Direct handlebar AMPS clamp on 2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S

UPDATE February 2022: Handlebar clamp described in this blog post is replace with new and improved Direct handlebar clamp (28.6 mm) AMPS.

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When I got 2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S I start looking for a way to install Garmin Zumo XT (or similar GPS unit) on it.

I don't like to carry any device on RAM arms, as they take too much cockpit space and usually bounce too much for my liking. 

Other option was KTM's windshield mounted bracket. This puts a GPS unit above the dash, which is great for spirited riding, as track is always near the line of sight. But, to me, it is not easy to reach the unit to make some changes, zoom in or out etc, as it is too far forward. Also, these brackets are notorious for vibrating, which is very annoying, especially because it is always in the sight. 

So I decided to design a small clamp to place the GPS unit (or a phone) on the handlebar. When placed on the handlebar, it is easy to reach the unit and to operate it. You do need to look down a bit, to check the track/route, but I don't find that to be a problem. 

Clamp is milled out of small block of aluminum. It is powder coated, not anodized, so it is much more gentle towards the handlebars. It shouldn't leave any marks on the handlebars, unlike anodized clamps. Also, for extra durability, we use stainless steel threaded inserts for the M6 bolts holding the clamp in place. 

It is designed for 2021+ KTM 1290 Super Adventure, but is should work on any bike with a fat bar (28.6 mm) handlebars and with separate left and right handlebar clamp. 

There are eight holes on the clamp, horizontal and vertical AMPS bolt pattern. Holes are threaded, for M4 bolts, so no messing around with nuts and washers on the underside. 

One big plus of this bracket is that it can rotate, so everyone should be able to find ideal GPS position. It is easy to adjust it, as only front bolts need undoing. They can be reached even when GPS cradle is installed. 

GPS or phone holders can be easily mounted from above, horizontally or vertically. 

Horizontally.

Vertically. 

It was a challenge to find ideal place for the large-ish Zumo, as 2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure S has a "glove compartment", I had to leave enough space for the doors. So AMPS holes are offsetted a bit, relative to the centerline of the handlebars. This leaves enough room for the "glove compartment" doors, puts the unit closer to the line of sight and still allows low mounting position. There is enough clearance for the door both in vertical or horizontal positions. 

We could reach the similar goals using sheet metal bracket, which would drastically reduce the price. But it would place the unit higher. Like this, GPS or phone sit as low as possible, giving unobstructed dashboard view. Here is how it looks from the perspective of 186 cm tall rider. By rotating the bracket, position  can be adjusted for much shorter riders too.

Here is a short video showing the Garmin Zumo XT mounted vertically.

UPDATE February 2022: Handlebar clamp described in this blog post is replace with new and improved Direct handlebar clamp (28.6 mm) AMPS..