A good GPS

[mbishara]

I'd like some recommendations for a good motorcycle GPS. Something that is glove friendly and can help me upload previous riders' routes that they saved. Also something that will save the routes that I did so that if I want to I can re-trace the steps during another ride some other time.

The problem is that it's easy to chart a course from point A to point B but the best course to take is usually the issue as well....

Any suggestions out there?

[mbishara]

With my car I just use my iPhone's Tom Tom app and it's very good but I don't think that it's good for a bike. Can't use it with my gloves on, always worried when it rains, it's very basic (mainly from points A to B) and I can't upload routes saved b other riders. These are just a few of the issues.

[Bouts]

I have a Garmin 1490T, I use it in my truck and the on the Concours.  It does routes, downloads routes, or you can download the waypoints and make the route on the GPS.  The transition from waypoint to waypoint in seamless in the route.  I've travelled through Alberta and into BC using it.  And this summer QC.ON and into NY and VT states.  The suction cup mount sticks on the inside of the windscreen, very little vibration, and extremely easy to see and look at while riding.  Best of all, it hasn't fallen off yet!  lol  More than I can say for my older Magellan!

[Cablebandit]

This looks like another "mine is best thread"  

So I have to vote for the Gamin Montana.  The auto-routing outdoor units beat just about anything out there unless you need Bluetooth music.

[PatM]

Garmin Zümo 665.

[bungie4]

This looks like another "mine is best thread"  

So I have to vote for the Gamin Montana.  The auto-routing outdoor units beat just about anything out there unless you need Bluetooth music.

Funny you should say this. I just mentioned on another forum I'd replace my 2820 with a Montana today if it only had Bluetooth. Not for tunes though for directions. Once you have that sweet Australian accent giving you instructions without even looking down, it's hard to go with out. (either the bluetooth or the hawt Aussie).

[Mike-H]

I use a older garmin zumo 550 which is purpose made for a motorcycle...but in turn came with the extras enabling it to be used in my car & truck...(designed for use with gloves)

[mbishara]

Thanks I'll check them all out. It's mainly for my bike. My phone is plastered to my hand all the time so I just cradle it in the car and use the phone's GPS.

[Huron52]

I have a couple of older 2610's and a 660  all have their good and bad  

[bungie4]

I have a couple of older 2610's and a 660  all have their good and bad  

True that, my 2820, despite lieing to me constantly (Huron knows this) has two shortcomings, the first is the screen washes out and is unreadable for most of the day because of the sun, and the second, it won't 'reverse' a route which is a real pain the ass when your 1000 miles from home.

[Mike-H]

I have a couple of older 2610's and a 660  all have their good and bad  

Figures...only rich guys own 660's

[Nodaclu]

Getting ready to do the same thing, and I think I've settled on finding a used or refurbished Zumo 550. Couldn't get myself to pay the price premium when they were new, but at current market rates, it seems like you're getting an awful lot of motorcycle GPS for the money.

[garry]

I have been very pleased with my zumo 450 and if it ever got lost/stolen/dies I would likely replace it with another zumo. It gets used a lot, has been through torrential rain more than once, and has been stone axe reliable since 2008. The Garmin software for crafting your own routes isn't the most intuitive stuff out there, but it works well enough once you get your head around it.

[bomber]

I have been very pleased with my zumo 450 and if it ever got lost/stolen/dies I would likely replace it with another zumo. It gets used a lot, has been through torrential rain more than once, and has been stone axe reliable since 2008. The Garmin software for crafting your own routes isn't the most intuitive stuff out there, but it works well enough once you get your head around it.

^this -- my 450 is great!

if it went walkabout, I'd likely get a Montana, mostly for the off-pavement features, but, if the 450 stays healthy, I'll happily ride with it  . . . ..

[sleazy rider]

Garmin Zümo 665.

 

[Kneescrubber]

I use maps.

[Cablebandit]

So does pretty much everyone with GPS.  

[cyjo]

I use a Nuvi 550. Waterproof and reasonably good to see in the light. I picked it as I couldn't see dropping 5 bills on a gps. It does have it shortcomings though. No bluetooth but I don't mind that. I turn off the voice on all my navigation anyway. Something about the text to speech bothers me. I miss my Streetpilot 2720. I liked the way you could configure data fields. I like to know the sunset times and other data. I guess I should look at a trail gps. The montana looks very attractive.

