HOW-TO: Install RAM Mount B342 Securely

...otherwise known as how to use RAM mounts on the cheap.

Problem: The RAM mount B342 is an affordable RAM system mounting ball that uses a friction retention method to mount securely in a steering nut tube... our bikes don't have this tube available. If you try to mount this part using the installation instructions, it will not work.

Kit and items included:



Parts we'll keep for this install: The #4 10-32 SS allen head bolt and the RAM mount.


I purchased a 3/16 toggle nut, since I didn't seem to have the correct size in stock. The thread pitch of the toggle nut is 10-24, the pitch of the bolt in the kit is 10-32. In order for them to work together I carefully drilled out the toggle nut and tapped it for the correct pitch.

Bolt and nut, playing nicely:


I also purchased two 1" nitrile washers. Parts ready to assemble and ready to insert (you can see some thread damage that occurred when I just tried to force the nut on and realized it wasn't going to work with out drilling and tapping):


In this picture one nitrile washer will end up above the steering nut hole and the other will be under. It's just a matter of folding everything up, inserting through the hole, then tightening everything down.


Finished, the nitrile washer allows the rotation of the ram mount without scratching everything up:



In use:



Difficulty:
Easy

Time:
10 minutes to install

Cost:
$0.39 for the toggle nut
$0.39 ea. for the nitrile washers

Total=$1.17 plus the cost of the RAM mount

Pros:
~Easy and fast install
~Secure, will withstand over 200 Lbs of force
~Affordable and easily sourced parts to complete the install

Cons:
~Toggle nuts are only available in zinc-plated steel (usually 4 coat which is high quality) so it may eventually start to rust depending on conditions.
~It will be difficult (but not impossible) to re-fold the toggle nut and remove the mount if needed as it is a tight squeeze to install

Alternate Installation Method, for those who cannot or will not drill and tap the toggle nut to make things work:

Additional parts needed:

10-24 x 2 1/2" bolt -about $0.80

This bolt will work without modifying the toggle nut at all, the only downside is the use of a Phillips head which is not necessarily a bad thing. Installation is otherwise the same.

still far and away the best way to mount a ram ball onto the Pani is to use the motoreva stem replacement. . Once mounted, you can easily remove the ball when you don't want anything showing. Functional, visually unobtrusive and secure. This is a lot cheaper, but a) can't be easily removed and b) nowhere near as secure.

anthem said:

still far and away the best way to mount a ram ball onto the Pani is to use the motoreva stem replacement. . Once mounted, you can easily remove the ball when you don't want anything showing. Functional, visually unobtrusive and secure. This is a lot cheaper, but a) can't be easily removed and b) nowhere near as secure.

Click to expand...

Data to support your claim? There are no specifications for the fault tolerances of the mount you like so I don't know how you can say it's more secure. It could be very low or very high but you really can't say either, you're just speculating for whatever reason. A toggle nut and bolt will hold in excess of 200 Lbs; I don't imagine anyone is going to try and mount anything in excess of 200 lbs. on a RAM mount though I could be wrong...

BTW, I tried removing the RAM mount which while tricky still took me less than 5 minutes. Any other objections? I have tried to be as honest as possible about the hackery required to mount this thing!

EDIT

The data from the RAM Mounting System website shows that the intended load capacity for the 1" ball is approximately 5 lbs or 2.25 kg. I think the stainless bolt and toggle nut combination will easily handle the manufacturer's recommended max load capacity with an acceptable amount of reserve.

warlord said:

Data to support your claim? There are no specifications for the fault tolerances of the mount you like so I don't know how you can say it's more secure. It could be very low or very high but you really can't say either, you're just speculating for whatever reason. A toggle bolt will hold in excess of 200 Lbs; I don't imagine anyone is going to try and mount anything in excess of 200 lbs. on a RAM mount though I could be wrong...

BTW, I tried removing the RAM mount which while tricky still took me less than 5 minutes. Any other objections? I have tried to be as honest as possible about the hackery required to mount this thing!

Click to expand...

uh - have you seen/operated/installed the motoreva stem mount ? You have to loosen the triple tree and use the stem tool to mount the unit in there. Its not going anywhere. . Measuring strength or not - I have that exact same mount and have used it in other center stems that can handle the compression natively. . The plastic tab while strong enough to hold the ball still vibrates a bit more than the straight ball attached to a more solid surface. . Not that relevant most of the time since the bike still vibrates, but it does make a difference when video recording at high speed in high def. .

And lastly, I can remove the ball in 3 seconds without tools and it's back to looking like stock (albeit with a slight 1/8" rise in stem height. How long does it take for this one ? minimum of 5 minutes, tools, no tools ?

Look, you can provide any solution you want. You say you've been honest about it. The only advantage this has is cost. I gave a viewpoint of what I think is the best solution for a ram mount as well and I've been honest as well. . I think its a better solution. Your free to your opinion as I am of mine.

anthem said:

...(not worth repeating)

Click to expand...

