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

[@BigRockMoto]

🏍 Support Big Rock Moto! Shop at Revzilla and Rocky Mountain ATV/MC using my links! ⚠ Revzilla : imp.i104546.net/6bxxXN ⚠ Rocky Mountain : bit.ly/33kgRIz

[@mattmorris3212]

Ian, I owe you a big thank you. I bought a Zumo XT2 for my 2011 GSA and was utterly confused with all the different advice on how to hardwire it. Thankfully I stumbled on your video. I didn't even know I had an auxiliary plug near the oil cooler! I ordered the same parts you had and wiring it was straight forward. Thanks so much, earned a new subscriber. Also, I'm buying new riding pants and will use your link to Revzilla to help you out...

[@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.

[@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.

[@johnhamilton2680]

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

[@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!

[@sierrafoxtrotgolf3638]

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

[@TheSuperpod]

Same 👍 thank you Ian!

[@RTOutdoors]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!!!!!

[@adrianguillermolenzincampo2721]

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

[@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!

[@stevericci3308]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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 😎

[@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.

[@Thrivers]

It's good to see you back.

[@BigRockMoto]

thanks!

[@MotorDanko]

CHANNEL IS BACK! nice.

[@BigRockMoto]

YES thanks

[@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!!

[@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.

[@AprilandAiden]

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!

[@MatthewLaRiviere]

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

[@BigRockMoto]

Glad to help!

[@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

[@Robert8455]

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

[@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!

[@southeasternnomad]

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

[@alwayslearning1965]

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

[@GraemeAndrew]

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

[@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 👍

[@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.

[@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!

[@steveh545]

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

[@BigRockMoto]

Coming soon!

[@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.

[@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 🔆.

[@danielovalle7088]

Best solution, 3DAM from Italy

[@syme71]

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

[@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

[@NotoriousBOB-757]

Great tip regarding the repair plug!!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@joe2479]

Thanks. Where did you fasten the ground wire?

[@barrymcarthur3064]

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

[@philcarstensen5154]

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

[@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.

[@natalielam8557]

yay this channel is back!

[@metalhead2023]

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

[@ksmalls3785]

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

[@BigRockMoto]

great!

[@Ole.Schultz]

Great video, thanks 😃

[@BigRockMoto]

Glad you liked it!

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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...

[@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.

[@dougiequick1]

Is there an alternate connector on the garmin to simply plug it into a USB port (which I assume has the correct voltage) ? Cause that would be preferable if you ask me than having to splice any wiring etc ....I mean I already have a usb port near the dash will be a shame if I cant simply use that ...I had an old garmin on a used Vstrom (that was total junk in operation cutting in and out) it had a base with a bunch of realy fine pins that for the life of me I never understood why it needed more than two wires ....I so happily ripped that junk off the bike and seriously thought about taking a hammer to it lol ....I just want to charge it via a little USB cable rather than hardwired method ...is that possible?

[@roger5455]

Good information Thanks

[@BigRockMoto]

Welcome

[@ADV_Agenda]

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

[@manuel_tp]

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

[@manuel_tp]

Waiting for Tiger 900 Rally review!

[@tsav6952]

Excellent information Ian! Well done me lad!

[@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 :)

[@majorlee1]

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

[@jc5112]

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

[@garyevans5335]

A very helpful and informative vid. Thanks 👍👍

[@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.

[@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?

[@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?

[@coengeenen61]

Hi Ian, thank you for sharing. Question... Yes, the BMW Navigator VI is very much out of date...! Compared with Google Maps on my iPhone, the Garmin VI is almost useless, let alone the price they charge for it...! However, the BMW Navigator DOES offer us the option to display all kinds of info on the Navigator screen related to our motorcycle. Such as; engine temperature, tire pressure, fuel range, ambient temperature, and much more. In fact; up to 16 different fields for us to choose from what we want to have displayed. And because the BMW TFT does NOT display all this information - I need to go through the menu to search for this information each time I want to be informed! - to me it is of value to have this kind of information displayed at all times. Question: Does the Garmin XT also give us the option to display up to 16 fields of our specific BMW motorcycle info? And does the XT offer making phone calls and playing music while connected to BMW's helmet communication system 7 ? Or is it only a GPS? Note: The BMW magic rotary wheel to control the Garmin for me is not that important, being able to use my gloves to operate the Garmin via the screen is much more useful to me. Thank you. Good luck with your channel and happy riding! Greetings from Belgium, Coen

[@007Manre]

I was thinking the same question. And def would like to know the answer

[@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 !

[@runrman65]

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

[@nastyswap]

Very nice and informative video 👍

[@alexshaffer3819]

how do you tell which are the positive and negative wires to XT wires ?

[@Mark-dd2nh]

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

[@walterbarros2697]

Great video, congratulações. Help me a lot.

[@BigRockMoto]

You are welcome!

[@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!?!

[@darylclark8906]

Ian, regarding the BUTT CONNECTORS - there are BUTT CONNECTORS that use HEAT SHRINK - seal out moisture; I was not sure if you used those or not in your video.

[@billwaterhouse5894]

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

[@MultiEmoto]

At the end of the video when you were wrapping up, it appeared as though your wonder-wheel was on the throttle side of the bike. Did you move it? What's the story there?

[@1k2gosports73]

Ian - question - wouldn’t the voltage through the cable, to the original mount already be stepped down since it was designed to operate the NAV 6. I ask, becasue the new XT2 does NOT have that step down inverter.

[@dcxplant]

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

[@onahi2002]

What did you do with the number 2 spare cable ? Thanks

[@Carlnewman68]

Ok that was a great video , but can I ask you a question, my nav 6 has been the worst £600 rubbish satellite navigation full stop , I’m on my 3rd unit , and I’m struggling with buying another Garmin unit ? So how do I buy another Garmin product. Keep up the great work you do as it really helps the guys and girls worldwide. Carl uk 🇬🇧

[@Tysiek44]

Hi Ian, I have a question, do you have to take your Garmin XT off every time you leave the bike unattended in a public place? Do you have any protection against theft? Thanks for very nice video and best regards :-)

[@rajindarsingh1417]

Planning to get this for my Kawasaki GTR 1400 🙏🏼

[@TKRYST1]

I assume that this method would also work with the newer xt2? Please advise. Thank you.

[@jvlivtriple]

Have you thought about a review of the Zumo?

[@BigRockMoto]

Yes...

[@SJJsolomonSJJ]

I wonder will this same wiring setup work with my 2014?🤔

[@YaelSystems]

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

[@rgodinhojr]

Thanks for your video! I have a question and would like your help to clarify it! If I disconnect the cable from the original GPS base of the motorcycle, will I have any problems with the general operating system? I mean, will there be any error messages on the dashboard that need to be reprogrammed?

[@goldenridge1]

I didn't catch it if you said but, can you use the wonder wheel to zoom in with it wired this way?

[@mikemontville3251]

No, he stated that early on in the video.

[@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.

[@rayfriedman9625]

Ian, I'm ready to ditch my BMW Cradle and Connected mis-navigation app! Do you still recommend this setup now that a year has past since you uploaded it? Is there anything better available today?

[@chrisrademacher8378]

I'm buying a bike that did exactly this after watching your video, but I'd like to upgrade the gps to the new 6" XT2. Do you know what i'd need to change to make it fit up?

[@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

[@calland1]

Why did you need the garmin power adaptor, the bmw accesory plug that you connected to already has only 5v?

[@scottdeeslcutusa8117]

I love my Zumo XT...

[@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.

[@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