[mbishara]

Thanks for all of the great feedback guys. A last question.

How do you plan your routes? It's easy to plot a course from points A to B on a GPS but motorcyclists like the scenic routes so just highway slabs for 1,000 miles isn't as appealing...

Is there a site to go to that we can upload other people's routes to these GPSs? Or something like that?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[sleazy rider]

Setting, routing, check freeway avoidance.  Shazaam! No slab on route calculation.

[cyjo]

Avoiding highways is one way but there are a couple of motorcycle road websites out there as well. I enjoy the planning of the trip almost as much as I do going on it. Get some guide books. I look for a motorcycle specific book and then also I may check out websites owing to roadside attractions or oddities such as: http://www.roadsideamerica.com/

Somewhere I have a file from a while back of their locations that is GPS loadable. One of the most reliable sources though is the ride reports from here. I will do a search in the forum for a location. They often offer a great deal of knowledge concerning places to eat and roads to ride.

[JReazor]

If you're looking to ride in the area that Garry covers, you won't do better than http://www.motoroads.net/roads.htm.

[Cablebandit]

I plan my routes in Basecamp. Then just load them in the GPS.  I load them as a route and a track so I can guarantee that the GPS goes the way I plan.

Otherwise just set your avoidances and enjoy the dirt roads.  

[bomber]

ADVRider dot com has links to many routes . . . . . . . not all feature pavement, so pay attention to that ;-}

[sprint_st]

I have been very pleased with my zumo 450 and if it ever got lost/stolen/dies I would likely replace it with another zumo. It gets used a lot, has been through torrential rain more than once, and has been stone axe reliable since 2008. The Garmin software for crafting your own routes isn't the most intuitive stuff out there, but it works well enough once you get your head around it.

^this -- my 450 is great!
if it went walkabout, I'd likely get a Montana, mostly for the off-pavement features, but, if the 450 stays healthy, I'll happily ride with it  . . . ..

I would have added my agreement to this but my 450 went belly up.  Called Garmin Tech Support, they fixed it --- sent me a 550 at no cost.  Both were/are great units.

My only comment on all Garmin stuff is that you have to be careful using someone else's maps.  If you don't check them out and just load them and go, stand by for issues right when you need them the most (or so it seems).  Part of the reason for this is you need to be on the same version of maps and mapping software because the roads aren't always in exactly the same place from version to version.

[bomber]

My only comment on all Garmin stuff is that you have to be careful using someone else's maps.  If you don't check them out and just load them and go, stand by for issues right when you need them the most (or so it seems).  Part of the reason for this is you need to be on the same version of maps and mapping software because the roads aren't always in exactly the same place from version to version.

Amen.

[sleazy rider]

Avoiding highways is one way but there are a couple of motorcycle road websites out there as well. I enjoy the planning of the trip almost as much as I do going on it. Get some guide books. I look for a motorcycle specific book and then also I may check out websites owing to roadside attractions or oddities such as: http://www.roadsideamerica.com/

Somewhere I have a file from a while back of their locations that is GPS loadable. One of the most reliable sources though is the ride reports from here. I will do a search in the forum for a location. They often offer a great deal of knowledge concerning places to eat and roads to ride.

Available on www.poifactory.com . You're welcome.  

[Cablebandit]

One more reason to stick with a unit that supports tracks. You can easily swap tracks between units since its a breadcrumb trail. Convert that track to a route and overlay them both on the map. That way you can see that the route is identical and still get turn by turn directions.

[Skee]

I've never been happy with the way my zumo550 handles route and track conversions.  While it accurately converts tracks to routes, it recalculates routes when you load them, so there is usually a difference between the track and the route.  You can see the difference in MapSource, but it is still really annoying when zumo routes you onto a different road then the one you had wanted to take.  Most annoying.  

Not sure if other systems have the same problem.

[Cablebandit]

No such issues on the Montana.

Can you overlay the track over the route on the Zumo's?

[mbishara]

Lots of information to absorb. It's a good thing that I'm with an experienced group. I just don't want to follow blindly.




