How to Install Garmin Zumo XT on a BMW GS (factory wiring)

[@BigRockMoto]

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[@RTOutdoors]

I’ve never heard a more valid reason for using Max BMW 😉

[@jerrylhyche8725]

Thank you for making this video. I ordered a repair plug based on your guidance to swap a Zumo from my 2013 gsa to my 2016 gsa. I view your episodes on KZbin and are subscribed to your site.

[@frank_jk]

Glad to see the channel back in action! Keep up the great work.

[@davidfalgout7304]

YES indeed! Some really good tips here...Thanks Ian!

[@schalksteyn9594]

Hi Ian, thank you for your informative blogs, I am a retired 64 year old man and I ride a 2014 F800 gsa and love every moment on it. I live in the low veld near the Kruger National Park in South Africa. Really enjoy your show and the information you share. Thank you so much. Blessings from SA.

[@alejandrodominguez8732]

Thank you Ian, worked like a charm! I did end up taking off both side and front fairings, as well as windscreen; that gave me a *lot of room to play with to route the cables, but it took a couple of hours to do everything.

[@rbrown1339]

Thanks for the ideas and the video. I installed my Zumo XT as you detailed and it works perfectly! Thanks again and please keep posting the great videos!

[@alanwood1036]

Hi Ian, Greetings from NH Thanks for putting this video together! Bought the Zumo, repair plug(thanks for the part number and numbers for the wires) and the MotoPump mount. Tore the old NAVIV off( it was stuck, but WD40 helped out), mounted everything up, connected, and neatly ran the wiring and it's working awesome! Now to learn the voice commands with the Sena. Not a difficult job, but having the video reference helped with confidence to tackle this. Nicely done!!

[@NeuroticLobster]

Thanks for clearly showing the BMW part number for that pigtail, made it super easy to order from the dealer! Got a Black Friday deal on the Zumo XT and locking Touratech mount today!

[@nigelloughlin4539]

Hi Ian, just waiting for my GSA to be built. I didn’t want to leave a blank item on my bike but this was so simple (your input) to take off and wire an XT. I will now be buying so when my bike arrives I’ll have all the kit. Thanks 👍

[@adrianguillermolenzincampo2721]

I own a GS r1100gs from 1997,with XT garmin nav.With original connectors,and works awesome!

[@rattrap42]

I have a 2017 1200GS and I did the exact same thing except I made a bracket to move my Garmin 595LM to the handlebar clamp at the same time. Been loving having it lower and closer to me.

[@johnhamilton2680]

You need to do a video on how you keep your garage so clean. Enjoy all your info. Keep up the great work.

[@Bikeyid]

Thanks for the great video. That same port is on my 2017 F800GS. I just installed it today and it works great. The only change I made was to use Anderson power connectors so I can swap to other accessories if I want in the future. The M&Ms from max BMW taste great!

[@garyallmond6535]

I ordered my Zumo XT from Garmin on Monday. I had already planned to call them regarding another replacement for the Nav VI on the GS. Due to this being my 4th exchange on the Nav VI, they gave me a discount on the ZUMO XT. I ordered an extra harness and mount for my other pike (Harley Pan America Special). I ordered the mount that you referenced and the harness/plug from Bob's BWM. The Garmin items arrived on Tuesday. The other items arrived on Thursday. An hour after getting everything, I had the old Nav VI mount removed, wiring replaced, and Zumo XT mounted! Even got the wires neatly tucked away. Looks FANTASTIC! Thank you for this video! The best to show how to do the switch.

[@UKSBF]

This worked on my 2021 BMW R1250 GS. I didn’t use the repair cable thou. Instead I used the cable from the OEM BMW sat nav (I cut off the cradle part). Seemed to work fine. Thanks very much!

[@jefftippett8143]

Sorry you were hacked. Glad you are back. I agree with your opinion on the Zumo XT. Far better than previous versions. I have a Motopump but did not know that they made mounts and other products.

[@GhostRider-69]

Hi Ian- Thank you for sharing out this video. I just purchased a R 1250 GSA and installed a Zumo XT following your steps.

