How to mount a GPS RAM mount to your GL1500 - the ultimate solution!

[ChrstphrM]

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THE ULTIMATE RAM MOUNT SOLUTION

Here is my Ram Mount solution for a Phone, a GPS, or any other similar accessory.
It can easily be removed and the shelter badge can be returned to its original appearance.
The only permanent alteration you will make is carefully drilling two holes for your mounting screws through the black plate which is normally behind the Logo portion of the shelter badge. If you decide to return the shelter badge to its original appearance, those holes will be hidden behind the logo badge.

PARTS PURCHASED

$10.00 EBAY 88-2000 Honda Goldwing GL1500 Upper Shelter Badge
If you are careful, you can actually use the original assembly from your own Goldwing and it can be returned to its original appearance without issue.
I only bought a second one so I could experiment without worry. Again, buying one of these is not absolutely required. Look at that, I already saved you 10 bucks!

$ 6.99 AMAZON Ram Mount (RAM-B-238U) 2.43 x 1.31-Inch Diamond Ball Base with 1-Inch Ball (Black)

$ 9.49 AMAZON Ram Mount Composite Short Double Socket Arm for 1-Inch Ball Bases

$29.99 AMAZON TACKFORM Motorcycle Phone Mount
1" Ball Connection - Heavy Duty Spring Loaded Phone Holder. Compatible with RAM and ARKON 1 Inch Ball System. NO TETHER NEEDED, but they include one anyway.

STEPS TO ADDING THE RAM MOUNT

[ ] Gently pop off your shelter cover and flip it over. No tools are required to remove the shelter cover.
[ ] Remove the 2 Philips head screws that hold the shelter badge assembly in place.

[ ] Remove the shelter badge assembly.

[ ] Using a sharp knife, carefully trim off the bottom of the 4 posts that act as plastic rivets.
• Note that the gold ring actually has a black flange.
[ ] Again with a sharp knife, carefully split the gold ring (with flange) away from the base.
• Remember, the black part of the bezel is what splits apart - not the gold ring itself.

[ ] After you have split the assembly into three parts, put the two required parts back together but without the actual logo badge.
[ ] Store the logo badge so you can return the shelter badge to its original appearance later if desired.

[ ] Using the Ram mount as a guide, drill the 2 required holes in the black plate portion of the shelter badge assembly.
[ ] Attach the ram mount with 2 small nuts and bolts with lock washers.
• You may want to use a Dremel tool to sand down either the ram mount or the lip on the black plate portion of the shelter badge assembly for a perfect fit.
• It is hard to describe what I mean here, but you'll understand when you drill the holes and go to add the Ram mount.
[ ] Re-attach the entire new assembly with the ram mount to the shelter and snap the shelter back on your Goldwing.


[ ] Finally, attach the Ram Arm and Phone Mount adjusting it as desired.

ENJOY THE RIDE

This system works perfectly.
Your Phone, a GPS, or any other similar accessory will not fall out regardless of how hard you hit bumps.
And best of all, the shelter badge can be returned to its original appearance.
What more could you want?

[Kryakozavr]

My $0.02.

[Bramse]

This is my mount?
Great tutorial

[ChrstphrM]

Thanks for sharing how your project came out. I'm so glad my method was useful to someone else. It took me a while to figure this trick out. Still, once I did, it seemed so obvious and elegant. Makes me think every motorcycle should have a place to add a Ram ball centered up like that. You'd think they would by now.