GPS recommendations
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GPS recommendations
I was looking for a GPS that would be suitable for mounting on the RR. I was somewhat overwhelmed by all of the choices and features. I noticed that Garmin and Tom Tom make models that are designed for bikes. From a motorcyclist's perspective, what features are absolutely necessary in a GPS? What models do you recommend and why? I mostly ride in and around Dallas but I expect that my riding universe will continue to expand. I'm sure there is a thread somewhere on this topic but it seems like GPS models change all of the time. Anyone purchase one in recent months?
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Arbreacames
- Basic User
- Posts: 326
- Joined: Sun Mar 20, 2005 7:38 pm
- Location: Yorktown, VA
I was shopping for a GPS a couple of months ago. My main criterion was price and the ease of installation 1) on the R, 2) on a DRZ400 dirt bike, 3) in my two cars, and 4) in my pocket. I bought a ViaMichelin X-930 for less than $150. It is the same unit as the X-950 sold in Europe, which is quite popular over there.
The units is a very decent navigator with maps of the US, Alaska, and Canada. Of course, maps of Europe are available and compatible with the pre-loaded US maps. It has a nice color touch-screen and several control buttons on the front, including volume. It is also thin and it is easy to install in my vehicles (I do not like car windshield installations). The unit comes with a 12V and a wall charger. You can see the home-made cradle that I use on my bikes. The cradle is tied to the handlebar with two nylon zip-ties. I bught an additional 12V charger on eBay for about $13 so that one cable can stay on the R.
However, the main advantage of this model that I found is that there is software that you can get free that will allow you to turn the navigation program off. That leaves you with a Pocket PC running WinCE. You can then install lots of free programs, such as video-MP3-picture players, notepad, calculator, etc. The included stylus can be used with a software keyboard that comes with the OS. In addition, I have also installed OziExplorerCE, a fantastic program that allows you to use any scanned map for nautical navigation or trail exploration (see the screen in the picture).
Any drawbacks? Obviously, it is not waterproof, but the main disadvantage is that the screen is a bit dim and has too much glare for outdoor use, but with a small shield, as shown in my picture, I can always read the directions (but not always my speed, or map details).
The units is a very decent navigator with maps of the US, Alaska, and Canada. Of course, maps of Europe are available and compatible with the pre-loaded US maps. It has a nice color touch-screen and several control buttons on the front, including volume. It is also thin and it is easy to install in my vehicles (I do not like car windshield installations). The unit comes with a 12V and a wall charger. You can see the home-made cradle that I use on my bikes. The cradle is tied to the handlebar with two nylon zip-ties. I bught an additional 12V charger on eBay for about $13 so that one cable can stay on the R.
However, the main advantage of this model that I found is that there is software that you can get free that will allow you to turn the navigation program off. That leaves you with a Pocket PC running WinCE. You can then install lots of free programs, such as video-MP3-picture players, notepad, calculator, etc. The included stylus can be used with a software keyboard that comes with the OS. In addition, I have also installed OziExplorerCE, a fantastic program that allows you to use any scanned map for nautical navigation or trail exploration (see the screen in the picture).
Any drawbacks? Obviously, it is not waterproof, but the main disadvantage is that the screen is a bit dim and has too much glare for outdoor use, but with a small shield, as shown in my picture, I can always read the directions (but not always my speed, or map details).
Carlos D.
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Daryl_stamp
- Lifer
- Posts: 373
- Joined: Tue Aug 08, 2006 9:55 pm
I picked up a Garmin Quest from EdgeGPS for $200 last summer (remanufactured). 
Current price is $155. http://www.edgegps.com/eCart/viewItem.h ... roduct=291
I don't know anything about this company other than that someone from ADVrider recommended them. The owner was very helpful and nice to talk to; not pushy or impatient and was very knowledgeable about the product. I believe it is a man/wife/daughter business.
It is mounted in a RAM mount.
+ inexpensive
+ Garmin brand (seems to have significant market share); more opportunity for after-market / used accessories etc.
