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.    

[Fred]

If you haven't drunk the Zumo kool-aid, and don't "need" an entertainment center, the new Garmin Montana looks like it might be a real GPS.



(Streetdoc - that's a darn nice set-up, don't want to steal the thread, so pm me if it's more appropriate. How is the Aquabox with glare and reflection.)

[RBEmerson]

 

[Squareman357]

First time I've heard of the Montana.  Went and took a look and it costs as much as a Zumo 660.  Has some features decidedly non GPS related (calendar, built in camera, built in digital frame software for displaying pics) but looks like a decent piece of kit for a hiker, canoer, etc.  But if motorcycling is going to be your primary use, at the same price point I'd still go with the Zumo.

[HipGnosis]

I have a TomTom XL340M.... That plus a RAMball mount and you are good to go.
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.

It's not really a glare issue, it's a brightness issue.  The car units aren't bright enough to over-power the direct sunlight.  I had a 2610 and now have a Nuvi 765t.  The limited brightness is the only drawback to the Nuvi.

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

See above.

[HipGnosis]

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.

It's not just routes created by others, it's routes you create too.  Either in MapSource (not provided w/ a Nuvi btw) Streets-n-Trips (it will make a .gpx file, no conversion needed) or the way I do it, on RideWithGPS.com (just ensure you export a route, not a track).  
While I enjoy 'finding' new roads by putting in a town in the general direction I want to go and let the GPS take me the shortest route, I wouldn't buy a GPS that doesn't accept route files.

[HipGnosis]

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.

There are so many Nuvi models that you have to be careful making blanket statements about them..
I make routes for my Nuvi 765 on the computer all the time, I don't have any problems as long as I include enuff 'via-points' when making the routes.

[HipGnosis]

I purchased a Garmin nuvi 1490T... (and) a Ram Aquabox 6

I think the aquabox is over-kill for most ST.N'rs.  90% of my riding in rain is headed home..  on main highways, so don't really need the GPS then.
Besides, the Nuvi has a battery so I can review the route in a restaurant AND it works in an inside jacket pocket w/ ear buds (I've proven this).

[Mrs. DantesDame]

I think the aquabox is over-kill for most ST.N'rs.  90% of my riding in rain is headed home..  on main highways, so don't really need the GPS then.

Blanket statement that is based on opinion  

Besides, the Nuvi has a battery so I can review the route in a restaurant

Zumo 550 has a battery - OMG!  

[Squareman357]

Besides, the Nuvi has a battery so I can review the route in a restaurant

Zumo 550 has a battery - OMG!  

So does the 660 and 665.  

[ST1300Rider]

There are so many Nuvi models that you have to be careful making blanket statements about them..
I make routes for my Nuvi 765 on the computer all the time, I don't have any problems as long as I include enuff 'via-points' when making the routes.

I stand by my statement. The telling tale is the inability to turn "re-calculate" off. I've yet to hear of a Nuvi that can do this. The fact that Garmin does not include any desktop software with any of the line is another hint. A true custom route can be used independently of the underlying GPS mapset. For example, I often use a custom generate route created with CNNTNA 2012.1 with the old Roads & Recreation mapset on my 478. Many DS riders do the same with non auto-routing Topos. The Nuvi can't do this as it re-calcs between each point you enter and it needs the auto-routing mapset to do it. Almost all of the time the Nuvi recalc and the computer route will be the same, but not always.

There's much moaning and beating of the breast in the Mapsource forums Here about this issue.

[ConPilot1]

Zumo 550 has a battery - OMG!  


So does the 660 and 665.  

And the 450.  

[RBEmerson]

I like Streetdoc's thinking and I ride in the rain going to somewhere, as well as coming back.  The Nuvi 2460LMT (Lifetime Maps and Traffic) seems to be a slightly better fit than the 1490 because of voice recognition.  Put it in an Aquabox and life seems pretty good for less than the cost of a 660.  The GPS will be used in a car as well as on the bike, and in Europe (mainly Germany) as well as North America.  Lack of MP3 support is not an issue - the Sena SMH-10 accepts a jacked-in MP3 player and I'll probably find a way to power my Incredible 2 (Droid), which can also handle music as well as being (gasp!) a phone.  

