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What GPS is best
- Thread starter gazey
- Start date
Garmin GPS' are the best in the industry by far. They have two motorcycle models (zumo series), but other automobile GPS from the nuvi sries could also be used.
A lot of people here have the zumo 550 and really love it. I personally just bought the new 660 model and like it (I have not used it enough to make a list of pros and cons yet).
I have used several Garmin models and never been disapointed.
(Not affiliated with the company)
A lot of people here have the zumo 550 and really love it. I personally just bought the new 660 model and like it (I have not used it enough to make a list of pros and cons yet).
I have used several Garmin models and never been disapointed.
(Not affiliated with the company)
John in PA
New member
I'd vote for the Garmin Zumo 550. If you want topo, you need to buy a separate map set and load in the database, maybe on an SD card as internal memory probably won't take the data. Usually the topo files are huge, and you have to pick and choose which areas you want to load on the unit.
the unit can be handlebar mounted out at one end, or custom mounted on the handlebar cover in the middle like this.
the unit can be handlebar mounted out at one end, or custom mounted on the handlebar cover in the middle like this.
krb1945
New member
GPS systems
I've used 6 different GPS systems over the past few years. Most factory installed in autos/trucks. I also use a tomtom xl one, $149 Christmas two years ago, on my GL1800 and a garmin nuvi 855, $349 about two months ago, on the spyder. All are accurate if you keep them updated via the computer website and as of this date all that I have used have been reliable electronically.
The only thing I see as a negative is the fact most of the screens are difficult to see in bright sunlight unless you make a small sunshade for them. If the bright sun is from the rear and side it will still intefere with seeing the screen with any clearity.
I have mine set at maximum intensity and they are still difficult to see in the sun.
As for the voice command systems I find even the ones in the autos will state "noise inteference to high" at interstate speeds. To lessen the weight the vehicles just aren't as quiet as they use to be. I have experienced this on I-75 many times and I suspect the voice command systems would be useless on a spyder or wing.
Hope this helps someone out there not spend more than they need to.
I've used 6 different GPS systems over the past few years. Most factory installed in autos/trucks. I also use a tomtom xl one, $149 Christmas two years ago, on my GL1800 and a garmin nuvi 855, $349 about two months ago, on the spyder. All are accurate if you keep them updated via the computer website and as of this date all that I have used have been reliable electronically.
The only thing I see as a negative is the fact most of the screens are difficult to see in bright sunlight unless you make a small sunshade for them. If the bright sun is from the rear and side it will still intefere with seeing the screen with any clearity.
I have mine set at maximum intensity and they are still difficult to see in the sun.
As for the voice command systems I find even the ones in the autos will state "noise inteference to high" at interstate speeds. To lessen the weight the vehicles just aren't as quiet as they use to be. I have experienced this on I-75 many times and I suspect the voice command systems would be useless on a spyder or wing.
Hope this helps someone out there not spend more than they need to.
Firefly
Active member
I find that tilting the Garmin 550 pretty far towards me so I'm looking more 'down' on it takes care of any sun issues.
Spydr in KS
New member
The Garmin Nuvi 500 is waterproof and comes preloaded with street maps and topo maps. I may buy one of these to hold me over until the new Zumo 660 is more refined. I run a cheap Nuvi now.
The Nuvi 660 has some bugs that are sort of fixed with a new firmware release. see www.zumoforums.com I am waiting for another update before I buy one. I want to use it off road for snowmobiling also and I read there are still some bugs when using routes off road.
Pick your features you need, there are many many options!
The Nuvi 660 has some bugs that are sort of fixed with a new firmware release. see www.zumoforums.com I am waiting for another update before I buy one. I want to use it off road for snowmobiling also and I read there are still some bugs when using routes off road.
Pick your features you need, there are many many options!
bone crusher
Alignment Specialist
Garmin Zumo 550, hands down...also go to POI Factory and get red light and speed camera information to add as POIs...really cool!
I have mine on the handlebar...less looking down is better for me...
I have mine on the handlebar...less looking down is better for me...
NancysToy
Motorbike Professor
My Mom used to say that if you don't break the law, you don't have to worry about speed traps and cop cars.
-Scotty
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John in PA
New member
My Mom used to say that if you don't break the law, you don't have to worry about speed traps and cop cars.
-Scotty 30ombi2ti3
Now where's the fun in that??:yikes::yikes: :joke:
bone crusher
Alignment Specialist
My Mom used to say that if you don't break the law, you don't have to worry about speed traps and cop cars.
-Scotty 30ombi2ti3
Your mom also used to say that if you do occasionally break the law and don't mean to, and nobody is harmed, that you should be able to protect yourself a little! :doorag:
We purchased the Zumo 660 and absolutely love it. Large screen, water proof, great maps plus it came with the motorcycle mount and the car mount. Makes it easy to use in both. I used the blue tooth to give voice prompts through my chatterbox.
One note, I called Garmin to find out the difference between the Zumo and Nuvi models and the major difference is the Zumo is made to handle the motorcycle vibrations. It will still work fine but may loose some life span in the end.
One note, I called Garmin to find out the difference between the Zumo and Nuvi models and the major difference is the Zumo is made to handle the motorcycle vibrations. It will still work fine but may loose some life span in the end.
bone crusher
Alignment Specialist
The zumo is waterproof...not sure if the nuvi is? Either way, the 550 is great, or the newer 660 is good to go...get a Garmin, they are by far the best...customer service cannot be touched by any other company...
I personally like the TomTom's better than the Garmin but their MC offering in the TomTom Rider is quite dated. It compares well with the Zumi 550 but the 660 seems to blow them away (aside from the noted firmware glitches).
If TomTom converts one of their newer platforms to a MC version it will be the direction I go. Until them I'm just happy with my $125 TomTom One for the bikes and my TomTom 910 for the cars.
If TomTom converts one of their newer platforms to a MC version it will be the direction I go. Until them I'm just happy with my $125 TomTom One for the bikes and my TomTom 910 for the cars.
Dragonrider
New member
I have an old garmin I stuff in the map compartment of my tank bag - ran a 12v line into the bag for long trips.
Only downside is that it's sometimes hard to use the touch screen - you have to push harder, and the older Garmin units don't support Macs - and I don't support the Dark Side....
Only downside is that it's sometimes hard to use the touch screen - you have to push harder, and the older Garmin units don't support Macs - and I don't support the Dark Side....
irish2themax
New member
I use my Magellan Roadmate 760 which is loaded with North America and 27 European countries (including, of course, IRELAND). I can take it in my luggage when I travel and use it on anything I may rent (car or bike) at my destination.
It has a much larger screen than most (3.3" x 6.5") so it's easy to read on the road. I filled the seams and the screen edges with silicone just as a precaution but I carry a soft case in my pocket in the event of heavy rain.
It has a much larger screen than most (3.3" x 6.5") so it's easy to read on the road. I filled the seams and the screen edges with silicone just as a precaution but I carry a soft case in my pocket in the event of heavy rain.
Motza
New member
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BumbleBee
RT-S PE#0174
Where did you order yours from???
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