- 1. The Caretta Navigation Kit (7" Adventure GPS)
- 2. CI Pad Components: Building Your Custom Kit
- 3. BMW Control Kit Compatibility (For Caretta and CI Pad)
- 4. Video Resources & Device-Specific Guides
- 5. Installation Instructions
Carpe Iter on the BMW GS: Comprehensive Setup
This guide is designed to help you choose the right Carpe Iter setup for your BMW GS and assist you with the installation process. Whether you are building a custom setup with the CI Pad or opting for our purpose-built Caretta Navigation Kit, the information below will ensure you select the correct components for your motorcycle.
1. The Caretta Navigation Kit (7" Adventure GPS)
The Caretta Navigation Kit is our completely new breed of purpose-built satellite navigation device for motorcycles, powered by Android. It combines the ruggedness of hardware built specifically for extreme riding with the versatility of the Google Play Store.
What is included in the Caretta Kit?
Caretta smart navigation device (7-inch ultra-bright display, 2,200 nits)
Vibration-damped Caretta Cradle for charging and data connection
AMPS mounting base for standard 12mm GPS brackets (supports both landscape and portrait orientation)
Universal power cable with 6mm battery loops and fuse box
Caretta Integration with BMW (Wonderwheel Support): The Caretta device offers plug-and-play control via the BMW Multicontroller (Wonderwheel) on compatible GS models. To enable this functionality and provide power, you must select the appropriate BMW Adaptor Cable based on your planned installation location and motorcycle model:
BMW Adaptor Cable Simple 50cm:
Best for: Installing the Caretta Cradle behind the windscreen.
Details: This is a simple cable with no split for additional power output, making it the easiest to route. It connects the Caretta Cradle directly to the BMW Navigator socket. It is also suitable for handlebar installation on older GS models (e.g., R1250GS/GSA) where the Navigator socket is located under the right-side fairing.
BMW Adaptor Cable Simple 100cm:
Best for: Installing the Caretta Cradle on the handlebar of newer GS models.
Details: This longer cable is required for motorcycles where the BMW Navigator socket is located behind the headlight (e.g., newer BMW R1300GS/GSA and F900GS/GSA models). It provides power and Multicontroller functionality without extra power splits.
BMW Adaptor Cable with Split Power Output (450mm):
Best for: Installing the Caretta Cradle behind the windscreen when you need to power additional accessories.
Details: This cable includes extra leads (6.3mm female faston connectors, TE Faston 250 compatible) to connect and power additional 12V accessories directly from the split.
2. CI Pad Components: Building Your Custom Kit
If you prefer to use the CI Pad instead of the Caretta, you can acquire it through our 'Build the KIT and SAVE' package, which includes a Tablet Holder, a Power Source, a Mounting Bracket, and a Controller.
Holder: Active or Passive?
For BMW motorcycles, we highly recommend the Active Holder. This option provides secondary charging via the integrated pogo pins, meaning your tablet begins charging automatically as soon as it is placed in the cradle. This eliminates the need to manually connect the threaded M8 charging cable before every ride.
Power Source: Black or Red?
Black Power Source: Activates automatically when the running engine provides sufficient voltage. Most of our customers prefer this option.
Red Power Source: Provides continuous power as long as there is input voltage. If it is wired directly to a switched ignition circuit, the functional difference between the Black and Red options is minimal.
Mounting Bracket: AMPS Base or Short Bracket 12?
The stock GPS bar designed for the BMW Navigator is fully capable of supporting the weight of the CI Pad. We offer two bracket options:
AMPS Base: This provides the tightest fit, positioning the tablet holder flush against the bar. Depending on the rider's height and the motorcycle's windshield type, this configuration may partially cover the top bar of the TFT display.
Short Bracket 12: This bracket positions the tablet slightly higher and closer to the rider, which may offer a better viewing angle depending on your cockpit setup.
3. BMW Control Kit Compatibility (For Caretta and CI Pad)
If you are using the CI Pad, we recommend adding the BMW Control for the ultimate user experience. It allows you to operate your navigation system seamlessly via the BMW Multicontroller—without stopping or requiring touchscreen-compatible gloves, even in the rain. (Note: Caretta integrates directly via the Adaptor Cables mentioned in Section 1).
Motorcycle Requirements for BMW Control (Caretta and CI Pad): To use the BMW Control Kit, your motorcycle must meet the following criteria:
GS line (2013 or newer)
TFT display equipped
Navigator ready
Multicontroller equipped
Compatible e-throttle grip shape
4. Video Resources & Device-Specific Guides
BMW Control Video Overviews (Multilingual):
For a closer look at the BMW Control in action, please check out our detailed video overviews:
English: Watch on our YouTube Channel
German: Watch Here
French: Watch Here
Spanish: Watch Here
BMW R1300 GS Setup:
If you are installing our products on the new BMW 1300 GS, please refer to the comprehensive customer-supplied installation guides available for download below.
5. Installation Instructions
The installation process is straightforward. We highly recommend watching our primary step-by-step video guide before beginning: BMW Control Installation Video
If you have any additional questions or require further assistance with your setup, please do not hesitate to contact our support team!
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