[TBirdG]

Like most motorcyclists, I prefer not to ride on highways and especially toll roads, given a choice. Sometimes we are in a hurry to get someplace at a certain time, and so we jump on the pike. Here in Massachusetts, USA, motorcycles must pay tolls like other vehicles and we know what a pain in the ass it is to fish for cash.

So I ordered a Fast Lane transponder. What the heck, it was free and it saves me the hassle of stopping, taking off the gloves, etc......A $20 minimum payment is made to the account I set up, and as it depletes they can draw from my checking account. The device tells the system that it is my vehicle coming through and takes a picture of the license plate when passing through. I figured it would be useful to swap between Tiger and my Dakota truck. Does anyone else on this board use a transponder on their Tiger? If so, can it be mounted on the windscreen-or is it necessary to get some type of handlebar mount? Of course, the instructions provided with the device are cage-specific (mount to the right of rear-view mirror, just below tint stripe...).

Just thought I'd run this by other Tiger owners to see if they've dealt with this problem.

Thanks for any helpful advice.

Gerry

 

[JasonS]

RAM Mounts

There are specific mounts for ezPass made by the RAM Mount people.. you can find it at mountguys dot com or gpscity dot com..... RAM makes awesome stuff

 

[radio_dog]

I just put mine in my tank bag, with the side that usually faces the windscreen pointing up. It also works if I put it in my jacket pocket.

 

[rwoodhead]

EZPass

Good post, TBG.
I'd like to get one for my Tiger and Tbird, but I understood that the units were vehicle-specific (no swapping) so their tag photos would be accurate. Anyone know for sure out there?
Thanks.
WOODY
PS. Thumbs up for the RAM-mounts products, too. I move a GPS between bikes & cages using their mounts.

 

[TBirdG]

So, you're suggesting the device doesn't really have to be mounted up "in the wind" to read properly?

My Tiger has the Cee Bailey tall/wide screen, which makes mirror-stem mounting problematic, as the stem comes in very close proximity to the screen (I actually had to shape the sides with a sanding belt so it wouldn't hit). As far as mounting it directly to the inside of the windscreen, the Cee Bailey screen has quite a curve to it, so I don't think the Velcro strips will lay flat. Twisted Throttle has a handlebar-mounted Ram holder for EZ Pass that fits 7/8" bars. That might be my best bet-that or with a crossbar mounting arrangement on the handlebars. In either case, do you think the fairing/cockpit would impede or reduce the RF transmission through the toll gate?
The Tiger design seems to present obstacles my Tbird didn't have. Am I thinking too much?

Gerry

 

[TBirdG]

Good post, TBG.
I'd like to get one for my Tiger and Tbird, but I understood that the units were vehicle-specific (no swapping) so their tag photos would be accurate. Anyone know for sure out there?
Thanks.
WOODY
PS. Thumbs up for the RAM-mounts products, too. I move a GPS between bikes & cages using their mounts.

Woody,

I believe you can swap them to your different vehicles. I ordered 2-one for the wife and one for me. We each have a Triumph and a cage. The application for EZ Pass was filled out in my name and under the four vehicles (license plates, make/models, etc. all listed). So as I understand it, as long as it's one of the four vehicles I "registered" on the application, it's all good. They'll just bill my account.

Now the only problem I see with this arrangement is my wife likes Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun (two casinos in CT). I do not gamble, but she'll be running up the tab on me going to the "Sucker Factory"

 

[rwoodhead]

Right you are!

Thanks. I just ordered one and listed two bikes and one cage on the app for one unit. No more doing the Cash Search / Hustle while traveling, hopefully. Hey, now you can just give the coins to the one-armed bandits.
Ride Safe,
WOODY

 

[TBirdG]

Bottom Line-How Critical Is Mounting Location?

I'm just trying to get the final word on placement of the transponder, without getting into bracket fabrication elsewhere on the bike. If it's mounted somewhere partially behind/below cockpit (fairing), will it still read? I'm thinking a handlebar mount will keep it partially obscured, and I may have to get either:

a) A handlebar mounted crossbar kit to raise the mounting height: https://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/343/230/

b) Go to direct (R) mirror stem mount
Both scenarios call for a 1/2" or less rubber bushing to grab the tube (see inset next to handlebar mount here):
https://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/3008/446/

The other Ram mount choices are numerous but raise more questions for me. The Cee Bailey windscreen has too much curve to mount it there, I believe. I'm looking at the mirror stem mount (above with 1/2" adapter from Twisted Throttle) as the most economical and likely surest option. The transponder will not be squarely mounted, but it will be clear of fairing obstructions. Comments please!

Gerry

 

[towersk]

I put mine in my tank bag map holder, works fine. Tried it inside the tank bag, didn’t work.

Cheers,
Ken

 

[TBirdG]

Tank Bag Height?

