GPS I can program

[David R]

Hi all,

I'm looking for a GPS unit that I can upload a trip plan to from my computer.

Let's say I want to travel from my home in MD to Willville Motorcycle Campground, to Bristol International Speedway, then on to Cherbola for the May get together. I plan this route on my computer and call it "Cherabola 2010 Route". I upload to my GPS. Load up the bike with GPS and push the button for the route file "Cherabola...Route" and off I go.

I'm sure this is available but what brands/models and ease of use would you recommend?

Tks....

[Trailace]

I have a Garmin 276C it does all that and a lot more. It will take some time to learn how to use the mapping software and GPS unit but after that you will love it.

[Ironheadziggy76]

I have a Garmin Nuvi 550. You can load custom routes from your computer or to an SD card, although I have never done it. I went to Garmin and downloaded the FULL instruction manual for it, as you only get a quick guide in the box when you buy it. It was the cheapest waterproof GPS unit that I found that is simple to use.

[denny]

In Garmin's current lineup, the Zumo's are the ones made specifically for the Motorcyclist. Go to Garmin's website and do comparisons on all of them. Get some idea what features you really want.

2 new models are coming soon a Zumo220 and the Zumo 665 has been announced recently.

For lots of good information read http://zumoforums.com (http://zumorofums.com) Some serious research there will help you make an informed decision.

For me a way to send the audio from the GPS into my helmet is important. Not all GPS models have that capability. Any Garmin that supports routes will do what you want. BUT Some garmin's will not faithfully honor your road choices. In other words if you spend time to prepare a route on your computer, then load that to the GPS some units will recalculate that route. I prefer to travel on minor roads. State and County highways reveal parts of America that you will not see if you travel the Interstate. If left to it's own the GPS will send you on the major roads all of the time. So do your homework and make sure the unit you decide on will perform the tasks that you want.

The comment about a learning curve should not be taken lightly. Especially if you've never used a GPS before. Garmin's software is not so intuitive to use, but in the long run you will be better off using their software with their units.

[Liv2Ride]

I have a Garmin Zumo 550 and it does it all but so do practically all GPS's nowadays. Like Trailace said, the software (Map Source) takes some time to learn but once you have that down it's doable. What I like are loading up POI's that other people have made. I even made my own POI database of all the VFW's in GA. That way I'll always have the directions to the nearest low dollar ice cold beer on a hot Georgia summer ride. Can I hear a HOOAH :-)
Kat

[jkane13]

I have a Garmin 550 and had a 450 before it. Also use a Garmin Nuvi 760. Anyhow ... It's likely almost all brands do what you are asking to do.

Here's the catch. Each mapping software maker has their own "calculator" that determines fastest or shortest route. Even with my 550, it used to map me home on one road, and after an upgrade, it started picking a different route! The times between the two are less than 60 seconds difference. So, when you map a route on a computer, and then "upload" or "import" it to your GPS, the exact route you expected to see might change.

This is handled by using waypoints. A waypoint is a mark on the route that you add to ensure that the turn you want to make actually happens. You can make it just before the turn, or just after it. I prefer just after as it makes me feel like it will map the way I want more often.

So, yes, what you want to do can be done, but it is more intense on the route creation side than the manual may lead you to believe.

My biggest pet peeves of the 550 (I use it most often) is that it does not understand the concept of a stop light! It treats them like they are always green when calculating fastest route. So if it takes me on a side street, I don't trust it to be right. It would not surprise me to hear that most if not all GPS's have the same flaw. After all, how does it know what state the lights are going to be in? I guess, I would like the software to consider that a road with no lights that is less than 2 minutes slower should be preferred as the fastest route! I am sure not everyone would agree with that though.

Another issue, is that it doesn't know when a road is a crappy one to ride on. It should magically know that the road sucks. :rolleyes: (just Kidding!)

[Timmer]

I'm a fan of the Garmin 60CSx for a couple of its features: The ability to save my tracks automatically day by day on the micro SD card, and the powerful receiver (I hardly ever lose a satellite connection). While the screen is a bit small, the unit can be a handheld and works well with Mapsource and TOPO maps.

My second GPS favorite is the venerable 26xx, 27xx, and 28xx series. The 26xx is fully customizable. The 27xx and 28xx add satellite radio and a simplified display. These units can be obtained for a fraction of the cost of the ZUMO 550, 600, 650 or 200 units.

Normally I run a 2720 and a 60CSx or a 2610 and a 60CSx when riding.

[Trekker]

Three words- Garmin Garmin Garmin.

Comes with Mapsource for route creation on a PC and easily accepts the route file via USB.

You want waterproof, and audio out to an intercom system (assuming you have one).

As already mentioned, the GPS (and the mapping software) are only as good as the database and program. There will be glitches. Maps should never be left at home.

