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.

[motomem]

OK - I just ordered one of the 765T's from Walmart.
I don't know squat about these things. I may be posting questions  
Or is there a good place to browse to for info about putting it on my R1150RT and using it's features?

[HipGnosis]

Garmin NUVI 765t GPS Navigator:
No 12v hard wire?
If not, that's a deal killer.

It comes w/ a mount/clip and a cigarette lighter plug & cord.  The cord goes to the clip, the clip attaches to the bottom and back of the GPS.
I cut the cord about a foot from the GPS end.  I ran my wires w/ SAE connector for my battery tender under/along the gas tank and put the connector up by the steering head.  I put SAE connectors on the cig-lighter cord and the 1 foot of cord - properly oriented to match the battery tender conn.
There are a cpl pics in my ST.N photo gallery (and a pic of how to modify a RAM cradle to be able to put the GPS in it after connecting it all).

[lolife]

It comes w/ a mount/clip and a cigarette lighter plug & cord.  

I just received my gps from walmart.com & I can verify (not that I feel I needed to) that it comes with a cigarette lighter & chord.  

Thanks to everyone who replied.  All your information has been helpful

[motomem]

Good deal!
Now that you have the garmin are you going helmet bluetooth or wired?
I think I have decided I don't want ear buds. Helmet speakers but I don't know what to get.
I would like to try Bluetooth but not sure if wired would be better.
Thoughts?

[lolife]

Good deal!
Now that you have the garmin are you going helmet bluetooth or wired?
I think I have decided I don't want ear buds. Helmet speakers but I don't know what to get.
I would like to try Bluetooth but not sure if wired would be better.
Thoughts?

I would love to have some bluetooth ear buds but I'm not sure of any that will fit under a helmet.  Right now I just use $20 ear buds bought at Target or Best Buy.

At one time I had some helmet speakers from helmetspeakers.com.  They were about $50 & didn't last long at all b/c I had to use a boostaroo amp to up the volume.  I prefer the ear buds anyway b/c I buy the noise canceling ones.

I listen to music when I ride & I'm thinking I won't be listening for the GPS to give turn by turn directions.  90% of the time I know where I'm riding but I would like to know the distances between my turns.  I'm also looking forward to it to help keep me on my planned routes that way I can save them & rework them to find the best roads & stay on them.

My biggest decision now is whether to spend $50 on a RAM mount or $100 on a Techmount.  I like the looks & position of the Techmount better but its the price that's the biggest draw back.  

[motomem]

Yeah I have been looking at mounts too. I think I'm just going to go with the Ram Mount. When I bought my bike there was a Garmin 550 cradle attached. A piece of metal attached to the clutch fluid reservoir. I think I can work from it. There is a nice power supply already ran to it but the connector is some sort of 4 pin Garmin thing. I have to figure it out.
I like ear buds but they are a hassle to put on. I'm hoping to find some good helmet speakers and wear ear plugs. Take some pictures and post your set up.  

[HipGnosis]

 is there a good place to browse to for info about...  using it's features?

http://home.comcast.net/~ghayman3/garmin.gps/index.html   LOTs of info here   but not well organized,
Esp since he (partially) expanded to cover more models.
I spent at least an hour copying sections of the things I might use to a word document.

RAM offers plenty of mount location options.   The steering stem bolt mount is particularly clean (not sure if that's an option for you).

Also - Amazon sells cig-power cables that don't have the bulky traffic receiver.

[Peter_MA]

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.

Here's the hardwire kit you need for the 765T     http://www.gpscity.com/gilsson-18-pin-bare-wire-power-cable.html

[motomem]

Got my refurb 765T in today. It's a substantial looking $100.00 gps. Looks brand new.
I will really only need it a few times a year but it's a cool little present to myself.
Now I'm off to find a ram mount setup.

[motomem]

Anybody know if this will fit on my R1150RT?

Whitehorse.com has it.
Also I read that the long pin plug that plugs into my 765T is 12 volt going in. That I can just take a regular cigarette lighter plug/pin plug - cut the cig plug off and put on a bmw plug. Correct?

[miles]

Also I read that the long pin plug that plugs into my 765T is 12 volt going in. That I can just take a regular cigarette lighter plug/pin plug - cut the cig plug off and put on a bmw plug. Correct?

Yes, that is certainly correct.  The other possibility is to permanently wire it in, but use a 1 amp fuse to protect it.

[motomem]

Great! Now if the mount will fit - it's off to spend some more money.  

[lolife]

Anyone here have a Techmount for their GPS?  If so, what cradle do you use to hold the GPS with the Techmount?  I'm really wanting to mount mine between the handlebars.  

Thank You

[Cablebandit]

I use a Techmount on my GPS.  The hole pattern on the back of the cradle on the 60CS (old) screws directly to the Techmount round plate.  The round plate is also drilled for the standard AMPS mounts that are pretty much standard.