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[sprint_st]

I've never been happy with the way my zumo550 handles route and track conversions.  While it accurately converts tracks to routes, it recalculates routes when you load them, so there is usually a difference between the track and the route.  You can see the difference in MapSource, but it is still really annoying when zumo routes you onto a different road then the one you had wanted to take.  Most annoying.  

Not sure if other systems have the same problem.

Hi Skee,
Been using Garmin's since the GPS45 and their routing has always had issues, but so has all the others.  I rarely use tracks except to build a new route from where I just traveled.  What I have learned from using routes generated by others, and even using my old routes from a Quest or GPS IV is it is the same garbage in garbage out principle from computers.  It may seem like a lot of work but if I want to use someone else's route, I build it completely over in my MapSource and load that into my 550.  Far too many times I have gotten into places where there are a whole bunch of tight vertices and saw lines shooting all over my screen.  Talked at length with Garmin Tech support on these incidents and it always comes back matching the exact versions or, and this is not well advertised, a map upgrade didn't load right.  Looks OK but remnants of a previous version are still lurking in the unit.  You are absolutely right, and IMO, it isn't easy, but a little extra work makes the process much more reliable.
Rod

[mbishara]

My iPhone is always glued to my hand and air use it for my car's navigation.

The To, To, app works great and you can disable data connection while roaming and it works via satellite alone.

But what worries me is that I can't seem to import GPX files to the iPhone's Tom Tom.

Also when in the case while it's mounted I'm worried that the screen won't be responsive.

Does anyone have any experience with the iPhone?


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[mbishara]

In addition to the Tom Tom app there's another app called GPS Drive that allows you to import GPX files with way points.

I would find that really helpful in just idling out on my own when I don't have a group to ride with.

I can use an app called greatest road that other riders upload their GPX files to and import it into GPS Drive.

I'm trying to find this type of solution because I don't want to have to many units mounted in the bike.

Sometimes I still need to be accessible by phone because life and business don't stop just because I want them to unfortunately.

Or am I dreaming?


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[PatM]

My only comment on all Garmin stuff is that you have to be careful using someone else's maps.  If you don't check them out and just load them and go, stand by for issues right when you need them the most (or so it seems).  Part of the reason for this is you need to be on the same version of maps and mapping software because the roads aren't always in exactly the same place from version to version.

True. Also, we had 3 zumos 665 with different software version but same maps give three three different directions at a round way. All three were programmed the same. All roads would have got us to our destination but only one was the twisties we wanted.

[mbishara]

I bought the Navigon app this week and wow it's all over the place in my neck of the woods in Montreal.

It chooses the worst routes and insists on them. It keeps trying to re-route me back to its first choice.

It took me twenty minutes away. Even though it's my home town I gave it a chance and followed it around a bit. It was almost like following my pet puppy aimlessly.

Maybe it's a good GPS but I don't trust it at the moment.

Tom Tom was on the ball for each route as I had them running simultaneously. I've been using the iPhone Tom Tom app for several years now and I guess there's comfort in familiarity.

Tom To, may not have the nice pictures that Navigon does but it's on the ball for the straight forward turn-by-turn navigation requirements.

So my surch for GPX file importing continues. Too bad I spent the money on the Navigon but better that I find out now than when I'm 2,000 KM from home.


http://www.maged-bishara-montreal.ca/

[sprint_st]

True. Also, we had 3 zumos 665 with different software version but same maps give three three different directions at a round way. All three were programmed the same. All roads would have got us to our destination but only one was the twisties we wanted.

I run a county GIS which provides roads and addresses to our 911 center, along with a whole bunch of other map related issues.  The maps that go into GPS units come primarily from NavTec and Tele Atlas.  All of them get their data from guys like me.  There is a very good reason that 911 uses our data and not Google Maps or MapQuest.  If you think your yearly update from Garmin is truly up to date, think again.  They update things like gas stations and hotels more often than roads.  Personally, I almost never use the auto routing function.  I build my routes on my computer, road segment by road segment and load that into the unit.

