Mounting a GPS on a 2009 ZX-6R

Warning

I am not a mechanic or a representative of any motorcycle or tool manufacturer or anything else official. This page is only my notes on doing this procedure myself. Although I believe what I have documented here is correct, I make no promises and you do this at your own risk.

Objective

I have a GPS unit that has been mounted on several previous bikes, and wanted it on the 2009 ZX-6R.

The RAM mount system is a flexible gimble-arm system with cradles for most GPS, that I have used successfully in many installations. I bought mine from GPS City. The only requirement is to be able to mount one of their 3/4″ balls somewhere in the general area of the desired GPS location. They have a variety of adaptors and mounting options. For the ZX-6R I chose their option of a clamp whose holes match the standard spacing on the handlebar clamp that holds the brake and clutch levers in place — this allows the ball to be fastened directly over the clutch or brake mount.

Required

  • RAM clutch/brake screw ball mount
  • Replacement brake lever mount screws, 2cm longer than stock.

Tools Required

  • Rear stand (recommended)
  • 4mm Hex Wrench (Allen Key)
  • Insulated wire and split plastic wire sheath
  • Crimp-on spade connectors for relay contacts
  • Crimp-on lug connector for ground wire
  • Wire cutters
  • Sharp knife
  • Electrical tape
  • Zip ties
  • Soldering Iron and Solder
  • Volt meter

Difficulties & Warnings

Easy. Requires comfort with basic electrical circuits and soldering.

Procedure

Most bike maintenance is easier if you support the bike on a swing-arm stand so it is held vertical. This is optional, but a good investment if you plan to do any kind of work on the bike.
RAM sells a variety of mounting options. For this bike, I chose this “brake clamp adaptor”. The adaptor is an aluminum part with holes that match the spacing of the screws holding the clutch or brake lever in place.
I replaced the screws with longer ones, and tightened the mount in place directly on top of the brake lever clamp. It is secure, and the ball nicely misses the windshield when the handlebars are turned hard left.
The RAM gimble mount and cradle then clamps on to the ball.
And the GPS sits firmly in the cradle. The same ball and gimble system can be used with any GPS just by purchasing the appropriate cradle.
Next, the GPS requires power and I wanted the power to go off when the ignition was switched off. I installed a 12-volt automotive relay under the seat to provide switched power. A separate article documents that installation.

I enclosed a length of 14-gauge wire in a corrugated automotive wire sheath, and ran it up the left side of the bike, under the gas tank and behind the left side cover. With the seat in place, it is invisible. It’s visible here emerging into the area under the seat (the white wire).

I installed this onto the automotive relay with a crimp-on spade connector.

At the front of the bike I routed this around under the front fairing, securing it in a few places with zip ties, to emerge near the GPS mount.
I then connected it to the GPS power cable with a twist-and-solder connection, and insulated it with electrical tape.
The ground side of the GPS power comes from a lug under a screw on the ram air input.
The result is neat — no wiring is visible, and the GPS power goes off when the ignition key is turned off.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.