+ small; snaps out of mount and easily fits shirt or jacket pocket
+ has tracking or 'breadcrumb' feature
+ has way-points
+ has customizable screen data (speed, altitude, time, distance, etc. etc.)
+ POIs load w/ maps
- not latest & greatest technology
- have to load mapsets (this isn't as bad as I first thought it would be as it leaves more memory for things like recording tracks, saving routes etc.; I don't travel the whole country anyway)
- buttons are small & on right side vs. left
- screen is small
Hope this helps.
Current price is $155. http://www.edgegps.com/eCart/viewItem.h ... roduct=291
I don't know anything about this company other than that someone from ADVrider recommended them. The owner was very helpful and nice to talk to; not pushy or impatient and was very knowledgeable about the product. I believe it is a man/wife/daughter business.
It is mounted in a RAM mount.
+ inexpensive
+ Garmin brand (seems to have significant market share); more opportunity for after-market / used accessories etc.
+ small; snaps out of mount and easily fits shirt or jacket pocket
+ has tracking or 'breadcrumb' feature
+ has way-points
+ has customizable screen data (speed, altitude, time, distance, etc. etc.)
+ POIs load w/ maps
- not latest & greatest technology
- have to load mapsets (this isn't as bad as I first thought it would be as it leaves more memory for things like recording tracks, saving routes etc.; I don't travel the whole country anyway)
- buttons are small & on right side vs. left
- screen is small
Hope this helps.
You can't go wrong with a Garmin. Lots of tech support, lots of options, plus it seems unlikely that they'll get bought up by some other company and disappear.
The Quests are great "starter" models. Will do everything you ask, and then some... plus transferable from bike to car - handier than most would admit. The little size and internal battery make it quite portable.
I've got a 276C. Weather proof unit with a big screen thats visible even in bright sunlight. Internal rechargeable battery - I get 6-10 hours of continuous power (depending on how much I "work" the processor, etc.) without needing to re-charge. Can be found used on ebay for $200-$400.
Only downside is proprietary memory chip. The newer 376C has more bells and whistles (weather alerts and satellite radio - with purchase of satellite reciever).
P
The Quests are great "starter" models. Will do everything you ask, and then some... plus transferable from bike to car - handier than most would admit. The little size and internal battery make it quite portable.
I've got a 276C. Weather proof unit with a big screen thats visible even in bright sunlight. Internal rechargeable battery - I get 6-10 hours of continuous power (depending on how much I "work" the processor, etc.) without needing to re-charge. Can be found used on ebay for $200-$400.
Only downside is proprietary memory chip. The newer 376C has more bells and whistles (weather alerts and satellite radio - with purchase of satellite reciever).
P
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scottybooj
- Lifer
- Posts: 1336
- Joined: Mon Mar 21, 2005 12:16 am
- Location: Long Island, NY
We are now into the season of sitting around and discussing all sorts of topics that we would not spend much time with during the riding season. Looks like its time to find the right GPS for your own type of riding so that you can give your significant other the idea of which one to get you for Christmas.
My experience with GPS's are that I own two of them, a Garmin GPS V for my bike and a TomTom XL for the car. My son has a Garmin 2610 for his bike. I want to upgrade but which one to get? You need to look at all of the features and differences between the models, even within model range. There is currently a discussion about this over on the LDR list (IBR/rally/long distance rider types) about the differences in different GPS's. Features that some have and not others are maping waypoints from MS Streets and Trips, number of gas stations/ restaurants/hotels at an exit, routing features such as choices selecting routing on smaller roads vs fastest way and selecting interstates. How the information is displayed, speed/ave speed/time to next turn/ elapsed time/total time moving/ total time/ altitude etc. On some units you need to scroll through several screens to get all of this information and on others you can keep it on the same screem with your map. Size and brightness of the screen, usability with gloves on, touchscreen working with gloves or not . Buttons on the screen and on the unit itself. The latest enhancements to consider are bluetooth, weather access, XM radio, ability to answer your cell phone, plug in you iPod or your radar detector.
