What GPS do you guys use? [Archive]

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Mellow

02-06-2006, 08:46 AM

I have a Garmin 2610 and like it a lot.

FrioPoint

02-06-2006, 02:25 PM

I'm still using an old Garmin EMap that I have had for at least five years. Since I don't
come close to using the full potential of the GPS it is still working fine for me.
I have been checking out the 2610, but I need to learn more about using a GPS
before I decide to get another one.
http://rstallones.smugmug.com/photos/145857-M-1.jpg

motomac

02-06-2006, 05:18 PM

I presently don't have one, but when I bought my '06 Wing I looked very hard at getting the integrated GPS system. With my bifocals, I couldn't read it with either part of my glasses while sitting in the saddle. I have a friend who swears by his 2620 mounted on the dash of his Wing. I keep reminding myself how many Atlasses I can buy for that much money. And in rebuttal I know that there are no Atlasses that show motels, campgrounds, or Dairie Queens in them. I may get some kind of windfall some day and break down and add a GPS. Gosh that way I could figure out where the free campgrounds are that Rick D posted!!!

Trailace

02-06-2006, 09:12 PM

I have a Garmin V and a 276C. I just got the 276C but it sure looks like it will work better than the V and I love the V.

Dketchum

02-06-2006, 11:52 PM

I had a GPS V that I really liked, but some SOB decided they liked it better and stole it
when I had my crash.. I am looking at the Quest now.

number9

02-07-2006, 06:33 AM

With Garmin's new models coming out prices are getting real good on some of the older ones, ie. 2610, quest, 276C. I thought I had decided to pick up a 2610 this year, but the 276C gets really good reviews - just more $$.

dannyk

02-07-2006, 07:24 AM

I have the Garmin V, been on 3 bikes now and an atv plus a car and 2 trucks, like it a lot hopefully a 276 is in the future and the V will be a deadicated gps for my atv.

nyener

02-11-2006, 03:44 PM

I have the Garmin 2610 with a 2GB memory card. My wife & I often fly to a vacation destination and then rent a car. Before I upgraded the memory card I needed to remove some maps so I'd have room for our next destination's maps. I got tired of doing that.

Every vacation I tell my wife how happy I am to have bought this GPS.

The Garmin 2610 can take a serious hit and still work. One day I didn't lock it in the cradle on my bike adequately. A mile and a half later I noticed that it was missing. BIG TIME EMERGENCY!!!! I hurrriedly retraced my path and found it in the middle of the street. There were some dents and scratches on the case. Thank God it didn't appear to have been run over. I hooked it up securely this time. No problem. It's worked fine ever since.

Mellow

02-13-2006, 08:22 AM

ucwinters

02-13-2006, 09:42 PM

I'm using a Garmin 2610 on my '02 GL1800. Just loaded the maps for all of the US on a 2 GB card today. Sometimes I wish that I had the 276C due to the screen being bigger and not washing out in the sun like on the 2610 (even have problems when using a sunshade). Had a Garmin III+ before - liked it but enjoy all the added features on the 2610.

Ed W.
Universal City, TX

Diggers1300

02-17-2006, 10:34 AM

I'm getting ready to purchase a GPS. Narrowed it to either the Garmin 2610 or the 2720. The built-in maps on the 2720 vs having to load them into the 2610 seems to be the major difference. Can anyone tell me the pros and cons of each system. I wouldn't mind loading my own maps if the 2720 won't give me the flexibility of route planning. I like to stay off the main roads (interstate and US highways) whenever possible.

Mellow

02-17-2006, 11:46 AM

I purchased the 2-gig card for the 2610 and then loaded all of the us... Have had the unit for over a year I think. Anyway, didn't need to ever re-load maps until recently while planning a trip into Canada. I re-loaded to include the Banff NP area and that's that... shouldn't have to do it again for quite some time.

I don't know all the diff. between the two units. I'd stay away from anything hard-drive based even though many have had good luck.

It's pretty easy to plan a route on the 2610 without a PC. It does help to have a map so you can get your general city by city strategy, then just create a route with an ending point and add the cities as via points in the order you want. The touch screen makes it much faster than it sounds and after a couple tries you'd be amazed how fast you can do it.

I would say get the cheapest unit with the most features but not the newest unit... the newest ones will come down in price soon enough which will drive the price of units like the 2610 even lower. But, as I've said before, I'm a cheap ass bastard.. :D

Diggers1300

02-20-2006, 06:22 PM

Thanks for the info, Joe. I'm a cheap bastard too! I'll post what I got and why when the time comes. Thanks again.

IR Harry

02-26-2006, 03:29 AM

I Have a GL1800 that has a Garmin GPS V mounted on the clutch reservor with a Hoon holder. It is the one that just stays on there all the time, for local stuff - 300 to 400 miles or so. But for the longer trips, I grab the 2610 w/2 gig card out of the SUV and put it on the Garmin motorcycle mount that goes on the dash. The big card holds all of US and CANADA, and it is easy to see. And with that big a card, you never have to reload maps. There are cheaper units, bigger units, but these Garmins are tougher than a boiled owl, and waterproof. Only thing I miss with the 2610 is self contained batteries.

Trekker

02-26-2006, 09:31 AM

STeve1300

02-26-2006, 01:15 PM

I ordered a Garmin 276C yesterday from GPSdiscount.com. (http://www.gpsdiscount.com/products/index.html?p=808) Great reviews.... battery plus bike power, exceptional screen resolution (even in sunlight), but not cheap. I ordered a 512MB card that cost an extra $149 :eek: Portability & readability won over affordability! It's winter so I cant test ride with it, but I promised DannyK some pics and a mini review, and I'll post that here as well.

Diggers1300

03-09-2006, 09:45 PM

Well I went and did it! Expect to take delivery of my new Garmin 2720 on Monday. The better screen resolution and the fact that Garmin now includes the City Navigator 7 were the deciding factors. Thought about the 2610 and a 2GB card but after comparing the two side by side I really liked the screen resolution on the 2720. Price? Not the cheapest, but best I could find from a company I'm willing to deal with. Approx. $600 for the 2610 and 2GB card and $750 for the 2720.

Diggers1300

03-09-2006, 09:57 PM

Only thing I miss with the 2610 is self contained batteries.

Hey IR Harry,

Just what the DR ordered!

http://www.touratech-usa.com/shop/search.lasso?SearchTerm=065-0700

Blues Traveler

03-10-2006, 12:07 AM

Had a Garmin BW Street pilot on my old ST1100 for over 4 years. Never had any problems with it. Left it on the bike when I sold it 4 weeks ago

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d59/ownst1100/XMandGPSmount12-3-05005.jpg

With my new bike I wanted all new and I went with a Garmin 2610. Like someone else mentioned they are coming down in price. I bought mine as a reconditioned unit for $499. It also came with a 2 year factory warranty.

mtalley11

03-24-2006, 04:44 PM

I use the Garmin eTrex Legend C and really like it. Great little unit for under $300. I like the fact that it's small but has an easy to read display, even in bright sun. I use it handheld all the time too. Biggest limitation is the 24MB fixed memory for maps. If I were to buy one today, I would get the new Legend Cx (http://www.garmin.com/products/etrexLegendcx/) model. It's identical except it uses 32 MB removable microSD cards.

wengland

04-26-2006, 05:39 PM

GPS V with the City Select mapping software. Good enough for me, and you can get them for $180 or so at TVNav.com.

Does everything I'd like, just a bit slower than the newer ones.

Will
Kansas

wengland

04-26-2006, 05:41 PM

I don't have one yet, but I'm looking at buying the Garmin V. It's not as expensive as the other high end units and can also be used as a handheld. I guess after reading some of these posts I am wondering now how well it will work for long trips.

Works great. Just load detail data for the destination area and you'll be fine. I assume you make the big legs of the long trip via US or Interstate highways?

The basemap has all the US and Interstate highways on it; the additional map data gets the side roads, city streets, cow trails, etc.

Will
Kansas

number9

04-26-2006, 11:09 PM

I ordered a Garmin refurb 2720 from getfeetwet.com last week for $619. Should be here tomorrow.

STeveGray

04-27-2006, 12:44 PM

Well...I broke down and bought the 2730. My rationale (rationalization?) was that it was worth the extra $$ because it's one piece of equipment but will do the work of two. I don't have to buy a Roady and Mix-It or equivalent because the GPS has XM radio built in. It automatically cuts the music for auditory directions. Plus, I have integrated traffic and weather. With it integrated the GPS will route me around any traffic events if I want it to.

My first GPS so I'm still on the high side of the learning curve but I sure am happy with it so far.

basco

05-06-2006, 08:44 AM

Actually I have two Garmin 2610's. I bought one 1-1/2 years ago and recently when I purchased a Sprint ST the dealer thru it in with the sale. Since the dealer included all the mounting and wiring and labor to install it I'll be selling the other.

Right now I only have a 1 gig chip that covers just under 1/2 the US, Ontario and Quebec but that can change.

Dketchum

05-06-2006, 11:53 AM

Just got a Quest to replace my stolen GPS V.

TJ Willy

05-30-2009, 03:01 AM

Liv2Ride

05-30-2009, 08:39 AM

My toy is the Garmin Zumo 550. I believe that it's the absolute best motorcycle GPS out there. Get off of the wallet and spend some of that cash.

G wizz

05-30-2009, 09:59 AM

The ZUMO 450 GPS can be bought for under $400.00 from J.C.whitney -
The 450 doesn't have all the bells & whistles of the 550, but it has what you need. They're a great unit.
Just bought a second one from them for my wifes bike.

G wizz

Liv2Ride

05-30-2009, 04:53 PM

wwells

05-30-2009, 05:06 PM

Garmin Nuvi 750

TJ Willy

05-30-2009, 05:56 PM

I hear you about the bells and whistles. I haven't and probably won't use all the features on my 550 but since I picked it up brand new on ebay for $540.00 including the shipping I can't complain :0 Haven't had any problems with it and hope that I never do. I also added a 2GB SD card to keep from overloading the unit with all my POI's. I'm thinking about buying a low cost unit for my truck so that I won't have to take the Garmin off and on the bike whenever I need it for the cage.