[Neub]

I use MicroSoft Streets and Trips to do my routing as it is so much easier than using Gramins Map Source...$25 wellspent

[napper]

I have been very pleased with my zumo 450 and if it ever got lost/stolen/dies I would likely replace it with another zumo. It gets used a lot, has been through torrential rain more than once, and has been stone axe reliable since 2008. The Garmin software for crafting your own routes isn't the most intuitive stuff out there, but it works well enough once you get your head around it.

Agree 100%.  Had mine since '09 and have used it extensively.  Even lost mine from the cradle one time (user error) and watched it slide about 150 feet down the road.  Recalculating.  

Totally saved my ass riding into D.C. this summer: middle of night, pouring rain, no visibility (eye glasses and face shield were totally fucked), never been there before - definitely not an easy city to find your way into.  I might still be riding around those freeways today if not for my trusty Zumo.

Only issue I've had is the battery would lose connection occasionally and unit would not come on at all.  A little dielectric and it's been a champ since.

No bluetooth.  No sat radio.  But it will play MP3's and get me where I'm going.

I almost choked on the cost when I bought it (and it was the low end of the Zumo line at the time) but I'm glad I did.

Of course, this is no help to the OP as you can't get the 450 anymore.  But barring any major jump in smart phone capabilities, my next unit will definitely be a Zumo.

[cyjo]

There is also something to be said about abandoning the auto routing too. Last summer after moving to Maryland I discovered there were a few covered bridges in the area and my gps has an off road mode that just gave me an arrow to the bridges. I fumbled around the roads trying to get close to bridge and it helps me learn the area a bit better and introduces me to roads that may look uninteresting on a map.

[PatM]

I use MicroSoft Streets and Trips to do my routing as it is so much easier than using Gramins Map Source...$25 wellspent

+1

[PatM]

I run a county GIS which provides roads and addresses to our 911 center, along with a whole bunch of other map related issues.  The maps that go into GPS units come primarily from NavTec and Tele Atlas.  All of them get their data from guys like me.  There is a very good reason that 911 uses our data and not Google Maps or MapQuest.  If you think your yearly update from Garmin is truly up to date, think again.  They update things like gas stations and hotels more often than roads.  Personally, I almost never use the auto routing function.  I build my routes on my computer, road segment by road segment and load that into the unit.

I wasn't referring to the map base but the OS.
I agree about the map base though.

[ToadRide]

I use a Nuvi 550. Waterproof and reasonably good to see in the light. I picked it as I couldn't see dropping 5 bills on a gps. It does have it shortcomings though. No bluetooth but I don't mind that. I turn off the voice on all my navigation anyway. Something about the text to speech bothers me. I miss my Streetpilot 2720. I liked the way you could configure data fields. I like to know the sunset times and other data. I guess I should look at a trail gps. The montana looks very attractive.

What he said. Trudging along with my 550. Cheap and still working. Don't need Bluetooth. U need to hardwire it tho. Battery is only good for a couple of hours. And if your riding a Stelvio, the lighter plug will vibrate out of the socket in seconds.

[FJRmgm]

I use MicroSoft Streets and Trips to do my routing as it is so much easier than using Gramins Map Source...$25 wellspent

another +1 to this - very easy to use and create a route.  

And I use a Nuvi 770 - not waterproof but with the addition of a ziploc sandwich baggie it has been through some MAJOR rain with no issues.

Tried MapSource once, what a POS that is..

[Cablebandit]

Just an FYI...Mapsource is out, Basecamp is the current Garmin mapping solution.

[Windblown]

I went to a Montana earlier this year.  Missing a few bells and whistles and is a bit bulky in hand but is the best compromise I've found for my uses which range from car, to motorcycle, to dirt bike, to hiking and hunting.

Base camp isn't all bad, I still have mapsource on my PC as well.  They aren't intuitive but I find they work well once I spent enough hours beating my head against a wall learning to use them.

[Justin]

Just an FYI...Mapsource is out, Basecamp is the current Garmin mapping solution.

And Basecamp sucks even worse that Mapsource. Streets and Trips is so much better than either. (in my humble opinion)

[Cablebandit]

Meh, Basecamp works fine for me.  But I took 5 minutes to learn how to use it.  


I can't stand Streets and Trips.

