New GPS

[121247]

Looking at a new GPS for my R1200RT. Recommendations would be helpful.
Thanks,
CW

[RTRandy]

It all depends on what features you like and how you want to mount it. I have the Garmin GPSMAP 276C which is waterproof , has a bright screen in sunlight with tons of features. It has an internal battery which lasts easily 12 hours, though will stay charged on the bikes power. It comes with it's own bracket since it's also rated for marine use and you can get a car charger with a built in speaker to use in your car. It also has a flash memory which means you load your own maps using up to 256 meg. You can get about half the US on one stick. They also make the same exact box called the 376C and that one has real time weather radar overlaid over your map. Very cool , but it's a subscribed monthly service. Some of the other units have the whole US map built in , but no internal battery.

In any case, one of the best places to buy a GPS with the lowest prices and a wealth of information and selection is GPS City (http://www.gpscity.com/) One thing for sure, when you get one you won't regret having one on your bike. Also, BMR Products (http://bmrproducts.com/products.php?cat=10) makes great set ups for mounting GPS and other stuff on your 1200RT.

[GSWayne]

I also have a 276C and I am pleased with it. I use a RAM mount on the handlebar of a R1200GS and power it from the bike via the tankbag.

[Mudbug]

Check out the Garmin zumo 550 on the Garmin web site. It is a motorcycle specific GPS. It holds the entire North America and can be easily viewed in bright sun light. It is vibration tested and made of fuel and UV resistant materials.

It will be on sale in October 2006.

[deilenberger]

You might also consider the new BMW Navigator-III. Brand new - just got a newsblurb about it. Has built-in XM radio, BlueTooth, and the special BMW mount with 4 buttons made to be used with gloves on (a critical concern IMHO..) Cost is the same as the Navigator-II - $1395.

[BradfordBenn]

I am really happy with my Garmin 2610 on my R1150RT. However the big thing is what features do you want? Auto Routing? Audible Prompts? Touch Screen...

[pbbeck]

Looking at a new GPS for my R1200RT. Recommendations would be helpful.
Thanks,
CW

I got to fiddle around with a Nav III at the Vermont Rally. A nice guy from BMW Motorrad demo-ed it for me. It's a HUGE upgrade from the Nav II Plus that I have. Things that I remember seeing...

• much faster processor
• when powered on at the rally, the Nav III acquired satellites within seconds - and that was under a tent
• brighter TFT screen
• reorganized buttons - easier to use touch screen w/ gloves
• updated maps
• cool 3-D, over the horizon view
• you can now scroll up/down through lists on screen using the in and out buttons on the left
• bluetooth (if that matters) - you can sync your cell phone numbers into it
• XM
• memory for 10,000 points in track log (vs. Nav II's 2000 points)
• 2GB compact flash card is soldered on for durability

Hope that helps.

[Rebus]

I ordered my Navigator III last week for my R1200RT and should be getting it next week! After reading this info, I'm getting excited... I'll get you some feedback after I get it. I wasn't aware that it included the XM receiver, which is a huge bonus.

[hlothery]

I have a Navigator II, and I am very satisfied with it. I would agree that the Nav III is probably the way to go. Love the II, and the upgrades for the III should make it even better and easier to use. Its nice to have that mount, which has four large extra buttons to enhance usage without having to touch the screen, even though you can if you need to. Plugs right into your sound system with a miniplug, I would assume that you could, then, access the XM radio on the III just as easily.

[Mudbug]

The Navigator III looks just like the Navigator II. BMW has a promotion going on now. If you buy a 2006 K1200S, K1200LT, R1200RT between August 2nd and September 16th, you will receive a free Navigator III GPS with mounting hardware.

So, if you've been thinking about it... Or if you already bought one after August 2, you may be intitled to one.

[Harrington]

I've yet to see official info that the Nav III has XM. Could somebody please post an official link displaying this info. I'm also curious to know where the XM antenna is mounted during the Nav III installation.

I haven't pulled the plug on a GPS yet. I love my RT12 and would like to see a clean set up for the XM, GPS and radio. I'd like to see the Nav III pipe in through my existing speakers with in a nice convenient plug'n'play kinda' way.

The price of the Nav III doesn't sound that bad if it would function as preferred.

[cwsenn]

I put the IWAY 500C on my 1200RT. I love it and it has 10Gig of space for MP3S, comes loaded with maps of the entire US and Canada and has a $100.00 mail in rebate through September. Check it out here http://www.buydig.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=LRIWAY500C# for $469.00 after rebate.


LOWNSLO

[Rebus]

Just received my Nav III and there is no mention of any on board XM or XM capability. Not that I had expected it, but would have been a nice surprise. My unit shipped with no manual and sketchy instructions for the bike mount. Hopefully the unit is better than the packaging. Stand by for more...

[joelaw]

I have a Garmin 2610 mounted with RAM mount on my 05 R1200RT. 2610 works well, my only complaint is (I have read similar complaints) the display washes out in direct sunlight. Even building a glare shield did not mske much improvement. I am very satisfied otherwise.

