Moving GPS on 2011 RT

[Hokiev]

Well, I might have" bitten off more than I can chew".

After reading about others who have moved their GPS I decided I would tackle the job.
Have hit a few road blocks.

1. What size hex wrench/key is needed to remove the two bolts that hold the existing GPS mount to the handle bars?
Am going to have to go out and buy as I don't have anything that fits. Since I am buying, what is best to buy, socket type, handle, etc?

2. Do you have to remove all 4 bolts to get the wiring harness back out? It looks like the hole is too small to feed the GPS connector back into the Spyder. Do I have to unplug it from inside somewhere and pull in through the front? or is there another procedure? I can't see where it is plugged in the guts of the Spyder so I might not removed enough parts. Does one of the headlights come off to gain access?

I removed the windshield, side covers, top of dash so far. Do I also have to remove any part of the dash (i.e., speedometer front section to get to feed the wires back to come under the top of dash?

Signed,
Frustrated.

(Can't wait to see what problems I run into in installing the rear shock.)

540-424-3193

 

[kinggeek]

Make sure you have all you need!

I just left the mount on the handlebars and added a RAM ball for 'future use', maybe an x-grip.

I then used Lamont's part list, except I got black, for the RAM components to mount to the top of the dash. If you do decide to remove the handlebar mount the size is 3/8" drive socket type 7mm hex key and make sure you have a torque wrench, the shorter bolts, and the little plastic hole plug required if you do not have that mount installed. Those bolts are supposed to be torqued to a specific ft/lbs number, 28 ft/lbs I think.

You only have to remove 2 bolts to get the harness out.

The GPS is plugged in behind the right saddle bag. You need to take tupperware off from left side al the way around to the right including the right headlight and the tupperware around the headlight. You will also need a heat gun to melt the existing solder connection or some wire snips to cut the wires. If I remember correctly you will NOT need to remove the dash piece with speedo and temp gague.

You will need to cut a small whole in the lip that fits into the top of the dash piece to allow the wire to go behind the dash.

I know this sound like a lot but it is not difficult just take your time.

See the photos:

 

[LarBear4442]

Why

I'm a new owner of an RT Spyder, curious, why do you prefer to move the location of the GPS Unit.

 

[Hokiev]

I'm a new owner of an RT Spyder, curious, why do you prefer to move the location of the GPS Unit.

Higher up keeps eyes from looking down.
Had read where several others had done so. Liked the idea.

Have almost finished the install. Was more difficult then I thought it would be. Mostly getting the correct covers off. (had to take off all the right side covers. Had to remove right headlight also. Took me a while to figure out which wires were the GPS wires. Was easy to find once I removed right headlight by wiggling the harness at the steering mount. Removed windshield so I could determine best placement for RAM mount on upper dash.

Overall, ended up taking off more than I needed since I did not know exactly what had to come off.

Did not have to use heat gun that was suggested in thread above. All connections came off with no problem and reconnected with ease (and it still works). Biggest challenge was feeding connectors up through the small opening on the handlebars where the old mount was.

Then feeding wires back up through old opening and then rerouting to new position.

Will like new position though when done.

 

[kinggeek]

Higher up keeps eyes from looking down.
Had read where several others had done so. Liked the idea.

Have almost finished the install. Was more difficult then I thought it would be. Mostly getting the correct covers off. (had to take off all the right side covers. Had to remove right headlight also. Took me a while to figure out which wires were the GPS wires. Was easy to find once I removed right headlight by wiggling the harness at the steering mount

Glad you are almost there! It is a great mod and MUCH safer than in the center of the handlebars. The thing I like ist once done youdo not ever have to take your eyes off the road and if done right looks like it came that way from the factory.