One of the good reasons to buy a 550 is that it comes with two cradles; one for the bike and one for the cage.

I very nearly almost bought the 450 but in the long run, both the XM and bluetooth came in very handy. Bluetooth handy once when my wife was in a car accident and when she called, the zumo let me know about it.

And it was nice rolling through the MS backroads on the TAT listening the blue collar radio and getting turn by turn during the 1000+ turns I made. TN is chock full of turns alone.

I compare it to using the DeLorme last year. No more staring at the GPS every 30 seconds checking to make sure I did not miss a turn.

But when there are hundreds of miles between turns... like highway touring, not a big deal.

The 450 or 550 are great units.

I paid $640 for mine with overnight shipping.

I bought one on ebay for $550 shipped (brand new in retail box) from a power seller and paypal/ebay closed his auction after it ended and held my funds. He had 100% positive feedback and everything... not sure what happened but they returned my money after some time leaving me less than 4 days to get another one and get my routes loaded. AND learn the damn thing... which I did not fully causing me a little heartache.

Great units - highly recommended.

JimH

09-16-2009, 09:02 PM

Zumo 550 or 660? Which is better for motocamping? I only have a hand held Garmin E-tec. I have had it for years. It is only straight line nav. Need lat. and lon. for waypoint. No maps or any of the thing that modern units have. I have been looking to buy a new unit. Oh so many choices. I have narrowed it down to one of these two units. And AMA members can get a discount on Garm GPS products
Jim

jkane13

09-21-2009, 01:19 PM

I have the zumo 550. I originally bought a 450. It went back for repairs 3 times. Then they sent me a 550 for my troubles. Good support. Of course, the 550 has been replace 3 more times since then! Each with a different problem.

It is a very unstable GPS. But it is the most feature rich one on the market. I like what it does, but I hate it when it does not work. The zumo's are famous for locking up and needing to have the battery pulled to reset it. I wish they did not put the battery behind an allen wrench screw!

It also uses so much memory in the latest software release, that you can't upgrade without deleting some of the voices it shipped with! Come on Garmin! That is just not right. Very frustrating to spend that much time to find out they made it too big for the memory foot print on the device. That is very bad Quality Assurance!

So, as you can see, the Zumo is a mixed bag of tricks. I love all the things I can do with it. But I wish it were more reliable.

ImRubicon

09-21-2009, 01:50 PM

I went with the one we had for the cars as well. I had bought the wife a TomTom one XL as the screen is larger than most and its cheap. I found a Ram mount for less than 20 so that became the one I put on the bike as well.
I found I dont use it much unless I get tclose to where Im going . Maybe gas if Im in the middle of nowhere. I have found the Iphone wilol go a long ways towards working this way as wwell. Couse you need cell coverage for the phone

JimH

09-27-2009, 04:52 PM

Hi everyone,

After much consideration and a bad experince with Mageliam, I order a Garmin Zumo 660. I'll be using it first in my truck then on the bike. Will post a review on it after I figure it all out.
Jim

JimH

10-01-2009, 11:13 PM

Hi everyone,
The 660 zumo was delived to the front door with a toss from the UPS driver. The box inside was well padded and there was not a scratch on the zumo box inside. It only took a few mins. before it was mounted to the windsheild in the truck. I'm still learning the system and plan to use it on a long trip soon
JimH

jkane13

10-02-2009, 09:12 AM

You might want to checkout www.zumoforums.com for any questions or help with the 660. That is a great resource for all things Zumo!

JimH

10-02-2009, 06:20 PM

Thanks Jeff

JimH

10-16-2009, 06:23 PM

drove the truck to VA last weekend, The zumo 660 worked great. kept right on target everytime.

jkane13

10-19-2009, 09:55 AM

You get one free update within the first (I think) 6 months. Go online and get it. It grabs the first satellite seen date from your GPS, so waiting to register does not matter for starting the clock. I got mine with the 2010 maps, but my Dad's did not because he was out of state when his time ran up and I could not get to him in time.

They also have patches regularly released. It's pretty easy to patch unless you have a 550 which does not have enough memory to patch without deleting all the icons and stuff first and then comping them back on.

Glad it worked well for you on your trip. I love the swapping of mine from 4 to 2 wheels!

bobalou

10-19-2009, 02:59 PM

Nuvi 760 here. I'm on a '08 Wing and did NOT want an integrated unit since I use it in the car. Because the Wing is a road bike I choose not to get a more robust unit like a Zumo or the other units most have.
I've played with the Nuvi and really like it since our trip to OUB and Niagara. Put in 10 custom routes for a fourteen day tour and found the last four routes easy to put in without any software.
I got a 2 gig card and loaded more music then we could ever listen too. Honda shops across the country (like you really need them, polish for the bugs?) Wal-Mart coast to coast, walking trails, gas stations, etc. Got a lot cramed into the little guy. I still have an atlas but never get it out anymore.
Bobalou

STDaveNW

10-20-2009, 12:10 AM

Garmin 2730

Fastfwd

10-22-2009, 04:37 PM

I’ve had a little Mio C220 in the pocket behind my passenger seat of my car for a couple of years that never gets any use….and I recently broke it out and decided to get a bike mount for it. Got one of those RAM Mounts with a universal dock…..seems to hold it fairly well. Found a hardwire setup. I’m excited to use it on my trip next week! I’ve been programming it with everything I can think of.

http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/2317/rammount2020.th.jpg (http://img200.imageshack.us/my.php?image=rammount2020.jpg) http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/2185/rammount2024.th.jpg (http://img5.imageshack.us/my.php?image=rammount2024.jpg)

BCST

11-03-2009, 09:14 AM

I bought a 550 two years ago and have logged some serious miles on this unit both on and off road. So far (touch wood) I have experienced none of the issues Jeff has mentioned.

Pete

Nathan Daube

11-10-2009, 12:59 AM

Magellan Roadmate 2000. The price was right (refurbished),sometimes it takes you the long way around but you always get there. Bought a RAM mount for on the bike to hold it and its great. Only add on they really need on a GPS is an NO GRAVEL setting, its taken me on some really long gravel rides which is always a bit nerve wracking.

bigTom

11-10-2009, 07:26 AM

Hey, Nathan.

Welcome to the board. Some of the folks here don't mind the gravel:)

Glad you are here...

Torch

11-21-2009, 02:21 AM

I used my iPhone on the last trip I took. Worked great. They even have an app that works like the Spot tracking device.

Macedo

11-22-2009, 11:44 PM

ZUMO 550 w/XM plus weather & traffic

webistrator

12-06-2009, 06:37 PM

A Zumo 550.

But first let me preface this with the fact that if you don't have easy access to an Internet-connected USB PC, you're in trouble. And forget about your local library due to time constraints. And you need Updater software the library usually won't/can't let you install.

I know this caveat seems pointless. If you didn't have a PC you wouldn't be reading this, I should suppose. But I wouldn't suggest giving one as a gift to someone without both the Internet means and skills unless you're a good friend with time to spare. Dealers or Garmin will sell you a unit without asking if you've got a way to keep it going. If your car has a nav. unit then your dealership handles that stuff, but a standalone unit like a Zumo is the buyer's problem.

When I worked at a local BMW dealership biker folks sometimes bought the Garmin/BMW unit but had no Internet-connected PC. They couldn't maintain the basic unit software unless they came into the store. Being an ex-geek, it was up to me to spend an hour or so just downloading basic software updates to say nothing of map updates.

Just the map downloads over a 1.5 DSL link take 5-6 hours. Add to that another two for performing the actual MapSource/Zumo update on your PC and it can be a long day. The Garmin Updater program/routine (which you need installed to do updates) doesn't give you estimates for these times, either. And the lifetime map update ($120) option isn't available from Garmin on CD, only as a download.

Ergo, if you're on dial-up you might as well begin an update and go on vacation.

Zumo Features:

OK, now to the Zumo itself, the features of which are OK. But after having (still, on my BMW LT) a 10-year-old Garmin cell/GPS Navtalk with a lot of features to pick and choose from I think the Zumo leaves out a lot I'd like to have. For example:

1. Lane assist to tell you what lane you should be moving to at a multi-lane interchange. I need to know well in advance, and the signage isn't always the best. Less expensive Garmin and other brand units have lane assist and for $900 list, so should the Zumo.

2. "Split" street warnings -- e.g., the street you're approaching on the right is Smith St., but the one directly opposite across the intersection has a different name, say, Jones St. The Zumo only tells you about Smith St. because it's on your immediate right (I assume Brits, Aussies, etc. get the street on the left...). It wouldn't be a big deal to give something like "<-Jones St./Smith St.->" on the info. bar. If you're looking for Jones St. and it isn't showing up, that's not cool.

3. Interstate rest stops and exit no's. aren't flagged unless you burrow down for that info., and that means taking your left hand off the bar and eyes off the road to punch up the info on the screen. My old Navtalk had all that right on the basic display. It just takes some little symbols and no's, and anything that basic should be right there. And as I recall, it doesn't even come up on the "...approaching XXX" info. bar like other streets and crossroads do.

4. No biggie, but I'd like to know specific sunrise/sunset times if I'm taking a long trip. That varies with latitude, and it's already built in to the Zumo (it's what controls your day/night display changeover). Sometimes I'd like to know when I should plan on hanging it up later on (or in hot climes, traveling at night?) and I can't get that like I get it on my old Navtalk.

5. This is a wish list item and isn't available anywhere, yet -- timezone change points, or even better, automatic changeover based on which way I'm heading. This isn't really a big deal to program; a few years ago I sent a sample code sequence to Garmin for doing this, asking them to consider putting that into their units. According to my scheme then, when you're approaching one of those ranges you get a screen warning asking if you want to kick it up/down an hour. If you click yes, done. If no, basta. It sure beats having to burrow down into the clock and advance/decrease the hour while cruising ... or stop and dig out a map to see where exactly you cross the line. And if the routine can't fit in the Zumo internals, put it as an optional executable on the SD card.