[Rebus]

Here is the response from Garmin:

"Steve Sylvester,

Thank you for contacting Garmin Product Support. The BMW Nav III is similar
to the StreetPilot 2820 but it does not have the media player or XM
capabilities. If you need further assistance please contact us or reply to
this email.

Best Regards,


Crystal B.
Product Support Specialist
Garmin International
1200 E 151st Street
Olathe, KS 66062
(800) 800-1020
Fax# (913) 440-5488
www.garmin.com"

[Harrington]

Thanks for the clarification on XM capabilities. :cry

[cjack]

I ordered my Navigator III last week for my R1200RT and should be getting it next week! After reading this info, I'm getting excited... I'll get you some feedback after I get it. I wasn't aware that it included the XM receiver, which is a huge bonus.

I tried a Nav III on my S and have to say it is really great. Better than the Nav II+ that I have had. One thing I like is when I do a find, it draws a map and puts a thumbtack on the map where the motel, resturant, etc. is. Now I'll know if the motel is across the river or on this side. I really just want a map with thumbtacks on it and this is the closest yet. Oh and also it has much bigger buttons on the screen for gloves which works great and the +/- buttons on the cradle do scrolling now when scrolling is needed. I think I like the 2D map instead of the 3D and I usually always go North up. So the 3D doesn't interest me. The Bluetooth may be nice, but I don't usually route. But there is more info as to cross streets on the main map though. Also the map has a lot more detail on it in different colors and intensity to show the complex of roads and streets as well as the main roads in the area.
I like it. I'm sold. That was with about a 8 mile ride yesterday.
Get one.
We called the parts depot at NA and asked if you can just buy the Nav III with the version 8 City Nav to drop into your old Nav II cradle. They didn't know. But he's going to check. I kind of doubt it though. I think we'll have to buy the whole kit again to get a Nav III. I did drop the Nav III into my Nav II cradle (in fact it is the same part #) and it works great with all the new features.
Get one.

[hlothery]

Since the Nav III works in the old Nav II cradle, I wonder how a 2820 would do dropped into a Nav II cradle. Hmmmmm....

[Rebus]

If anybody has a photo showing how the Nav II or Nav III mounts on a R1200RT it would be greatly appreciated. The instructions from BMW are absolutely worthless...

[cjack]

Since the Nav III works in the old Nav II cradle, I wonder how a 2820 would do dropped into a Nav II cradle. Hmmmmm....

So far, the 2xxx non BMW modified GPSes will fit in a cradle, but the buttons won't be functional.

[RickInMA]

I am looking to purchase a GPS for my 1200 ST probably in Spring '07. The two units I am considering are the Garmin Zumo 550 and the Navigator III. A big question I have is how does the Nav III bracket mount to the bike? Does it mount to the top steering bracket or the tank (yikes!)? Can someone post some pictures?

It seems the ideal location for any GPS would be above the instrument pod, which would put it more in your constant line of site. I'm pretty sure this option is not even available with the Zumo given the small clearance between my windscreen and instruments.

[hlothery]

I am looking to purchase a GPS for my 1200 ST probably in Spring '07. The two units I am considering are the Garmin Zumo 550 and the Navigator III. A big question I have is how does the Nav III bracket mount to the bike? Does it mount to the top steering bracket or the tank (yikes!)? Can someone post some pictures?

It seems the ideal location for any GPS would be above the instrument pod, which would put it more in your constant line of site. I'm pretty sure this option is not even available with the Zumo given the small clearance between my windscreen and instruments.


The standard way of mounting the Nav units is on the center of the handlebars. It only takes a couple of minutes, and I have found it to be perfect for my usage. Many folks, however, do buy a shelf, as you suggested, to get it more in line of sight.

[cjack]

I am looking to purchase a GPS for my 1200 ST probably in Spring '07. The two units I am considering are the Garmin Zumo 550 and the Navigator III. A big question I have is how does the Nav III bracket mount to the bike? Does it mount to the top steering bracket or the tank (yikes!)? Can someone post some pictures?

It seems the ideal location for any GPS would be above the instrument pod, which would put it more in your constant line of site. I'm pretty sure this option is not even available with the Zumo given the small clearance between my windscreen and instruments.

On the ST the Nav mounts on the tank cover. But, you can get a ZTecnik Tech mount to mount to the mirror mount (spans the mirror and fastens with the two bolts that hold the mirror mount in place) and do whatever you want. I mount my Nav III to a ball (no mirror there on my S...) screwed into an ST mirror mount and use a couple of short RAM arms with a double barbell. I can arrange it anywhere I want. The two RAM arms give freedom of movement that you can't get with one longer arm.

[MrBee]

Anyone one have any advice? Everthing else seem to work! Put the unit in my car this morning, drove 1 hour. Still no satilites. Bummer.

[RickInMA]

Anyone one have any advice? Everthing else seem to work! Put the unit in my car this morning, drove 1 hour. Still no satilites. Bummer.