Comments?

[Justin]

And the 450.  

And the Nuvi 500/550


I'm perfectly happy with my Nuvi 550, does everything I need and it's waterproof. Just loaded up my route from .gpx for this weekend's trip coming up  

[zer0netgain]

Frankly, no GPS has this, and it is needed.

A "what's ahead" search option.

You're on a route and want to know your hotel, gas, food, options ahead.  It should be able to search .1 to 1 mile (user set) off the forward route for what falls into that category and display your options based on how far ahead it is.

Instead, all of them search 360 degrees and does not let you know if the one ahead requires a 20-mile detour to get to it.

[squeezer]

Actually, my old Garmin emap was pretty good at that on interstates. It had a button that would list upcoming exits. Press the exit and it would list all facilities located there.

[HipGnosis]

A "what's ahead" search option.

You're on a route and want to know your hotel, gas, food, options ahead.  It should be able to search .1 to 1 mile (user set) off the forward route for what falls into that category and display your options based on how far ahead it is.

My Nuvi 765 has an option to search 'along route' when I'm on a route and then click find fuel, food, lodging, etc...

[drbenjamin]

It's not really a glare issue, it's a brightness issue.  The car units aren't bright enough to over-power the direct sunlight.  I had a 2610 and now have a Nuvi 765t.  The limited brightness is the only drawback to the Nuvi.

So the Zumo units are substantially brighter? I've never seen one, and if I could see them in bright daylight that would make a big difference.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

My Nuvi 765 has an option to search 'along route' when I'm on a route and then click find fuel, food, lodging, etc...

   Yep. We use it a lot

[NoGear]

I'm currently a TomTom One.  It leaves a lot to be desired... but hey, I got it for free. It's not waterproof so most of the time if it rains I unplug it and stick in my tank bag.  I have left it out a couple of times even in a bad downpour and it still worked.  

I'd love to get a zumo 660 but can't justify almost $700 for one. Sometimes getting lost is half of the fun!

[Cricket1]

I'm currently a TomTom One.  It leaves a lot to be desired... but hey, I got it for free. It's not waterproof so most of the time if it rains I unplug it and stick in my tank bag.  I have left it out a couple of times even in a bad downpour and it still worked.  

I'd love to get a zumo 660 but can't justify almost $700 for one. Sometimes getting lost is half of the fun!

What about the new Zumo 220?  It retails for about $400, and from what I can tell does most everything the 660 does but no MP3 player.

[ConPilot1]

My Nuvi 765 has an option to search 'along route' when I'm on a route and then click find fuel, food, lodging, etc...

Yeah the Zumo 450 has that also. It's great when it's time to find a hotel. It will display a whole list unless you're out in BFE.

[Streetdoc]

There have been several comments about routing and batteries. The 1490 is always on the bike, both for commuting (70 miles one way) and for my rides, a short ride for me is 300 miles.  I just did a 3 day, 1500 mile twisties ride through Tail of the Dragon and as many twisty roads as I could squeeze in riding from Virginia to NC, TN, WV and back home to Virginia. The entire route plan was plotted on my desktop PC and transferred to the GPS. You can get an idea of the ride at SpotWalla: http://spotwalla.com/tripViewer.php?id=2fb54df577fc695a2 it doesn't do the roads justice on the Spot. Also, the internal batteries will last about 2 1/2 hours before it has to be put back on a power source.

[RBEmerson]

[...]The Nuvi 2460LMT (Lifetime Maps and Traffic) seems to be a slightly better fit than the 1490 because of voice recognition.  Put it in an Aquabox and life seems pretty good for less than the cost of a 660.  The GPS will be used in a car as well as on the bike, and in Europe (mainly Germany) as well as North America.  Lack of MP3 support is not an issue - the Sena SMH-10 accepts a jacked-in MP3 player and I'll probably find a way to power my Incredible 2 (Droid), which can also handle music as well as being (gasp!) a phone.[...]

