What mount works best for a Garmin 255W GPS

FuzzyRider

Joined
Sep 3, 2009
Messages
5
Location
Macon,Ga
Bike
ST 1300
Just bought a Garmin 255W GPS for my wife. Naturally, I want to use it sometimes on the ST. What mount works best? I do not trust the suction cup. I would like to have it as near as possible to the center. Thanks!
 
Re: What mount works best

I'm using a ram ball in the center of the risers, 1.5" arm and a holder for my 750. Works well and is very sturdy.

http://www.gpscity.com/ram-mount-garmin-nuvi-200w-465t-cradle-ram-hol-ga25u.html
ramholga25.jpg

http://www.gpscity.com/ram-mount-short-arm-b-socket-ram-b-201u-a.html
ramb201a.jpg

http://www.gpscity.com/ram-mount-female-0.25-20-thread-hex-on-b-ball-ram-b-337u.html
ramb337.jpg

http://www.gpscity.com/ram-mount-diamond-plate-with-1-inch-ball-ram-b-238u.html
ramb238_img2.jpg
 
Re: What mount works best

I use the Ram Mount system on the ST and the VTX. On the ST I use the base that attaches to the clutch master cylinder on the handlebars. I have a StreetPilot and it requires that you glue the ball into the back of the GPS unit. I glue it with rubber cement so I can remove it if I want but it is hassle. I may purchase an additional base for the car. I can use the same arm and cradle.

The Wizard on the site shows you exactly what you need.
Ram Mount Click Motorcycle on the left and use the wizard.
 
I rode with my brothers Garmin for a long weekend last fall and the suction cup stuck just fine on the lower left side of the wind screen. I usually keep the screen in the lowest position so that caused no problems. If it started to rain (the only time I raise the screen) I had planned to shove the whole thing in my tank bag. It wasn't a waterproof model. I figured in the rain I didn't want to take my eyes off the road to look at it anyway. I certainly am cheap, but it worked!
 
FuzzyRider said:
Just bought a Garmin 255W GPS for my wife. Naturally, I want to use it sometimes on the ST. What mount works best? I do not trust the suction cup. I would like to have it as near as possible to the center. Thanks!
Click to expand...

I used the suction cup on my Nova Scotia trip last year with my 255W. 2K miles and it never moved.
I think the thicker CeeBaily windshield helps though. There's probably a lot of flex with the thinner shields.

I went to the Nuvi550 now.
 
I went with this combo pack Linky And then mounted it on the dash shelf on the ST1100. I also bought one further down on the list that mounted on the round handle bar of my FIL's cruiser. Both sets came with more than enough parts for mounting.
 
I also used the suction for my Navigon on a Cee Bailey; it was pretty high and well protected. It stayed in place very well but I drilled 2 small holes and secured it with a white cable tie just in case.
Now using a Zummo 220 ram mounted next to the heated grips control. I found that the ram mount bolt option leaves it too low for me so I have it 3x cable tied leaving it at least an inch higher.
I like cable ties:D
 
I have that same GPS and wanted a water proof mounting. I will be getting the Aqua Box from RAM. Seems they have the best price on it so far. The medium/wide model is designed for the Garmin Nuvi 255W GPS. I wish I saw the Nuvi 500 or Nuvi 550 6 months ago, I wanted water proof but didn't want to spend $600 to get it.

RAM Medium-wide Aqua Box

Edit:
I found out that Amazon.com has the best price and also has a direct connect cable that isolates bike power to protect the GPS.

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001RTOSRY/ref=s9_simh_gw_p23_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-3&pf_rd_r=1QWY41SNXS2DC343055H&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938811&pf_rd_i=507846"]medium-wide Aqua Box

Gilsson Direct Wire Cable (warning on this product- I ordered and received it and THEN found out this direct cable module does not support the Garmin wide screen Nuvi 255W. It will, however, support the regular screen sized Nuvi 255.)
 
Last edited:
Just an update:
I did make my own mount to attach the RAM Aqua Box at the top of my dash. Pictures will be added to my profile soon. I also installed the Gilsson direct wire cable BUT I found out that this unit (Gilsson cable) is not compatible with the 255W, only with the NON-"W" models. In fact, I found that Gilsson does not make any cable that will work with the Garmin wide screen Nuvi. I am looking at an alternative now. Maybe just buy an extra 12v car charger that does work (from Garmin) and modify it for a permanent install on the bike.
 
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