MOUNTING AND CONNECTING THE GARMIN ZUMO 550 GPS
Last
time we reviewed the pleasure of traveling with a GPS. This
article discusses installation notes specifically for Garmin’s
motorcycle-specific “Zumo”, though much of it applies also to other GPS
units. The next article will discuss programming and usage.
MOUNT IT:
The
Zumo comes with RAM mounts to place it near the brake or clutch
reservoirs on the handlebar. We chose to mount ours on the left
side, so if doing anything with the Zumo while underway (don’t!!) the
rider’s right hand remains on the throttle and brake controls.
The
RAM mount places the unit a bit too high and close for my
preference. So, we selected a Goldwing-specific handlebar mount
from EK (bought from CycleGadgets.com, listed on EK’s page http://www.electrokinetics.com/ek_gps_mount.htm
). This mount is specific to bike model, year, and left or right side,
and aren’t yet available for 2006 and later GL1800s.
CONNECT IT:
The
Zumo is powered by a provided lead, routed to the accessory connection
at the fuse block, behind the bike’s left side cover. So, it’s
powered whenever the key is on.
The
audio output is connected to the bike’s Aux input at the left fairing
pocket, so we have to select AUX as the bike audio source to hear the
Zumo. Thus, we can’t listen to music and Zumo at the same time
(can still operate CB, though). For longer trip segments when
directions are only needed occasionally, we can listen to other audio
sources and rely on brief glances at the display for guidance.
When directions are more frequent (in town), selecting AUX lets us hear
the Zumo. (Of course, we shouldn’t really listen to tunes when in
traffic anyway).
The
power and audio wires are run in the cable channel that’s already
underneath the handlebar for a clean installation. Slack is
provided at the front fork so no binding occurs.
The
Zumo did have a significant alternator-whine from the bike’s power
supply, apparently a common issue. We installed an anti-whine
filter, which completely fixed this. It just plugs into the audio
system under the left fairing pocket. It works fine, eliminating
the whine completely. (My co-rider asked if there was a model
that could stop *my* whining too, but alas there’s not!) If you
have a GL1500 you may need a different unit; there are several on the
page that probably work the same electronically.
p/n 03207 Honda GL1800 Direct Connect Ground Loop Isolator $34.95
http://www.electricalconnection.com/audio/filter-gli.htm
Finally,
the Zumo 550 has Bluetooth audio connection capability, though we
haven’t activated it. It may be possible to communicate with a
cell phone that way, but we don’t want to do that while riding.
Next
time, we’ll discuss some programming and usage tips. Until then,
please check out this website for the best on-line help we’ve
found: http://www.zumoforums.com/ .
Related Articles:
Getting Started - Using the Garmin Zumo GPS
Traveling with Gabby (and I Don't Mean My Co-Rider)