Non Motorcycle specific GPS use

[Baz]

Well my Garmin is dying and I am having a really hard time convincing myself that I use my GPS enough to justify 700 bucks for a motorcycle specific unit. (I only do a couple of long trips a year)

I don't require traffic, or MP3 or Satalite radio, so I am wondering if anyone is using a automotive unit, and found a way to make it waterproof?

[Mastros2]

Yep, using a 765t now.  It's mounted in an aquabox. Not the same size box but here is a link.
http://www.gpscity.com/ram-mount-aqua-box-2-medium-cradle.html

[GTS_Rider]

I've used a $100ish tomtom over the last couple years. Found a ram-mount carrage for it, and it's working for me. It's made it through a couple light sprinkles sessions with no ill effects.

I think you can get away with cheap stuff like this if you bag it in a real down-pour, still not tested in that respect...

[JReazor]

The Nuvi 550 is waterproof. It's not the cheapest GPS out there but it costs way less the any of Garmin's motorcycle specific models.

[spd2918]

I use a cheap plastic make up bag as a GPS cover.  There were no issues with a heavy downpour in Vermont last year.

This year I upgraded to a water proof bag from Aerostich: http://www.aerostich.com/waterproof-electronics-cases.html



I have a small one for my wallet and phone and a large one for the GPS.  The Ram mount and power cord don't allow me to completely close it, but it is only open a small portion at the bottom.  The GPS and phone touch screens work fine through the material.

[Mastros2]

I've used a $100ish tomtom over the last couple years. Found a ram-mount carrage for it, and it's working for me. It's made it through a couple light sprinkles sessions with no ill effects.

I think you can get away with cheap stuff like this if you bag it in a real down-pour, still not tested in that respect...

I heard a showercover or zip lock bag will work in a pinch.  

[ia sprint]

When loading routes from the computer I use my Garmin 1490t.  I just stick the suction cup mount to the top of the tank, far enough forward to see easily.  In case of rain I have used a ziplock bag, duct taped shut around the bottom.  Not nearly as cool as a motor cycle specific unit, but it has worked for me.

[mellow_gold]

I just stick mine in a ziplock bag (on a RAM mount cradle) when it rains and it works quite well and stays totally dry...I'll probably never buy a motorcycle specific gps again.

[Mr.Black]

I heard a showercover or zip lock bag will work in a pinch.  

I just stick mine in a ziplock bag (on a RAM mount cradle) when it rains and it works quite well and stays totally dry...I'll probably never buy a motorcycle specific gps again.

I have a cheap Garmin from Target.

It works as just that. Very basic.

Light rain/sprinkles it can be folded (on the RAM mount) under the wind screen.

A ziplock and an elastic keep in dry in heavier rains.

[Baz]

OK, you all have me convinced. I will use my company supplied Garmin and a zip lock bag!  

If I do hit rain I can shrug my shoulders and say "I have no idea why it stopped working".

Those aqua boxes that Mastros suggested look pretty nice.

[ChrisZRX]

I use a Garmin Nuvi 1450, mounted wtih a RAM mount.  For water proofness I used a zip lock bag cinched with a rubber band at the bottom.  It works really well.

You can get the Nuvi 1450's at a really good price right now, and you can easily download created routes to it.  

[Justin]

The Nuvi 550 is waterproof. It's not the cheapest GPS out there but it costs way less the any of Garmin's motorcycle specific models.

I have the 550 and it works fine for my need. Granted it is not feature packed, and a bit slow scrolling maps etc. But it's waterproof at a low price point.

[Cablebandit]

I have the 550 and it works fine for my need. Granted it is not feature packed, and a bit slow scrolling maps etc. But it's waterproof at a low price point.

If you're thinking about going this route spend a couple more bucks and get the Montana 600.

[Justin]

If you're thinking about going this route spend a couple more bucks and get the Montana 600.

Unless I'm mistaken, I did not think you could run that on external power? So that is somewhat limiting for motorcycle travel use.

Update: I was mistaken - Seems to use a powered cradle. Not sure if there is a bike mount though.

http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-010-11654-00-GPS-Accessory-Kit/dp/B0055BJBCM/ref=pd_bxgy_e_img_c

And boom - here it is - http://www.touratech-usa.com/Store/PN-G11654/Garmin-Montana-Motorcycle-Power-Cradle

[Cablebandit]

Don't waste your money on the Touratech mount.  Just buy the Garmin rugged mount and call it a day.  The Touratech requires the Garmin mount anyway.  



External Power, external speaker (if you're inclined), lockable, portrait or landscape view, blah, blah, blah

[Justin]

How is the speed and performance on the Montana? i.e. - is it pretty fast navigating maps etc? The 500/550 are dogs.

[Cablebandit]

Probably one of the fastest out there right now.

[sfalexi]

Smarthphone + waterproof case/bag works great for me.  I have a smartphone anyway, and for day to day navigation it works great.  Not quite sure how to customize a route (unless I plug in a ton of waypoints forcing the navigation to take certain roads), but just to find my way and find things around, it works great.

Alexi

[HipGnosis]

I've got a Nuvi 765T and a ram mount.
The Nuvi is nice, but it's not as bright as my old Garmin StreetPilot - so not as easy to read on really bright days.
It handles moderate rain (behind a windshield) w/o any problems.
For really hard rain, I remove it from the ram mount, plug my ear buds into it and put it in the pocket inside my jacket.

[2DFlyer]

Android w/ CoPilot Live Premium in the tank bag map pouch.  It works with gloves through the pouch cover.  I haven't toured with it yet but it is functional.