[Whosoever]

I'm a fan of the Garmin 60CSx for a couple of its features: The ability to save my tracks automatically day by day on the micro SD card, and the powerful receiver (I hardly ever lose a satellite connection). While the screen is a bit small, the unit can be a handheld and works well with Mapsource and TOPO maps.

My second GPS favorite is the venerable 26xx, 27xx, and 28xx series. The 26xx is fully customizable. The 27xx and 28xx add satellite radio and a simplified display. These units can be obtained for a fraction of the cost of the ZUMO 550, 600, 650 or 200 units.

Normally I run a 2720 and a 60CSx or a 2610 and a 60CSx when riding.

I would "2nd" Timmers point...I also have the 60csx Garmin. Problem is I've had almost a half dozen GPS units...big screens, little screens, hand helds...you name it I've tried many different ones....except the really pricey ones like the Zumo or the Tom Tom Motorcyle Unit. I just have a problem spending that much on a GPS unit. After trying a number of them I went looking for the 60csx. It has a smaller screen than the wide 4" model Tom Tom or Magellan units that I have but it does what I want it to do. With the maps I've added to the unit I lay out my route on my computer and then transfer it to the unit. It takes me on "my chosen roads"...not others my other GPS units want me to follow. And, when I am exploring it records a track for me to transfer to the computer and ultimately to Google Maps so I can see where I've been. I also like the other info it provides....track details, speed, elevation etc. Plus it has a great compass. As an older rider with glasses I have no problem reading the small screen. Maps currently on my unit: US TOPO 24K National Parks, East and City Navigator® North America NT. One final thing...when it starts to rain...no problem...this model is water proof unlike the others I've tried. Ride Safe...

[bobalou]

Hi David,
Microsoft Streets and Trips 2010 -$29.95 at Staples.
You can or could download a trial version from Microsoft for 90 days- free!
From this software you can download to any GPS that takes .gpx formats.
I did not get MapSource with my GPS from Amazon

My GPS (Nuvi) didn't specify .gpx file imports but it works when using the Nuvi's "Tools", "My Data" & "Import" (if I have those steps correct). And you have imported the .gpx file.

Oh, my Nuvi is rain proof too, as long as I cover with a baggie. It has gone through monsoon type rain for serveral thousand miles! But I believe the Zumos are better.

[SidecarMike]

Hi David,
Microsoft Streets and Trips 2010 -$29.95 at Staples.
You can or could download a trial version from Microsoft for 90 days- free!
From this software you can download to any GPS that takes .gpx formats.
I did not get MapSource with my GPS from Amazon

My GPS (Nuvi) didn't specify .gpx file imports but it works when using the Nuvi's "Tools", "My Data" & "Import" (if I have those steps correct). And you have imported the .gpx file.

Oh, my Nuvi is rain proof too, as long as I cover with a baggie. It has gone through monsoon type rain for serveral thousand miles! But I believe the Zumos are better.
Looks like I need to update. I have S&T 2008, but I see this is a new feature for V. 2010
Here I thought I wouldn't need it now that I have the Garmin.

[David R]

That is a good idea. I have an older S & T and use it a lot for trip planning but never thought about using it with GPS. I do have a Nuvi something but do not have the Garmin Map Source so it has been frustrating trying to load a route. I will give the MS S&T GPS version a try. If I have trouble loading it I will PM you.

Tks...

Hi David,
Microsoft Streets and Trips 2010 -$29.95 at Staples.
You can or could download a trial version from Microsoft for 90 days- free!
From this software you can download to any GPS that takes .gpx formats.
I did not get MapSource with my GPS from Amazon

My GPS (Nuvi) didn't specify .gpx file imports but it works when using the Nuvi's "Tools", "My Data" & "Import" (if I have those steps correct). And you have imported the .gpx file.

Oh, my Nuvi is rain proof too, as long as I cover with a baggie. It has gone through monsoon type rain for serveral thousand miles! But I believe the Zumos are better.

[jkane13]

Let me add that I use the Harley Davidson HOG member mapping web pages. It allows me to save as a .gpx file, and will even directly download to the Zumo if I plug it in. I like to keep a copy of it, so I manually copy it to a folder on my PC and then copy it to the GPS later.

I used another web based tool, but forget which it was. Mapquest might have been it, but I may be wrong about it being able to save as a .gpx file. I have become accustomed to the HOG one in the past couple of years.

I know others swear by the Garmin mapping software that came with it. I installed it once, but never use it. I prefer the public ones so I can share routes with people that don't have a GPS.

[bobalou]

Yes, I had heard that HOG has that option. However, some are not members. Or, can anyone use the mapping software?

The price ($29.95) I got at Staples may have been on sale.

There are other mapping software and websites. Just use what you are accustom to and find the tools that are included (which is the biggest issue with novice users). I have plotted with my Nuvi which was cumbersome. I read a lot of blogs and picked up the MS S&T 2010 on the GL1800riders site.