Living with the Zumo

In my case my Zumo has 1.2GB internal memory that was filled after only two map updates. I had just subscribed to the "lifetime" (of the device, not you) subscription service that gives you up to 4 updates yearly. Once I'd already downloaded the most recent (2010.30) update and started the actual process on my PC, a message popped up telling me I didn't have enough memory and I'd have to choose a map subset (lower 48 or a region, etc.).

It turned out that the new update wasn't overwriting the last 2010.20 update -- apparently an Updater software glitch -- but instead was trying to load the new update into the Zumo "next to" the old one. Thinking that my choking Zumo was now an obsolete boat anchor, I called Garmin to ask "what gives?" (I'd written them an email and they said I'd have to talk to them personally). I spent two hours on the phone (half of that time waiting for a real person--from recent experience not an unusual wait for their 800...1020 no.) to square away what was wrong.

But once I got in touch with a real person and we got past the usual silly suggestion list (remove unwanted files, etc.) he gave me enough info. to understand what was going on. Then he passed me off to a software guy (another 20 minute wait) who did a remote hookup to my PC/Garmin setup and checked some things...including deleting the redundant old map info.

What I didn't know and what Garmin's mediocre user manual doesn't make clear is, even if the internal memory isn't enough to hold all the mapping info, an added SD card (I already had a 4GB card installed) can hold whatever the basic memory cannot. I thought the card was for other stuff like MP3 music, POI (traffic camera, etc.) files and like that.

In fact, whatever map info. doesn't fit on the basic (in my case, 1.2GB) memory can be loaded using the included MapSource PC software onto the SD card where it works with the basic memory stuff seamlessly. I doubt that I'll exceed the total 5GB+ space any time soon.

Cheers!

Jack S.

Blues Traveler

12-07-2009, 12:33 AM

I've been using a Garmin 2610 for years. Its a GREAT GPS.

BCST

12-07-2009, 11:29 AM

Maybe because I've never owned a BMW I've never suffered from the same issues with my Zumo as you have. :p

I'm thinking most people who own or purchase an item like a Zumo already own a PC and most of the BMW people were just taking advantage of paying the purchase price of said motorcycle and had the dealer take care of such a niggling item like updates for them. :D;)

While I haven't done the life time maps none of the other down loads or updates I have done have taken long at all (I think the longest was a little over an hour). :)

1) When I was about 40 I quit going anywhere near cities if at all possible just because I felt the angst wasn't worth the end result. The Zumo changed all that. On a trip to Moonshine in 08 I traveled through many cities with ST Louis being the largest which to me was huge. The Zumo always made sure I was in the right lane for what was coming up. This feature made cities almost a pleasure for me again. P^

2)I've never run into this so can't comment on it. :confused:

3)Maybe because I rarely ever use rest stops I never even thought about it. But I have noticed that like gas stations, rest stops and POI's usually have notice signs up well in advance. I guess if you like rest stops this could be an issue. :(

4)My Zumo has always let me know when exits are coming up on the highways and interstates I've been on. :confused:

5)Since I'm usually on holiday when I'm on a trip I like to leave all my time pieces on home real time, this way I always know at a glance when to check in with the BOSS. The rest just falls into place, you know, gets light in the morning, dark at night, eat when hungry. :D

6)Round up. I am not a geek, or new tech savvy in the least, I know just enough about computers and like equipment to get me into trouble, often.:eek: I'm a dinosaur who fought GPS technology because I didn't see the need (I love my maps and still use them along with the Zumo). It was a riding partner and some like minded people on ST-Owners forum who got me interested in the Zumo.

Before I ever bought the 550 while lurking on ST-Owners I found out about the Zumo forums. Lurking there answered a lot of my questions. And just asking answered the rest. P^ They are a great bunch of people on both sites! :D

When I first got the Zumo I got my usual headache reading the manual but once I started using it I found it intuitive and easy to learn.

I guess I'm just lucky but I love the thing and will always have one like it while riding! :D

Good luck with yours,
Pete.

[/QUOTE=webistrator;24402]A Zumo 550.

But first let me preface this with the fact that if you don't have easy access to an Internet-connected USB PC, you're in trouble. And forget about your local library due to time constraints. And you need Updater software the library usually won't/can't let you install.

I know this caveat seems pointless. If you didn't have a PC you wouldn't be reading this, I should suppose. But I wouldn't suggest giving one as a gift to someone without both the Internet means and skills unless you're a good friend with time to spare. Dealers or Garmin will sell you a unit without asking if you've got a way to keep it going. If your car has a nav. unit then your dealership handles that stuff, but a standalone unit like a Zumo is the buyer's problem.

When I worked at a local BMW dealership biker folks sometimes bought the Garmin/BMW unit but had no Internet-connected PC. They couldn't maintain the basic unit software unless they came into the store. Being an ex-geek, it was up to me to spend an hour or so just downloading basic software updates to say nothing of map updates.

Just the map downloads over a 1.5 DSL link take 5-6 hours. Add to that another two for performing the actual MapSource/Zumo update on your PC and it can be a long day. The Garmin Updater program/routine (which you need installed to do updates) doesn't give you estimates for these times, either. And the lifetime map update ($120) option isn't available from Garmin on CD, only as a download.

Ergo, if you're on dial-up you might as well begin an update and go on vacation.

Zumo Features:

OK, now to the Zumo itself, the features of which are OK. But after having (still, on my BMW LT) a 10-year-old Garmin cell/GPS Navtalk with a lot of features to pick and choose from I think the Zumo leaves out a lot I'd like to have. For example:

1. Lane assist to tell you what lane you should be moving to at a multi-lane interchange. I need to know well in advance, and the signage isn't always the best. Less expensive Garmin and other brand units have lane assist and for $900 list, so should the Zumo.

2. "Split" street warnings -- e.g., the street you're approaching on the right is Smith St., but the one directly opposite across the intersection has a different name, say, Jones St. The Zumo only tells you about Smith St. because it's on your immediate right (I assume Brits, Aussies, etc. get the street on the left...). It wouldn't be a big deal to give something like "<-Jones St./Smith St.->" on the info. bar. If you're looking for Jones St. and it isn't showing up, that's not cool.

3. Interstate rest stops and exit no's. aren't flagged unless you burrow down for that info., and that means taking your left hand off the bar and eyes off the road to punch up the info on the screen. My old Navtalk had all that right on the basic display. It just takes some little symbols and no's, and anything that basic should be right there. And as I recall, it doesn't even come up on the "...approaching XXX" info. bar like other streets and crossroads do.

4. No biggie, but I'd like to know specific sunrise/sunset times if I'm taking a long trip. That varies with latitude, and it's already built in to the Zumo (it's what controls your day/night display changeover). Sometimes I'd like to know when I should plan on hanging it up later on (or in hot climes, traveling at night?) and I can't get that like I get it on my old Navtalk.

5. This is a wish list item and isn't available anywhere, yet -- timezone change points, or even better, automatic changeover based on which way I'm heading. This isn't really a big deal to program; a few years ago I sent a sample code sequence to Garmin for doing this, asking them to consider putting that into their units. According to my scheme then, when you're approaching one of those ranges you get a screen warning asking if you want to kick it up/down an hour. If you click yes, done. If no, basta. It sure beats having to burrow down into the clock and advance/decrease the hour while cruising ... or stop and dig out a map to see where exactly you cross the line. And if the routine can't fit in the Zumo internals, put it as an optional executable on the SD card.

Living with the Zumo

In my case my Zumo has 1.2GB internal memory that was filled after only two map updates. I had just subscribed to the "lifetime" (of the device, not you) subscription service that gives you up to 4 updates yearly. Once I'd already downloaded the most recent (2010.30) update and started the actual process on my PC, a message popped up telling me I didn't have enough memory and I'd have to choose a map subset (lower 48 or a region, etc.).

It turned out that the new update wasn't overwriting the last 2010.20 update -- apparently an Updater software glitch -- but instead was trying to load the new update into the Zumo "next to" the old one. Thinking that my choking Zumo was now an obsolete boat anchor, I called Garmin to ask "what gives?" (I'd written them an email and they said I'd have to talk to them personally). I spent two hours on the phone (half of that time waiting for a real person--from recent experience not an unusual wait for their 800...1020 no.) to square away what was wrong.

But once I got in touch with a real person and we got past the usual silly suggestion list (remove unwanted files, etc.) he gave me enough info. to understand what was going on. Then he passed me off to a software guy (another 20 minute wait) who did a remote hookup to my PC/Garmin setup and checked some things...including deleting the redundant old map info.

What I didn't know and what Garmin's mediocre user manual doesn't make clear is, even if the internal memory isn't enough to hold all the mapping info, an added SD card (I already had a 4GB card installed) can hold whatever the basic memory cannot. I thought the card was for other stuff like MP3 music, POI (traffic camera, etc.) files and like that.

In fact, whatever map info. doesn't fit on the basic (in my case, 1.2GB) memory can be loaded using the included MapSource PC software onto the SD card where it works with the basic memory stuff seamlessly. I doubt that I'll exceed the total 5GB+ space any time soon.

Cheers!

Jack S.[/QUOTE]

webistrator

12-07-2009, 01:06 PM

Maybe because I've never owned a BMW I've never suffered from the same issues with my Zumo as you have. :p

... The points I raised have nothing to do with owning a BMW. One can get the BMW version of the Zumo, but I wouldn't pay that extra price just to have dealerships show up on the map (that's about the only advantage[?] I know of that the BMW Zumo has). I happen to own beemers but my Zumo is a normal 550 purchased on Amazon. And I paid much less, like most folks. I just quote Garmin's list because I think that list price is the price point Garmin asks and uses when they compete with other units.

