In my experience best to forget mounting one one the bike.I tried it myself again recently after buying one in Germany.It was great until we started moving then it was useless due to magnetism on the bike.Best thing is to put a Sylva hiking compass it the map window on your tankbag and re check bearings when the engine is switched off.Always keep a check with GPS if poss but remember one simple rule.If you don't know where you are at any time,stop and take a bearing or GPS reading,you shouldn't be moving if you don't know you location.
I have been trying to find a method of keeping track of direction without stopping for a while but the truth is I haven't managed it yet.Good luck
Roy F

Just a reminder, GPS compasses will only give you the correct bearing when moving faster than 10 km/h. They don't actually have a compass built in then figure out your bearing from your track.

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A.B.
www.ShortWheelbase.com

I found a couple of compasses especially designed for boats, cars,... They ain't that expensive next to a quality compass. They can compansate up to a 45° deviation caused by the bike (or boat, car,...). You have to calibrate them yourself on installation.
I haven't bought one but like the idea. Any thoughts?

Where did you found them? And how much? I have a couple of bikes so a compass in a tank bag is my favoourite solution if they work!

I found them in a Belgian Outdoor shop: AS Adventure.
It has been a while since I was there and decided not to buy it because somebody explained me that only one correction is not enough. Way to complicated for me to understand all the stuff.
I decided to go with the classic compass in the pocket and a Garmin Etrex mounted on the bike. I guess that these two things in combination with some good maps and experience should do it.


If you want I can go back and write down the prices and brandnames. Just let me know.

I’ve had good luck with Auto Guide compasses. Some of the models allow to adjust both N/S and E/W directions giving you a good reading.

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A.B.
www.ShortWheelbase.com

Gone for a GPS but thanks for all your help

hi, yes aircraft are `large metal objects` but they are made of aluminium, which doesnt affect magnetic feilds at all.ships on the other hand.....

i had a SUUNTO electonic watch compass(and barometer-altimeter-and it told the time!!)and it was a great gadget! but a cheap hiking compass(the square, see through base one)was better because you can lay it on your map and read it accurately.

I have found the automobile compasses work fairly well on my bike. Buy an adjustable one specifically made for an automobile. Mount and adjust per the instructions. Now these compasses are not made for fine navigation. The graduations on mine are something like 10 or even 20 degrees. I would not want to use them to find my way through the woods at night, but they work just fine for general direction on unknown backroads.

Regards,

John

I have been in touch with silva which have there own web site and thay say there adventure compass has compensators, I am taking a multi navigator (silva) also has compass and looking to mount a compass on to the bike as well. As for garmin gps systems no good if u are going to russia

Oldbiker,

What do you mean, "GPS no good in Russia"?
Because of lack of data?

Did you already use the compass? How did you mount it on the bike? Does it really work?

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http://users.pandora.be/pieter.maes2/

H.S.Elmac Ltd in the UK supply compasses for vehicles. They are easily fitted to motorcycles and have multiple compensaters. I had one fitted to the top of the screen on my Africa Twin and once set up it worked faultlessly. I haven't bothered fitting one to my BM though as I have GPS. There web site is: www.offroadstore.co.uk

[This message has been edited by mcdarbyfeast (edited 18 February 2003).]

Big subject, the compass. I went thru several and am presently using a Suunto auto compass sold by Aerostitch. Initially I mounted it on my windshield but since I ride off road 50% of the time the vibration broke it fast. I got a new one on warranty and disassembled the base to make it
flat on the bottom and added a piece of velcro so I can stick it on my tank bag. It is a fairly large liquid capsule compass. This compass has internal magnets so you can adjust it for the magnetic interference of the bike. It works fairly well when correctly adjusted and I like it since it provides a general direction of travel and helps if you get turned around like I sometimes do in either urban or off road situations. With the velcro I can pull it off and stash the unit when not needed. You need to carry an extra compass to set it in case it gets knocked out of adjustment. Hey, it isn't perfect but at least I don't do the GPS shuffle when I stop trying to find which way north is. To be honest I use it most on the road when I get turned around and don't go 20 miles out of my way. Bill.