Wunderlich Navigation Relocation Kit for BMW R 1300 RS Unveiled

The device mount positions the respective device above the TFT display. This is intended to reduce how far the rider's eyes have to leave the road while navigating. The solution costs 119.90 euros and is compatible with several common mounting systems.

Navigation devices and smartphones have become standard equipment in the cockpit for many riders. What matters here, however, is not just how the device is mounted, but also where it sits within the field of view. This is exactly the point addressed by the new Wunderlich navigation relocation kit for the BMW R 1300 RS. Instead of placing the navigation device lower down in the cockpit, it now moves above the standard TFT display and into the rider's natural line of sight. Wunderlich describes this as a positioning that is favorable in terms of both visibility and operating ergonomics. According to the manufacturer, this should allow the rider to keep an eye on both the road and the navigation device at the same time more easily. The design is not intended exclusively for the BMW Navigator. It can equally be used as a device mount for other navigation units as well as smartphones.

Wunderlich also justifies the position of the device mount with ergonomic considerations. If the navigation sits higher up in the field of view, the head needs to move vertically less, according to the manufacturer. Relocating the mount above the TFT display is therefore meant to reduce the typical head-nodding between the road and the navigation device. According to Wunderlich, this can relieve strain on the neck muscles. The position is also said to bring benefits for the eyes. When switching the gaze between the road and a display positioned closer to the rider, the eyes must switch between near and far focus. The greater the distance between these two focal points and the more frequently this switch occurs, the more the eyes could become fatigued, according to Wunderlich. By positioning the navigation device higher up, fewer pronounced changes in gaze direction should therefore be necessary. Wunderlich expects this to result in more comfort while riding, navigating, and operating the device, as well as better overview of traffic.

The key difference compared to the lower mounting position is quickly explained: the rider should have to look away from the road less far when reading the navigation. This arrangement can be particularly interesting during frequent navigation prompts. Wunderlich states that the road should remain better in view while operating or reading the navigation device. The concept therefore follows a simple idea: navigation and road should be positioned as close together as possible within the field of view. This new position does not affect the standard TFT display of the BMW R 1300 RS. It remains in its original location, while the additional device mount is installed above it.

For mounting, Wunderlich uses the windscreen bracket of the BMW R 1300 RS. The design is said to be easy to install there. An important point for BMW owners: according to Wunderlich, the windscreen adjustment function remains unchanged despite the additional device mount. The mount itself is made of black powder-coated steel tubing. The round tube has a diameter of 12 millimeters. The usable clamping width is 90 millimeters. This creates a mounting surface above the TFT display for various device holders. Users are therefore not fundamentally tied to a single navigation or smartphone solution.

Wunderlich explicitly names several systems that can be combined with the new device mount. Thanks to the 12-millimeter round tube diameter and the 90-millimeter-wide clamping surface, various holders can be mounted. Among those named are the Peak Design Mirror Mounts. Both the version #39001-641 with charging function and the version #39001-625 are compatible. The SP-Connect smartphone system can also be used. Wunderlich lists the Mirror Bundles with part numbers #45151-008 and #45151-022 for this purpose. In addition, solutions from Wunderlich's own accessory range are available. These include the MULTICLAMP round tube adapter #21176-102, the universal MULTICLAMP adapter #45155-402, as well as the navigation holder #21176-302 for device mounts with a 12-millimeter round tube diameter. Depending on the device used, the navigation relocation kit can therefore serve either as a classic navigation holder or as a smartphone mount.

Anyone already using the original BMW Navigator and wanting to relocate it to the new position must take one additional step into account. Wunderlich explicitly points out that relocating the BMW Navigator requires additional mounting work on the wiring. Simply mounting the device mount to the windscreen bracket and relocating the original BMW Navigator are therefore not identical processes. For the Navigator, the wiring must additionally be adapted to the new installation position.

Wunderlich offers the device mount in a black finish for the BMW R 1300 RS. The key data at a glance:

The solution is therefore aimed both at riders who use the BMW Navigator and at those who use other navigation devices or smartphones.

In addition to the navigation relocation kit, Wunderlich offers a further accessory range for the BMW R 1300 RS. The complete Wunderlich range for the BMW R 1300 RS can be found on the Wunderlich website. The new navigation relocation kit follows a clearly defined approach: the navigation device or smartphone is not simply mounted onto the bike, but positioned as high up as possible and thus closer to the rider's natural line of sight.