DIY GPS Handlebar Mount Tutorial

(image: Tri's DIY GPS handlebar mount on an Aprilia Tuono)

The goal of this post is to give you an idea on how to create your own GPS handlebar mount. The core build of this DIY GPS mount should be applicable to anything with handlebar like a motorcycle, bicycle, scooter or ATV. The size and shape of the DIY GPS mount will vary depending on your needs such as the size of your GPS and handlebars. Overall, I've used this GPS mount on two motorcycles with great results.

Materials to build 1 mount:

Aluminum Flat Bar at Home Depot

2 Halex 3/4 in. Steel Conduit and Pipe Hangers #26781, (in the electrical isle of HD)

Velcro

2 Hex bolts

2 Nuts

2 Washers

2 Locking washers

Plumber's Teflon Tape

Bill of Materials:

~$15

Tools:

Dremel or Hack Saw

Drill

Sanding block

Scissors

Dry erase marker

Tutorial:

1. Gather your build materials from Home Depot.

2. Choose a good mounting location and make note of how much space you have to work with. Will the GPS mount fit?

3. Cut your aluminum bar to the size of your GPS using either a Dremel or hacksaw, and sand the edges smooth

4. Place the conduit hanger holes side by side, and place them together onto the aluminum bar. Mark your drill holes with your Dry erase marker.

5. Drill out the two holes

6. Tighten and screw in the nuts and bolts with the washer and locking washer.

7. Optional. Drill out a pair of holes to attach some Velcro straps.

8. Mount the GPS holder to your handlebar by unscrewing the Speed Thread on the Conduit Hangers. 

9. Add some  plumber's Teflon thread tape to protect your handlebar from scratches. 

10. Pull the hangers apart and mount it to your handlebar. Put back the screw and tighten down.

11. Cut some velcro and add it to the front of the GPS holder and to the back of your GPS.

12. Mount your GPS to your new DIY GPS mount. Now start on your next adventure!

DIY Suzuki DRZ 400SM Windscreen Tutorial

Wind is a challenge especially when riding the DRZ at freeway speeds because without a front windscreen, riding on a windy day feels like someone turning on a leaf blower to your chest.

I had an extra windscreen from an Aprilia RSV Mille 01-03 laying around, and figured I'd adapt it to my DRZ for some wind protection. Using a few nuts and bolts, a Dremel, and a sanding block, I was able to create a functional and stylish windscreen for my DRZ 400SM.

Materials:

Aprilia RSV Mille 01-03 Dark Smoke Windscreen

Masking tape

4 of each: nuts, bolts, washers, and locking washers

Dry erase marker

Bill of Materials:

$25

Tools:

Drill

Dremel

Sanding block

120 Grit sandpaper (very coarse)

Tutorial:

• 1. Place your windscreen over the front DRZ cowl and mark the drill holes with a dry erase marker
• 2. Drill out the holes
• 3.  Secure the windscreen with nuts, bolts, washers, and locking washers
• 4.  We're going to use the masking tape as a guide on where to cut, so using the edge and angle of the DRZ cowl as a line guide, we'll place the masking tape on the cowl and all the way to the end of our new windscreen.

• 5. Do the same as step 4 on the other side

• 6.  Use your Dremel and carefully cut while using the masking tape as your guide.

• 7.  The edges will be rough with melted plastic from the heat of the Dremel. We'll snap this gunk off, then using our sanding block, sand down both sides of our new windscreen.

• 8. Install the windscreen/front cowl to the DRZ. Now we can enjoy riding longer distances at freeway speeds.

DIY $10 GoPro Chest Mount w/Sample Vid :: HD

Quick and simple DIY GoPro chest mount. Can be had for even cheaper if you visit your local plastics store for some scrap lexan.

Time:
10~15 minutes

Tools:
Drill and drill bit

Materials:
1 1/4" thick rectangular piece of polycarbonate lexan (I'm using a scrap piece of aluminum layered plexiglass)
2 lashing straps (bought at walmart - Outdoor Products Lashing Straps)
1 flat gopro mount
1 curvy gopro base attachment

Tips:
From what I've read, sticking some electrical tape between the gopro mount and case may further reduce camera shake. Will try this on my next outting.

Disclaimer: Demonstration purposes only. Please use safety precautions whenever working with power tools. Do it at your own risk.