GPS recommendations?

[jamesdunn]

I have always been a "map guy" . That said, I am considering the purchase of a GPS unit. I am uncertain how much I will like the use of same and do not wish to spend a whole lot of cash. Can anyone suggest an economical choice (s)? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[PAULBACH]

Check ebay for some good deals. There was a street pilot with a built in antenna for XM. I think it was a 2730 - great all around unit.

After getting one's riding skills down and confidence is gained then the GPS is a good idea. It keeps yours eyes on the road with voice prompts and off the tank bag. Tank bags are fine for carrying small items which are frequently needed but just how many seconds can a rider spare at highway speeds checking out the route?

If you are a member of the AMA there is a nice discount on the newest ZUMO.

[tommcgee]

I have always been a "map guy" . That said, I am considering the purchase of a GPS unit. I am uncertain how much I will like the use of same and do not wish to spend a whole lot of cash. Can anyone suggest an economical choice (s)? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

I've had GPS since it first became available in the mid 90's. I also still carry maps. The GPS is a navigation device rather than a map.

[PAULBACH]

I've had GPS since it first became available in the mid 90's. I also still carry maps. The GPS is a navigation device rather than a map.

Tom is right on this one. I always map out the route ahead of time and carry the maps with me. But once under way the maps (Charts for Navy hands) are out of sight.

Anyone out there use charts and GPS at the same time?

[r11rs94]

Tom is right on this one. I always map out the route ahead of time and carry the maps with me. But once under way the maps (Charts for Navy hands) are out of sight.

Anyone out there use charts and GPS at the same time?

I do as you do, chart it out on paper, write down major routes, especially around cities I am not familiar with, then I will be takining and put that in my map case on my tank bag From then on it's GPS(ZUMO 550) time.

[crazydrummerdude]

If anyone has any GPS rigs on their airhead, I'd be curious to see them. I just got one and would love to stick it on my bike somewhere.

EDIT: Let me rephrase that. I'd like to see the mounts. I'm looking for a universal waterproof mount.

[krehmkej]

I'm also dipping my toe in the world of GPS. Just got a Garmin 2720. It is waterproof and motorcycle mounts are available, along with a special power/audio cable for m/c use. Cost just over $100 shipped. This is a discontinued model without all the bells and whistles I don't need or want (XM, traffic updates, etc).

[PAULBACH]

I do as you do, chart it out on paper, write down major routes, especially around cities I am not familiar with, then I will be takining and put that in my map case on my tank bag From then on it's GPS(ZUMO 550) time.

I notice pilots alway board their aircraft with a big briefcase. I bet most of the space is taken up with charts. I don't think it is all sandwiches and fruit. My understanding is that except for landings and take offs the autopilot will get the plane there. For awhile the Navy was even experimenting with auto landings on carriers. That's putting a lot of faith in technology.

Any truth in my guess of what is in those big briefcases JK?

[kstoo]

If anyone has any GPS rigs on their airhead, I'd be curious to see them. I just got one and would love to stick it on my bike somewhere.

EDIT: Let me rephrase that. I'd like to see the mounts. I'm looking for a universal waterproof mount.

This is another thing that I have not gotten around to. I took a ride through WI, IA and MN last September and was experimenting with the GPS (Nuvi 250w) and thought that I would just stick it in the map top of the Multivario. Uh-uh :nono Can't keep my eyes on the road. :nono
I bought a handful of black TyWraps and rigged up this setup which workd very well but very temporary.
What I want to design is a plexiglas box that the GPS sets in and that can be covered up in bad weather. I haven't gotten around to it yet. If I don't find a job soon I might just have time to do this.

I'll tell you this much . . . GPS is great for impromptu side roads that don't even show up on the state map!! If the road looks interesting you just take it without worrying about where it leads or how to get back on track.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24593939@N06/3293262965/" title="2008-09-25 006 by kstoo, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3511/3293262965_516d51fc67_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="2008-09-25 006" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24593939@N06/3294086802/" title="2008-09-25 005 by kstoo, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3560/3294086802_d628da17b2_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="2008-09-25 005" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24593939@N06/3294085812/" title="2008-09-25 004 by kstoo, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3202/3294085812_a4450cf930_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="2008-09-25 004" /></a>

[r11rs94]

I notice pilots alway board their aircraft with a big briefcase. I bet most of the space is taken up with charts. I don't think it is all sandwiches and fruit. My understanding is that except for landings and take offs the autopilot will get the plane there. For awhile the Navy was even experimenting with auto landings on carriers. That's putting a lot of faith in technology.

