Which GPS to buy?

[kyzrex]

After my recent trip to the mountains of Tenn./Virginia/NC I have decided that a gps would do better than bringing multiple maps and using them to figure out routes.  So I want some advice on which ones work the best and are easy to use.  I have never used one before, so it must be easy to work I want one that works best on a motorcycle..not a car.


Suggestions?  Reasons?

Thanks in advance.

Patrick

[squeezer]

I think Garmin's zumo line is still the best motorcycle specific product. There are cheaper options that will get the job done, though, so it's best to figure out the budget first.

[greench440]

Zumo.  They are made for motorcycling.  Waterproof and the touch screen is designed to be operated while wearing gloves.

[GerryPetrecca]

Zumo.  They are made for motorcycling.  Waterproof and the touch screen is designed to be operated while wearing gloves.

zumo gets my vote too.

I started out with a nuvi 1390t and it sucks on the bike (but great in the cars).

I was able to pick up a used zumo 550 from a fellow stn member.

Gerry

[TriumphTiger1050]

Garmin Zumo!  I have the .660 and love it.  Slim design and works well with gloves and has a MP3 that I download tunes to and connect up to my SENA headset.

[Bryan217]

Garmin's Zumo line is the best. You can create your own routes ahead of time and upload the to he Zumo. One of the most useful features IMO.

[sodapop6620]

to learn how to work a gps stop in at best buy or a place like that and have the kids show you how to use it.

[drbenjamin]

Just want to point out a free program called Tyre

http://www.janboersma.nl/gett/

that I use to plan routes and upload them to a GPS. This way you can use one of many car-specific units, which are much cheaper. I have a TomTom XL340M, 4.3" screen and lifetime map updates, it was $85. That plus a RAMball mount and you are good to go. Tyre works with Garmin and TomTom units, you just have to be certain that the particular unit you get supports itineraries.

Two downsides to this approach are

1) on road only, no good for the adv guys
2) I don't know if the motorcycle units are any better, but glare is a real issue with this unit. I can barely see the screen whenever the sun is shining. I put on an antireflective screen protector, it didn't help at all.

[ray916mn]

Garmin, if you want to use routes created by others. The majority of route files on motorcycle sites seem to be created with Garmin Mapsource, which increases the likelihood that they will load and work without problem on a Garmin. Even routes created on Microsoft Streets and Trips tend to be converted to the universal Garmin route exchange format, GPX because Garmin GPS units are so popular.

Garmin Zumo if you want a waterproof unit with a touch screen and menus intended to be operated with gloved hands.

I used a Zumo 660 last week on those TN, VA, NC routes and had no problems.

[zer0netgain]

I definitely vote for Garmin, but if you can't swing the cost for the Zumo line, you can get the Nuvi so long as you can get a RAM mount and an AquaBox that will work with a touch screen (or sandwich bags and good rubber bands).

Only negative with any GPS is that programming routes is not always easy on the unit itself.  I find it better to plan via software with an exportable format you can copy onto the GPS than to try and plan on its tiny screen.

That's why I hate planning a route then having someone want to "improvise" at the last minute.  I can't just jump into a route and re-figure where to divert the plan on the small screen compared to doing it on my laptop.

[Streetdoc]

I posted this on the Iron Butt site on page 2, complete with pictures.  I have been using this setup for about 6 months now and don't think that I will ever go back to the motorcycle specific GPS's again.

http://www.ironbutt.org/forum/forum_topics.asp?FID=11&PN=1

When my Garmin 2720 was in it's slow death I started looking for it's replacement. I didn't want to spend as much money as Garmin wants for the Motorcycle specific GPS so I was looking for alternatives and this is what I selected. I purchased a Garmin nuvi 1490T with a 5 inch screen. To make it all weather capable I purchased a Ram Aquabox 6, this provides a touch through waterproof membrane that works with GPS units but not IPods.  The Aquabox also comes with three foam spacers to adjust the depth of the box so you devise fits flush with the membrane.  The 1490T fits well in the box and has about 1/2 inch of clearance all the way around it, all of the spacers were used to get it at the right height. I cut a passageway in the foam to allow for the power cord to come in through the back of the box. I also used an extra piece of foam to act as a shelf for the bottom of the GPS to center it in the box.  I have now been using this set-up for two months and it works really great. There have been no leaks that I have been able to find yet even during the rain storm we had while supporting the Face of America Ride.  The total cost for this setup has been about $250, much less the the Motorcycle GPS's.


When you are sitting on the seat, none of view of the dash is blocked. (BMW R1200RT)





 

[garry]

Yet another happy zumo owner here (450 in my case).

[Squareman357]

Zumo.  Definitely.  660 owner here.  Don't need all the extra stuff like Aqua boxes and whatnot.  Comes with a car mount and a bike mount you can wire into the system.  Waterproof.  Love it.  My buddy set himself up with a non motorcycle Garmin, and it's passable if you can't afford the Zumo line, but if has drawbacks like HEAT.  Running inside that aquabox introduces a lot more heat to the system and it doesn't vent very well.  If you can afford it, go Zumo, you won't regret it.

[Yankee Dog]

What does the Zumo do that the Nuvi does not. The Nuvi 500 and 550 are waterproof and cost half what the Zumo does.

???????????

yankee Dog

[Mrs. DantesDame]

I think Garmin's zumo line is still the best motorcycle specific product. There are cheaper options that will get the job done, though, so it's best to figure out the budget first.

Zumo  

[greench440]

What does the Zumo do that the Nuvi does not. The Nuvi 500 and 550 are waterproof and cost half what the Zumo does.

???????????

yankee Dog

see for yourself here:  https://buy.garmin.com/shop/compare.do?cID=133&compareProduct=27442&compareProduct=15000

Main differences are screen specs, bluetooth and audio features.

[ST1300Rider]

What does the Zumo do that the Nuvi does not. The Nuvi 500 and 550 are waterproof and cost half what the Zumo does.

???????????

yankee Dog

The Zumo will accept true "custom" routes generated on a computer, the Nuvi re-calculates every route using it's own algorithm. Not always a problem, but a deal breaker for me. I'm not a Zumo fan, the dumbing down of Garmin's current offerings (including the Zumo) is a step in the wrong direction IMO.

[Yankee Dog]

see for yourself here:  https://buy.garmin.com/shop/compare.do?cID=133&compareProduct=27442&compareProduct=15000

Main differences are screen specs, bluetooth and audio features.

Thanks,  I think I like the Nuvi 550. The screen is only .15" smaller height wise and it has topo maps, which I might find usefull. and the audio stuff is not important to me.

My 2610 which works fine for me is getting long in the tooth. I believe it uses the same method of calculating routes as the Nuvi, and I have not found it to be a problem for me.  I would be find with another 2610 refurb, but they are no longer available.  

[Bryan217]

What does the Zumo do that the Nuvi does not. The Nuvi 500 and 550 are waterproof and cost half what the Zumo does.

???????????

yankee Dog

I love the audio features. I have my Cardo Scala 2 synced up with the Zumo so it tells me when/where to turn, no need to look at the screen.

[Rincewind]

My Garmin Streetpilots were very nice to use (2610, then 2720).  They were waterproof and allowed custom routes.  My current Zumo 665 is even better.  I like how easy it is to punch in new "Via" points into complex routes, and reviewing routes on the fly.  Plus the database is very good for finding gas, food, etc.  

But if you don't need waterproof and custom routing features, there are lots of less expensive options.  My wife uses her Android Smartphone with Google Navigation to find her way - it gives direction over bluetooth to her helmet headset and works easily for point-to-point riding.  But I'm not sure if Google Nav works outside of cell/data coverage areas.