[@johnanderson9735]

Thanks for this, a GS is kind of on my list. You are correct, I wired an older Zumo without Garmin’s power supply and could only get 50% brightness. Adding Garmin’s power supply gave me back full functionality and brightness 🔆.

[@barrymcarthur3064]

Hi Ian, great idea! I've just done the same on my GS works perfect and looks great!

[@johnatkinson8078]

Just saw this after my Navi 6 went to 💩 yet again. I am soooo doing this. Thank you for making this and all of your great videos. You Rock Big Rock!!!!!

[@GraemeAndrew]

I like the clean efficient install, thanks for a informative and helpful video. Cheers from Australia.

[@alwayslearning1965]

I'm installing mine today. Thanks for all the information

[@philcarstensen5154]

Thank you! Very helpful. I used this to install a hard drive on my HP TP014. The case hardware is the same.

[@mikemerrill175]

I’ve owned 8 Garmin gps’s & found them all easy to use and fast enough for me, other than my E-trex vista maybe. Plus, I’ve had trouble with 2 that were well out of warranty. When I returned them for repairs, Garmin simply sent me a new unit. Great service IMO. Other than being overpriced, so far my Nav VI on my 1250 has worked great & connects much better than my TFT dash. In the past, I had a lot of fun navigating with a paper map spread out at breakfast while I wrote out a turn by turn route sheet. That made trips more interesting, especially finding gas stops, but this is way easier. Mike, a Garmin fanboy 😎

[@karryhoward3946]

Hi Ian clad you've solved your youtube issues since I have not been on any social media since 2017 was not sure of exactly what happen. I really enjoy your work looking forward to your newest video thank you for your content.

[@BigRockMoto]

Thanks! Yes, my channel was hacked. Very difficult process to get it back!

[@Brad-RB]

My R1200GS has a NAV 5. On my 701 Rally build, I mounted a ZUMO XT. The ZUMO is so much better! I think I may do this mod to my GS. Thanks for sharing.

[@BigRockMoto]

Go for it!

[@Thrivers]

It's good to see you back.

[@BigRockMoto]

thanks!

[@syme71]

Thanks for the vid, helped me with install of Zumo XT2.

[@KK6USYHamRadioAdventures]

Thanks for the great video, Ian I currently own a 2017 Harley Street Glide and have been watching your channel trying to learn the world of Adventure bikes and you are a great help. I understand why you say, "I don't care how you want crimp your wires". There is nothing wrong with crimping, I worked in the automotive field for a long time and also on fire engines and preferred to solder when it was an option, but I get it sometimes I don't want to do that. I would suggest you get the crimp connectors that have the heat shrink already on them. These give you two advantages 1, they seal the connection from the elements like water I'm sure you have ridden in the rain and the second advantage is it gives a second point that will keep the joint from coming loose and usually they have glue when you heat them up. Keep the great videos coming really enjoying the AG and 901 videos!

[@BigRockMoto]

thanks!

[@metalhead2023]

Great video.got my 2022 on the way.cant wait

[@garyevans5335]

A very helpful and informative vid. Thanks 👍👍

[@sierrafoxtrotgolf3638]

I just ordered the repair plug from Max BMW. Thanks for the great video!

[@TheSuperpod]

Same 👍 thank you Ian!

[@Robert8455]

Great tip. Sounds like the way to go and leave the dealer option on the shelf.

[@MrBobHabib]

Great tip regarding the repair plug!!

[@ADV_Agenda]

Great install video looks very nice. I like that you have it setup for multiple bikes well worth the investment.

[@tsav6952]

Excellent information Ian! Well done me lad!

[@majorlee1]

Thank you for the vid! Helped me out a lot. 😎

[@southeasternnomad]

Thanks for the Video. You saved me hours of research.

[@nastyswap]

Very nice and informative video 👍

[@MotorDanko]

CHANNEL IS BACK! nice.

[@BigRockMoto]

YES thanks

[@MikeBeeman]

Great Video. i ordered all the parts you listed. I'm excited about this set up instead of using my phone.

[@michaelbeeman4151]

I purchased all the parts and have completed the install. Great parts list and work perfectly. Thank you.

[@ksmalls3785]

Bro, exactly what I needed for instructions, thank you!!

