Zumo Security Screw

Motorcycling
1

I bought a second hand zumo the other week and used it for the first time yesterday (recording routes so I can ride them again on my own :)).

It seems like a really good build unit so far, but one thing that annoys the cr@p out of me already is that stupid little “security screw”.
I managed to loose the “protection” half of the stupid little screwdrivery thing in the first 1/2 hour it was on my keyhanger (single cylinder vibes are probably to blame, but nevertheless), and I managed to drop the satnav as I was fiddling around trying to loosen the screw and take the unit out of the cradle at the petrol station.

So anyway, I thought everybody must have this problem and there must be something better. It looks like a lot of people have this problem and some guy in Holland is selling little thumb screws of the right size: http://www.boelis.nl/index_bestanden/SecurityscrewEN.htm
Fair play to him for making some money, but I think 5 euros + shipping is a bit steep for a screw. Particularly considering it’s probably worth getting a couple in case you loose one (£10 for 2 including shipping).

Does anybody here know if/where I could find something similar? Anybody has a hardware store or machining company or something? I’d be happy to spend a lot more than the £5 to get a box full of them and re-sell them at cost or give them away to other forum members.

2

I’ve been using a Zumo for nearly two years and never touched the screw!

I thought it was to stop people nicking it . . . personally I just pop the GPS in my pocket . . never leave it on the bike, that would be asking for trouble (screw or no screw!)

Doug

3

I’m not worried about it being stolen, as you said, just take it off when you leave the bike. Besides, it’s almost quicker to undo the ram mount than take the thing out the cradle.
But I have read a few horror stories of people loosing their Zumo after hitting a bump or pothold and the “flap” jumping open. I’m a bit worried about that, particularly as my bike is very “viby” and shakes about anything loose.

4

A picture post would be good so that us old farts could have an idea of what the heck your talking about.

5

The first thing I do with them is wind them right out so they break off i never use them. :slight_smile:

6

Aha, now I see your point . .

My Zumo is mounted on a vibey Suzuki V-Strom and has survived loads of potholes and such - I wouldn’t worry mate.

FWIW I think there was a lot of talk about early Tom Tom GPS mounts failing in the way you describe.

All the best

Doug

7

Have bought a thumbscrew from that Boelis chap. Much handier than the fiddly security screw + driver. Price didn’t bother me!

Be careful not to lose the o-ring when taking the original screw out. It helps to retain the new screw: you don’t want to lose that after spending so much, do you!? :slight_smile:

8

+1 Just bite the bullet and order it. It arrives in about 3 days and it’s very good quality. I’ve seen them on loads of Zumos all over Europe. Plus note the comment in bold above.

9

Original screw on the left, touratech replacement on the right:

This is the little 2-part screwdriver Garmin give you (God know’s what they were thinking):