I'm thinking most people who own or purchase an item like a Zumo already own a PC and most of the BMW people were just taking advantage of paying the purchase price of said motorcycle and had the dealer take care of such a niggling item like updates for them. :D;)

I agree -- most do. Like I said, I threw that stuff in there for those who don't have either easy access to an Internet PC or the skills to understand the processes needed to make things work well.

The Zumo always made sure I was in the right lane for what was coming up. This feature made cities almost a pleasure for me again.

If what you say about actual lanes vs. general "go left at the next fork" kinds of directions, then maybe some Zumos have lane assist. I was talking about actual lanes where 3 lanes go one way but two continue on. Lane assist zooms in as you approach the interchange, showing you actual lanes and giving you enough warning to move into the correct one(s) without last-minute lane jumps. According to Garmin's web info. the current 550 does not have lane assist, but units like the $250 Nuvi (https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=134&pID=30937) do. To me, a biker needs this info. even more than a cager to stay safe--particularly in a strange locale. Isn't that why we buy these toys?

While I haven't done the life time maps none of the other down loads or updates I have done have taken long at all (I think the longest was a little over an hour). :)

Interesting, because I asked the Garmin folks if my download times were representative and they said that for my link speed (1.5MB/sec. on DSL) that was about average. Remember, I'm not talking about the firmware updates but the complete MapSource/unit map updates.

But like the caveats you get with lawyers and doctors: your experience may vary but the price is the price.

Cheers,

Jack S.

g®eg

12-11-2009, 05:47 PM

I have a Garmin 2610 and like it a lot.

I have a 2610 as well, and like it.
i also have a nuvi 550 that I think I will mount on the Norge this spring.

webistrator

12-11-2009, 06:42 PM

Yeah, like I didn't say enough...one advantage I forgot to mention: if you pick wisely and you like your choice you can take a standalone "gypser" with you when you and your mount part company and move to another conveyance.

The disadvantage: you must take it with you...unless it's very secure! That little keyed doohicky lockdriver that comes with my Zumo isn't the easiest to use and the thing's screw-on cover keeps coming off in my pocket. I think the bike mount (from RAM, if I'm not mistaken) can take an optional locking knob (http://www.ram-mount.com/CatalogResults/PartDetails/tabid/63/partid/082065077045075078079066051076085/Default.aspx) (it looks like a Thule roofrack knob -- might even be!) that replaces the "wing knob", uses a real key and might be a better bet. It's $21+s/h from RAM, Garmin or $18 elsewhere (http://www.mountguys.com/product_p/ram-knob3l.htm)...

Cheers!

Jack S.

bobalou

12-11-2009, 07:30 PM

Nuvi 760. With Ram-Mounts.
Very good product
Won't buy again...discontinued.
If I had to do it over probably the Zumo 660 or 550.
Would not even consider the Honda mounted unit. Can't fit the Honda M/C in the car.

DBrent

12-18-2009, 05:58 PM

I have used a few.

Currently, I have a Magellan CrossOver in the truck, and a Zumo 550 on the bike(s). I have a Delorme PN-20 hand held.

Magellan is good but the routing is just not up to par with Garmin. I have seen this by riding side-by-side with Garmin units. Also the built in POI files are much smaller based on my experience.

I have used the PN-20 for general riding and it worked ok and even though it is a turn-by-turn unit, it is not the best at it. I had it loaded with a gaggle of waypoints and it would freeze from time-to-time.

The Zumo froze on me twice last trip, but other than that was as good as could be expected with any devil box. Crazy routing loops are to be expected from time-to-time. XM was awesome. Bluetooth was great.

I look forward to many great miles with my 550. Knock on wood.

I don't use a GPS for Navigation, I prefer maps. Maps are for adventure. However, I do have two GPS units: an older Delorme PN-20, which doesn't have a lot of capacity or speed for auto or motorcycle travel. But, my new Delorme PN-40 does. It's incredibly fast. I use my GPS for hiking and bicycling, and I'm just getting started in geocaching, http://www.geocaching.com.

I carry a GPS with me for those times when I need to know exactly where I am. Had to do this a couple of times to find another route.

If you read the reviews, Delorme's software is far superior and cheaper than Garmin. So you have to decide do you want a larger screen or better maps. A good place to look for reviews is GPS Tracklog, http://gpstracklog.com/.

Brent

Lat

12-20-2009, 11:33 AM

Guess I lucked out once again! My new to me 2005 GS came with the Navll. A 2610 with BMW branding from all I have gleaned.

Like many of you, I have always had a love of maps. Anybody else have the 1971 USGS Big Bend NP map in your front room? I have had my head in the sand pretty much with regard to GPS because one major cross I bare is the Mac operating system. The good news - looks like Garmin is getting it together (some) just about the same time I am exploring the use of my unit (gps) for something other than as a digital speedo.

When I went online to register the unit, the previous owner had registered it in '06. Even so, the program gave me his unlock code and it looks like the last upgrade on US Nav maps is on the way via snail mail. I won't know if they are going to charge me for the upgrade until I go to unlock the dvd. Got my fingers crossed. I am cheap enough to be happy with V.6 if they do charge for the refresh.

Don't really have a big "need for speed". The GS just runs soooooo smooth at speed! Didn't realize I was running 267mph until I saw this screen... ~Jeff
http://jlphotos.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/GPS/IMG4548/745451552_eGazH-L.jpg

Warren

01-14-2010, 02:02 PM

I went low budget on a GPS for my Nighthawk.

A refurbished Garmin 250 for $100, an Ram mount and power adapter for another $65.

Works great. It's not weather proof but a few spare Ziplock bags take care of that! :)

Black and Blue

01-14-2010, 06:36 PM

Welcome to the forum, Warren. Obviously, you didn't waste anytime getting into the mix...good for you.P^ Enjoy.:)

Warren

01-14-2010, 06:37 PM

Thanks!

Heading from San Diego to Inuvik next year and hoping to pull lot's of good info from all of you!

P^

Ironheadziggy76

01-14-2010, 07:34 PM

Welcome to the site Warren!

VStromTom

01-30-2010, 09:41 AM

Warren, you might take a look at http://www.GPSCity.com which sells all brands of gps and accessories. Another good site to play with for trip planning and see what a gps can do for you is. http://www.gpsvisualizer.com/. Once you get some idea of what you want, search for a refurbished gps, just make sure if it is a garmin unit that Garmin did the refurb so it will come with the Garmin warranty. I like to search on Nextag for deals. Good luck with whatever you choose.

SidecarMike

01-31-2010, 09:23 PM

Though I've been using a Garmin 265T, I thought I would post information on my mount instead. I couldn't find a weatherproof mount that I liked and I didn't want to pay the money for a waterproof unit.

I picked up a Firstgear Laguna GPS Tank Bag off of ebay. I'm really pleased with it.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/319JUYgmu8L._SL500_AA280_.jpg
The base comes with magnets, as pictured, with suction cups that replace the magnets, and with a strap harness. It also has a rain cover that is integral. You just unzip a pocket in the front of the bag and the rain cover pulls out.

Indianscout

02-14-2010, 04:53 PM

Mine is very old and out-dated but still works.

http://indianscout.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Mn-trip/mn-006/632365308_sgVKk-M.jpg

Mr. Guy

02-14-2010, 06:32 PM

I bet you don't have very many "hardware" failures with that system.

Guy

SidecarMike

02-15-2010, 12:06 AM

Big Red

02-15-2010, 02:18 AM

Tom Tom Rider 2 --- It does what I want it to do.

G wizz

02-15-2010, 05:13 AM

I have a plug, of sorts, for Garmin. As I mentioned above I use a Nuvi 265T. I had a problem a few weeks ago where it lost all sound. I turned it off, then back on, and it was back. This happened twice more, so I called tech support. After trying a couple things, they told me I need to send it to them. I boxed it up on Monday and sent it off. On Friday I was on the website and there was a message that my unit had been received, tested, and a new one was shipped.
Pretty fast service.

Yep, thery're fast repairing their units alright. My only gripe is once they're out of warrenty, you can't get one fixed by them for less than $100.00 no matter how minor the problem is ...
Still use 'em though, have two Zumos.

SidecarMike

02-15-2010, 09:13 AM

Yep, thery're fast repairing their units alright. My only gripe is once they're out of warrenty, you can't get one fixed by them for less than $100.00 no matter how minor the problem is ...
Still use 'em though, have two Zumos.

:) I wanted a Zumo, just couldn't afford a new one and haven't found any really good deals used. When I bought the 265, I thought I could use it with my Scala Rider, but it doesn't work that way.

denny

02-15-2010, 04:13 PM

SidecarMike

02-15-2010, 05:31 PM

From Garmin's current offerings, you'll probably be happier with one of the Zumo's 660, 665, 220. The 665 and 220 are not on the market yet but have been announced. It depends on the features that you want.

If you like to prepare a route for yourself that is mostly minor highways and county roads, the Zumo series does that better than any other current Garmin.

The 2610 has features for that kind of routing that are not included in any of the current offerings, but it lacks some bells and whistles.

Spend some time using the compare unit features on Garmin's web site.

And do some serious thinking about how you will use the unit.
Simple point A to B can be done with any unit on the market.
It's the custom routes that make it worth it for me.
I only use the Interstates when I need to make some time.

YMMV as usual.
I'm hard of hearing. The most important feature for me is that it broadcasts in to a bluetooth device. The 265 has bluetooth, but it is only a glorified speaker. I can use my phone through the device, but can't hear it giving directions in the Scala unit. The only time I use it is in unfamiliar areas with multiple stops. For example, tomorrow and Wednesday I will be a dozen different places in and around Milwaukee.

jkane13

02-16-2010, 10:57 AM

Blue tooth directions is rare! I looked for that so my wife could get directions while riding next to me.

I take the audio out jack and pipe it to my speakers. It can go to pretty much any other device. I have been using a FM transmitter for playing like an MP3 over your car radio. I plug it into the lighter jack and it transmits on any FM channel I select. I can then play both music and directions through the Zumo out of my bike speakers, and my wife uses a little FM radio into some amplified speakers to listen if she's less than about 3 bike lengths away.

