm/171045511229
I ride with a tank bag quite a bit so that 2nd one would not work for me but that first one could be mounted under the stem bolt or maybe even behind the gauges. If you have a smoke windshield like me, that would be better IMO.
I figure I can make a bracket that extends out a little and mount it like that first one under the stem bolt, and then mount a RAM mount to the bracket. I would trust the RAM mounts over time vs the chinese ones... and my phone with the otterbox armor case is pretty heavy too (like 3/4lb), so it would have to hold that up.
I'll have to look and measure for clearances, but I think it should work, or a variation of the sort anyway.
- Bboy
So its pretty simple. I just bent a straight piece of steel (like the kind they make corner brackets out of) about 3/4 inch wide and 6 inches long. Drilled a hole to fit under the stem bolt, and another hole 1/4-20 at the other end of the bracket. I will attach the ball camera-type mount to the end of the bracket into the 1/4-20 hole, and put the RAM mount on that ball mount.
I took pics on my camera, but forgot my SDHC card is flubbed and I can't get them off... shoulda just taken em with my phone, but now I can't till tonight.
So, one angled bracket and a ball mount is all it took! ... I don't have the ball mount yet, as that is coming with the RAM mount, but I don't forsee any issues once the mount arrives.
The only thing about mounting from the stem bolt is that it will have to be 'tall' enough so I can still fit the charger into the bottom of the phone and above the tank, but should be simple enough to take care of regardless.
Here is a quick mock-up from the side view of what the bracket will look like mounted up with the RAM mount.
(http://i1069.photobucket.com/albums/u477/BockinBboy/mount_zps50020870.png)
- Bboy
Unless there are a significant amount of turns, here's what I do:
Commit about 3 to 4 steps to memory.
Once those steps are done, check phone in tank bag and commit the next 3-4 steps to memory.
I'd be sad if my phone were to fall off and get lost.
Others will disagree, but this works well for me.
Thats what I did the other day... rode about 250 miles monday. Works out pretty good because its nice to stop after certain distances anyway. I want it out front for other things than just GPS though. Monday I used the radar in real time to avoid the rain, and it worked out pretty well.. even better if I didn't have to stop to glance at that. That's just one example, there are other small conveniences, of course.
- Bboy
Quote from: BockinBboy on May 29, 2013, 06:24:10 AM
So its pretty simple. I just bent a straight piece of steel (like the kind they make corner brackets out of) about 3/4 inch wide and 6 inches long. Drilled a hole to fit under the stem bolt, and another hole 1/4-20 at the other end of the bracket. I will attach the ball camera-type mount to the end of the bracket into the 1/4-20 hole, and put the RAM mount on that ball mount.
I took pics on my camera, but forgot my SDHC card is flubbed and I can't get them off... shoulda just taken em with my phone, but now I can't till tonight.
So, one angled bracket and a ball mount is all it took! ... I don't have the ball mount yet, as that is coming with the RAM mount, but I don't forsee any issues once the mount arrives.
The only thing about mounting from the stem bolt is that it will have to be 'tall' enough so I can still fit the charger into the bottom of the phone and above the tank, but should be simple enough to take care of regardless.
Here is a quick mock-up from the side view of what the bracket will look like mounted up with the RAM mount.
(http://i1069.photobucket.com/albums/u477/BockinBboy/mount_zps50020870.png)
- Bboy
will you take a pic after your done. I need to consider this as well for in the future
I have a pouch in my alpinestars tank bag but I don't always take my bag with me. I ordered a mount and am waiting on it to get here
Okay my RAM mount came today. It's the universal x-grip style. Excellent quality and holds my phone nice and tight.
Now, ran into an issue wig the bracket I made. The ram mount has a wider back than I measured for. Not a big deal at all, but the clearance above my tank bag isn't what I hoped. Since I already cut the bracket, I would need to cut another one. Angle and design of the bracket is perfect, but length is the problem. So tip for anyone that wants to do this, just wait for the mount before making the bracket lol.
However, the ram mount unexpectedly came with a u bolt mounting kit ( which I didn't order or didnt realize it came with it). So I decided to play around with that.
It mounts to the center of the handlebars in about the exact spot my bracket mounts, except there is a lot more adjustability. It moves about an inch more than mounted to the stem from lock to lock. I will probably keep it mounted here.
It also can mount to the front fairing bracket behind the gauges. BUT, there is such minimal clearance that you can't adjust the screen angle. So if there is a glare, you are out of luck. Now, you could probably mount it there and get some screen angle adjustment if you were to purchase the longer u bolt mount that RAM sells, but you would have to have a taller aftermarket windscreen to accommodate that depending on the size of your device. I'm considering buying the longer mount to do that in the future, but I'll try what I have for now.
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/06/04/aqaza4ad.jpg)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/06/04/u8u4eveq.jpg)
- Bboy
cyclegear has tankbags for $39 with clear top pockets, the screen works with touch through it. if it rains, toss in a ziplock.