There is an interesting discussion on the Zumo list that discusses the difference between the Garmin 2730 and the Zumo series of GPS's for mmotorcycles.
http://www.zumoforums.com/index.php?topic=3391.0
From my experience and what I have been able to use I would opt for a Garmin 2610/20 or other 2700/2800 series or even the GPSMap 478. The Zumo would be fine for most riding but for other mapping and waypoint features and ther ability to download routes the GPSMap478 or one of the 2600/2700 series would work best. The Zumo and the GPSMap can be used off the bike since they have batteries.
The TomTom XL I have for the car works well but I would not use it on the bike. My wife loves her TomTom. It is very easy to use. I like buttons and also a touch screen to use with gloves on. With buttons I can toggle screens by touch without looking at the GPS where as with only a touch screen you need to look at the at the screen and aim your finger.
Hope this helps.
Tom
My experience with GPS's are that I own two of them, a Garmin GPS V for my bike and a TomTom XL for the car. My son has a Garmin 2610 for his bike. I want to upgrade but which one to get? You need to look at all of the features and differences between the models, even within model range. There is currently a discussion about this over on the LDR list (IBR/rally/long distance rider types) about the differences in different GPS's. Features that some have and not others are maping waypoints from MS Streets and Trips, number of gas stations/ restaurants/hotels at an exit, routing features such as choices selecting routing on smaller roads vs fastest way and selecting interstates. How the information is displayed, speed/ave speed/time to next turn/ elapsed time/total time moving/ total time/ altitude etc. On some units you need to scroll through several screens to get all of this information and on others you can keep it on the same screem with your map. Size and brightness of the screen, usability with gloves on, touchscreen working with gloves or not . Buttons on the screen and on the unit itself. The latest enhancements to consider are bluetooth, weather access, XM radio, ability to answer your cell phone, plug in you iPod or your radar detector.
There is an interesting discussion on the Zumo list that discusses the difference between the Garmin 2730 and the Zumo series of GPS's for mmotorcycles.
http://www.zumoforums.com/index.php?topic=3391.0
From my experience and what I have been able to use I would opt for a Garmin 2610/20 or other 2700/2800 series or even the GPSMap 478. The Zumo would be fine for most riding but for other mapping and waypoint features and ther ability to download routes the GPSMap478 or one of the 2600/2700 series would work best. The Zumo and the GPSMap can be used off the bike since they have batteries.
The TomTom XL I have for the car works well but I would not use it on the bike. My wife loves her TomTom. It is very easy to use. I like buttons and also a touch screen to use with gloves on. With buttons I can toggle screens by touch without looking at the GPS where as with only a touch screen you need to look at the at the screen and aim your finger.
Hope this helps.
Tom
Tom - Every time I think you have disappeared, you post something! Too busy racking up miles, I am sure! 
Great information, thanks.
I have been shopping for a GPS for ages. Like shopping for any electronics - wait a few months and all your info is out-of-date!
Great information, thanks. I have been shopping for a GPS for ages. Like shopping for any electronics - wait a few months and all your info is out-of-date!
'02 in black - the real BMW color! (Now gone to a new home)
Vann - Lifer No. 295
Vann - Lifer No. 295
GPS - Still Around
Yep, I'm still around. Been very busy though but have gotten some riding in. I have been the strong silent type. Have about 68,000 miles on the bike now and still have my GPS V. Works well for general information but am lusting after a Garmin 2730. Maybe sometime next year.
Tom
Tom
I also have been looking at GP's, (what a great tool) but!!!!!!!!!!! too much information, I think garwin, has about 20?? different models of their "Nuvi" label alone, I am totally confused (does not take much) I have however decide on a Garwin product, I know there are many just as good, but I am giving Garwin the nod, (I am sure that makes Garwin very happy!) Good Luck in your search, and post any revolutions you made find, Den
We all gave some,
Some gave all.
Anonymous
Some gave all.
Anonymous