What plastic tab? Also, If you can unscrew it by hand then you're argument is moot as it is technically less secure by your own admission. So I'm still stuck here trying to figure out your point (well, not really -LOL).

I'm guessing you don't like people posting how-to threads in this forum or just have to be THAT GUY because if anyone cared about your mounting solution they could have seen it in the other thread when you talked about it last time...

warlord said:

What plastic tab? Also, If you can unscrew it by hand then you're argument is moot as it is technically less secure by your own admission. So I'm still stuck here trying to figure out your point (well, not really -LOL).

I'm guessing you don't like people posting how-to threads in this forum or just have to be THAT GUY because if anyone cared about your mounting solution they could have seen it in the other thread when you talked about it last time...

Click to expand...

Wow - getting ugly. . uh, I own both mounts. Actually I own two of that exact Ram that you have, and three Motoreva mounts. So I can accurately compare the two. Do you ?

You're welcome to give how-to's just like I should be to give an opinion, guess you don't like those. . .

anthem said:

Wow - getting ugly. . uh, I own both mounts. Actually I own two of that exact Ram that you have, and three Motoreva mounts. So I can accurately compare the two. Do you ?

You're welcome to give how-to's just like I should be to give an opinion, guess you don't like those. . .

Click to expand...

Clearly I'm fine with actual opinions and concerns, you can see since I addressed those directly.

If it seems as though things are getting ugly it's just because you're coming across as a one-up sorta guy. This could be the way you word things in your posts -but most likely you just are. You won't know about it unless someone tells you, it's not an insult it just is what it is.

I could buy 10 of the Motoreva mounts it still doesn't change the fact that their specs and tolerances don't exist. Again, it is what it is. Also your argument that you're an expert because you bought something is not useful or valid.

Feel free to keep posting your opinions and I'll continue to do my best to separate opinion from fact as time allows.

Well ...Lively debate....

I have used this Ram Ball mount on a previous bike... I wasn't happy with it... But that's just my opinion...

But thank you for the How to....

I mounted mine in a similar albeit less elegant fashion.

1) open RAM mount package

2) find toggle nut in multi drawer tool thingy

3) find flathead screw that looks like it will work

4) tighten

5) attach X-mount Ram doodad

6) insert phone

I've been pretty happy with it so far.

warlord said:

Clearly I'm fine with actual opinions and concerns, you can see since I addressed those directly.

If it seems as though things are getting ugly it's just because you're coming across as a one-up sorta guy. This could be the way you word things in your posts -but most likely you just are. You won't know about it unless someone tells you, it's not an insult it just is what it is.

I could buy 10 of the Motoreva mounts it still doesn't change the fact that their specs and tolerances don't exist. Again, it is what it is. Also your argument that you're an expert because you bought something is not useful or valid.

Feel free to keep posting your opinions and I'll continue to do my best to separate opinion from fact as time allows.

Click to expand...

Seriously - you want specs and tolerances for a ball mount so you can make a comparison ??? This stem mount from Ram has been hacked to death from beginning to end. . It works for solid stems. You can make it worth with the hollow stem on the Ducati with your DIY. If you don't think there are better solutions, fine - stick your head in the sand and believe what you want. .

The only argument you have for the Ram mount (and I'm not saying that isn't a compelling one) is that its less expensive. Though that same less expensive approach has drawbacks in ability to remove, stablity and a few others things.

I never claimed I was an "expert" because I bought something. What I did say was that I could clearly delineate the two products because I own both of them. Since I have owned/installed/de-installed/used both products - I can give my opinion on usage of both of them. And since you haven't used or apparently seen the alternatives - your assertions related to another product are kind of baseless.

Stw said:

Well ...Lively debate....

I have used this Ram Ball mount on a previous bike... I wasn't happy with it... But that's just my opinion...

But thank you for the How to....

Click to expand...

No Problem. What didn't you like about it? IMHO the finish they put on the aluminum isn't the best (yeah, it looks like balls) and they should have at least removed all the flashing off of the rubber...

Capt CF said:

I mounted mine in a similar albeit less elegant fashion.

1) open RAM mount package

2) find toggle nut in multi drawer tool thingy

3) find flathead screw that looks like it will work

4) tighten

5) attach X-mount Ram doodad

6) insert phone

I've been pretty happy with it so far.

Click to expand...

LOL. I think that's pretty much it in a nutshell.

anthem said:

Seriously - you want specs and tolerances for a ball mount so you can make a comparison ??? This stem mount from Ram has been hacked to death from beginning to end. . It works for solid stems. You can make it worth with the hollow stem on the Ducati with your DIY. If you don't think there are better solutions, fine - stick your head in the sand and believe what you want. .

The only argument you have for the Ram mount (and I'm not saying that isn't a compelling one) is that its less expensive. Though that same less expensive approach has drawbacks in ability to remove, stablity and a few others things.

I never claimed I was an "expert" because I bought something. What I did say was that I could clearly delineate the two products because I own both of them. Since I have owned/installed/de-installed/used both products - I can give my opinion on usage of both of them. And since you haven't used or apparently seen the alternatives - your assertions related to another product are kind of baseless.