Can you guys really use an GPS/iphone while you are riding? Can you really see maps or use the phone while you are on the road? I'm lucky if I can glance at my speedo or other gauges when I'm riding. The last trip I took where I needed directions I stuck a paper map on my tank with magnets.
Bluetooth makes my gps and iPhone navigation a breeze. Glancing down isn't too bad, but I'd rather do it as little as possible. So, Bluetooth is a must for navigation on either... They tell you the directions in your ear so you don't have to look at it.
- Bboy
Quote from: BockinBboy on June 03, 2013, 08:32:08 PM
Bluetooth makes my gps and iPhone navigation a breeze. Glancing down isn't too bad, but I'd rather do it as little as possible. So, Bluetooth is a must for navigation on either... They tell you the directions in your ear so you don't have to look at it.
- Bboy
Exactly. All you have to do is listen to the lady whispering (or screaming) in your ear.
@ BockinBboy, I have clip ons so there is no center bar for u bolts to lock onto on mine. Thats why I was looking at a stem mount or something to connect under the stem bolt.
I know you said it holds your phone nice and tight but can you post some pics because Im not digging those 4 little feet mounts
For a more "elegant" mounting option, Ram makes balls that replace the handlebar bolts and the entire front brake reservoir cap. For F models you can also get the ball that mounts in the vestigial handlebar mirror mounts. That way you can mount your cell phone, GPS and cup holder.
Funny you mention that because I was looking on YouTube and see a video showing all the different ball mounts and arm lengths.
Quote from: weedahoe on June 03, 2013, 08:53:08 PM
@ BockinBboy, I have clip ons so there is no center bar for u bolts to lock onto on mine. Thats why I was looking at a stem mount or something to connect under the stem bolt.
I know you said it holds your phone nice and tight but can you post some pics because Im not digging those 4 little feet mounts
I wanted to get pics with my phone in it, but I had to take the pics with my phone... my camera's SDHC card won't read, and I haven't broken down and bought a new one yet. I'll see if I can get a buddy to take a pic on their phone and send it to me. But the mount definately holds it tighter than I thought, and it feels very secure.
I realized the way I ended up mounting it wouldn't help those with clip-ons, but mounting a bracket beneath the stem bolt would still work... Just need to make the bracket AFTER you receive the mount to avoid cutting one with wrong dimensions :icon_rolleyes:. I had measured everything out, but didn't account for the back of mount being as deep as it is... that measurement wasn't provided when I looked it up. No biggie really, just needed to adjust the length of the bracket. The angle and way it mounted under the stem worked great.
That stem mount that RAM sells (I think I linked it in an earlier post), actually replaces the stem bolt; however, it only goes down to a 12mm bolt size, and I 'think' our stem bolt is 10mm bolt?... Actually, the stem bolt is the same size as our mirror mount hole threads on the handlebars... so I'm thinking it has to be 10mm. If you could find a stem mount that went that small, you could still do that... or modify the RAM mount, or maybe it might still fit and you just need to provide your own 10mm the kit doesn't come with. :dunno_black: I'm not for sure. But Stem mounting in some way is definately possible, and a good location.
I'm not so much a fan of many of the other mount locations offered by the RAM mounts... not that they wouldn't be secure, because they ARE. Just personal preference, as I don't want my device moving a bunch from center... I just don't like that extra movement, and more chances for something to get caught up, etc... So I had to find a way to get it mounted somewhere it doesn't move at all, or very little... and thats pretty limited without drilling, because not many options for the center area that doesn't move much.
Weeds, in addition to stem mounting/mount bracket under the stem. You could mount it to the front fairing bracket behind the gauges. It would just require the long U-bolt mount that RAM offers, because you need the height to get a little above the gauges for clearance, and so you can adjust the angle of the device. I tried mounting mine there, and it
barely fit with the medium U-bolt mount mine came with, but you aren't left with any way to adjust it at all without hitting the gauges when turning the bars.
- Bboy
Oh Wait! I just thought of this...
The vestigial mirror mount that smudge mentioned, and what I discovered when playing around with my mounting options...
The mirror mount is the same thread size as the stem bolt, so if there is a mount that will go into or mount from a mirror mount... It will also mount into the Stem bolt, provided that you could make the mount bolt long enough to go down in there or for the mount to fit around, etc... So check out the mirror mounts and see if anything will work with our stem bolt.
- Bboy
I skimmed this thread so my apologies if i repeat something...
I needed a little bit of storage room and someplace to put my phone for the GPS on my GS and I also wanted one that was waterproof just incase I got caught in the rain.
On a college budget I wasn't about to spend $50 for a the cheapest motorcycle one that had bad reviews. Instead for $12 on amazon I bought one of these...
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/06/08/me5urahe.jpg)
It's intended for a bicycle but I put it sideways on my handlebars and reinforced the Velcro straps with black discreet zip-ties. It hold up perfectly, and is 100% weatherproof and has enough storage room for a small camera and my wallet too.