The downfall of S&T is the lack of offroad/trail topo stuff for our dualsport friends (of which I'm envious and a little too old to get back into :rolleyes:). You guys rock!

[jkane13]

You need to be a member to create a route at HD. I know I can share it with others once I make it though. They can get to the web page too and see it. Not sure if non-members can export their own file though. It may be a view only thing for them.

[David R]

You need to be a member to create a route at HD. I know I can share it with others once I make it though. They can get to the web page too and see it. Not sure if non-members can export their own file though. It may be a view only thing for them.

My somewhat off thread rant: I have had three different harley's since 89'. At first I would keep up my HOG membership so I could get a 10% discount on my accessory purchases. A few years back I went to buy some leathers at my local dealer and gave them my HOG card for my discount. Got a surprise. I could only get the 10% discount if I had participated with the local dealer sponsered HOG club on so many events/rides. The amount of the discount was based on how many events/rides I attended. Huh?

Threw the card into the trash can.

That policy may have changed recently... but I bought my motorcycle because I like it; and not for HOG membership discounts, tatoos, chains, etc...

[Ironheadziggy76]

My somewhat off thread rant: I have had three different harley's since 89'. At first I would keep up my HOG membership so I could get a 10% discount on my accessory purchases. A few years back I went to buy some leathers at my local dealer and gave them my HOG card for my discount. Got a surprise. I could only get the 10% discount if I had participated with the local dealer sponsered HOG club on so many events/rides. The amount of the discount was based on how many events/rides I attended. Huh?

Threw the card into the trash can.

That policy may have changed recently... but I bought my motorcycle because I like it; and not for HOG membership discounts, tatoos, chains, etc...

David, I have found dealers to be a little fickle about their HOG discounts as well. But, I have been a member since 02 simply because I get a discount on my bike insurance for being a member. It's enough that it more than makes up for the membership fee. I don't participate in any of the chapter events/rides as my chapter is in a different state.

Most insurance companies offer some discounts for HOG, AMA, etc memberships. Might be something to look into.

[David R]

Most insurance companies offer some discounts for HOG, AMA, etc memberships. Might be something to look into.

Thanks Ziggy,

I did not know that or even think about it. I will ask my current insurance company about it. I think I have progressive insurance but don't really know as my wife handles all the money and stuff. Who knows, I could be broke and don't know it :eek:

Or, rich and she is keeping it from me!!!:please1:

[David R]

Hi All,

I decided to purchase a Garmin 550 gps (not the zumo). It is reasonably priced, $259 at Amazon. It is waterproof and allows 10 routes to be uploaded to it. I also bought a ram mount for it. I will post a report after several uses.

[Ironheadziggy76]

I've been pleased with my Nuvi 550 David! I can vouch for it being waterproof. I mainly just use mine to keep from getting too lost. I really need to learn how to upload routes on mine.

[bobalou]

Looks like many have older versions of S&T or any other mapping tools. I ran across this bit of advice over on ST-Owners. This software "GPSBabel converts waypoints, tracks, and routes between popular GPS receivers and mapping programs. It also has powerful manipulation tools for such data." It's over on: http://www.gpsbabel.org/

Don't thank me thank UnclePhil and his efforts.

[coopdway]

Just an FYI.

I'm a real Quest fan, bought all of mine on Ebay either as Refurbs or used. Just got a third one, this a Quest 2 (all maps loaded) on Ebay. These are the ones listed as Toyota FJ Cruiser units. They come in a big box and were meant to plug into a fancy spot on the Toyota instrument panels, complete with dealer install directions. I threw all of that away since all I care about is the Quest itself. The guy selling them shipped fast and easy.

A lot of value for $130 in my mind. The unlock code is included and since I already have bike Ram mounts, the car mounts, etc. this one is a backup unit and my first Quest 2. I was paying $110-$130 for my Quest 1's.

I archive all rides using the Track function and often program Routes in to follow very specific back roads. I use Mapsource and couldn't be happier. The units are waterproof and have held up well, the only weak point in these are the fold up antennas. I found a cheap external antenna on Ebay that I use on my broken ones, keeping the antenna in my tank bag.

The only downside in my mind are the smallish buttons, hard to use with gloves but for me, a small price to pay. Just another option.

[Manfred]

I've used the Harley Davidson trip planner. It is open to anyone and doesn't cost anything. However - the routes do not come across with the names of the "next turn"; only a number.

I have a Garmon Streetpilot 2720 (which is waterproof) and use Google Maps to plan my route. I use this free tool to get GoogleMaps into .gpx format: http://www.elsewhere.org/journal/gmaptogpx/# and use this free tool to convert those to .gpb format so I can rename the turn points to named streets: http://www.sackman.info/

This second step would have to be done with either route planner and I prefer GoogleMaps over the Harley tool.