Tomtom Rider 40 top yoke compact mount

I got myself a satnav. It was on offer through my local MC-organisation and I'm utterly fed up by trying to use my cellphone which is not waterproof and thus needs shelter while riding.

So I got this Rider40 by mail, not really knowing what to expect mount-wise. RAM-mount it was. And no choice of installation that wasn't hideous! The problem is that the device sits on a rather thick cradle and adding a RAM-mount to that makes the device protrude from the handlebar like an extra standard rearview-mirror - of which I have none. Replaced those with bar-end-mirrors to keep the design 'compact'

Anyways. Time to be creative. I fiddled around with the kit and discovered that placing it between the handlebar mounts would be best. But no mount for that particular purpose existed. Hmmm...

Coincidentally, I've been fiddling with the company's new 3D-printer and some online beginner's-3D CAD called TinkerCAD. I was able to do basic shapes like boxes and cylinders, so I challenged myself to see if I could design something that would fit the handlebar mounts.

I could. Today I have a reasonably practical all-metal-satnav-mount where I want it.
Have a look at the pictures below to follow the process. Of course I'll be happy to share the finished 3D-model if anyone would like it.

Evolution of the design:


Dry-run-install:








Final 3D-model in plastic:


Transformed into aluminium, epoxyglued and spraypainted:


Now, riding with a satnav is a joy.

Y'all might think that is not necessary, and you're right. But on the other side; if the device is not executing a route it shows a 'live map'  with speed trap warnings right under your nose. And if in unknown territory, using the built-in 'tour-guide' is a joy. Thing is, the Rider40 offers up an option for you to simply point at an area on the map and have a custom-designed roundtrip for that area designed. Perfect for exploring the surroundings. One may choose between three levels of twistiness and three levels of hilliness for the design.

I've of course tried it out in my own local area to get a feel for its abilities - feeding it max-twist & max-hill. Lo and behold; I was taken through all the best bits of that particular area. Utterly impressive! So, there's a satnav that will take you nowhere via the twistiest and hilliest route available.

Of course the Rider40 can do 'standard A-to-B-guiding' using most direct route. Alas, I put a mount in my car and can now enjoy realtime speedtrap- and congestion-warnings while driving:

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Did I just write a review of the Rider40 there??? Think so.

Nice work and a nice write up SB. 

One thing that puts me off having a SatNav is the difficulty in mounting it nicely. Would you be able to post up the dimensions of your design?

sullivj wrote:Would you be able to post up the dimensions of your design?

Yup:


You might even find it useful to sign up on tinkercad.com - I've just made the design publicly accessible. Look for 'CB500'

NB: Designing in 3D on TinkerCad's website seems easy. It's the printing part that is difficult.

Excellent - thanks SB. How thick with your Ali sheet - 2mm?

sullivj wrote:Excellent - thanks SB. How thick with your Ali sheet - 2mm?

I believe it was 3mm - I simply scavenged the company's mechanical workshop for aluminium. Tubes are from Bauhaus; 12mm external diameter aluminium. Cut, sand down, epoxy in place, paint, mount, drink beer, clean up.

Hmmm... Think I'll go and make another modified model. Ignition key issue is bothering me. Some bozo once tried to steal the bike (@ previous owner) and wrecked the lock half-way. Adding the awkward access makes the bike difficult to use. Besides, moving the satnav a little bit back and down will hide it better behind the speedo console, which is more aligned with the modest design alterations I aim for: Compact (and reversible to OE).

Edit: I've copied the design, edited and put it on Tinkercad. 28 minutes including a little spit & polish:


Edit: Done:


Edit2: Updated Tinkercad design, fixing a hole misalignment issue. Look closely at the picture above and you see the holes are off to the left.