[sprint_st]

As long as you ride major roads that have been around since the big flood, just about anything "works."  Also, EASY usually means, you usually allow internal routing to define a route.  Internal routing is different from version to version.  Internal routing also will cause routes to blow up if there are flaws which are very common on back roads.  

My experience has been that if you want bulletproof routes that don't explode on you out in the middle of nowhere you need to do things the HARD way.  What's the hard way?  
1. Check the route from start to stop zooming in on major intersections.  The route should follow EXACTLY the road segments you want.
2. Make sure you don't make long sections with lots of major intersections.  Lots of smaller segments usually has far fewer problems.
3. Make sure your unit version matches the version of MapSource.
4. Don't use Basecamp!!!  Route creation in Basecamp uses way too much autocreate.

[Cablebandit]

If you want an exact route, use a track.  Then create a route to layer on top of that so you get turn by turn direction etc.

[sprint_st]

If you want an exact route, use a track.  Then create a route to layer on top of that so you get turn by turn direction etc.

Tracks are not a guarantee of an exact route.  If you do a track conversion to a route it is far from a clean conversion because of version issues.  If you are going to do an overlay, then why not just build your route segment by segement???

[Cablebandit]

If I'm building my own I create a route.  If I get something from somewhere else you either need to rebuild it yourself or share the track.  Tracks are the preferred way to SHARE items.


I've never had any issues with track conversion due to version issues.  That said, I don't use a  moto-specific GPS either.

[st2sam]

Any of you guys know whats the cheapest (cost wise ) new GPS, it doesn't have to be MC specific, you can buy that will let you plan routes?
CB, I like the Montana but it's out of my price range.
What say ye?

[Yankee Dog]

Any of you guys know whats the cheapest (cost wise ) new GPS, it doesn't have to be MC specific, you can buy that will let you plan routes?
CB, I like the Montana but it's out of my price range.
What say ye?

Look at the Nuvi 500 or 550. They are waterproof and in the $200 range.

[bomber]

also, serach for refurbished units -- you can get more GPS for your money if you're willing to give up a little warranty.

[st2sam]

Look at the Nuvi 500 or 550. They are waterproof and in the $200 range.

Thanks. The $200 range is  fine ........

also, search for refurbished units -- you can get more GPS for your money if you're willing to give up a little warranty.

Thanks. A factory refurbished unit will work, I'll do some research....

[sleazy rider]

Garmin factory refurbished has the same warranty as new.

[Carbonero]

+1 on the Nuvi series.  

[HipGnosis]

 If I get something from somewhere else you either need to rebuild it yourself

If I get a route from someone or the web, I load it into MapSource, recalculate it and make adjustments as need before doing a save-as.

+1 on the Nuvi series.  

I've got 2 refurbished 765's.  The only problem is that they can be hard to read with a full sun over your shoulder.
Oh, and... one of em won't work very long with bluetooth AND music player on WHILE following a route (which is why I got the second one) so that ones in the car now.

[HipGnosis]

Any of you guys know whats the cheapest (cost wise ) new GPS, it doesn't have to be MC specific, you can buy that will let you plan routes?

I was reminded over the weekend that the GPS in my car has a map thats 2 yrs old - it reminded me by finding and routing me to a restaurant that's not even there any more.
A new map is $60.  I can get a new GPS for $100, with lifetime maps.  That there is a no-brainer.
But which one..
I found this Garmin  Support  Frequently Asked Questions page:
Which automotive Garmin devices have the ability to receive routes transferred from a computer?  (which also means you can 'plan routes' on them)
https://support.garmin.com/support/searchSupport/case.faces?caseId=%7B9bca0be0-5f38-11dd-c66b-000000000000%7D

[JIMLARCH]

I just use my car Garmin 255.  I have no problem using it with my gloves on.  I have a VFR and I use the regular mount on the triple clamp.  To ensure that the suction doesn't fail I also use a couple of twist ties to hold it in place.  Works fine for me and is easily seen in daylight.

[MojOH]

Zumo 660. Works car and Connie. Love it. Haven't used the BT for directions or Muzak yet, but plan to this yr.

[mbishara]

I'm really getting into the iPhone idea. I have multiple GPS softwares and each one works better for a specific scenario.