Seems like I have seen blue tooth transmitters that take any audio input to them. They are the most expensive options. Scalia seems like it was one of them.

SidecarMike

02-16-2010, 02:42 PM

Blue tooth directions is rare! I looked for that so my wife could get directions while riding next to me.

Seems like I have seen blue tooth transmitters that take any audio input to them. They are the most expensive options. Scalia seems like it was one of them.

That's true, the Scala is a receiver. Unfortunately, the Nuvi's are too. It can receive a bluetooth signal from phone or computer, just like the scala. It can't broadcast it's own signal out. Only the Zumo's do that.
I thought bluetooth was bluetooth. I learned that it isn't always.

webistrator

02-16-2010, 05:27 PM

FWIW, here are comparisons of the Garmin Zumo 550 with the new 660 that add to reasons not to buy the 550:

http://content.screencast.com/users/milehigh/folders/Snagit/media/6506fa5f-ce13-4570-a37d-1e791906e6e3/Garmin%20comparison.jpg

http://content.screencast.com/users/milehigh/folders/Default/media/6506fa5f-ce13-4570-a37d-1e791906e6e3/Garmin%20comparison.jpgI've excerpted the real differences from a much longer Garmin comparison table showing a lot of things (screen size, unit weight...the 660 is a tad lighter...etc.) to narrow things down to the points I think are significant. Anyone can see the complete list at garmin.com.

The lane assist capability has been around on other Garmin units costing a lot less, but Garmin won't (they could) put it on the 550. I see that as a major safety issue for bikers -- particularly away from home. The other highlighted features (speed limit, currency converter, battery life, etc.) are "nice-to-have's" that are unique to the new 660.

but...note that the "MSN Direct" navigation info. service dies (https://www.msndirect.com/MSNDirectServiceAnnouncement.aspx) as of Jan. 1, 2012, so it's not a benefit unless you've already got it. That leaves the 660 with no apparent external nav. info. input whereas the 550 has XM optional support. I don't use either so I can't say what's good.

Cheers!

Jack S.

P.S. on 2/21/10: as another FWIW, I'm updating this post after checking a couple of things Garmin hypes for the lower-priced Nuvis that aren't (?) on the Zumos: "HotFix", ecoRoute/hd and Automatic Time Zone Transition. Except for the ecoRoute feature, none of these things are accounted for in the Garmin Zumo "compare" table:

HotFix claims to speed up startup and autolocate by "knowing" where satellites are at any given time and thereby linking up with them faster. I've compared my 550 with my 14-year-old NavTalk cell/GPS combo (neither with "HotFix") as to which "finds" my location quicker, and both find my location within 30 seconds. The 550 is a bit faster than the old NavTalk. My old NavTalk "knows" and shows the current satellite locations before they're locked in, so something like "HotFix" was already installed in the NavTalk a long time ago. According to the U.S. Naval Observ. info. (ftp://tycho.usno.navy.mil/pub/gps/gpssy.txt) every satellite continuously broadcasts an "almanac" telling about all active satellites' status. Ergo, the first sat. your GPS picks up tells you about (including the position of) all the others. So whatever "HotFix" is, it isn't a big deal.

Automatic Time Zone Transition (something I've yelped about for a long time) is finally in some Nuvi models, but none of the Zumos. It automatically adjusts your onboard clock time when you cross time zones; I assume it also adjusts other things like projected arrival time, etc., accordingly. Finally! I understand it's also available on some nav-capable Blackberry(ies)...

ecoRoute probably isn't a big issue for us bikers unless we're running on the reserve. It adds another option to the current nav. choices the Zumos offer of "shortest distance/quickest route/..." -- most efficient route, fuelwise. But a new add-on, "ecoRoute hd" (http://garmin.blogs.com/pr/2010/01/garmin-ecoroute-hd-transforms-your-n%C3%BCvi-into-a-realtime-onboard-diagnostics-computer.html#more?activeBranchId=newsroom) was recently announced that lets you convert the ecoRoute feature into an onboard diagnostic tool with a virtual dashboard of engine operating characteristics gauges (http://garmin.blogs.com/.a/6a00d83451bb7069e2012876a702b7970c-pi). Just plug a wireless dohickey into your on-board diagnostic OBDII port and voila!. It's available on any ecoRoute-capable Nuvi, but none of the Zumos.

JS

G wizz

02-16-2010, 05:35 PM

:) I wanted a Zumo, just couldn't afford a new one and haven't found any really good deals used. When I bought the 265, I thought I could use it with my Scala Rider, but it doesn't work that way.

I found our Zumos ... of all places, on line at JC Whitney.
They were the Zumo 450's, and they were sellin for $329.00 ...
Don't know if they still have any now or not.

jkane13

02-17-2010, 02:56 PM

Never bought most of the stuff in these links. They were collected a couple years ago when I started looking for wireless bike to bike communications with a way to get navigation messages to my wife next to me.

Not all are blue tooth. They are the entire spectrum of what I found related to audio and inter-bike communications.

http://www.cellset.com./Motorcycleitems.html
http://www.topgearaccess.com/autocom/
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_142DIYBRH/Scosche-DIYBRH-Bluetooth-Receiver.html?tp=8395&tab=detailed_info
http://www.clearercom.com/
http://www.mhinstruments.com/products/rr_premium_plus.htm
http://www.hzfenterprises.com/
http://www.electric-avenues.com/amplirider.html

G wizz

02-17-2010, 05:47 PM

jkane13

02-18-2010, 09:47 AM

To be honest ... neither of us are helmet people, so most of the solutions were tossed out early on! She got a set of Rumble Road speakers which are amplified speakers mounted on her handlebars with RCA inputs. I put a RCA to 3.5mm mini adapter on that. She has an iRiver MP3 player with FM radio built in plugged into those powered speakers. It has a wired remote that she velcro's near the left grip for volume control and keeps the player itself in a windshield bag.

The iRiver came with a FM transmitter that takes 3.5mm mini stereo out and transmits it out on a user selectable FM frequency for about 3 bike lengths of distance. I plug that mini into the Zumo 550 on it's audio out jack and use the cigarette lighter to power the iRiver FM transmitter. There are a lot of those FM transmitters out there. I have tried Belkin and Apple also. I like the iRiver best because it can be tuned to any open channel, seems to have the most power out (aka distance), and is a single unit built into a cigarette adapter so no batteries needed.

I tune my bike radio to the FM channel and she tunes her iRiver MP3 player to the same FM channel. Then she can hear all the prompts it puts out.

I also have the XM receiver (GXM-30) for the Zumo. I put the little "bubble" receiver magnet mounted to my tank. It works well most of the time. Trees and passing semi's block the signal. She can also hear the music when there are no "turn now" prompts. The Zumo cuts out the XM for any GPS voice directions. It does the same for the MP3 player built in, but it pauses an MP3 instead of just cutting it off momentarily. Sometimes I listen to MP3's but not often now that I have the XM module.

We never got voice to voice set up. Finally gave up on it. I have a throat mic and have built an adapter for it so I can do CB to others in a column using hte HD built in CB. I have an Ultra, she has a Dyna converted into a trike. We talked about getting her a CB, but the mic and keying is an issue. I have the key on the grip, we'd have to build somethign for her to use.

Technically, my throat mic can also be connected to the mic in on the zumo, but I have not tried it yet! If I did that, I could do blue tooth over the throat mic to my phone in my pocket and call her cell on her bike. :rolleyes: She has a blue tooth head set for her phone, but the wind makes it almost impossible to use. However, with my phone attached to the zumo via blue tooth, I can hear the phone ring and hear the other persons voice over the FM transmitter. So both she and I know when I get a call. Without the mic hooked up, there is no way to talk back. The built in mic with the car mount is great, but the bike mount does not have one of those. It's OK when the kids are looking for us because we both know one of them tried to call and we pull over and call back, but I have to tell my girlfriends to not call me when we are out riding. :o

Maybe this summer I'll give the throat mic into the Zumo bike mount a test run. The again, maybe not! So far, I keep thinking that as long as I can't talk back, it allows me to ignore people and just enjoy the ride. :D

jkane13

02-19-2010, 09:18 AM

Don't know about the bone mic.

I have a Clearer Communications throat mic. http://www.clearercom.com/ I have the original NT (no number after it) model. I worked with them for about 1 year and a half to build my own adapter. Somewhere I have the pin out and wiring schematic. In the end, I had to cut the entire wire harness off of the NT. That may not have been the problem, but doing that and starting from scratch with each pin got it to work. Right now, I have a 2.5 mm stereo plug on it and I made a 7 pin DIN to stereo mini adapter to use with it. That 7 pin DIN has 2 stereo plugs pig tailed to it. One for the mic, and another that would go to headset speakers if I had them. I don't use it, but since I was shrink wrapping it, I wanted it versatile if things changed in the future.

I also looked at the HFZ Enterprises one. http://www.hzfenterprises.com/ I did not get one as I already bought the clearer communications model. I know someone who bought an early version of the HFZ. He said it didn't put out enough voice. Not sure if that was the fit on his neck, the mic itself, or the manufacturer.

Throat mics do have a different sound to them. Your voice will be softer, and the position it is in makes a LOT of difference. Just an inch off, and the other person might not hear you. Mine is adjustable, and it kept getting "un-adjusted" while riding. I ended up putting epoxy on the slide adjustment so it only fits me now! But, it does not slip around my neck and stop getting close enough to the voice box anymore.

LowRyter

02-23-2010, 09:31 PM

SidecarMike

02-23-2010, 11:25 PM

Tourmaster tank bag with a clear plastic cover.