I had a chat with Garmin about the 2460.  Long story short, I'd hoped to run the voice commands via the BT headset.  Garmin says "nope - the 2460 won't accept commands from a headset."  Back to the 1490.

[cbsnbiker]

What about the new Zumo 220?  It retails for about $400, and from what I can tell does most everything the 660 does but no MP3 player.

I have a Zumo 220.

It has no MP3 player, no earphone plug, and limited Bluetooth.

It works very well. It's much smaller than my old BMW Nav II (roughly equivalent to a 2610). Its internal battery lets me do routing off the bike then just put it in the mount and go.

[Cricket1]

I have a Zumo 220.

It has no MP3 player, no earphone plug, and limited Bluetooth.

It works very well. It's much smaller than my old BMW Nav II (roughly equivalent to a 2610). Its internal battery lets me do routing off the bike then just put it in the mount and go.

Thanks thats good to know. I just ordered the 220, should arrive by the weekend.

I'm replacing a 5 yr old Garmin Quest that just can't seem to keep a lock on the satellites.  It only had a 2.5" screen, so the 220 will be an improvement.

[CanadianBird]

Gentlemen et al, I have just joined this forum on a recommendation from another site. Since I just bought an Escort Passport iQ I thought I'd chime in. I always ride with radar and use maps. www.destinationhighways.com www.roadsnw.com for example. However I've been shopping for a GPS and they can be expensive. I didn't want two farkles on my bars so I bit the bullet and bought the iQ. I haven't received it yet, but when I do, I'll post up a response. Cheers

[bomber]

that looks very interesting . . . . . . . I'd not heard tell of it, before -- thanks for the heads up, bird.

[cbsnbiker]

Thanks thats good to know. I just ordered the 220, should arrive by the weekend.

I'm replacing a 5 yr old Garmin Quest that just can't seem to keep a lock on the satellites.  It only had a 2.5" screen, so the 220 will be an improvement.

Best wishes. I hope you like it. I use mine in the car a fair amount, and also on one of my bikes. One of these days I'll install a second cradle on another bike (it still has a Nav II installed on it).

[RBEmerson]

I had a chat with Garmin about the 2460.  Long story short, I'd hoped to run the voice commands via the BT headset.  Garmin says "nope - the 2460 won't accept commands from a headset."  Back to the 1490.

Long story short, I talked myself into the 2460.  The price difference between that and the 1490 was tolerable and I like the idea of voice commands, based on using the DINC2's voice commands.  Bad idea.

The 2460's voice recognition is simply way behind what the DINC2 can do.  Asked to find Sears, it came up with "suits", "sweets", and I forget what else.  Even when it does recognize what's being said, you have to look at the screen long enough to decide what to say next.  If the idea is to talk the GPS receiver into doing what's wanted while keeping your eyes on the road, then the 2460 doesn't get the job done.  At best, it minimizes button pushing.  Unfortunately, button pushing is faster and typically more accurate.  The voice command feature is, for me, a gimmick, and not a particularly good one at that.  

Past that, as a regular GPS receiver, the 2460 is an amazing step up from the 2610 it replaces.  No more "lost satellites" message when running under a tree canopy (in general, moisture attenuates GPS signals, lots of leaves significantly attenuate GPS signals).  I haven't driven into a large city with the 2460, so I can't speak to how it'll handle blocked views and multipath signals, but I'm guessing it'll hold on much better than the 2610, which needed an external antenna to cope in the same setting.  

The larger display is nice, but either schmutz on the screen from fingerprints from using the touch screen function, or the slightly matte surface, means the screen is washed out in direct sunlight.  Not good.  Otherwise, it's pretty much generic Garmin in style.  No real surprise there.  The lane guide (arrows showing where left or right turn lanes are) works well so far.  Of course, if the screen's washed out... not so useful.  

