Un-viewable GPS screen in the sun - any that wont wash out?

[Doc McCoy]

I have a garmin gps and it doesn't take much bright light to make the screen un viewable. Any GPS out there that are really made for a bike that won't wash out in the sunlight?

 

[Woodaddict]

if you use motorcycle GPS, the screen is built to be in sun. like the ZUMO. any car GPS is not as good in the sun, and they are NOT waterproof. they do make hoods for them, or you could make something else to cover as a sun shade

 

[RayBJ]

If you have a Garmin Zumo, you can adjust brightness thru setup but direct sun is still a problem sometimes. If it's a Nuvi (or in-car) model, you'll need to locate or fabricate a shade. As stated, only the Zumo is weatherproof & durable enough for a bike.

 

[JayBros]

The company I purchased my Zumo 590 hood from years ago is no longer in business but I would try one from this company if I had to replace mine: https://www.glarestomper.com/322.

 

[EdMat]

I have a garmin gps and it doesn't take much bright light to make the screen un viewable. Any GPS out there that are really made for a bike that won't wash out in the sunlight?

The Garmin XT works great in bright sunlight, at any angle.

On the others a hood helps, but not when it's coming in over your shoulder.

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

I have a garmin gps and it doesn't take much bright light to make the screen un viewable. Any GPS out there that are really made for a bike that won't wash out in the sunlight?

I have a Garmin also ..... I made a sun shade from thin stiff cardboard ( like what they use for file dividers ) that I painted flat black .... This makes it waterproof ...... Mike hyea:

 

[Bfromla]

While back bud built one for his using some thinner abs or kydex & a heat gun. srz Awaiting info & pics. DIY doable

 

[milryder]

The Garmin XT works great in bright sunlight, at any angle.

On the others a hood helps, but not when it's coming in over your shoulder.

Agree, XT best and I’ve used many over the years.

 

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

I have a garmin gps and it doesn't take much bright light to make the screen un viewable. Any GPS out there that are really made for a bike that won't wash out in the sunlight?

Put a smartphone anti-glare screen protector on it. Most any brand will work but you'll probably have to cut it to fit the screen. It's not a cure-all but it will cut down on light reflection which will make the screen more visible. But almost nothing will overcome sunshine coming in directly on the screen from behind you.

 

[troop]

Yup .. The Garmin Zumo XT has a modern TFT display that makes it one of the best in sunlight. Most modern day bikes are now going to TFT displays. That said, I also bought a visor to slip on my XT. Also helps keep water off the screen, reducing water distortion.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015WKCBSQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[wilpir]

Also wear darker clothing as light clothing will wash out screen alot....

 

[canamjhb]

The technology has been there for a long time (years). Not sure what it is. Could be TFT as previously mentioned. I have had both GPS and radars on my boats that actually get MORE visible in direct sunlight. The screen on my Honda Goldwing (not the Nav. screen) is very readable and crisp in direct sunlight. It's all a matter of money..... Jim

 

[Plarimer]

I was lucky with my 2016 Can-Am spider as it had a GPS/telephone mount right in the middle of the handlebars. It rotates in all directions so that I can adjust it when the sun makes it hard to read. When the sun is too bright for me to see the dash I also use it for a speedometer.