Stick my map in there and I'm good to go. Just pull the map out, fold it, put it back in. Maps are free at State Visitor center. Or just e-mail the state travel center before you leave, they'll mail one to your house.
People often miss the best part of having a GPS. My first experience with a GPS was on a kayak, fishing on Lake Michigan, almost twenty years ago. When we decided to call it a day we were perhaps 7 or 8 miles from shore. By the time we could see land, it was nearly dark. Just the same, my brother brought us to within 50 feet of my truck on the beach.

I can turn it off and travel down any backroad I want, zig zagging back and forth and exploring every cow lane and fire trail I see. Then I turn it on and it immediately tells me how to get to my destination. And I don't have to fold it up when I'm done.

denny

02-24-2010, 12:52 AM

That is one of my favorite things to do. I get on the bike, let the gps run and keep a log of my tracks and ride until I am thoroughly lost. If I find some interesting place to eat or stop for sight seeing I'll also add a waypoints for those. Then hit Where To > Go Home when I am ready.

After I get home I have a set of tracks and waypoints I can load in my computer and use portions of those for future planned group rides.

webistrator

02-25-2010, 06:05 PM

... The wax pencil (available at local auto stores, black or orange shows up best) wipes off easily and withstands rain. ...

... and waterproof to a depth of at least 10 fathoms, I'd bet...

Cheers!

Jack S.

TrainBagger

02-27-2010, 09:50 AM

I also use a paper map in the saddlebag, and a grease pencil for notes on the speedo face. I've never minded getting "lost", as it lets me discover new and different places! Seems like I always find my way back.

bigdoghd

04-26-2010, 11:46 PM

I have the Zumo 550 and have been very satisfied with it. Actually since I'm not a big gaget person, I probably don't use it to it's fullest. I havent set up any POI yet or even the HD locations. It's lead me to some fine eating places in the middle of nowhere!

Ironheadziggy76

04-27-2010, 12:54 AM

g®eg

04-27-2010, 10:15 AM

Don't feel bad, I've just got a Nuvi 550, and the only thing I've set is the Go Home feature! :o

just made my Nuvi an even better deal (for me).
popped the Euro maps on it, so I will have it for this summer's trip to the UK

bigmak96

05-01-2010, 09:36 AM

I'm a GPS novice so I went for a refurbed Nuvi 500.

Ironheadziggy76

05-01-2010, 11:19 AM

bigmak96, welcome to the site! Dollar for dollar it's hard to beat the Nuvi 500 series.

bigdoghd

05-09-2010, 11:20 PM

I've had the Zumo 550 for a while now, I must not be has technical as some on the forum because I haven't did any down loads etc.Just say where I'm going click it on the bars and off I go. It did lockup on me once and I had to do the reset. Other than that it's been great. I should down load the HD POI, but haven't found the time. More so be cause I'm technically challenged when it comes to that stuff sometimes. I've found alot of these GPS units, have takem me on routes, where there were alot shorter routes.

Maryland Roger

05-10-2010, 07:15 AM

Tom Tom XL in a tank bag. Sometimes I like to leave it off and go get lost. Then switch it on and hit "home". Good size screen. Speaker is adjustable and loud. Multiple display options. About $109.00 at Wally World. Easy and free updated maps. No complaints.

SSMILLER67

05-13-2010, 12:36 AM

I just ran across a Lowrance XOG at wally world on clearance for $109.00 reg price was $299. Works great. Very good daylight screen. It's a crossover for moto / auto / marine / or handheld. Thought I'd chime in for the rest of us who are too tight to spring for a Nuvi 650 etc. :)

excotec

05-13-2010, 09:59 AM

GunTriks

05-13-2010, 11:12 AM

Garmin Nuvi 500, Mounted centerline on the steering head. Like Roger, I like to ride into the unknown, maybe get lost and then hit "home". I have seen some really nice places that way.....:)
Regards,
Charlie

SidecarMike

05-13-2010, 12:57 PM

<SNIP>challenged when it comes to that stuff sometimes. I've found alot of these GPS units, have takem me on routes, where there were alot shorter routes.
Most of these give you a setup option where you tell it what kind of route you want. Mine gives the choices of; Fastest time, Shortest Route, Less Fuel, and Off Road.
We had this illustrated last week when I sold the old camper. The guy was complaining that his GPS took him through a couple dozen little Burgs to get him to my home and the trip took them exactly 8 hours. We reset him from shortest route to fastest route and it took him 4 hours and 51 minutes to get home.

g®eg

05-14-2010, 09:53 AM

Also a 2610 user. Lost all the cd's that came with it so cant load the software up on the computer. Get a nag screen about updating every now and then but other than that it works perfect. If they would come out with a waterproof one that did not require a credit check I would upgrade. Till then me and the 2610 will find our wayP^

a work around to get MapSource on your computer to help plan routes etc...

LINK (http://www.mydigitallife.info/2008/01/31/download-garmin-mapsource-for-free-and-install-without-media/)

Peacekeeper

05-14-2010, 01:30 PM

Garmin Nuvi 550, cheap, waterproof and simple to use, good maps of the US, Canada and AK.

jkrup47

09-08-2010, 11:37 PM

Just picked up a 60csx bundle from Cabela's for 2 bills.. can't wait for the brown truck driver to deliver it

Robert Ford

01-23-2011, 08:47 PM

Nuvi 255W. It's a cheapie I bought to supplement my maps.

jeepinbanditrider

02-07-2011, 12:55 AM

ZUMO 550. I love it but wouldn't have bought it if I didn't find it for sale at a deep discount at a Marine Corps exchange in California. At regular prices it's just too damned expensive. But it is nice not having to worry about busting out the ziploc bags and rubber bands when it rains :)

Stickboy

02-27-2011, 02:41 AM

I just picked up a Nuvi 765T refurb because it has the headphone jack on the side. I like the ability to push directions via headphones. I always wear a full face and often wear earplugs, and I don't want to rely on maybe being able to hear the directions. I figured this way I would be more likely to hear what the thing is telling me, and can keep my eyes more on the road.

Indianscout

02-27-2011, 09:08 PM

Just received a TomTom as a gift and even though I prefer paper maps I can see some advantages to this gismo.

quadancer

02-28-2011, 08:43 AM

Yeah, Peaches will stay cleaner!
I went the cheapest route and got a couple of Garmin 110's; paid the same price as the number. The only disadvantage is the 3 waypoint limit, which is a booger when I'm Road Captain of a group - harder to stay on the sightseeing routes.
Most of those bells and whistles you don't need, like the lane warning thing - I'm amazed at how many people don't know how the interstates are laid out -specific rules like signs being on the side of the highway the exit is on, even numbers for east-west, odd for north-south, and so forth.
My unit got soaked before and still works fine, but I do carry baggies for it. We just don't have money to burn and I'm losing the ability to work. But not to camp.
Oh, my powerlifting career just got ended too. Dangit.

badger

02-28-2011, 12:38 PM

I don't use a GPS. I use my innate super spider sense. It always gets me where I am headed ... eventually.

You find some of the coolest places when you are [-]lost[/-] wandering.

For some reason, my son bought me a GPS for Christmas ... I think he was just joking though :confused: :D

Yamifj1200

02-28-2011, 03:39 PM

I have been using a Garmin 260W for that past couple of years.

Its good for routing but I like its speedometer feature as its as accurate as the speed guns are.

I also like the fact that you can search for gas staions, places to eat, hotels, campgrounds while in new to me locations.

Its more about the information available if I ever need help along the road more so than directions..

Eric M

lytle1gw

02-28-2011, 07:24 PM

I,m with badger, I use the old noggen. Never know what you might find.

http://www.motocampers.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=137&pictureid=2171&thumb=1 ('http://www.motocampers.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=137&pictureid=2171')

2005 FLHTI
1968 Combi-camp

Festus

02-28-2011, 07:43 PM

I don't use a GPS. I use my innate super spider sense. It always gets me where I am headed ... eventually.

You find some of the coolest places when you are lost wandering.

I'm with badger too. The difference in young and old riders, young pick a destination and go and older ones pick a direction !!!

Mark

quadancer

02-28-2011, 10:25 PM

That's right. THEN I use the Garmin to get outta there!

Ironheadziggy76

03-01-2011, 08:12 AM

Indianscout

03-01-2011, 08:51 AM

+1 P^ The speedo on my Strom is a little optimistic, so I find myself using the speedometer feature as well.

Finding gas stations and campgrounds is a bonus too!

My speedometer on Peaches never did work very well or when it does not very accurate. I'm thinking my new gps will be used more or less in the same way. Had the chance to use it in a larger city over the last few weeks and discovered it does have it's flaws so it looks like I won't be giving up on my paper maps any time soon.

Ironheadziggy76

03-01-2011, 09:22 AM

My speedometer on Peaches never did work very well or when it does not very accurate. I'm thinking my new gps will be used more or less in the same way. Had the chance to use it in a larger city over the last few weeks and discovered it does have it's flaws so it looks like I won't be giving up on my paper maps any time soon.

I bet you get some funny looks when people see the GPS on Peaches! :lol

Indianscout

03-01-2011, 12:35 PM

Well, since I just got the darn thing and haven't had the chance to mount it on yet it will be interesting to see if the old girl can handle such a modern gizmo. I do know that I will have to do some rewiring to get power to the gps but I think I got it figured out. Will keep everyone posted on how that works out.

Trekker

03-01-2011, 01:17 PM

I think there is some mis-perceptions regarding using a gps vs paper maps. I upgraded to an old Garmin SP2730 and love it. I also still use paper maps, google maps, Garmin Mapsource, and MS Streets & Trips. I've been known to just pick a direction and go, using the gps as a supplemental tool along with paper maps. I carry maps & a road atlas on the bike at all times cause ya never know if the electronics might fail. Maps provide a fantastic big picture, gps can zoom in or out as necessary. I can use the gps to record my tracks, and download that to my pc for future needs. I can plan an entire route on paper, on a computer mapping program, or on the gps. I have options. The gps gives me data feedback no paper map can- time/distance to next waypoint or end destination, audio reminders of next turns, accurate speed, time moving, time stopped, miles traveled, etc. For rally routing a gps is a must have to be competitive. And just because the gps says to turn right.... I don't have to. I can adapt my route on the fly, either allowing the unit to recalculate or by forcing it to another waypoint or ignoring it altogether. It's nice having various tools to get the job done.

bigTom

03-01-2011, 01:22 PM

I do the 'thinking' with paper maps, and the 'finding' with the GPS. I love having an accurate speedo, too...

