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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: SLDMRossi on March 23, 2023, 08:30:54 AM

Title: Compass for V85 TT...
Post by: SLDMRossi on March 23, 2023, 08:30:54 AM
Wandering around in the hinterlands, I've always wanted a compass on the V85 TT. But every time I've tried an accessory compass on a bike though, it generally proved to be useless because of constant electrical and magnetic interference. Admittedly, what I previously used were cheap-cheap units.

Instead, I got the idea to turn to a marine supplier and pay the price. So I bought a made-in-the-USA Ritchie X-10 Sport Compass for about $50. It's a high-quality piece that allows for compensation adjustment/calibration. I mounted it atop the brake Master Cylinder with two-sided tape...and the 1.5" x 1.5" backing plate still allows access to all three of the cover screws. The compass itself is 2.5" diameter and 2.0" tall. In addition, the X-10 features 12V illumination...but I haven't hooked that up yet.

https://www.ritchienavigation.com/product/ritchiesport-bracket-mount-2/

By the way, Ritchie also offers a Motorcycle Handlebar Mount instead of the flat base plate, if you prefer.

Steven Rossi
Title: Re: Compass for V85 TT...
Post by: John A on March 23, 2023, 08:53:14 AM
I had the same experience with a compass on the bike, they all had needles that flopped around like a fish so my next step would be to buy a better compass, which, being a Guzzi owner, I’ve not done. If it works on yours I will  :popcorn: :thumb:
Title: Re: Compass for V85 TT...
Post by: SLDMRossi on March 23, 2023, 08:54:41 AM
P.S. -- yeah, I know. Everyone else uses GPS on a smartphone ... but my thought when I go out on a bike is: leave the phone at home!

SR
Title: Re: Compass for V85 TT...
Post by: SLDMRossi on March 23, 2023, 09:53:03 AM
So far, so good on mine ... no flopping fish, like I previously experienced as well.

FYI, on top of the Master Cylinder reservoir seems to be a particularly good place to mount it. Because it's all cast aluminum ... being non-magnetic, it doesn't interfere with the compass.

SR
Title: Re: Compass for V85 TT...
Post by: guido guzzi on March 23, 2023, 11:40:04 AM
Thank you for posting Steven.
The simplest tool for the job is the best!  :thumb:
Title: Re: Compass for V85 TT...
Post by: twowheeladdict on March 24, 2023, 08:23:00 AM
You can download a compass app for your smartphone.

No smartphone?  You can buy a used GPS for $50.
Title: Re: Compass for V85 TT...
Post by: bad Chad on March 24, 2023, 10:50:51 AM
Thanks SR, I have been looking a "true" old school compass that would work on a M/C.
Title: Re: Compass for V85 TT...
Post by: steven c on March 24, 2023, 07:44:25 PM
 Wow Steve that's a good old time Guzzist hack, would not be out of place in MGNOC tips back in 81. Ride on!
Title: Re: Compass for V85 TT...
Post by: 73 sport on March 24, 2023, 07:51:40 PM
  Frank would have printed that in '73. Horst.
Title: Re: Compass for V85 TT...
Post by: SLDMRossi on March 24, 2023, 08:17:12 PM
Well, it only took me 30 years to warm up to the idea of having a clock on my motorcycle. Being an analog kinda guy, I did about 80 miles on my V85 today...and discovered a new road, or two. Which will come in handy for other endeavors.

Meanwhile, my Ritchie X-10 Compass worked like a charm!

SR

P.S. -- the day I anchor a Smartphone to my motorcycle is the day you can shoot me...that's not what two wheels are for! In my mind...
Title: Re: Compass for V85 TT...
Post by: mechanicsavant on March 25, 2023, 11:24:55 AM
Please , it’s not merely a compass , it’s also an analog GPS !