TomTom Rider 5 on 2014 Spyder Rt

[DC1]

Hi y'all, I decided I can' t do without a GPS...And got a TomTom Rider 5 pretty cheap....it is on its way home from the warehouse now..

I bought the Ram kit to mount to the lower bolt on the handlebar and have it installed and ready to go....should be simple as popping the ram mount on and tightening it up..

My question is electrical..I can just pop the plug in the middle between the handlebar bolts and run it down to the battery I guess...simple enough as long as I Don' t leave it on and kill the battery..

My question is....Is there a better way? What ideas have y'all come up with..(keeping in mind this Spyder has front mounted battery.) Figured maybe someone may know a accessory wire or something to tie to somewhere down under that steering head...Just doing a little fishing here..

 

[rnharriman]

Here is what I used read down the page of the instructions for the power connection, I have used this method for over 8,000 miles no problems and the TomTom turns off with the Spyder.
http://www.knarfoh.com/GPS_INSTALL/gps_install.html

 

[DC1]

when searching the net, I found your write up right away!!

Here is what I used read down the page of the instructions for the power connection, I have used this method for over 8,000 miles no problems and the TomTom turns off with the Spyder.
http://www.knarfoh.com/GPS_INSTALL/gps_install.html

Yes, Thanks for posting the link and I had already seen your write up in a search prior to posting here.....only 1 problem though, I have the basic RT...It does not have those fuel and temp gauges, just black plastic plugs where they are supposed to be..I was thinking "dang, so close" when I saw your write up...very detailed and I will surely be using part of the info, its where I learned what that plug is for on the handlebar.....Thanks.....it just kinda puts me back to finding a power source without having those gauges...

 

[ricford]

On the subject of wiring, are the wiring harnesses on the RT and RT Limited the same? i.e. can one pop the plastic plugs out of the dash and install fuel gauge and ammeter of the digital style with the wiring that is (should be) in place already? And other lights such as the side markers and fender marker lights?

 

[DC1]

GOOD QUESTION, Can someone "in the know" answer this one??

On the subject of wiring, are the wiring harnesses on the RT and RT Limited the same? i.e. can one pop the plastic plugs out of the dash and install fuel gauge and ammeter of the digital style with the wiring that is (should be) in place already? And other lights such as the side markers and fender marker lights?

My research shows that the gauges plug into the cluster(other threads where folks have pulled the cluster out enough to unplug those gauges from it because of accuracy issues) and if I had to "guess" would say that if you buy the gauges to add to the standard RT they would come with the wiring to plug into the cluster..I am guessing it is not there already but really would love a response from someone who knows....good question for me moving forward in that direction..

 

[Ex-Rocket]

I recently installed the TOMTOM rider GPS on my 2015 RTS and what I did was run the wire down to the battery and made the connection down there. You really have to take several panels off on the front of the bike plus remove the windsheld. Fairly easy process though. I ran the wire over the center bracket that moves the windsheld up and down, fished it through a plastic panel underneath the outer panels, down between the headlights and then drilled a small hole into the upper lip of the frunk gasket and then down to the battery. Sealed the hole that I drilled with silicone so my frunk wouldn't get wet. I mounted the GPS to JT'S GPS/phone bracket that mounts on top of the dash where the 2 screws are located. I didn't want to mount the GPS down at the handle bars so I wouldn't have to take my eyes off the highway to see the GPS.

 

[DC1]

I recently installed the TOMTOM rider GPS on my 2015 RTS and what I did was run the wire down to the battery and made the connection down there. You really have to take several panels off on the front of the bike plus remove the windsheld. Fairly easy process though. I ran the wire over the center bracket that moves the windsheld up and down, fished it through a plastic panel underneath the outer panels, down between the headlights and then drilled a small hole into the upper lip of the frunk gasket and then down to the battery. Sealed the hole that I drilled with silicone so my frunk wouldn't get wet. I mounted the GPS to JT'S GPS/phone bracket that mounts on top of the dash where the 2 screws are located. I didn't want to mount the GPS down at the handle bars so I wouldn't have to take my eyes off the highway to see the GPS.

Thanks for the Info, sounds like I will have plenty of wire if I route down thru the handlebar, already have the mount set and not as optimal for viewing while riding but I will make it work...How do you like the tom tom so far, does it work good with your helmet Bluetooth??...bright enough to see in daylight, ect??

 

[DC1]

Still haven't wired it.....and may not!

I mounted it on the stock location and can see it pretty good while riding.. But when i pop the plug to route the wire down thru the steering column where the factory Garmin wiring goes, I see no place to route it down thru there...Has anyone run wiring down thru there and have any advise on that???

If not, it has a long battery life and I just may charge it in the trunk while on open road and pop it on the Mount just when I need it on backroads and conjestion..I think I will give that a try on my 3500 mile trip next month and if it goes good leave it that way till battery life begins to shorten....then worry bout it then....