Routing is controllable by opting for the "prompt me" choice in navigation set up.  Set a destination, push "Go!", and there is a scroll-down choice of Faster or Shorter.  The routing algorithms don't seem much smarter than with the 2610.  Going southwest from here, the 2610 consistently came up with a bizarre 3 mile detour along PA 363 near Trooper, PA (for those in the area, try going from Lansdale, PA to Valley Forge National Park), dipping down Ridge Pike for more than a mile before doubling back up Egypt Road to rejoin 363.  The 2460 does exactly the same thing.  By comparison Google Maps' navigation tool stays on 363.  Sigh...

I opted for the "lifetime" map and traffic options.  With the 2610, periodic map updates became a significant expense.  Garmin issues quarterly map updates and things change enough in the area to make that attractive (see caveat below).  I'll still have to buy European updates, but the trips are spaced out far enough to hold that purchase cost down.  The "cost" of free traffic info is small ads on the screen but only after the vehicle has been stationary for some time.  Paid (no ads) traffic info is available but I see no reason to pay for what I've seen to date.  

The 2460 is a fairly flexible device.  That is, it's possible to customize the "home page" screen with the icons and functions you want.  It has a number of helpful auxiliary displays.  Unfortunately, the documentation provided with the receiver is little more than an expanded "quick start" manual.  The in-depth information is only found in the on-line version of the manual and, to a lesser degree, in the help screens.  One example of the lack of in-depth documentation is the return function.  Anywhere away from the home page, there's a return icon, an arrow doing a 180 deg. turn.  

When choosing an option, it's often necessary to drill down several levels to get to the desired option and make the needed change.  It appears that the only way back up to the home screen is to hit the return icon repeatedly until the home page is reached.  In fact, all that's needed is to hold down the icon for a couple of seconds and... shazam! welcome to the home page.  Too bad that's not clearly spelled out in the documentation.  

Bluetooth...  As things stand at the moment, my Sena SMH-10B (new V3.1 firmware) won't pair with the 2460, period.  Taking the two devices through their documented pairing routines is simply ineffective.  On the bike, the only contact with the 2460 is via the screen, which is too often washed out.  

In early July Streetdoc mentioned using a RAM-Mount Aquabox 6 as a waterproof housing for a 1490.  The case dimensions for the 2460 indicated it would fit in the Aquabox, too, and it does.  Except there's no room for the micro-USB power connector.  I'm still working on locating a power connector that will fit in the remaining space.  It is possible to press buttons on the 2460 through the Aquabox's flexible front skin, although precision, with gloves, is a challenge.  Without the Aquabox, the 2460 isn't even splash-resistant.  It's your call on whether to use an open mounting clip or a closed box.  

I'll hang onto the 2460 for the value it gives in our cars and in cars in Europe.  As a bike GPS, I'm very disappointed by the 2460.  The functionality of my DINC2's GPS is much better and BT pairing is easy, BUT... the DINC2's screen is too small to see well when sitting in the Aquabox, the contrast for the map displays is much too low (or the lines are too fine to see from a distance), and all data comes from the Internet.  Lose contact with the Internet and the maps stop.  With Verizon, which allows data or voice but not both at the same time (CDMA vs. GSM), a phone call lasting more than a couple of minutes shuts down the map updates.  

The only thing that keeps me from sending the 2460 back to Amazon and buying a Zumo is I'd get much of the same mapping and routing issues the 2460 has for at least twice the price.  Hardly a bargain.  

[RBEmerson]

[Obscenity Deleted] [Obscenity Deleted] [Obscenity Deleted]

According to Garmin, the 2460 is never, ever going to work with any headset, period.  It is the headset as far as any other BT device is concerned.   If I want to hear the audio prompts, the choice is basically a lame nuvi or a zumo 550, 660, or 665.  Good bye to lifetime maps, too.  I have to pay extra to get that.  

