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What is the advantage of using City Navigator over just base maps that come with units like eTrex. I'm looking at an eTrex unit that costs about $300 but doesn't have memory capacity to use City Navigator. http://www.garmin.com/products/etrexVistac/
The difference is comparable to different pages in your Atlas of the US. The basemap is like the big 2 page overview map in the front that shows the Interstates and a few major highways. The detailed maps for your GPS are like turning to the page with just GA roads. You get a whole lot more roads. For motorcycling you're interested in the backroads which aren't in the basemap.
If your GPS unit is fancy enough to do routing, many of them will not route without the detailed maps.
Depends on your primary use of the GPS. A simple etrex with no mapping capability at all will lay down a track log for you. If you can download the tracklog to your computer you can probably convert it (gpsbabel to .gpx file) and view it with Google Earth and that is simply THE coolest thing ever, period!
How about the Garmin GPS V? It's about the same price. It seems to have more capacity than the eTrex. Anyone have experience with this one? http://www.garmin.com/products/gps5/
Don't buy a Garmin GPS V. I've got one in the garage I'll give you. Of course it would be easier to give you if you were going to the Bash......
I have several things in the garage I've been meaning to put on eBay, but it appears I'm just to busy (and/or lazy) to do it. I also have a Corbin seat for the R. I'm not shipping anything. If someone wants it, they'll have to come get it. If I'm too busy/lazy to list it on eBay, I'm too busy/lazy to put it in a box.
Phil, I've got some work to do at Grady the week after the Bash. I'll throw it in the car and we can meet somewhere.
Thad
Last edited by touchton on Wed May 10, 2006 8:08 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Boxer wrote:For all you GPS weenies out there. What is the advantage of using City Navigator over just base maps that come with units like eTrex. I'm looking at an eTrex unit that costs about $300 but doesn't have memory capacity to use City Navigator. http://www.garmin.com/products/etrexVistac/
Signed Weenie Wannabe
In my experience (Magellan & Garmin) many handheld GPS units require optional costly accessories for mounting, also lack power cords, download patch cords, CD mapping, etc..etc.. Accessories $$$$ can add up. Handheld units usually contain a small basemap which shows only major highways on a small screen.
However, if you're willing to spend just over $1,000 (mail order) for BMW Navigator II Plus (Garmin), you'll get everything you need to install the GPS on your R1150R (attachs to center of handlebars) and in your car (w/speaker). North America detailed mapping CD is included, patch cord to download updates to GPS from PC and mapping updates can be downloaded from the BMW site.
That is, if you're willing to spend $$$$$$.
A&S BMW in California is just one mail order source.
Hey, your avatar changed. That's a cute little kid swimming - at least that is what it looks like to me. Is that your child? Grandchild?
I am going to put a Garmin 176C on my bike as soon as the RAM mount gets here (should be this week). The RAM mounts are not expensive. Tony gave me the U-bolt, so all I needed to buy to mount the GPS on the bike was the arm and the cradle for the GPS and it cost under $40.00. My GPS is a leftover from my boat. It got replaced by a GPS with a larger screen because it's hard to read them when tossed about on waves. I had not even thought about putting in on the R until I got lost for the first time in my life a couple of weeks ago. Of course the bluewater chart won't do me any good so I'll need to buy a new map.
Phil, I've got some work to do at Grady the week after the Bash. I'll throw it in the car and we can meet somewhere.
Thad, at first I thought you were going to give me a horror story concerning the GPS V. Little did I know your generosity far exceeds your superior intelligence AND your expert Roadster handling abilities.
Yes! By all means, I'll take you up on that offer.
Hey, your avatar changed. That's a cute little girl swimming - at least that is what it looks like to me. Is she your child? Grandchild?
Grandchild. More precisely, grandson. His sister was nearby sunbathing. They are my youngest daughter's 4 year old twins. It was such a cool pic, I had to use it.
If you are going to spend $1000, dont get the bmw version. There are newer units out now that are much better. For example, the Garmin Nuvi: http://www.garmin.com/products/nuvi/
Its the one I use now and its awesome. It even has language translation, an ebook reader, and mp3 player built in. It comes fully loaded with street level for entire us (Hard drive inside) so you never have to load maps (which is a PITA IMO).
If you are going to spend $1000, dont get the bmw version. There are newer units out now that are much better. For example, the Garmin Nuvi: http://www.garmin.com/products/nuvi/
Its the one I use now and its awesome. It even has language translation, an ebook reader, and mp3 player built in. It comes fully loaded with street level for entire us (Hard drive inside) so you never have to load maps (which is a PITA IMO).[/b]
Doug, how do you mount yours on the bike, I just bought the new Nuvi 250 and it's fantastic!
ebiker wrote:However, if you're willing to spend just over $1,000 (mail order) for BMW Navigator II Plus (Garmin), you'll get everything you need to install the GPS on your R1150R (attachs to center of handlebars) and in your car (w/speaker). North America detailed mapping CD is included, patch cord to download updates to GPS from PC and mapping updates can be downloaded from the BMW site.
That is, if you're willing to spend $$$$$$.
Ed..
For $700 you can get all that and more with a Garmin Zumo 550. It has the latest chip set, all the features mentioned above plus it can play mp3 files and connect to your bluetooth phone and headset.
I know it's a little late now, but Costco had the SP 2720 (now discontinued - I guess that explains the good price) on sale for $350 NEW, delivered during the month of April. I went ahead and got one to see if I would like it (duh!?) for replacing my Quest. Well, I didn't even have the unit in my posession when I ordered the mount for it. I did have it on my bike at the bash (in case anyone noticed). I think it's a great improvement over the Quest, but the Quest still did it's job.
I'll probably be selling my Quest setup (Quest, Streets and City (software)version 6, USB cable, manual, AC adapter, car lighter adapter, and Garmin powered motorcycle mount. Once I figure out a fair price to fellow board members I'll post it.
Phil, let me know if you're interested in the Quest.