[motomem]

Two problems I'm having with my Refurb 765T
1. I registered it but Garmin's website won't allow me to download an update map. All over the paperwork it says I am entitled to one.
2. I have 3 different SD cards and put a jpeg and mp3 on them. The gps doesn't show them. When I plug the gps into my computer all shows up but the computer shows the card needs to be formatted. I've formatted them several different ways. I didn't have any problems with my other garmin.
Anybody else have these issues?

[miles]

Two problems I'm having with my Refurb 765T
1. I registered it but Garmin's website won't allow me to download an update map. All over the paperwork it says I am entitled to one.
2. I have 3 different SD cards and put a jpeg and mp3 on them. The gps doesn't show them. When I plug the gps into my computer all shows up but the computer shows the card needs to be formatted. I've formatted them several different ways. I didn't have any problems with my other garmin.
Anybody else have these issues?

Call Garmin's help line.  The wait may be long, but they do an excellent job when they finally get on the line.

[HipGnosis]

Two problems I'm having with my Refurb 765T
1. I registered it but Garmin's website won't allow me to download an update map. All over the paperwork it says I am entitled to one.
2. I have 3 different SD cards and put a jpeg and mp3 on them. The gps doesn't show them. When I plug the gps into my computer all shows up but the computer shows the card needs to be formatted. I've formatted them several different ways. I didn't have any problems with my other garmin.

I'm pretty sure you HAVE to log out and then log back in after you register your 'My Garmin' account.
Nuvi's can take SDHC cards; meaning it'll take any SD (not sure how big of a card it'll take).
Jpg's need to be in the JPEG folder on the Garmin.
MP3s need to be in Garmin\MP3\ on the Nuvi, but don't need to be in a folder on the SD.
I don't recall having to format any of my SD cards - do yours work in a SD reader or another device like an MP3 player?  If so, I think you'll have to exchange your Nuvi.

Pro tip - The Nuvi has a max of (about) 1,000 songs. About 4Gb.  This is the # of MP3 files.  So you can load more music by joining multiple songs into fewer MP3s.

[motomem]

I ended up taking it back and ordering another. Tech support finally decided the SD port was bad.

If anybody else wants one but doesn't want to buy it from Walmart - Newegg.com has them for $99.00 with free shipping.
When I get one that works - I will be pleased with it. The 765T does everything I want and much more. I've bought refurb stuff for years and this is the first thing I have ever received that had problems. So, I still favor refurbs.
Thanks for the info.

[motomem]

Ok - I finally have a 765T and a ram mount. The previous owner of my bike had a gps mounted to a flat L-shaped piece of metal attached to the clutch reservoir. I plan to bolt the ram mount to the L- shaped piece. The ram mount is made - so that when I take the garmin out the garmin mount comes out too. I want to leave that mount inside the ram mount. My thought is bolt it into the ram mount and then attach the ram mount to my L-mount. Anybody done this or has a better way to avoid unplugging the wire every time I remove the 765t?
 

[HipGnosis]

I'm not sure I understand what you want to do here, but I *think* the answer is to remove the Nuvi from the RAM cradle, then un-clip the Garmin L piece from the Nuvi and let it hang by the power wire either in the RAM cradle or down around the steering head.

[motomem]

I'm not sure I understand what you want to do here, but I *think* the answer is to remove the Nuvi from the RAM cradle, then un-clip the Garmin L piece from the Nuvi and let it hang by the power wire either in the RAM cradle or down around the steering head.

Yeah I guess I can do that but I would like to have the garmin mount mounted inside the RAM mount. So the RAM mount would be all as one. I was thinking of drilling a hole through the female part of the socket on the garmin mount. Then a hole through the RAM mount and bolting them together. I'm thinking it would be a'little tricky though.

[lolife]

I had to wait until Christmas to get my 765t.  I got it and ordered a few RAM parts for mounting to the C-14.  

I created a route using tyre & saved the file as a gpx file.  I right clicked the file & sent it to my garmin but I can't find the route on my garmin.  I've looked under My Data & tools but I can't find where it says import route from file.  I looked under custom routes & I can't find anything where it says importing a file.

Thanks again for any help

[HipGnosis]

on the Nuvi: Tools > My Data > import Route from File > select the file > OK
Click Where To? > scroll page and select 'Custom Routes' > select your route > select 'Go'  
On some routes, you have to click on 'recalculate' for everything to work right

[lolife]

on the Nuvi: Tools > My Data > import Route from File > select the file > OK
Click Where To? > scroll page and select 'Custom Routes' > select your route > select 'Go'  
On some routes, you have to click on 'recalculate' for everything to work right

I don't know what the issue was but I swear I looked under My Data & never saw a import route from file but after reading your post & looking again, there it was.  

Thank you for the quick reply.  

[vwtom]

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.  

OK - you guys talked me into it.

Mine was 106.83 total.  Thanks for the find.

[motomem]

I used mine Christmas day. Pretty cool for a guy from the industrial age. I wasn't thinking much of it until I got way out in no where and told it to find Home. For awhile I was worried about following it. Ended up on a 1 lane paved farm road for about 20 miles, left, right, left but next thing I knew it put me out on the main road back to my place.