[@BigRockMoto]

great!

[@stevericci3308]

Sorry its a controller, not wonder wheel. The video was excellent cause this is the information I was looking for. Thank you

[@1k2gosports73]

Ian , great work - just waiting on my Pig Tail. Coming from Phone on Quadlock - this also frees up the USB to keep power to my GoPRo via the MEdiaMod.

[@adrip4177]

Mounted a Garmin 390 on a K1300S. One peculiarity there: due to the external trafo (like the Zumo XT has) a small current was still drawn when the bike was switched off. Meaning that the battery slowly was drained. Solved it by putting a switch between the nav and the battery. Maybe something to think off with the XT and a CAN Bus system like BMW’s.

[@Ortho281]

Nice install video. I did a similar install on my F850GS also using the BMW repair plug but instead using the Touratech locking mount. The Touratech mount is a bit pricy at $200 but I like the convenience of not having to constantly remove my Garmin every time I stop somewhere.

[@BigRockMoto]

Thanks for the tip!

[@wrangler10]

i like the touratech also , they also sell bundles with the zumo xt for cheaper. It looks ruget , it hold very good the gps unit and it locks , so if you forget it on the base you will find it back when you return.

[@deividcrps]

Where did you get that repair plug?

[@kristopherryanrides198]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/ioHMcqacibmBkKM

[@Ed-lz4jv]

dont even have my F750 GS YET, but have the latest Garmin motorcycle unit saved on amazon, half the price of the BMW, this is way I want mine mounted but will need to find the Bar for mounting...good video!

[@MatthewLaRiviere]

23 GSA Trophy Zumo XT'd thanks to you buddy!

[@BigRockMoto]

Glad to help!

[@Ole.Schultz]

Great video, thanks 😃

[@BigRockMoto]

Glad you liked it!

[@roger5455]

Good information Thanks

[@BigRockMoto]

Welcome

[@constantineeliadis465]

Nice work…Did you see Pat’s -Adv video re adaptor from Italy that allows you to mount XT ON bmw cradle - even the lock works…… Just did a 900 km day on my 1250GS. AMAZING MACHINE!

[@walkerskii]

Good morning from Anaheim. I watched your unicorn video & was laughing at what you said about the hateful comments (hair & cloths). At least the negative jealous haters help the algorithm boost up your channel! I enjoyed the two videos I've had time to watch on the KLR 650. I'd be interested to see how the KLR 650 would stack up in the unicorn video, but I guess there are many more bikes you could have put into a side-by-side review like that. Anyway I appreciate your channel & I'm honored to be a loyal subscriber.

[@danielovalle7088]

Best solution, 3DAM from Italy

[@e-gadgetsfreakITA]

Thank you for your garage vlog, very useful 😊 I did similar installation on my GS Adv but I decided to use existing BMW original mount, instead of an expensive aluminum mount, also difficult to find here honestly. So, with about 12$ I was able to install everything and at the same time protect more the release button of the XT from being pressed accidentally and still keeping the installation BMW style 😊

[@NomadOnGS]

How you can use the original mount with Zumo XT navigation?

[@e-gadgetsfreakITA]

@@NomadOnGS Isn't difficult. You just remove the center part assembly and with longer screws and spacers, replace the original mount coming with the Zumo XT. Of course also the customized BMW electric plug needs to be added to the XT harness. It works beautifully, I have it on my GS Adv LC.

[@robdanner3833]

Please tell me what you did exactly to integrate the XT harness into the BMW harness.

[@e-gadgetsfreakITA]

@@robdanner3833 Isn't difficult. You just remove the center part assembly and with longer screws and spacers, replace the original mount coming with the Zumo XT. Of course also the customized BMW electric plug needs to be added to the XT harness. It works beautifully, I have it on my GS Adv LC.

[@robdanner3833]

@@e-gadgetsfreakITA so, let me make sure I understand. You cut the XT harness and the Nav 6 harness, but not the BMW harness. You then connected the XT harness to the cut Nav harness. Is this correct? If so, since the XT has only 2 working terminals for power, which wires from the cut Nav harness did you use? I have a 2020 GSA if it makes a difference...