I really bought the thing so I could fix a 'waypoint' and find my way back to some of the neat places I have been...

Mr. Guy

03-01-2011, 06:00 PM

I carry a Garmin E-Trex hiker model in my tank bag that I only turn on when I've decided that I really am lost, but as soon as I figure out where I'm at I turn it back off.

lytle1gw

03-01-2011, 10:37 PM

Mr. Guy thats what I do with my etrex and I also have a 500 with topo on it just in case my old photo memory can't keep up to snuf on knowing where were at. Back in the day with the explorer scouts, I could look at a topo and then be out in the field all weekend and not miss a turn when hiking. But like I said that was back in the day. Heck I can hardly spell anymore, but can still twist a trottle.P^

Doug Huse

03-03-2011, 02:14 PM

I ride with a Garmin 2730 for primary travel and Satelite radio, a Garmin GPSMap 60CSx and a Garmin Oregon 450. I'm into geocaching while on the road.

Mr. Jeff

03-03-2011, 03:55 PM

I ride with a Garmin 2730 for primary travel and Satelite radio, a Garmin GPSMap 60CSx and a Garmin Oregon 450. I'm into geocaching while on the road.

SO MANY BUTTONS!!!! :eek::eek::D

kdf9511

03-03-2011, 04:10 PM

SidecarMike

03-03-2011, 06:55 PM

I used to carry a Garmin E-Map tucked in the fairing pocket. Now I have a Nuvi 260 who's home is usually in the truck. But I am thinking aobut putting it on The Wing. I like being able to look up places as well as the custom POI's I have in it for local two meter and seventy centimeter amatuer radio repeaters wherever I happen to be. I just haven't figured out yet how and where I want to mount it. I don't really want it on the handle bars. It may wind up in the map pouch of a tank bag.
I have experimented with different spots and settled on this. It is currently just a suction cup mount stuck to the top of an Altoid tin.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y14/SidecarMike/1996%20Aspencade/Closeup.jpg

I removed the Goldwing emblem, drilled a hole through the bottom of the Altoid tin, and just pinched it between a big washer below and the tin above. In this way, I didn't alter anything to mount it. I rode all summer with it here, even in very heavy downpours, without any problems.
I'm in the process of creating a better looking permanent mount, but expect it to be in that spot.

Mr. Guy

03-03-2011, 07:39 PM

WOW Doug,

But I couldn't find the flap indicator or the artificial horizon. :D

Trailace

03-03-2011, 09:34 PM

After using a GPS for 9 years I still carry a map or two but only had a need to use them ones. Just picked up a used 276c and sent the old one in to get refurbished. Now when I do the CD with my son we will both have one. P^

quadancer

03-04-2011, 08:45 AM

I have experimented with different spots and settled on this. It is currently just a suction cup mount stuck to the top of an Altoid tin.

Wow, man; just pull up on the GPS and you get mints! Cool!

Heheh, you coulda painted it black - OR - our Garmins came with a stick-on disc to suction the mount to. If you don't have one, I could send you one, since I don't use them. Mine are on handlebars and windshield.

SidecarMike

03-04-2011, 08:52 AM

Wow, man; just pull up on the GPS and you get mints! Cool!

Heheh, you coulda painted it black - OR - our Garmins came with a stick-on disc to suction the mount to. If you don't have one, I could send you one, since I don't use them. Mine are on handlebars and windshield.
The Altoid tin was just a temporary measure until I found a place and position I liked. I am now constructing something better looking. Every now and again, the suction would let go, so I'm doing away with that part of it. Just the same, thanks for the offer.

It was a good place to keep parking meter coins, though. P^

DILLIGAF61

03-04-2011, 09:08 PM

after 29 years on the road the map of the USA is pretty much burned into my brain cell

that being said i love toys currently for work i have co-pilot truck for my laptops along with delorme and ms streets and trips

last week i picked up a "rightway" gps for $99.00 it is programed with co-pilot also however unfortunately not the truck program but one adapted for motorhomes and cars this is the one I'll put on my bike

oh and even after all these years I'd feel nekkid without my rand mcnally motor carriers laminated atlas of the good ole USA

Gene McCall

03-17-2011, 03:20 PM

I have used a Tom-Tom Rider since 2007. Generally very pleased, it has blue tooth to talk to my head. It does not have a speaker so when I use it in my car I use an adaptor with the blue tooth. I plan on getting another when I can find one refurbished. BTW I still hang on to my maps & atlas, gives me something to look at in the evening without turning on the gps.
Gene

PS: It did well in Alaska & Canada but once got confused and thought I was motoring down the river next to the road!

quadancer

03-17-2011, 03:34 PM

Had a wreck last sat. and the GPS is toasted. What model Tomtom do you have? I'm looking for something economical but maybe with realtime traffic and bluetooth. And more than 3 waypoints like my Garmin had.

Ironheadziggy76

03-18-2011, 03:22 PM

quadancer

03-18-2011, 06:46 PM

Banged up a bit, but I'll heal. That cement is a lot harder than I remember it to be. Mostly mad about losing the bike for a while - tore it down today, after ordering all the parts last night in a 5 hour netathon.

lytle1gw

03-18-2011, 10:44 PM

Know how you feel had a city cop pull out in front of us and took a while to get the bike back in shape, hated missing riding.

Indianscout

04-07-2011, 11:35 PM

OK, I received a new TomTom as a gift this winter and am optimistic in using such a newfangled contraption on my old bike but I figured I would give it a try. My main use will be the speedometer as the original one on my bike is by no means accurate but also being able to locate a gas station will come in handy as well. I wired up a power outlet and mounted a bracket for it this winter and today would tell me if it was going to work or not. For the first time in 147 days that the temps reached above 60 degrees and with the sun shining, today I had my chance to test things out. Right away I ran into a problem, because of the glare I had difficulty in seeing the screen. Guess it didn't matter as I kept losing signal anyway! Not sure if I like this thing yet or not but ether way it looks like I won't be giving up on my paper maps!!

SidecarMike

04-07-2011, 11:37 PM

... Guess it didn't matter as I kept losing signal anyway! Not sure if I like this thing yet or not but ether way it looks like I won't be giving up on my paper maps!!
Where were you riding? The only time I lose a signal is going through a long tunnel.

lytle1gw

04-07-2011, 11:37 PM

I prefer to keep my attention on the road not a gps.P^

Indianscout

04-07-2011, 11:50 PM

Where were you riding? The only time I lose a signal is going through a long tunnel.

Wide open country roads with no trees or buildings to interfere with the signal. About the only thing that could have been was a few scattered clouds....

I prefer to keep my attention on the road not a gps.P^

Part of the learning curve as to see if I will use it on the bike or not. Remember the part about me not having a good speedometer?!? You can't tell me you don't pay attention to your speed now and I would like to have that option too. I can see that if I do use it on the bike, it'll only be used as a cross reference to my paper maps.

SidecarMike

04-08-2011, 12:00 AM

I prefer to keep my attention on the road not a gps.P^
As opposed to squinting at a map or handwritten directions? I use my GPS all the time, but rarely look at it. Just today I was riding on a divided highway, late for an appointment, when I came up on one of those E85 cars. My eyes started to water when I got behind it and I missed my exit. I pulled over, turned on the GPS and found that I could get easily to my destination without backtracking.

My favorite use is to go out and ride and just enjoy the day. When it's time to head home, I don't have to be concerned with where I am or how I got there. I just press "Go Home" and a pleasant voice inside my helmet directs me right to my door.

Haze

04-08-2011, 01:04 AM

Garmin M3 Pocket PC and GPS. I built a mount from salvaged parts purchased in HKN. I routinely transfer it from the cage to the bike and back.
I'm lost without the dern thing.:o
In fact I'm reloading and upgrading the maps as I write this note.

Cheers,
Haze

quadancer

04-08-2011, 08:08 AM

Trekker

04-08-2011, 04:07 PM

Just upgraded from my very old & very discontinued Street Pilot 2730 (which I loved), to a sparkling new Zumo 660. The 2730 digitizer screen has been acting up (mostly when it's 35 degrees or less) and cannot be repaired anymore. Garmin won't fix it, and I cannot find any parts for it. It still mostly works OK.

The new Zumo is installed and ready for a shakedown cruise this Saturday. A decent gps is essential for competitive rallys, and darned useful for long distance riding. The Zumos' are the top of the line tool for many LD riders. I intend to keep both units on the bike. One for the full route and the other for ancillary functions.

And no.... it does not distract me. It enhances my ride. What I find hard to swallow is the cost! But... I like to ride, so it is a necessary tool in my mind.

SidecarMike

04-08-2011, 06:59 PM

Garmin 765 - I use the dashboard feature for the large speedo readout, switch to map view for turns coming up.
It has lane assist, so I'll touch the turn arrow for it to temporarily tell me what lane to be in to make an unknown turn.
It IS a bit harder to see than our old Garmin 205 screens, so I make sure I'm clear of traffic enough to put a hand over it to shade it in bright sunlight.
I'll be getting a bluetooth dealie to synch with it when I'm road captain of any runs so I don't have to look at it and can pay attention to my formation and traffic. It will be nice to have "her" talk to me.
We call her "Garmina".
Take it with you to the store. I have a Jabra, a Blue Parrot, and a Scala Q2. None of them will pair with the 765. They all show up as being paired, but I can't hear anything from the GPS. I just bought one of those things that looks like a cassette tape with a wire coming off of it. I plug that in to the GPS and stick it in the tape deck. Then it plays through my normal helmet speakers. All our cell phones work fine with it, but no speaker that I've found yet.

quadancer

04-08-2011, 07:32 PM

Hmmm...then maybe I'll try the earbuds with it. It does have a mem card slot and an MP3 player, so maybe the directions will come thru the buds. Gotta get a card for it.

