Well done Charlie. The mount seems strong enough.
Me too. I probably had the same response. We both have minds that are gutter oriented.Thought this threads title was a joke question, and had a wise guy response....
But NM, this is a serious discussion
Is it solid ABS or partially hollow? I'm thinking of hiding wiring.
SoCalST8 – I don't know if you're still in the R&D/prototype stage or not but FWIW here are my observations of your two examples:
A vertically oriented RAM ball as with the orange dash limits the range of motion of the RAM arm and can impede the height adjustment of the windshield at the low end. Mounting the RAM ball farther back further restricts lowering the windshield.
The dash's plinth seems a bit tall and adds to the above problem. On a purely aesthetic and equally purely subjective note the curve of the front of the dash seems out of place but that may just be me. Like I said – subjective.
The horizontal orientation of the RAM ball gives a much greater range of adjustment without interfering with the windshield at all. One RAM ball centrally located would work for me and help me avoid the temptation to hang too much off the dash. It would also allow a device to be placed on the dash such as a radar detector or — a bespoke holder for LEDs to be configured and connected as desired by the customer. Drilling the leading edge of the dash would also do something similar if not as convenient.
Whether it's just the angle of the pic or not I can't say but the leading edge of the dash looks odd compared third-party the edge of the dash. Eye level pics might be helpful.
On another aesthetic note – can this ABS be sanded smooth? This would be an end user tweak but I don't care for the somewhat unfinished look of 3D printed media.
One of the things I learned long ago when trying to design something, was to not solicit ideas/input from people who had no stake in the game. Unless they were part of a design team, ideas get thrown out and you never get beyond that point. That said, since Bob weighed in, I'll give you my two cents.
As an observation based on the above pictures it looks like it would obstruct visibility of the turn signal indicator lamps even without any device mounted.
As an observation based on the above pictures it looks like it would obstruct visibility of the turn signal indicator lamps even without any device mounted.
a 5' 9" test rider
The 'extra' holes in the edge of the dash on either side of the central RAM ball would make a great place for two LEDs for the ACL Laser Turn Signal Reminder Thingy!!! farkle.
But another set of LED's for turn signals (already have mirror mounted ones) and maybe a place for voltmeter is something I can use for everyday rides.
So, you want them on the dash, the mirrors and now the shelf?
You can have the ones on the dash... of no use to me, in a visual dead zone unless I'm working on the bike. Shelf, mirrors, yep! I've told myself for years I would put some LED's into the trailing edge of the dash but never found my round tuit. With a new farkle like a spiffy shelf... it might get around. (Post hand surgery, will have plenty of think and planning time while recovering.)