GPS for 08 R1200GS

[2yoder1]

Going to buy a GPS for my 08 12 GS.Hope to find one that is user friendly.Leaning towards Garmin Zumo 450.Any opinions would be appreciated.Thanks Ed

[BobFV1]

Zumo 450 is a fine unit, well packaged, intuitive - as long as you don't think you'll need or want the Bluetooth functionality it is a great choice, IMO.

[Vickinutah]

Ed, your biggest question is how are you going to use your GPS. Will you need bluetooth for your phone and/or helmet bluetooth headset. If not, are you going to hardwire your helmet to the GPS. I originally bought a Garmin Nuvi 780 and returned it only because it was a single channel bluetooth and could only pair with my phone and hardwire to the helmet the audio out jack. No doubt the hardwire sound is 100% better than the bluetooth. It's a matter of wires vs no wires. If hands free phone use and listening to music is of no concern than the Zumo 450 is the answer. It's waterproof and shock tested and touratech makes alocking mount (which I bought) that is also shock mounted. If bluetooth is not a concern than your only decision is waterproofing and shock/vibration resistance. I mounted my Garmin Etrex to my Kawasaki KLR 650 and the vibration killed it. It will only work sometimes if I smack it hard enough! Be cautious buying great deals on-line, some Garmin Zumo's are being sold without all the hardware and case that normally ships with a factory unit. I also selected the Zumo 550 because I can use Garmins MapSource TOPO maps. I use a 2 Gb SD card and have the entire western states TOPO and tons of music to listen to! Goodluck and I hope this helps.

[marcopolo]

I'd say Zumo if you're interested in an intuitive unit with a great user interface (it's much like the Nuvi units for cars it terms of how you use it). If you're into off-roading etc., and hard-core navigation features, but one that's not particularly intuitive, I'd look at one of Garmin's marine chartplotters like the 478C.