GPS that imports custom routes for $200?

[lolife]

I know they exist.  I've found a Garmin 765T online for well under $200.  Problem is I don't know anything about GPS & don't need one to tell me how to get home.  All I really want it for is to import a custom route & use it to help "guide" me when I'm out riding.  Right now I write down my directions on a piece of paper & glance at it periodically to know how far my turns are apart.  If I had a GPS, it would make tracking easier.

I don't need bluetooth, mp3s or anything else.  

How hard is it to import custom routes on a 765T or does anyone recommend a good GPS unit that accepts custom routes that I should look at?

Thank you for your time

[miles]

I'm willing to bet you can do it with the 765t.  The fact that you can connect it to your computer makes me believe that you can create routes in MapSource and upload them to the GPS.

[lolife]

You can do it with the 765t b/c I know someone who has one but he has never done a custom route.  What I don't know is how hard it is to import routes & if there is a better option than the 765t?

Thank you for the very quick reply.  

[miles]

The software will all be the same- Mapsource for PCs, Road Trip for Macs.  It's easy to create a custom route in either.

[Justin]

I use streets and trips myself, then export my route to GPX format and copy to the GPX directory on my Nuvi 500.

[Jesse]

How hard is it to import custom routes on a 765T or does anyone recommend a good GPS unit that accepts custom routes that I should look at?

Not hard at all. I have a nuvi 760 and I'm almost certain they're identical with respect to mapping and importing routes etc. You can download BaseCamp free from Garmin's website and use it to create a route which you then export to the 765, it works.

My preference for quick-and-dirty day-to-day ride planning is Harley Davidson's Ride Planner (web-based and free). Works great and can export custom routes directly to the 760/765 if you install the Garmin Communicator plug-in.
 

Recommendations: For the needs you have, the 760 or 765 would both work well, as would lots of others. Used consumer type/non-motorcycle GPSs can be picked up pretty cheaply - I got the 760 for around 75 bucks on ebay a few years ago and it works fine for me. If you are buying used, try to get one with a recent map set.  Any Garmin model that has a number other than 0 in the routes field on the spec sheet can accept custom routes.

[zer0netgain]

I have a Garmin StreetPilot in the for sale section for $200 that'll let you import/export data and routes...includes the MapSource CD.

[Mastros2]

I have the 765 and upload/download routes and really like the unit for the mp3 and bluetooth capabilities.  I use mapsource to make the maps.  It's easy peasy my friend.

1- Develop your route in mapsource or basecamp, etc.
2- If using mapsource, select on "send to device" from the toolbar.  It will show what device and what type of data (the boxes will be checked for route, waypoints, etc).  There will be a message stating that the file transferred.
3- Go into the 765's "tools" menu, then "my data", "import route from file", select route, "import"
4- Go to tools menu, then into "custom routes" and select the route to follow.

[lolife]

I think the 765t is what I'm going to buy.  I can get a refurbished from Wal-Mart.com for $98.

[HipGnosis]

I've got a 765T and often load and use custom routes.
Note that you can only have 10 custom routes 'imported' at a time.
Ram (brand) mount is definitely the way to mount it on your bike.
It can be hard to read in direct sunlight.
Register it on garmin.com and get a current map (which also includes the database of points of interest).  You just have to wait a day or 2 for garmin to make your account.

[Mastros2]

I think the 765t is what I'm going to buy.  I can get a refurbished from Wal-Mart.com for $98.

$98?!?!? And you're thinking about it?!?! For that price, I may pick up another!

[Mastros2]

Ok, had to look for myself.  Yep!  $98!!!  Below is the link.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/home-theater-systems/14934864

[lolife]

The only reason I was thinking about it was b/c I didn't know if there was a better option than the 765t  

I just ordered mine it was $103.88  They had free shipping to my house but charged $5.88 sales tax.  

[lolife]

This probably doesn't belong here but since I got the GPS for less than $100, I can use the other $100 for a mount.

I have a C-14 so I'm bouncing between the Techmount & RAM mount.

I like the looks of the Techmount better & it seems to be more of a permanent mount which is kinda the down fall.  Does anyone have one & if so, how hard is it to remove the GPS from the mount?  Can I pop the GPS on & off rather quickly b/c I don't need the GPS for commuting.  It will be used for weekend pleasure riding.  

I know I could call Techmount but they're not open today & I really don't want to wait until tomorrow.  

Thanks to everyone for the replies...I added to your rep pts accordingly.    

[Justin]

I'd go with the techmount and add the GPS case they have

http://www.techmounts.com/products/?page_function=detail&product_id=186

Would be nice for traveling since the 765 is not waterproof  

[motomem]

While on less expensive GPS's. Anybody know of one that has a speaker out plug that fits the custom routes specs?

Ooops! I looked up the 765T and as I read it - there is a speaker out jack on it.

[BentAero]

Garmin NUVI 765t GPS Navigator:
•4.3" widescreen, TFT-WQVGA, 480 x 272 pixels - Presents information clearly and brightly for optimal navigation
•Bluetooth technology - Connect to your phone for hands-free calling
•Turn-by-Turn Directions - Spoken directions guide you to your destination
•ecoRoute - Calculates the most fuel-efficient route
•Points of Interest (POIs) - Customize your POIs by adding your favorites as you navigate
•Battery - Rechargeable lithium-ion battery; up to 3 hours of battery life

No 12v hard wire?
If not, that's a deal killer.

[motomem]

Some seller on Ebay sells the hardwire setup for Garmins I bet will fit.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-x-GARMIN-NUVI-1490T-1690-Bicycle-Harness-Cable-/140636495293?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20be969dbd

[Mastros2]

No 12v hard wire?
If not, that's a deal killer.

This is an auto unit, the 12v cig charger is included.  I installed a powerlet outlet on my vfr's dash and it works well.  

Check out gpscity for mounts.  The RAM Aquabox kits are worth it.

[ksawatsky]

I also have a 765. Paid $80 for a very lightly used one on eBay. At that price I can replace it a bunch of times before approaching the toal expense for a Zumo -- nice as a 665 would be to have!

I have been doing my routing recently using Google maps and then using a very cool little app called Tyre http://www.tyre.tk/ to convert to GPX format which I can then copy over to my Garmin.