Any truth in my guess of what is in those big briefcases JK?

Paul that may happen in the not to distance future. Landing at Atlanta a few years ago the pilot came over the radio and advised us the plane would land on auto, but not to worry as they could take over at any time. Landing was a success. Now I was stantioned on the Inderpendence for several months and a carrier landing is a little more difficult. But I'm sure some day..

[R184]

Bought a Garmin Quest a number of years ago and it's still going strong (It's on it's 3rd motorcycle, including a desert sled), but limited in memory, options and screen size compared to the new models.

I like Garmin (I own 3 units), but there are lot of good GPS units out there. Here are some company web sites to check out...

http://www.magellangps.com/
http://www.tomtom.com/
http://www.lowrance.com/en/
http://www.garmin.com/garmin/cms/site/us
http://www.delorne.com/

Things that I look for are
1/ Is the unit water/weather proof?
2/ Is it easy to operate wearing your gloves?
3/ Does the unit have a tracking feature? Nice to be able to download and save your trips onto your home computer. (OK, I guess that is a geek thing)
4/ How does it mount to your motorcycle? Are there after market mounting kits for the unit?
5/ Can you easily switch between screens, between the map and a speedometer/tripmeter option?
6/ And what can you afford to spend?


Of course maps are still great for planning the trip, getting the "big" picture of your planned route and as a back-up. Like it was already said, the GPS is for navigation.

[Manfred]

Here's the one you want (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-GKwiaWTjQ).

[kstoo]

Here's the one you want (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-GKwiaWTjQ).

NO!!!

Technology can't fix that.

[JK]

I notice pilots alway board their aircraft with a big briefcase. I bet most of the space is taken up with charts. I don't think it is all sandwiches and fruit. My understanding is that except for landings and take offs the autopilot will get the plane there. For awhile the Navy was even experimenting with auto landings on carriers. That's putting a lot of faith in technology.

Any truth in my guess of what is in those big briefcases JK?

Pilot Brain bags?

About 30 pounds worth in my old case. Beginning with a four battery D-cell mag-lite (LEOs will explain), an FOM (airline Flight Operating Manual), an AOM (Aircraft Operating Manual/B-747-400), and my domestic and international Jepps (instrument departures, instrument arrival/approach depictions, and airport information/depictions), these charts, maps, manuals, and procedures tell me the who, what, where, when, and why of how to fly, who to talk to, and on what radio frequency to get them on. They're all reviewed and certified by the Airline, FAA, and ICAO for mandatory content.

As for the "magic," there's an FMC (flight management computer) onboard the aircraft which the pilot crew programs with the filed flight plan (lat/log coordinates), fuel, airspeed, and requested altitude. ATC (Air Traffic Control) assigns the actual departure and arrival slot, issues transponder squawk, and gives the anticipated depart runway, airport taxi instructions, and departure radar vectors/ alititude clearance. The FMC interfaces directly with the aircraft's auto pilot.

Finally, toss in assorted munchies (cockpit crew only get fed once the pax are finished), an I-Pod, electric shaver, wallet, passport, notebook, little black book, and assorted non-authorized reading materials.

In summary, my flight bag/leather case is designed to help get me from Point A to Point B with the minimum of headaches and hassles.

J.K. :wow

[beemrtim]

You can get a factory remanufactured Garmin 2720 loaded with latest maps and a 1 year warantee by Garmin for around $120. Unit is waterproof and built for motorcycles.

I have a 2720 I bought used and am thinking of buying another just to get lattest maps and warantee.
T

[jamesdunn]

Hey everyone, thanks for all the useful and interesting information. I now have enough info. to make an informed purchase and will do so in short order. Thanks again!

[kasteiner]

I have always been a "map guy" . That said, I am considering the purchase of a GPS unit. I am uncertain how much I will like the use of same and do not wish to spend a whole lot of cash. Can anyone suggest an economical choice (s)? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Take a look on Amazon.com and search for Garmin Nuvi 760. It is selling for $229 and has a lot of features. the listing also has a comparison chart that is very useful.

