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Rear view monitor in your GPS prep

I always wanted to try this idea out and finally did after finding a kit w/ a 5" 12v LCD that would fit on the front of the GPS prep cover plate. It connects to an HD wide angle rear view camera. I only use Nav V when traveling out of my area so for the vast majority of my local riding it lives in its case at home.

Strong velcro holds the monitor to the GPS cover plate, then of course it just snaps into place:
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Camera velcro'd underside of my 28L trunk which always stays on the bike:
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In place:
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Took it out for a test ride today. Not earth shattering, but definitely adds another layer of awareness, it's not distracting because even in GPS prep location it's low enough to be out of your direct road view, and it seems best as a near-field rear monitor--as with wide angle lenses objects are closer than they appear, and everything moves proportionally faster as well, so really you're still going to see traffic first farther back in your mirrors. Was particularly nice for when stopped at a light for watching approaching traffic. Should have some value when backing out of parking spots, etc. It's bright enough w/ sunglasses on a cloudy day, but unfortunately even though the monitor has adjustments for brightness/contrast/hue it resets itself every time it's turned off and the controls to reset it are on the back--right under the velcro they provided! I need to take it out a few more times to be sure I can live w/ the factory brightness default.
 
And powered up in the garage w/ artificial lighting:
IMG_2467.jpg

The kit comes w/ all the wiring needed, the camera is waterproof, the monitor is not, but I've done enough to keep it alive since I hardly ever ride in the rain except on touring adventures when I have Nav V in place.
 
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