When I want to upload someone else's GPX file for a specific ride I use GPS Drive. It's great and you can upload the entire map so data roaming isn't an issue.

In conjunction with the iPhone Greatest Ride App is great. Greatest Ride is an app that let's people upload their routes. So wherever you are you can pick some great routes that other people uploaded and export the GPX file into GPS Drive.

And then there's Google Maps and iPhone Maps for city driving where data is not a concern.

Tom Tom is also pretty good as long as you want to get from point A to point B. All maps are loaded on Tom Tom as well so data is not used.

With all of this I find the iPhone hard to beat, especially with my blue tooth setup, MP4 player, telephone, radio, etc.

Pretty much an all in one device.


http://www.maged-bishara-montreal.ca/

[mbishara]

In addition to the fact that I always have my phone with me wherever I go. So in either case I would mount it for the music, radio stations, telephone, etc.

So it just avoids the issue of mounting another unit for stand-alone GPS requirements.

I use the iPhone but I'm sure that the other smartphones such as the Android devices have similar solutions with the same apps.


http://www.maged-bishara-montreal.ca/

[st2sam]

OK guys I picked up a Nuvi 2555LMT and installed Garmin base camp on my PC.

My first planned route is about 350mi., with as little Interstate as possable.
What would be the best way to make a custom route?
Is it better if I let the GPS plan my route with my preferences and tweak it, or start from scratch and use way points, or tracks?

[sleazy rider]

Personal preference.  I've done it both ways.  When there's specific things I want to see or places to go, I set up the route in base camp and export it to the GPS.  Otherwise, I set my preferences in the GPS and let it calculate the roads.  I've had some, umm, interesting experiences that way.    be aware that Garmin's formula will send you down roads that turn to dirt even with dirt roads excluded.  DAMHIK.  

[Cablebandit]

Plus there are only a couple Garmins that will not re-calculate your computer generated route in unit.

[FJRider]

I used my iPhone as a GPS for a while. When it works it is awesome. However with spotty AT&T coverage on the rural roads I enjoy I found that when I really needed it there was No Service = No Location. So I broke down and got a Garmin Zumo 220 (https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=135&pID=65210). It's the smallest and cheapest waterproof motorcycle GPS they sell. It is great to use but took several frustrating days to get the maps features and everything to play nice together. Now i love it. Especially the Take Me Home feature. I can just go out exploring not concerned where I am and how to backtrack. I see an interesting road - I take it. When the day is through I just let Mr. Garmin take me home. Sweet.

It does have a Bluetooth connection which pairs with my Nolan N-Comm B4, but I don't bother. The only thing I pair with my helmet is my iPhone. I can Make/Receive calls and listen to music on either Pandora or my iTunes (if out of cell range).

[st2sam]

Plus there are only a couple Garmins that will not recalculate your computer generated route in unit.

Meaning if I send a custom route, built by any method I choose, my Garmin will tweak it how it sees fit?  

[Cablebandit]

Exactly.

[Cablebandit]

The best you can do is use plenty of waypoints to shape the route. There's still not a 100 percent guarantee.

You're limited on the number of waypoints you can use per route though. Check your manual for that number.

[mbishara]

I used my iPhone as a GPS for a while. When it works it is awesome. However with spotty AT&T coverage on the rural roads I enjoy I found that when I really needed it there was No Service = No Location. So I broke down and got a Garmin Zumo 220 (https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=135&pID=65210). It's the smallest and cheapest waterproof motorcycle GPS they sell. It is great to use but took several frustrating days to get the maps features and everything to play nice together. Now i love it. Especially the Take Me Home feature. I can just go out exploring not concerned where I am and how to backtrack. I see an interesting road - I take it. When the day is through I just let Mr. Garmin take me home. Sweet.

It does have a Bluetooth connection which pairs with my Nolan N-Comm B4, but I don't bother. The only thing I pair with my helmet is my iPhone. I can Make/Receive calls and listen to music on either Pandora or my iTunes (if out of cell range).

Just as an added point. It depends on your mapping software. GPS Drive for example uses both the satellite signal and the cellular signal so it's very accurate.

Where cellular signal fails it triangulates only on the satellites and works just like a stand-alone GPS.