I used a Marsee magnetic tank bag for longer trips when I had my '97 Thunderbird with its steel tank, but haven't used a tank bag on the Tiger. With the Trax luggage, I have lots of storage space, so a tank bag is no longer necessary, but for iPod and transponder a smaller tank-mounted mapcase/bag with clear window could be an option. Which raises the question: When using the transponder in the map sleeve of your tank bag, does it sit taller than the cockpit/instrument cluster? To clarify- Is it a clear view through the windscreen, or partially obstructed by it? How close is "close enough?" I understand the tollbooth "eye" that reads the RF signal is located fairly low (car bumper height), which is why I'm trying to be precise with my options.

One more thing: Does your tank bag impede refueling?

Gerry

 

[jefff1]

E Z Pass tag

This has to be one the best devices for those of us in business that have to travel the toll roads too many times...Here is what I've learned about them
1. In NYS you can register up to 4 vehicles per tag..but you have to remember to switch the tag between vehicles as I have forgotten to do this several times and just driven right on through. You will get a nice notice in the mail and you will make a return call.. They have customer people you can speak with that I have always found helpful..Easy way is to get a tag per vehicle..no extra charge for this

2. Get separate ones for your Motorcycle(s) and declare the account to them to be a motorcycle account as the toll cost is 50% of what a cage pays as you are only on 2 wheels instead of 4..The tag will have a big M on the side facing out towards the tag reader..

3. I have always attached the strips to the inside bottom of my windscreen and the tag stays right there through wind..rain whatever. I have seen others do the handlebar mount too..just a preference.. Even works on the bottom of my Tiger Cee Bailey screen

4. These E Z Pass tags are good in a number of states when traveling ...NY, PA, MASS, VA, W.VA and others so they are very convenient....Happy Travels

 

[TBirdG]

jefff1,

That's interesting that NY state charges motorcycles 1/2 toll. I doubt that the MA Pike has such an arrangement. They're nearly broke from paying all their tolltakers $30+ an hour (on straight time) and those famously obscene executive salaries and pensions you read about "Only in Massachusetts". I'll flip them an e-mail to see if the rate for a bike is less, but I'd be surprised. All the times I've paid cash on my bike I paid full rate.

Thanks for your comments!

Gerry

 

[rwoodhead]

EZPass Update; ready to roll...

I'm all signed up on PA for the EZPass, guys. Turns out the M/C transponder can only be used on the bikes due to the cheaper tolls - so I got one "exterior" model for the two bikes plus one "interior" model for the two cages. See you on the road (free ones and toll ones).
WOODY

 

[jefff1]

E Z Pass

Correct Woody...Motorcycles and Cages have 2 distinctly different tags and accounts and fees...Don't pay anymore than you have to

 

[BonnieBabe]

Regarding mounting... I use 3M Command Adhesive picture framing strips. The adhesive is some miracle stuff that pulls off cleanly and the grip is much stronger than Velcro. I stick the Command strips right on the tank and when I wash the bike, I pull the strips off. No stickiness; no marks. Great stuff.

 

[rwoodhead]

EZPass Fastening

Good tip, BB. Thanks. You stripped off the velco patches originally on the units? I have to swap one between between the two Trumpets.
WOODY

 

[TBirdG]

I've had a running dialogue since Friday with one of the "associate supervisors" of the MassPike re: lower rates for bikes. He has been evasive, dancing around my queries and giving half-assed answers. Typical beaurocrat responses/non-answers.

I put it to him as plainly as I could just now. Let's wait until, tomorrow to see how he responds.

PS: There's nothing on the website that addresses this. Nothing in the FAQ-nothing! I suspect it's kept under the covers until/uness a motorist specifically addresses it.

Gerry

 

[BonnieBabe]

rwoodhead: yup, I pulled the Velcro strips right off and replaced them with the Command strips. A much tighter hold, plus it doesn't wear out like Velcro does.

 

[TBirdG]

No Discount for Motorcycles in MA

Well, I got my answer today, and it wasn't favorable: Motorcycles are charged the same rate in Massachusetts as regular cars.

Maybe it's a good time to join and contact a local motorcyclist rights organization to find out why, and see if it can be changed.

Gerry

 

[Sin_Tiger]

Autopass mounting

Can I suggest using an SW Motech electric ring mount tank bag. I use one and find it excellent. Easy to mount / dismount and carry around. All the stuff inside that is connected charges or is powered while you ride. The top cover has a pocket with a clear window that big enough for even large mobile phones so might be big enough for your transponder unit.

Another advantage that might be beneficial if your units are not waterproof is that it would be covered in the rain.

The system we use in Singapore sadly is vehicle specific for each unit or I would be using this method.

I am still very happy with this tank bag though.

SW_Motech Quick Lock