Click to expand...

What assertions did I make exactly? You crack me up! I didn't even think my thread was about the best ram mount for your Panigale (is that what I titled it?) but I guess you would know better than me.

Maybe you need to consider again how you come across.

warlord said:

No Problem. What didn't you like about it? IMHO the finish they put on the aluminum isn't the best (yeah, it looks like balls) and they should have at least removed all the flashing off of the rubber...

Click to expand...

I felt like it was poorly made and designed... admittedly I didn't do the mod you did..I used it as made... But it constantly came loose and was simply was not up to the task....

The way I mounted it on my GS is much nicer. They make a ball with a 45 degree angle piece on it with a hole. I just unscrewed my left hand mirror, slipped this under it and screwed it back in. It looks OEM since without the X-mount and the arm there's just a rubber ball next to the mirror stalk.

Stw said:

I felt like it was poorly made and designed... admittedly I didn't do the mod you did..I used it as made... But it constantly came loose and was simply was not up to the task....

Click to expand...

I can agree with the build quality for sure but I think when used in the manner it was designed for (in a tube) the mounting is actually pretty clever. It uses the same mounting concept as many bar ends do. That said, I knew it wouldn't fit right when I got it; my goal was to find a suitable solution. I tried and came up with a few different solutions to fit it with the toggle nut being the cheapest and easiest to replicate.

I did attempt to install it similar to the directions just to see what I was dealing with and it pulled out very easily.

Capt CF said:

The way I mounted it on my GS is much nicer. They make a ball with a 45 degree angle piece on it with a hole. I just unscrewed my left hand mirror, slipped this under it and screwed it back in. It looks OEM since without the X-mount and the arm there's just a rubber ball next to the mirror stalk.

Click to expand...

There's quite a few ways to add a RAM mount 1" ball on the Panigale. I can think of 5 off the top of my head, with this how-to being the 5th...

WARLORD'S Mount:

Amazon.com: RAM Mounts Cycle Stem Base (Fits Stems With an ID of .25-1.25") RAM-B-342U: Automotive

$13 and $21.57 for the Universal X-Grip = $34.57

ANTHEM's Mount:

MotoReva - Ducati Tools and Supplies

$74.99 plus the $21.57 X-Grip + $19.99 for the nut tool = $116.56 + shipping

Motoreva Stem Nut Tool:
MotoReva - Ducati Tools and Supplies

Shift-Tech has the Stem Nut Tool for $15.99 plus shipping.
PANIGALE 1199 - page 2 - Shift-Tech Carbon

What is the torque on the stem nut? Seems like it would be useful if it was included in this thread. Also, what precautions, if any, does one need to take when removing the stem nut? Also, what type of Loctite?

This does NOT apply to the panigale but if you wanted a ram ball mount on a solid stem (that doesn't open up like the panigale) there are better options available than the ram expanded rubber mount. The buybits mount that is a split metal cylinder and mounts solidly is a better solution for other ducatis, BMW s1k etc - again more solid attachment and less vibration.

Of course I will probably be accused of one upmanship for suggesting this and asking for the metallurgical specs of the buybits unit to prove it.

AlohaMark said:

What is the torque on the stem nut? Seems like it would be useful if it was included in this thread. Also, what precautions, if any, does one need to take when removing the stem nut? Also, what type of Loctite?

Click to expand...

25 NM and it would be best posted in it's own how-to if anyone were interested in making one...

anthem said:

This does NOT apply to the panigale but if you wanted a ram ball mount on a solid stem (that doesn't open up like the panigale) there are better options available than the ram expanded rubber mount. The buybits mount that is a split metal cylinder and mounts solidly is a better solution for other ducatis, BMW s1k etc - again more solid attachment and less vibration.

Of course I will probably be accused of one upmanship for suggesting this and asking for the metallurgical specs of the buybits unit to prove it.

Click to expand...

Nope, like I said I can think of 5 different ways to install a RAM Mount on a Panigale but that's not the point of this thread. Three ways posted so far, anyone else want to throw out ways to install a 1" RAM Mount Ball?

warlord said:

25 NM and it would be best posted in it's own how-to if anyone were interested in making one...



Nope, like I said I can think of 5 different ways to install a RAM Mount on a Panigale but that's not the point of this thread. Three ways posted so far, anyone else want to throw out ways to install a 1" RAM Mount Ball?

Click to expand...

It would be best posted here if one was trying to decide which mount to use. If your method is more complicated because removing the stem nut is a total PITA then that information would be useful to have in this thread. Unless, of course, you know it would make your mounting option too difficult.

AlohaMark said:

It would be best posted here if one was trying to decide which mount to use. If your method is more complicated because removing the stem nut is a total PITA then that information would be useful to have in this thread. Unless, of course, you know it would make your mounting option too difficult.

Click to expand...

No, actually it's not. This a how-to thread not what are all the options for how to mount a RAM ball guide. Like I said before there's more than two options and I'm pretty sure I know what the point of the thread was when I posted up. (Hint: read the thread title)