I bought one of these several months ago and find that mine has a lot of features that others of higher price do not have.

Safe Traveling!

Keith

[61879]

I like to fish so a Garmin 276 provides WOW navigation on land and water worldwide. It also has "Voltage" data so I can monitor my battery charge

[Rod Sheridan]

I have a Garmin Quest, which is small and water resistant, fits well on my R90/6........Rod.

[GlobalRider]

I have always been a "map guy".

And even with a couple of GPSes, I'll always be a "map guy". I must have a few hundred bucks of maps.

Every try to "plan" a ride on a screen that is a matter of a few inches square? Trust me, it can't be done.

Check out the very versatile Garmin 60 Cx.

[rmarkr]

Take a look at Garmin's new offering - the Zumo 660. It's list price is about 2/3 of the 550 and it has more/better features, including stereo bluetooth.

One shortcoming of a mobile unit is the difficulty of creating routes on it. A map or desktop utility is almost essential.

[JanMiller]

Zumo 550 is pretty good. I have no experience with other brands, but also have an older Garmin GPS V which served well, as long as you can tolerate a display the size of a postage stamp..

One thing that is an irritation is that as you zoom out, you loose so much detail you can no longer navigate from it, and so you have to have a paper map on a tankbag as well to see 'the big picture'.

That said, I love my GPS and could not live without it. You are never lost, oh, you may take an odd route to get where you are going, but you will get there. Also, it is interesting to be routed to 'Charlie's Dinner' and wind up at a vacant lot or a porno store, but that's GPS'n...

Also, Garmin mapsource is clunky, heaven forbid you need to re-install, get beer, and map updates are pricey.

Also have the XM antenna, spotty but handy, though XM doesn't allow BlueTooth headsets, guess they are terrified of someone within 10 FEET stealing their product. I really wanted the weather and traffic features, but found that a subscription to weather is ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS A MONTH, so forget that..

Another Zumo irritation is that, if you load up your storage chip with music, the more you have on it, the longer the Zumo takes to load maps and start up, 4GB will turn your Zumo into a Very Slow Pig-Mo...

Abe's of Maine, www.abesofmaine.com, has good prices on electronics, currently the Zumo 550 is $669
http://abesofmaine.resultspage.com/s...w=zumo&x=0&y=0

[GlobalRider]

One thing that is an irritation is that as you zoom out, you loose so much detail you can no longer navigate from it, and so you have to have a paper map on a tankbag as well to see 'the big picture'.

Exactly...unless you use the AutoRouting feature which never picks the roads I would have taken.

When you use a quality detailed map, you soon get a knack for picking the really great routes.

[83014]

Has anyone tried the Garmin nuvi 500 or nuvi 550. Garmin places their description on the auto site but they are both waterproof and described as motorcycle friendly. The retail is $400, substantially less than the zumos. I also noticed none of the current devices have dead reckoning. The greatest feature of my V is to select the destination and dr there with the line to destination overlaying the map. Can you do that with the newer units? The lousy feature of the V is memory.

[kstoo]

I found that CycleGadgets (http://www.cyclegadgets.com/Products/RAM/) has really expanded their selection. There is now available a specific mount that holds my Garmin 200W and then I can design the rest as I please.
http://www.cyclegadgets.com/Products/RAM/

[41047]

I have a Garmin Nuvi and was using it in my Jeep. I decided to try it on my airhead. I bought a RAM motorcycle GPS mount device. It works great, it is solid , easily adjustable and fairly low cost ($35-40). If you change GPS devices you can buy the appropriate holder for it and continue to use that part of the mount that bolts to the handle bars. I do not think the Nuvi is waterproof, if it is raining I will just have to store it. Now that I am satisfied with this set up I plan on buying a power cord from RAM. The pic is not the best , hope you can get an idea of this set up.

[ducatipaso]

the Garmin 276C if you can find one is a great choice for bikes.

[wuli959]

another option to consider is mounting the gps to your tank bag if you use one. Especially if you want to integrate power connects, sound or other devices. Easy on and off when complete.

http://www.rka-luggage.com/A02%20Tankbags/com%20bag%20Build%20sheet/Customers%20Com%20Bags/R100RT/R100RT_16_INC_bi.jpg

(not my bike or photo)