[M]

I learned from EMDSD how to install a RAM ball mount about a year ago and have done it on my '05 250 and '07 650R. Shortly after buying my '08 250, I installed one.

The purpose of this mount is to have a permanent place to attach accessories (GPS, Sirius radio, cell phone, radar, etc) to the cycle.

Tools needed for this project:

* RAM ball RAM-B-236
* small flat head screwdriver
* 3/8-16 tap
* needle nose pliers
* blue thread lock

The first step is to pry off the plastic cover from the mirror thread hole:





Here is the RAM-B-236 ball:



Here is the 3/8-16 tap tool to re-thread the hole:



Tapping the hole:



The key to successfully tapping the threads correctly is to keep the tool angle in line with the hole, so that your threads are evenly created. Take your time here, and do it right the first time.



The next step is to put some thread lock on the RAM ball threads:



You then hand tighten the ball into the threads. Afterwards, I used some needle nose pliers to apply about 12 ft/lbs torque to the mount.





Here is how the RAM ball looks installed:



With the RAM short arm and Garmin 60CSx cradle in place:





With the 60CSx installed:



Total installation time, 10 minutes. Documentation time, 20 minutes.

[Lunatic]

Great info! (and pics of course). One question, is the mirror hole not already threaded?

[FeverPitch]

Thanks for the installation walk thru on the new bike. I'm doing the exact set-up with mine.

Thanks!

[djrussell]

[M]

[M]

I bought it in October of '06

http://forums.ninja250.org/viewtopic.php?t=48443

[djrussell]

should have known you posted pics about it.

i've got this one
my yard is like 4'x50' so it only takes 2 or 3 passes.

low tech rules.

[emdsd]

My take on the project.

http://www.theyeagergroup.com/ninja_250_RAM_Mount.htm

Doc

[M]

I have duals on my '05 250 and '07 650R. Time to order some more from www.gpscity.com

[emdsd]

One shouldn't leave themselves open like that!

Doc

[EricE]

Thanks to you, M, and emdsd, I placed an order for a RAM-B-236U last night. I'll dig up, or pick up a tap, and hopefully have it ready when my Zumo 550 gets in next week (no tracking number yet ). Hope to have it all in place by Sat. April 5th, as I'm going to see my son graduate from his Air Force training.

This will be my second trip from MN to FL on the 250. Yoo Hoo! Can't wait to get going!

[chrisc]

I have that same GPS, thanks for the how-to!

Questions:

What size arm are you using from the ball mount to the GPS cradle? The 1.75 inch?

Also, you ever try the RAM locking knob? Does it lock the GPS in there?

[M]

I'm not familiar with the RAM locking knob.

[cga]

i'm trying to order the 1inch ball - yet can't determine what other parts i need as well - is it just the RAM-HOL-GA12U

thanks

[emdsd]

Hickman has it nailed.

http://www.theyeagergroup.com/ninja_250_RAM_Mount.htm

Doc

[chkuo]

Thanks for the guide, I just finished installing one on my 2002 Ninja.

Here are the parts that I used, hopefully someone will find this useful:

* RAM-B-349U (RAM mount M10 x 1.25 pitch male thread on 1-inch ball): this part goes on the bike, does not need re-threading.
* RAM-B-201U-A (RAM mount short length dual 1-inch docket Arm): a 1.75-inch arm connecting the two 1-inch balls (one on the bike and one on the GPS cradle). There is a 3-inch version available too but I prefer the shorter one.
* RAM-B-238U (RAM mount diamond plate with 1-inch ball): attach this to the GPS cradle with the included bolts (3 sets of different lengths are included) and nylon lock nuts.
* RAM-HOL-GA21U (RAM mount Garmin Nuvi 3xx series cradle): this holds the GPS unit. The exact part number you need will depend on the GPS unit that you have.

I got all these from GPS City for less than $40 shipped, very happy with their selection/price/service. The installation was extremely easy and only took about 1 minute.

[chrisc]

If folks don't want to ream out that mirror hole, you can just use RAM-B-231U instead. It is a u-bolt that goes around the handlebar. I have mine mounted on the clutch side. There is plenty of room for the u-bolt over there. It looks fine, and it is rock solid.

http://www.mountinginnovations.com/RAM%20Products/Bundles/HOLGA12U/RAM-B-149-GA12U.htm

RAM-B-149-A-GA12U is the one I got. Around $40 with shipping.

[emdsd]

U-bolt mounting adds weight, complexity, expense, and is visually cluttered over this method (http://www.theyeagergroup.com/ninja_250_RAM_Mount.htm).

What are you saving the mirror mounts for anyway? If you ever need to install a mirror the threads are a different enough pitch and the hole size is similar enough that a simple removal of the ball mount and install of a mirror should be all that is needed.

Doc

[chrisc]

Are you trolling?

Adds weight? That is laughable! The weight difference is insignificant.

Expense? The U-bolt mount cost $2 more than the other one.

Visually cluttered over the other method??? You are grasping at straws.

It makes install much easier since you don't need to re-thread the hole for the u-bolt, that's the only reason I did it.

[djrussell]

[BrianM]

Flaming long time, very well respected members of this community will not buy you any friends.

And if you would have bothered to search a little, you'd know that this exists:

http://forums.ninja250.org/viewtopic.php?p=676931#676931



Have a great day

[M]

[chrisc]

[emdsd]

Wasn't trying to pound on you Sport. Just that some of us like a nice finished look to our "babies".

Weight -- I am a road cyclist and we silly folks go to great expense to save a few grams.

Back when I purchased mine the U-bolt clamp was about 2 to 3 times more than the 3/8 threaded. I though it was cool as I saved money and a couple of ounces. The thread tap was less than $10 at the local hardware/feed store (yes, you read that right).

Doc

[emdsd]

Thank you Ram Mount for supplying what the consumer needs.

Doc

[chrisc]

[FeverPitch]

[Kris]

That's a bit of a different take on the solution! Your logic works for you, but I can't say I agree with everything. To each his own. Here's a couple of pics of my setup. It keeps the GPS behind the shield in a position consistent with the instrument cluster when I glance down, and out of the wind/bugs/rain/road debris. My handlebars only move when I'm parked. When I'm rolling, they stay dead center. I also put a lanyard on the GPS and the triple clamp head so if it does vibrate loose, it won't become road kill.

[FeverPitch]

[Kris]

I know exactly what you mean! With my face shield and my bifocals, I have to keep my head at the "right" angle to be able to see the GPS. That's part of the problem with growing old! But, I can work with it. What I really need next is a power supply for the GPS for the display's back light. I have to install a cig lighter outlet with a switched power relay. Not hard, just have to find the time...

[chohan]

[chkuo]

No problem! It took me quite a while to figure out that the cradle doesn't come with a ball so I figured others might find the description confusing as well. Glad that this helped.

[emdsd]