Of course this is theoretical. Let's see how the real world interacts. Worst case scenario I just get a GPS.


http://www.maged-bishara-montreal.ca/

[sprint_st]

Exactly.

This is VERY misleading.  Yes your unit does a calculation when you load a route.  This is why you want to have the same version map in both your MapSource on your computer and in the unit.  Every road segment has information on it to allow routing, especially on the fly or recalculating.  The line segments are not the same between versions as well.  If you have the same version on both, the route you define will be the route you will have on the unit because they both have the same routing information on the segments and the same routing algorithm.  If you don't have the same versions then things go haywire.  If you ever use the option to recalculate once the route is started, the entire route can and usually does change.  If you have different versions then the initial calculation will approximate the route the best it can, but don't count on it to be the same.

[Cablebandit]

 If you have the same version on both, the route you define will be the route you will have on the unit because they both have the same routing information on the segments and the same routing algorithm.  

Good luck with that if you aren't using a Zumo or Montana.

[sprint_st]

Good luck with that if you aren't using a Zumo or Montana.

Garmin has had routing issues since their first units that they claimed the routing feature.  Used to test routes on Whitehall, Nixon, Gatesburg, Tadpole, Marengo roads.  I think you know where they are.  First units wouldn't do a loop, figure eight, etc, etc.  When Zumo's came in, they had most things covered, but you can't fight Mother Nature, and in this case Mother Nature is mathematics.  Bottom line is if you run a routing algorithim on maps that are different, location and length of all points making up the segment plus attribute data on each arc, you don't get the same route plotted all the time (you can get the same route but there is a lot of luck involved).  So I'll kind of generalize this to all Garmin stuff, if your unit comes with routing software that matches the unit, then you get a route from brand x and put it in your unit's software.  Do a recalc and you need to check that external route to see if it is still where it is supposed to be.  After that load it in the unit or correct the route to where you want it and then load it.

[HipGnosis]

Per my reply # 59; I'm in the market for a new Nuvi for my car.  I found out that Nuvi's no longer play MP3s nor have FM output - which I use on long trips... err, use to use...

[lablank]

 

I love the (optional) weather forecast feature of the Zumo 665. This has saved me from getting wet or just riding in the rain several times. Allows you to just re-route around the rain patch!!! Fantastic!

[Hotbrakes]

A good GPS...

Is one I don't care about.  Picked up a refurbed Garmin 2xxx widescreen for $80 after my $800 Zumo crapped out and haven't looked back.  The widescreen is a must from now on.  I'm sure you could find a similar model with the route option on Amazon.  If it gets wet, stolen, or falls off it's already paid for itself.  RAM makes a mount for it too.

[mugwump58]

[cyjo]

I've had several units over the years stating with basic etrex units that didn't route up to my current nuvi 550. I like the zumo units but but the price but my favorite two were a gpsmap 60 that was trail designed but routed also. Only thing was it helped if you were moving and maps weren't preloaded. The second was a Garmin streetpilot 2720. This was my favorite and is probably still be using it if it hadn't been stolen. The screen sometimes didn't respond and it was hard to see in daylight but otherwise my favorite due to customizable data fields on the main screen and the wide screen. Unfortunately none of the newer nuvi are waterproof. The 550 serves me well and I can't bring myself to spend money on something that's working fine.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

[sprint_st]

I've had several units over the years stating with basic etrex units that didn't route up to my current nuvi 550. ---snip--- The 550 serves me well and I can't bring myself to spend money on something that's working fine.

Had a 450 and when it went belly up, Garmin sent me a 550 to replace it.  It AIN'T perfect but it works well.  If you keep MapSource and the 550 on the same page, navigation is very reliable.  If you don't keep them on the same page, strange stuff happens.  That's why I check all my routes for waypoints being inserted by gremlins before I actually use them.  Bottom line, is that GPS is for navigation and not entertainment.  If you remember that, a 550 is great.

[mugwump58]

So I guess the question isn't what do you have but what do you wish you had?

[cyjo]

I wish I had that 2720 with a few additional things (now that we are entering the wish realm). I wish it had a battery so I could use it off the bike, I wish it had the tft screen that my map60 did and it would be nice have a weather overlay and while we are at it might as well throw in the wave social warning aspect.