I just purchased this compass and installed onto my motorcycle's windshield. I bought the white dial version. It was a tough install, as I like to do a good professional job.
I was originally going to install it onto my 7/8" handlebars, but I can't see how this mount would even allow you to mount it to the handlebars (the package even says it mounts to handlebars). Maybe I'm stupid? I ended up drilling a hole through my perfect windshield and mounting it dead-center. This was a good location as it is away from all possible magnetic interference.
Welll.... To do a perfect installation was a total pain. The instructions are somewhat vague, and there's no pictures which would have helped me immensely. The supplied mount is brass that's painted black, so it's bendable. I had a tough time getting the correct angle bent into the mount so the compass would be level. There is only a single screw what holds the mount to the windshield, so it needs to be real tight so the whole thing doesn't rotate and flip upside down while I'm riding. I had to supply my own non-magnetic parts to finish the installation.
I was bummed to find that the compass was a bit bigger than I had hoped, but it still looks good now that it's mounted. While not as big as most good auto compasses, this is about 3/4 the size of one. Unfortunately, every pic I see on-line gives no reference to size. Maybe that's on purpose???The compass was also well calibrated right out of the package, so that was nice.
For the rather large cost of this compass, the chrome could be better. It looks sort of cheap and may rust. Also, the liquid filling isn't viscous enough, as it's like water or alcohol. Engine vibrations really can affect the reading (like a lopey idle), especially if your bike shakes a lot. A more viscous liquid probably would help this problem, even though it would react slower.
Now that it's installed, I like it, but one should be aware that the install for this can be difficult, and you may need additional non-magnetic parts if it's a custom install.
If you want to save a bunch of money, and you don't mind a larger compass, Sherrill makes a VERY well made plastic auto compass with twin compensators for around $12. and it lights up!It's not as sexy as the Formotion, but it'll do the job well. You'll still need to design your own mount, though.
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FORMOTION GAUGE COMPASS CR/WH CA-35830Product Description: Features an all-alloy case with a show-chrome finish 360 deg. wing ball makes for easy reading at any mounting angle Features liquid damping for quick settling over even the roughest terrain Can be swiveled in any direction on its mounting base Mounts to any 1/4`` bolt- and can be mounted to handlebars with optional handlebar mounting bracket and clamps Choose from compass ball in black or white Easily calibrated for accuracy Measures 1.91`` dia. x 1.87`` H Photo`s are for reference only. Please read item title carefully.
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I bought this step bar for my F-150. When I bought it, there was a 5 year warranty on it. It lasted 5 years and 10 months and rusted thru to the point that when I stepped on it to get in my truck, it broke off and fell to the ground. I called Westin customer service and they would not do anything for me on it. I understand that the warranty was up, but I would expect something to last more than 10 months past warranty. I'll never buy Westin again. Poor quality.