Now I am trying to decide on Bluetooth - probably Scala G4 or just get an Autocom headset and use what came on the bike. The Scala was a no brainer for me from RevZilla - http://www.revzilla.com/product/cardo-scala-rider-g4. The problem I see is that the mic is a boom and I don't like the idea of re-setting it. I have an email in to them to see if I can get the wired version for the same price.

I think for the price the refurbished 765T is a great deal.

[FJRmgm]

on the Nuvi: Tools > My Data > import Route from File > select the file > OK
Click Where To? > scroll page and select 'Custom Routes' > select your route > select 'Go'  
On some routes, you have to click on 'recalculate' for everything to work right

Be aware that on the 7xx series you can only have up to ten routes "active" or showing under "Routes" at a time so if you want to import another custom route you have to delete one of more of the existing from "routes" first.

[vwtom]

OK - you guys talked me into it.

Mine was 106.83 total.  Thanks for the find.

Crazy deal - mine showed up the next day.  What a deal - and $1.90 shipping.

It didn't boot up properly the first time - I had to upgrade the software first, but has worked great ever since.

Been testing it in the car for now.

Thanks again for the find.
tom

[Bowtie76]

Ordered mine yesterday, can't beat the $98 price and It was time to replace my 2610.  

Off to ram to get the mounting hardware.

[lolife]

I was able to try mine out this past weekend & I never knew how much I had been missing.  I imported a route to Traphill NC from Anderson SC using Tyre, used a 4gig SD card to load up some music & blasted off.

GPS worked flawlessly.  Previously I had written my directions on a sheet of paper for reference but I gotta say that may be the best $100 I've spent on my mc.  

I couldn't be happier about the GPS.  

[Mastros2]

I was able to try mine out this past weekend & I never knew how much I had been missing.  I imported a route to Traphill NC from Anderson SC using Tyre, used a 4gig SD card to load up some music & blasted off.

GPS worked flawlessly.  Previously I had written my directions on a sheet of paper for reference but I gotta say that may be the best $100 I've spent on my mc.  

I couldn't be happier about the GPS.  

 

[FJRmgm]

important safety note - always take a map with you on long trips because as sure as you get used to using the GPS all the time the damned thing will let you down at the worst possible moments.

[Bowtie76]

Mine is going back today.

The 765T does not show towns and cities on the map, just roads.

95% of the time I just use my GPS as a scrolling map while I drive.  WIthout the cities I have a hard time figuring out where I am.

Also the auto zoom is anoying.  I like to zoom out on long trips to see where I am with realation to everything but the GPS keeps zooming me back in to show all the little side roads.  IF I want to zoom in I'll zoom in.

I think I'm going to try the 2495LMT a little more spendy but fixes my issues with the 765T and comes with lifetime maps.

Honestly I would keep my 2610 if I could update the map.  But the new screens are really sharp.

Sometimes progress is not progress

[motomem]

Now I am trying to decide on Bluetooth - probably Scala G4 or just get an Autocom headset and use what came on the bike. The Scala was a no brainer for me from RevZilla - http://www.revzilla.com/product/cardo-scala-rider-g4. The problem I see is that the mic is a boom and I don't like the idea of re-setting it. I have an email in to them to see if I can get the wired version for the same price.

I just paired up my new Scala G4 with my 765T - works great.
Wish I had someone to talk to 'cause I feel stupid with a microphone and nobody to talk to. I hate my cell phone so won't be any talking. However if you want to use your 765T with a G4 it will work.

[st2sam]

I have been following this thread with interest, I'm upgrading my current GPS.
I was about to get a new 765T when Bowtie76 mentioned the 2495LMT. I did a little research and figure for a couple bucks more that might be the way to go. It's still about 1/3 the cost of any MC specific unit.
What do you think? Anyone using a 2495LMT? Is it worth the extra doe? Is it easier to create, import custom routes than the 765T?

[Bowtie76]

I got it 2495LMT and have been very happy with it.

Seems to work just like my old streetpilot.

I use mine in the car and on the bike so the voice commands are great in the car.  Also being able to show the map in Landscape or portrait mode is really nice.

It is more expensive but brand new with 1 year warranty, and lifetime maps ($85 for the 765) so now we are only talking about $70 difference for comperable systems.

[st2sam]

Thanks Shawn.
Best price I could find so far, $230.00 with free shipping. (new & only 30 over budget)  

[JSharp]

If you don't care about Bluetooth and voice activation a 2455LMT is the same unit for $200+-

[st2sam]

If you don't care about Bluetooth and voice activation a 2455LMT is the same unit for $200+-

Thanks Jim, I'll check it out.
Does the 2455LMT have a socket to accept external speakers, (ear plug) so I can run it through my Moto-Com?

[JSharp]

Thanks Jim, I'll check it out.
Does the 2455LMT have a socket to accept external speakers, (ear plug) so I can run it through my Moto-Com?

No, it doesn't.