Overview

The Garmin 010-12881-03 is a motorcycle/ATV mount kit with an AMPS rugged cradle and an audio/power cable for compatible Montana 700 series handhelds. It gives you a fixed, quick-release way to dock the device for navigation in rough conditions, with screen orientation support in either portrait or landscape.

Power is designed for real-world vehicle and onboard electrical systems, with 10 to 30 V input (works on 12 V and 24 V), a 3 A fuse, and up to 1.5 A input current. The harness includes bare power, audio, and serial data leads so you can hardwire cleanly instead of relying on a portable power source.

It is also a practical option when you want a handheld Montana at a helm, console, or rail mount for backup navigation or tender use, as long as your layout allows a secure bar or bracket mount and protected cable routing.

Key features

• Compatible with Montana 700, Montana 700i, and Montana 750i devices
• Cradle supports both portrait and landscape mounting orientation
• 10 to 30 V input range for 12 V and 24 V systems, with a 3 A fuse
• Audio/power/data cable with bare leads for hardwiring and an integrated audio jack
• Wire functions called out on the harness: red (+) power, black (-) ground, yellow serial data input, blue serial data output, green serial ground
• Weather cap helps keep cradle contacts protected when the device is removed
• Security screw helps deter quick removal and reduces accidental latch release
• Operating temperature range: -20 to 60 C (-4 to 140 F)

Compatibility and fit

This mount kit is built around the Montana 700 series rugged cradle. If you are moving up from older Montana 6xx cradles, the fit is not the same, so match the mount to the Montana 700, 700i, or 750i before ordering.

For Montana 700i and 750i units, portrait orientation is recommended for best results. Make sure the device has room to dock and release without hitting a windshield, grab rail, throttle controls, or a helm enclosure frame.

Installation and setup

Pick a mounting location with a clear view of the screen and a safe path for the cable. Avoid routing near high-heat sources, and leave enough slack so steering movement or vibration will not pull on the cradle.

The kit supports two common bar-mount approaches: a U-bolt handlebar base or a clamp-bracket base that replaces the factory bolts at a clutch-clamp or brake-clamp bracket (both 1/4 in. standard and M6 bolts are supplied). When tightening the U-bolt base, the recommended torque is 50 lbf-in (5.65 N-m) and the maximum is 80 lbf-in (9.04 N-m).

Use the spacers provided in the assembly to keep the base plate and cradle from rubbing against the mounting surface over time. After you set the viewing angle on the double-socket arm, tighten the knob firmly so the unit does not creep under vibration.

Electrical and system integration

The harness is meant for a direct hardwire install. Connect the red lead to positive power and the black lead to ground. If you are installing on a boat, a switched circuit is the cleanest way to keep the mount from being powered when the vessel is unattended.

The cable includes bare serial data leads (yellow input, blue output, green serial ground). If you are not using them, insulate and secure the unused wires so they cannot short or corrode. The integrated audio jack can be used where you have an audio input available for alerts and guidance.

Care on board

Keep the metal contacts on the device and cradle dry before docking. If the unit will be left mounted in an exposed location, use the weather cap when the device is removed, and plan cable routing so water cannot drip directly into connectors or splices.

This kit is a good match for boaters and off-road riders who run a Montana as a primary handheld and want a fixed, powered mount that stays stable through vibration, while still letting the device pop out quickly for handheld use.