[attachment deleted by admin]
I posted a video on the new mount I had bought. I hope it works as good as yours but check it out and let me know what you think
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=64547.0
Quote from: weedahoe on June 09, 2013, 08:19:32 AM
I posted a video on the new mount I had bought. I hope it works as good as yours but check it out and let me know what you think
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=64547.0
Haven't had a chance to check out the vid yet, but I generally like your setups and you do great work, so I'm sure its good.
Quote from: ohgood on June 03, 2013, 05:45:21 PM
cyclegear has tankbags for $39 with clear top pockets, the screen works with touch through it. if it rains, toss in a ziplock.
Missed that post. Sounds like it would work for a few different things. The touch screen cover on it sounds pretty interesting. Is that a feature of that particular bag, or does touch screen just happen to work through that particular one? ... Got a link?
- Bboy
Quote from: pliskin on June 03, 2013, 07:59:22 PM
Can you guys really use an GPS/iphone while you are riding? Can you really see maps or use the phone while you are on the road? I'm lucky if I can glance at my speedo or other gauges when I'm riding. The last trip I took where I needed directions I stuck a paper map on my tank with magnets.
if an exit (interstate) is coming up, or odd intersection, its pointless to try to see it on the screen. too much of a distraction.
I will use the 'zoom out' function at stop lights to make sure I'm familiar with wshich lanes to be in, and never use lane assist. it just makes the changing/following too hectic, much easier to make 4 right turns and redirect instead.
with headphones/bluetooth, streaming music works very nicely, and android phones lower the music volume as the directions are read from gps apps. its very smart, very well executed.
my favorite navigation apps are googles own (online only) and sygic (off line only for me)
offline mapping is oruxmaps
for ihpone users I understand motionx is reallllly good
Quote from: weedahoe on June 09, 2013, 08:19:32 AM
I posted a video on the new mount I had bought. I hope it works as good as yours but check it out and let me know what you think
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=64547.0
Got around to viewing the vid. For $8 bucks, worth a shot. Seems to stick out a little high to get a good postion, but that could be that huge phone too lol. You can probably anticipate its longevity, but like you said, its $8 bucks and if it works for a while or what you needed it for, then get another or try something else.
My iPhone is pretty big with the armor case, but its just thick and more boxy. You've prompted me to make a video reply with my setup. Well... I want to do it but I just have to find the time. My SDHC card should be in today so at least I can get the pics up with the phone in it.
- Bboy
actually liking that MTB mount. can use myww1 era garmin gps , for speedometer along with the vapor cluster
Quote from: BockinBboy on June 12, 2013, 08:49:53 AM
Quote from: weedahoe on June 09, 2013, 08:19:32 AM
I posted a video on the new mount I had bought. I hope it works as good as yours but check it out and let me know what you think
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=64547.0
Got around to viewing the vid. For $8 bucks, worth a shot. Seems to stick out a little high to get a good postion, but that could be that huge phone too lol. You can probably anticipate its longevity, but like you said, its $8 bucks and if it works for a while or what you needed it for, then get another or try something else.
My iPhone is pretty big with the armor case, but its just thick and more boxy. You've prompted me to make a video reply with my setup. Well... I want to do it but I just have to find the time. My SDHC card should be in today so at least I can get the pics up with the phone in it.
- Bboy
Ok, youve had time to get pics and do a video. Whats the hold up? :)
Janx101 has post about Mecano. Maybe we could use Mecano bits to make good phone or even gps mounting for our motorcycle. I will try this and tell you about the little project. But first I will buy a small Mecano kit. Cool!
Ha weedahoe, just had to find the time...
Here is the video of my phone mount setup. Something I didn't mention in the video... I did slit a piece of black vinyl tubing and slid it around the center handlebar. It wasn't necessary to hold the mount tight or anything like that, I just added the tubing to protect the finish on the bars.
The RAM mount I used costs around $55 at most retailers, and if you search around you might find it with free shipping. Here is the link to RAM's site below
http://www.rammount.com/Products/XGriptradeMounts/XGriptradePhoneMounts/tabid/4688/Default.aspx
(http://i1069.photobucket.com/albums/u477/BockinBboy/107_0272_zps409606b6.jpg)
(http://i1069.photobucket.com/albums/u477/BockinBboy/107_0273_zps19894bf1.jpg)
- Bboy
Very nice. I like it! :cheers:
BBoy's mount got he and I from IL to KY via epic back roads without a hitch.
Is there any other products out there that are ready to use out of the box without personal modifications? Any recommendations would be greatly appreciate to mount an iPhone 5S on a 2009 GS500
Hi there Carl!
The Universal RAM mount I used did not require any personal modifications. In my initial setup, I attempted to make a bracket for it to mount to the stem; however, the mount ended up including everything to do it in a similar way I had imagined. There are endless mounting options with RAM products, and they are all top quality in my opinion. The only thing I would recommend in addition to the mount would be a good phone case. Maybe even a waterproof one such as the one I have (Otterbox Armor series) or Lifeproof, or a couple others out there... but it is not required to hold your phone secure by any means. It would just be an added protection from vibration and the elements.
- Bboy