| Author | Message | ||
     Roycet4 |
Hi All, My son has a '06 CityX and I want to help him mount (and power) either a dedicated GPS or his Iphone7. I'd love to get peoples opinions on the best way to mount either, how to run power to it and how to hear it (Bluetooth headset in the helmet or earbuds?). if you recommend a dedicated GPS (that would be my choice) what model would you suggest? Thanks Royce in NH | ||
| Juniorkirk |
Back in the day I had a chatterbox attached to my helmet and always got about 7-8 of continuous music play back from my phone (had phone attached to a battery bank to keep it charged). When I was getting ready to get out of the military I needed to get my bike back home since I did not want to ship it home. So my trip was going to be from Camp Pendleton, CA to Grand Junction, IA with a detour through Sturgis and Mount Rushmore (was in August and have never been before). I called my dad up a few weeks before and asked if he would meet me there (he lived in Grand Junction, IA) and we could see the sites and then ride back together. I had an 08' 1125R at the time with just a backpack on me. From Pendleton to Mount Rushmore I would have music playing through the Chatterbox with Maps running as well. I liked it since it automatically turned down the music to give me turn-by-turn directions. My first day I went from Pendleton to about Little America, WY. After the first 8 hours I did stop and eat and charge the chatterbox for a little bit which got me to the end of the day. Stayed at a hotel and next day used same method rest of the way to Mount Rushmore at which point I let my dad take over navigation. I know a long story, but I think the cheapest route to go on this (but still work good) is a chatterbox and a battery bank to keep phone charged (unless it is only a few hour trip, then the phone will have plenty of juice). I have Apple AirPods but haven't worn them yet while riding. I have to change the bike oil this weekend so I might test out how well I can hear them while riding. I'll get back to you on that | ||
| Froggy |
A dedicated GPS is the way to go for touring. Something like a Garmin Zumo is designed to be on a bike so it is waterproof, vibration proof, works with gloves, and comes with all the right hookups and mounts. Being dedicated, the software works better and has more functionality, like ability to plan routes, track where you've been, and most importantly you don't need to rely on cell coverage or preloading map data. The iPhone is already in your possession, so ultimately it will be cheaper to get up and running. A simply GPS app may be sufficent depending on your son's needs. Personally I run a combo of a Garmin Zumo 590LM and a Windows smartphone at the same time, and depending on where I'm going or what I'm doing I bounce between which one does navigation and the other does telemetry. As for how to hear it, Sena bluetooth headsets are the way to go. You can pair it to multiple devices, and even other headsets so you can communicate with others. You can get power for the GPS/phone under the flyscreen. There is an aux power circuit you can tap into. (Message edited by Froggy on August 11, 2017) | ||
| Biffdotorg |
I have had great luck mounting my iPhone's on the handlebars using the Ultimate Addons cases. These cases are water tight or can be opened on one end enough to allow a power or headphone cable out, but still be sealed. They come with their own handlebar clamp. I have used these with iphone 5 and 6 series phones. I purchased the Blueant communicators for my wife and I, but have used it primarily connected to my phone for text, calls, and Siri. For GPS, I have used a Lowrance in the past, but have since started using the dash type Garmin Nuvi units. I order the associated RAM mount, so that I can move the Nuvi from my bike to the Wildcat or my sled and use the same mount. I just put a 1" RAM ball on whatever I want to use it with. The Nuvi's were expensive in the stores, but everyone and their brother is selling them for cheap on Ebay and C-list due to so many cars coming with NAV in the dash. They sure do work well, and if it ever dies, I can replace it with another used unit under $50. Good luck | ||
| Juniorkirk |
I know I'm a little late to respond to this, but I have been riding with my AirPods and listening to music while I'm out riding and they work great. Cruising at 80 mph with my helmet on and AirPods in I can hear the music just fine. The AirPods get close to their 5 hour battery life they state. And it takes less than 30 minutes to charge them up from dead to 100%. | ||
| Roycet4 |
Hi Froggy, Do you have a schematic for the wiring under the fly screen? I would love to install a 12V Powerlet outlet and install into the into the front side in the gauge cluster side panel. Do you have something like that on you XB? | ||
| Froggy |
See this thread, there is a plug already on your 08 Firebolt tucked away under the flyscreen, you can just convert the dummy plug into a connector to use for your powerlet. (Pics show an 1125R but it is similar on the Firebolt) http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/290 431/388582.html?1219363351 All 08+ XBs have that plug. For older bikes need to get a little more creative. | ||
| Roycet4 |
Thanks, I'll check that out on my 12R but I will be mounting one on my sons '06 Lighting, so I'll run wires to the either the battery or to the switched hot side of the ignition switch. |