[@griffonwings5177]

Not then u care, but, from the zumo to the tank bag i ordered using your links… thank you for your review, Sir. Sam.

[@natalielam8557]

yay this channel is back!

[@scottdeeslcutusa8117]

I love my Zumo XT...

[@dalehawkes1698]

Great video I’m using google on an old iPhone I have as my nav 5 is rubbish have excactly the sam bike as you I don’t go off rd on it but also like your bark busters keep up the excellent work 👍👍

[@BigRockMoto]

Thanks for sharing

[@jc5112]

Thank you for sharing this video, I just purchase a 1200 GS, if I have any questions reach out to you Ride safe ✌🏼

[@walterbarros2697]

Great video, congratulações. Help me a lot.

[@BigRockMoto]

You are welcome!

[@gsrider569]

Hi Ian, excellent video as usual. Would it be possible to do a parts list with part numbers and where these can be purchased. Thanks

[@kevingreen1908]

Good info

[@steveh545]

Great vid! For the algorithm. Need a quick vid on what happened.

[@BigRockMoto]

Coming soon!

[@Elskins]

I hate to say it but wonderwheel integration is the main and only reason I'm stuck with an outdated NAV 6. I want to have the ability to zoom in and out without lifting my hands from the handlebars when riding off-road. I understand why many people are switching to android tablets that can be controlled with bluetooth or wired buttons mounted on the handlebars. I don't really get why Garmin can't or doesn't want to make such buttons. Anyway, love your videos, keep them coming!

[@BigRockMoto]

lack of the wheel control with the XT is a big downer, for sure

[@rajindarsingh1417]

Planning to get this for my Kawasaki GTR 1400 🙏🏼

[@man16812]

Hey Ian, don't forget to enable the 2 factor authentication!

[@Elysian_Angel_]

I was about to do the very same thing: I was getting fed up with the Nav VI because of the air bubble problem. But apparently BMW got Garmin to make a new model, with a new TFT screen that (supposedly) fixes the air bubble problem, and I got mine under warranty still (2nd time I replaced it, both under warranty). They call the new unit the Nav VI+. It’s still the same unit, but it has the new TFT screen and an updated UI (software version 10.0). So far I haven’t got any issues with it…

[@gl2856]

Thanks for that , I’m going to buy that just need to source the 12 mm mount , perhaps look on eBay Oh and the tail &plug , cheers

[@rschenkels]

nice !

[@arainmk]

Good video

[@BigRockMoto]

Thanks for the visit

[@billwaterhouse5894]

Excellent video, thank you for this. I was wondering, do you have a preference between the Zumo XT and the Zumo XT 2?

[@iandaintith]

Thanks for this video. Ordered the part 83 30 0 413 585 and made a cable to Garmin XT Zumo. Original BWM nav holder removed intact and stored safely.

[@lambdastudio8392]

Awesome!!!

[@richardshipp6996]

I did it with the exact parts, but I use the Touratech key lock system which is awesome!

[@philippelabelle9988]

Splendid vid as always ! I already have a garmin 700i for my Skidoo... do you think it would work the same? Perhaps not all cool feature from Zumo arent on the 700!?!

[@brantmcfarland517]

Nice good job man.

[@BigRockMoto]

Thanks for the visit

[@brantmcfarland517]

@@BigRockMoto just trying to help

[@randomcrap763]

If you have the BMW Nav Cradle on your bike, Enav-XT makes a direct adapter for the factory cradle to the Garmin XT. Plug and play :)

[@tonygaynor889]

Thanks for the install vid. Is it worth changing from the Nav VI to the Zumo XT -- Mainly (entirely) road riding. Find the Nav VI slow !

[@ryanbrown7240]

Hey thank you so much for the video I really appreciate it! I have the BMW navigator VI and find it essentially useless. Maybe you could do a video on how you plant roots in the future? Are usually use Google maps and then painstakingly map it over to Garmin base map. It’s archaically slow and difficult and also non-intuitive.

[@BigRockMoto]

Sure thing!

[@eddiel5513]

Nice and helpful video as always. Are you aware of new sySatan? BMW, ConnectedRide cradle that allows your cell phone to be used instead of their SatNav? It is not available in the U.S. yet but it's coming.