- - -

Added: Looking back through this thread, I re-read the note I wrote about talking with Garmin about headsets and the 2460.  I'd very gladly strangle the SOB who forgot to mention that not only wouldn't voice commands reach the 2460 (he got that part right), but that audio wouldn't come back to the headset, because, simply put, the 2460 will never ever pair with a headset (he kinda sorta like totally effin' left that part out).  As I said above, it functionally is a headset.  

[Flyer]

OTOH.
This is what we "simple is better" folk have come up with.

No blueteeth, MP3, sophisticated voice commands, or stinkin' wires...
It's completely routable, light, simple, waterproof and lasts a long day on two "AA"s.
It gives turn-by-turn directions visually and with an audible chime.
With lifetime upadates for North America and Europe on an 8 gb SDHC, it's invaluable for handheld travel too.
(And it's "alleyway in Rome" signal reliability is remarkable).

[FJR_ski]

Guys,

I own a Garmin Nuvi 550.  I got it from REI. Great GPS.  Question is, I also own Microsoft Streets and Trips.
How utility can I use to export/save Streets and Trips file to Garmin format?

[FJR_ski]

If you create a route in S&T and use its function "transfer to GPS device" all you will get is a set of points in your "favorites" without any route info.
However, if you instead use the function "export as GPX", and you have your Garmin plugged in....S&T will send a complete route and points file into the GPX directory on your Nuvi....and you will find it by going to "my data" and importing that file name. Its a much bigger GPX file than the points only sent through the MSN process...but it appears to include the full route.

[mugwump58]

Maps stuffed in the tank bag are seeming better and better all the time.

[FJR_ski]

I agree, physical maps are a must, but it's nice to have a GPS when you want to search for hotels, gas, and other locations while in the road.  You can still get from A to B without a GPS, but havin a GPS does make it easier when looking for a destination.

[cbsnbiker]

I just wish that the databases were more reliable. I find that they are often out of date or just plain old wrong.  

[Squareman357]

I just wish that the databases were more reliable. I find that they are often out of date or just plain old wrong.  

Update mine quarterly and they are fairly accurate.  Unless something closed down or opened up in the last 3 months or so, it's usually spot on.

[cbsnbiker]

Update mine quarterly and they are fairly accurate.  Unless something closed down or opened up in the last 3 months or so, it's usually spot on.

I got mine for Christmas. It keeps guiding me to establishments that moved or went out of business years ago.

[Squareman357]

I got mine for Christmas. It keeps guiding me to establishments that moved or went out of business years ago.

Really?  WHat model do you have?  What maps are on it?  Have you updated the maps?

[cbsnbiker]

Really?  WHat model do you have?  What maps are on it?  Have you updated the maps?

Zumo 220. I got it for Christmas. The maps were updated once.

The unit is younger than the mistakes in the database.

It's not unique to this unit. I see it all the time with other GPSs.

[Oddball]

Been down this route myself a time or two.  I'd recommend the Zumo 450 or 550.  Although the 660 and 665 are both fine units, but there are few futures that were taken away to give more function to motorcyclist that does not add value in my mind.  First in mind was the detail of the maps was reduced.  If you like finding the twisty narly roads you are not stuck at .3 mile scale with the 66X.  The 450 and 550 still give you the detail at .8 mile.  Just wish the screen was as big.  I can provide more reason, but the was the deal breaker for me, and I returned my 660.  

Garmin did this to add more features that in my mind are available on any smart phone and will not really be used as the data tends to be more current with the internet.

[drbenjamin]

OTOH.
This is what we "simple is better" folk have come up with.

How's the screen brighness on that unit? My only complaint with my current TomTom car unit is that I can't see the screen when it's bright and sunny. The Oregon seems like it could be nice for both motorcycling and hiking.

[Flyer]

Direct sunlight is a problem, but is with most units.
Overall though, no issues, and the backlighting is adjustable via a menu option.

The Oregon seems like it could be nice for both motorcycling and hiking.

It's small, light and versatile enough that I use it with TOPO maps on my mountain bike too.