Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums Accessories GPS's Anyone...

All:

I'm thinking about getting a GPS. In doing my research, I haven't been able to make up my mind. Does anyone have any opinions / reviews to help? Please advise.

Thanks in advance!

Steve B.

I have Garmin 2610's on my Speedmaster and Tiger. There were some good deals on refurb units a few months ago.

Check out advrider.com "laying down tracks" forum for all the info you could ask for.

http://www.advrider.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=ccc9cfdf2cc03cb4452ee6a0b30c1585&f=37

I have a Palm Treo 700wx and the CoPilot GPS program and a stand alone GPS receiver which works well riding in my shirt pocket. It works well and I have my cell phone, PDA and GPS all in one unit. I mounted it with the RAM Mount System and everything works well except for the glare on the screen.

For top of the line....any Garmin Zumo Model will serve you well....

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=135

...or Lowrance has a reasonably priced model for Motorcycles....XOG

http://www.lowrance.com/en/Products/Automotive/XOG/

I use the eTrex vista HCx with the bicicle mount available at Amazon..added the North Amerca city navigator(total approximately $320).Runs on batteries and also power from bike.I am really pleased with the set up and not gaudy looking.Can take off and carry in pocket for navigating on foot...good luck with your choices.

The Garmin NUVI series are great for the money and you can download maps free every year . I have a 260 W ( wide ). Simple , audible turn by turn . You just need a guide , not MP3 , stock quotes , ect. , ect .

I use a Garmin Zumo 550. Works with my iPhone and Scala Rider 2Q headset. Phone calls, gps instructions, mp3's and bike to bike communications - all wireless.

---Bob

For those of you with a Nuvi, this is an awesome mount for it. The GPS holds tight in place and looks great. I've had mine for about six months now:
Garmin Nuvi Motorcycle Mount

All:

Thanks. I'm going shopping today. I keep going back and forth about the bluetooth options (ie. would I really use it? Will music distract me? etc). I'll keep you guys updated with my progress. Thanks alot for the input.

Steve B.

Guys,

One more question. For those of you that use the Garmin Nuvi, is it durable enough for a bike? What I mean is do you worry when it rains? If so, how do you accomodate it? I feel like I should be looking at the Zumo series, however, the Nuvi is more in my price range. I'm going to also look at the Lowrance systems. I never thought about them.

Steve B.

I just upgraded from a Garmin eTrex Vista Cx to a Zumo 450. Love it!!!

Got it from Amazon for $430 shipped (a freak'n steal!!) But sadly it now looks like the price went back up to $555.49. Bummer...

Jim

I used the TomTom Rider v2 for my recent trip of France & Spain. 99% Happy with it - the 1% i reserve because on 1 occasion it took me through the same toll booth 3 times in Spain!! (Much to the amusement of the Spanish toll operator who let me through for free on the 3rd instance lol ) But in fairness the roadworks had yet to be completed.

As far as being robust - i rode 10-11 hours a day in the p#ssing rain for 3 days without a hitch!

Has most (if not same) features as other top motorcycle GPS devices.

[Edit: One issue i did have was that sometimes the screen was hard to see depending on the brightness of the sun - but if your using the voice then you'll be fine]

Ian

Zumo 550 is top of the line right now...I'd spend the $800 again.

One thing I don't like about it: The bloodsuckers at Garmin want $90 for the map update(s)...which are updated annually.