[@Mark-dd2nh]

Great video, as usual. Would you know if this approach will work with a 2017 s1000xr as well?

[@rdub937]

Great video, thinking of selling my nav VI and going with the zumo as well. I’ll definitely reference again when the time comes. Curious, did you use the zumo or a tablet on your recent trip 6000km trip? When it comes to tablet vs. zumo, which would you prefer all things equal (GPS/data etc.) Cheers and keep the great content coming 👍🏻

[@BigRockMoto]

I prefer the XT to the tablet by far. I used the tablet before I bought the XT

[@robertross6930]

Nice video and pro-looking finish. Have you done one with a locking mount so you don’t have to remove the GPS at every stop?

[@StuHNomadBiker]

You can buy a mount now that sits neatly into the bmw mount , so the XT just sits nicely into the same position as the original and also gets powered via the mount 👌

[@dbubes]

Where? Details?

[@dcxplant]

@Big Rock Moto , Ian, did you do this install on the Africa Twin? Great job!

[@man16812]

Waiting for Tiger 900 Rally review!

[@alanleonard1370]

Hi Ian, thanks for the very good video. I have a Nav 6 on my 2018 R1200RT. Have you seen any solution for this upgrade? Cheers, Alan from Australia.

[@Liberty4Ever]

Pro Tip - Use the low profile Cobra cable ties. Clip the tail and it disappears into the flat head with no bulky head and no sharp tail stub to cut you.

[@nilskurkutakis5162]

Thanks for another informative video. Just wanted to ask about securing the Sat nav.The standard bmw sat nav holder can be locked with the bmw key which I have found very useful. Is there anything else you an do to secure the device when on tour?? Many thanks for any help or advice

[@Lucas.formanek]

Hi Ian, thanks for your stuff, great info source :) Do you have a video comparing Zumo xt and BMW nav vi? I heard you talking about it but i cant find any yet. Thanks. :)

[@theatticdesign]

Hi Ian, Thanks for your video. It helped me mount my Zumo XT to my '11 1200GS. Power to GPS fine however my LAMPF is flashing now. I understand why LAMPF can show due to low draw but would not have thought this would happen with the GPS form the optional accessory socket. Have you come across this before? Thanks for all your videos! Ben.

[@joe2479]

Thanks. Where did you fasten the ground wire?

[@user-ov5jh7ow1x]

Thank you for the videos Can i install it on 750gs?

[@runrman65]

Great video. Any downside of just plugging the Garmin XT into the USB charger rather then hard wiring?

[@The914nut]

Thanks for your channel, nice work. Question on the Zumo with this mount: How has it held up with on/off road vibrations or hard impacts? Any issues with the Zumo coming loose or being damaged?

[@BigRockMoto]

Nope

[@Omsracer1]

HI Ian, thanks for another informative video. I took your advice and bought a 2017 R2000 GSA which I pick up next Saturday. I have removed the Zumo XT from my Africa Twin so this video is very timely. I am looking at buying a BMW Nav 5 to put in the 'hole' but might now use my Zumo as you have done. Do you know if the BMW repair plug varies from model to model, i.e would the same plug fit my non TFT setup? Thanks again.

[@maciejmaciej1718]

Great video. Can I plug my sat nav. to a power socket on GSA 1200 instead? I think the only downside will be no power when engine is off and of course the socket will be not available to plug in any other devices?

[@Throttle-Therapy]

I suggest using portrait orientation. I have found that the wiring is easier to conceal. I also found that this orientation was better (for my use) because it displayed more of the road that I am currently traveling on.

[@BigRockMoto]

Great suggestion!

[@ritvarsrizikovs7117]

Nice video how to install XT, but no word about what You lose... No controls from hand wheel anymore, no GS data on screen (Since there is no connection to motorcycle just power), no tire pressure information anymore. I am riding with my GS using Navigator V and I am very happy with it. When I drive with enduro glows on unknown track - its very usefull to zoom in and out with wheel. I think BMW Navigator is best motorcycle implementation - no touch screens during driving!!!

[@BigRockMoto]

If you have a TFT bike you don't need the extra info on the GPS as much. But with the older dials yes I agree