Does the Nav III have a demo mode? My car GPS does and I think that ignores satelite data and just plays a predefined sequence. This is just a stab in the dark. Good luck!

[RickInMA]

Thanks for the replies to my earlier post.

I'm not crazy about mounting the GPS to my tank, so I am leaning towards the Garmin Zumo and using the included RAM mount. I would probably change the bike end connection to a mirror mount. Given the handle bar geometry of my bike, I think that I would mount the unit inboard of the mirror, just below the speedo.

BTW, the decision isn't based solely on the mounting option. The Zumo seems to be loaded with features in a package that is slightly smaller than the Nav III.

[Rebus]

Mrbee - make sure it is not set for "indoor" use - that disables the satellite acquisition.

[cjack]

Thanks for the replies to my earlier post.

I'm not crazy about mounting the GPS to my tank, so I am leaning towards the Garmin Zumo and using the included RAM mount. I would probably change the bike end connection to a mirror mount. Given the handle bar geometry of my bike, I think that I would mount the unit inboard of the mirror, just below the speedo.

BTW, the decision isn't based solely on the mounting option. The Zumo seems to be loaded with features in a package that is slightly smaller than the Nav III.

I have the III but have not seen the Zumo (comes out in October). It looks to me like it has the extra feature of XM and I think all else is the mostly the same except that it has SD card "expansion". I wonder if it has a hard drive in addition, or just a card or what. I think the III uses a hard drive which is a guess on my part by what they don't say, rather than what they say. Seems to be bulletproof though. You can also get a trim "Cap" for it with various colors or "flames". Kool. Wonder who they think buy these $1000 GPSes. Ok on the mount. I wouldn't put a U shaped clamp on my handlebars if I could. I think the ZTecnik adapter to the mirror mount would be the most sanitary. I didn't use the tank mount either.
I noticed that the screens look identical, same buttons, etc.
By the way if you buy a new '06 K12S in the next week and a half, you get a Nav III and saddle bags free. The other '06s only get you the Nav III free. Such a deal...

[rdsmith3]

I wouldn't put a U shaped clamp on my handlebars if I could.

Why is that?

I have my XM radio mounted that way, and I'm thinking of buying a Zumo. I would mount it the same way.

There are not a lot of mounting options on a Roadster.

http://r1150r.smugmug.com/photos/64633255-M.jpg

[cjack]

Why is that?

I have my XM radio mounted that way, and I'm thinking of buying a Zumo. I would mount it the same way.

There are not a lot of mounting options on a Roadster.

http://r1150r.smugmug.com/photos/64633255-M.jpg

It just seems less than ideal. Notice the stock handlebar clamps which have a machined flat area to provide the necessary friction.
Maybe just me.

[dlowry]

I have a Garmin 276C on my R1200RT. If you are considering this unit, you can purchase the BMW mount for the Navigator II (part #71607687853). The Garmin marine mount that comes standard with the 276C bolts right onto the BMW mount. This puts the until in the same place as the NavII. I actually had a Garmin 60C on it first using the same mount that I had to "frankenstein" a bit, but the screen was a bit too small for me.. RAM mounts are nice, but this makes for a factory like appearance without the factory sticker price. If I were to go for a new GPS today, I'd get the Garmin 478. It uses the same mount as the 276, it is a marine unit so it's water tight for those rainy days.

As a side note, I did power the 276 from the rear accessory port using a cable for the retrofit kit for the accessory port (BMW Part #71607685624) so I could butcher it, rather than the bike's wiring harness. This was fine until one day when I had used the GPS off of the bike on the battery. When I connected the GPS back to the bike power it started charging. Apparently, if there is too much of a draw on the accessory port, it does not power off after 45 seconds after the key is turned off, and well it ran the bikes battery down some charging the GPS. To counter this, I used a relay and now feed the accessories directly from the battery and use the accessory circuit to trip the relay on and off. If anyone wants to see pictures I can post them. This was a clean way to power things without really touching the CANBUS.

Dave
R1200RT

[Chrisrides]

i don't know how great the attached pic is, but i also did not want to drill through my tank to attach the gps. i ended up buying a mount from gadget guy that i like very much. attaches to the triple clamp bolts and puts the gps right in my line of sight of the instrument cluster, and i can use a full size tank bag with the gps fully visible.

i'm interested to lean more about the zumo ... is it an upgrade, downgrade or lateral move from the nav II?

btw, my nav II screen disintegrated after only 5 months of use ... it's going back for full warranty replacement.

[cjack]

i don't know how great the attached pic is, but i also did not want to drill through my tank to attach the gps. i ended up buying a mount from gadget guy that i like very much. attaches to the triple clamp bolts and puts the gps right in my line of sight of the instrument cluster, and i can use a full size tank bag with the gps fully visible.

i'm interested to lean more about the zumo ... is it an upgrade, downgrade or lateral move from the nav II?

btw, my nav II screen disintegrated after only 5 months of use ... it's going back for full warranty replacement.

I think the zumo is a significant upgrade. Like the Nav III (2820) but with XM as well.