BELOWaverageBOB

04-16-2011, 03:32 PM

I've recently picked up a Nuvi 1490T (http://www.12volt-travel.com/gps-navigation-accessories-portable-gps-navigation-systems-c-24_318.html?page=1&sort=20a), I also bought one of those magnetic tank bags with a slot for the GPS so I don't have to worry about it flying off of the bike! I got the larger screen because of eye strain and contrast with the bright outdoors....

quadancer

04-16-2011, 08:07 PM

Boy I tell ya - the 705 had a much brighter screen than my new 765. In the sun it's almost impossible to read. Reminds me; I was gonna make a visor for it. Dang - ride tomorrow too.

BELOWaverageBOB

04-18-2011, 04:31 PM

Boy I tell ya - the 705 had a much brighter screen than my new 765. In the sun it's almost impossible to read. Reminds me; I was gonna make a visor for it. Dang - ride tomorrow too.

Thanks for the heads up, but are you saying its dimm or bright? (still hasn't arrived).

quadancer

04-18-2011, 06:02 PM

The 765 is dim.

Blindstitch

04-19-2011, 12:46 AM

I just have a basic one at the moment to get me from point A to point G.
It's a Garmin 255 and does an ok job. Eventually a more robust one will probably be in the starts.

BELOWaverageBOB

04-19-2011, 02:12 PM

The 765 is dim.

Not the one I ordered so I guess we'll see!
Hopefully it fits in the pocket of the bag :(, may need SO to do some tailoring. .

quadancer

04-19-2011, 07:02 PM

The main difference is lane assist and more waypoints you can put in than with the 205. I think ANY GPS is just right nice to have.

dnico44

05-13-2011, 11:53 PM

I have a garmin nuvi 1490 t with a 5" screen...great unit so far and very easy to see with the large screen...not waterproof however but a plastic bag takes care of that.

hardwire

05-15-2011, 11:31 PM

Boy I tell ya - the 705 had a much brighter screen than my new 765. In the sun it's almost impossible to read. Reminds me; I was gonna make a visor for it. Dang - ride tomorrow too.

I had to make a visor for my 765...

RCLafnjack

05-17-2011, 03:24 PM

I just moved from a garmin nuvi 220 to a garmin zumo 550 w/xm radio..
So far I like it...

Rustic

06-26-2011, 05:05 PM

I had used a Lowrance iWay 100M with a RAM mount for several years but since it was discontinued, I couldn't update the maps any longer. Still works fine, though. So I moved up to a Delorme PN-40. It came with incredible topo mapping software - superb for dual-sporting or as a hand-held. Biggest complaint is that the screen is on the small side but I knew that going in. I use it on the boat and in the truck, too. Awesome little mapping tool. I've had it nearly a year and still don't know how to use half the features - "old dog" and all that. :o

Hoot

06-27-2011, 04:09 PM

I've used my Droid the last 3 years and have been extremely happy with it.

Dstrickland

06-27-2011, 04:20 PM

I've got a TomTom 130 mounted. Not weather proof but I figure for what I've paid for it, I could go through several of these before I've spent what most others have.

hogasm

06-27-2011, 05:18 PM

Have had a Zumo 550 since they came out

Bluetooth to phone and Nolan 102 helmet

badger

06-27-2011, 05:57 PM

Re: What GPS do you guys use?

I have a girl on the back who tells me when I am going the wrong direction ;)

SidecarMike

06-27-2011, 06:03 PM

I have a girl on the back who tells me when I am going the wrong direction ;)
Yeah, I have one of those in the sidecar. She frequently tells me where to go. :rolleyes:

Dusty Boots

06-27-2011, 06:42 PM

I recently started using a Garmin Nuvi 765T and HD Ride Planner (http://rideplanner.harley-davidson.com/rideplanner/ridePlanner.jsp)(free, but you have to register) to create and transfer custom routes to it.
Works pretty good ... as long as you are very accurate at setting your way points right on the roads you plan to ride, on the mapping software program. That means you have to zoom in to make sure they are where you want them.
A road atlas resides in my trunk as well. ;)

Dusty

Dstrickland

06-28-2011, 10:48 AM

I have a girl on the back who tells me when I am going the wrong direction ;)

That's hardcore man.

If you've missed a turn and you don't have a woman to tell you where to go, are you still lost?

lytle1gw

06-28-2011, 12:26 PM

I always know where I am, its the other folks who may not know where I am.:D

badger

06-28-2011, 01:05 PM

If you've missed a turn and you don't have a woman to tell you where to go, are you still lost?

Nope ... when I am by myself, that is known as exploring

Women don't seem to understand the difference between exploring and being lost

Dusty Boots

06-28-2011, 02:31 PM

You're never lost ...... as long as you have at least a 1/4 tank of fuel! P^
I love exploring a bunch of side/back roads I've never been on before and then finding my way to a road I'm familiar with when It's time to return home, or continue along with the route I want.

quadancer

06-28-2011, 09:22 PM

In the interest of route planning, besides google maps, there is a site called, well here's the url:
http://rideplanner.harley-davidson.com/rideplanner/ridePlanner.jsp?locale=en_US
Pretty awesome i think.

EnduroRdr

07-09-2011, 04:40 PM

I use a Garmin 60csx been using it for 3 years now. I'v learned to get around some limitations so I see no reason to change YET!

http://i524.photobucket.com/albums/cc321/EnduroRdr_photos/ArkansasRide101510/GEDC0393.jpg

DBrent

07-21-2011, 06:42 PM

... So I moved up to a Delorme PN-40. It came with incredible topo mapping software - superb for dual-sporting or as a hand-held. Biggest complaint is that the screen is on the small side but I knew that going in. I use it on the boat and in the truck, too. Awesome little mapping tool. I've had it nearly a year and still don't know how to use half the features - "old dog" and all that. :o

I also have a PN-40 and I really like this unit. Yes the screen is small, but I do not use the GPS for navigation. I don't ride with it continually on. I will turn it on to find out where I am, and it is pinpoint accurate. I also use this PN-40 in my vehicles, on my bicycle and when hiking. The Topo software is very good, but for just $29.95/year, you can subscribe to Delorme's Map Library and download aerial photography that overlays the maps, and my favorite, USGS Quads. These are incredible map details for just $29.95--all that you can download.

I think I will upgrade to the PN-60 when Topo 10 is released.

Brent

BeemMeUp

07-27-2011, 04:58 AM

I just got a PN-60 and installed a 32gb sd card. I loaded all of the Topo maps for North America and have plenty of room for storing routes and waypoints on the card. Unfortunately, Delorme hasn't quite got the software right so occasionally I have to shut the unit down and remove the batteries to reset it. They say they should have an update real soon. Other than the aggravation of it having to be reset every now and then I like it. I also purchased the RAM mount. It hangs onto the tank very well. The real beauty of the unit is you can plan your trip on your desktop or in my case my netbook and then download it to the GPS. By doing it on your computer you have total control of the route you want to take.

quadancer

07-27-2011, 10:48 AM

I just re-read Badger's post. LOL!!! Have to send that one on.

BeemMeUp

07-27-2011, 05:56 PM

It seems the people at delorme support just released the fix for the locking up and going into loops. I did the patch on my PN-60 and all seems to be good now. You can use a bunch of different batteries in them. One of the problems was trying to charge on the dc cord using a Li-Ion battery pack with the unit running. Seems to be cured now. The screen can be set for automatic backlight. This works very well and the unit can be viewed in direct sunlight with no problem.

DBrent

08-03-2011, 07:22 PM

It appears Delorme is getting ready to release Topo 10. A friend of mine was in Maine and stopped at the Delorme World Hdqs., and was playing with a beta version of Topo 10. I did not learn about a release date, but if the beta is available, you can probably bet your Garmin that Delorme will release Topo 10 before Christmas.

Brent

R3Tmac

08-13-2011, 12:50 PM

I have the Garmin 1690 with Ecoroute.
This is new technology for GPS.
It uses bluetooth to connect the engines computer to the GPS and provides me with guages that monitor in real time the engines condition.
It gives me RPM,coolant temp,battery voltage,timing advance,throttle position,intake air temp,and engine load.
Its a bluetooth connection that plugs into the motorcycles ODBII plug (If your bike has one)
http://www.garmin.com/garmin/cms/us/services/ecoRoute

TheBobs

09-06-2011, 10:22 PM

I use my iPhone4 mounted on the right side of the handlebar on the switch housing, using a "rider's claw". I chose the TomTom App over the Garmin, mainly based on feedback comments on both. Since I have the iPod interface, I don't have to worry about the battery, plus it allows control of the iPod section of the phone from the handlebar controls. Not bad for under $60.

birddogvet

09-17-2011, 08:29 AM

Garmin Oregon with handlebar attachment. Originally used for geocaching, now the GPS helps me at detours in 'is it left or right' situations.

Haze

09-17-2011, 10:01 AM

I just bought a TomTom 530. Its OK plotting a route and updating while riding. BUT it does not have a user friendly interface for queries and entering data.
I much prefer my Garmin M3 PDA. The Garmin costs more to update the map than to buy a new TomTom.
Cheers,
Haze

SidecarMike

09-18-2011, 06:16 PM

RCLafnjack

09-28-2011, 04:42 PM

OK I went full boat.. Garmin Zumo 550.. I really like everything about it except the sound quality, seems garmin in thier wisdom didn't think stereo Bluetooth connnection was important..
Got around it with a blue tooth dongle that hangs off the 3.5 plug.

I have XM weather and Traffic. I use Tyre (trace your own route) to put routes on which is the best interface I've found.

lytle1gw

09-28-2011, 07:23 PM

Everytime I stop for us to stretch a little, I unfold my GPS and see where we want to go next. Don't need any distractions on my handle bars.:D