GPS?

[rmrc51]

I just installed a power-point on the handle bars for a future GPS and/or iPod hookup (See photo below)

As you can see, I already have a very busy area with all of the moto-gauges. I'll probably have to remove the black pouch next to the power-point so as not to block anything.

Any way, I'm rambling here.

What I'd like to know is which GPS is the easiest to use. I've never had one. Keep in mind that I'm not one for fancy technology! Even my cell phone is one of the most basic ones offered. All I need is a reliable GPS that will get me from point A to point B and of course one that's a decent quality.

[Fritz The Cat]

Careful, it can get out of hand real easy.

[Spirited-6]

Careful, it can get out of hand real easy.

TOO LATE. I would run off the road looking at all.  

One question ; WHY ? Valk`s do very well from the get go. But, I guess you just like gauges. 

[Bob E.]

Well, if all you want is the most basic GPS, almost any will do.  Personally, I like Garmins, so I would probably recommend a Nuvi.  A Garmin Zumo (I really want a Zumo 660) is more motorcycle specific because they are waterproof and supposedly more heavy duty, brighter screen, larger touch screen buttons for use with gloves, etc.  But they can be pretty spendy. The Zumo 660 that I want is over $600.  But you can get a a basic Nuvi for around $100.  Go to www.garmin.com and do go to their features/selection page or whatever it is called.  There you can go through the list of features, check off the ones you want, and it will tell you what models have those features.

If you want easy to use, the TomToms are pretty idiot proof and reasonably priced.  My dad has one, my mother-in-law has one, and my brother has one.  And they all like them, though I couldn't tell you which models they have.  I do know that none are the motorcycle-specific models...nor are any of them used on motorcycles.

Personally, I'd stay away from Magellan...only because I have a friend who had one and it quit on him.  He sent it in for repair under warranty and never got it back.  They wouldn't even acknowledge receiving it even though he had a tracking number that showed it had been signed for at their address.

[BonS]

For me the Garmin zumo line is best. They're both waterproof and sunlight readable. I had a TomTom and it would just disappear in the sunlight.

[Serk]

Garmin Zumo line, anything from that line should do fine (I have a 550 and a 660 personally)

The catch is, I dunno that they're necessarily the simplest, which was your main requirement, but, IMHO, they are by far the best for use on a motorcycle.

[wiggydotcom]

No doubt a Zumo is probably the best motorcycle specific GPS, but I just couldn't pull the trigger on the price. I bought a Garmin 1490t a couple of yrs ago and it's plenty bright in the sun. It also has a big display. A plastic sandwich bag thrown over the top makes it about as waterproof as I need it to be. It costs only about 180 when I bought it.

[Serk]

No doubt a Zumo is probably the best motorcycle specific GPS, but I just couldn't pull the trigger on the price.

Yes, the Zumo's are pricey, but do keep in mind they include a motorcycle mount as well. If you're looking at other than a Zumo, be sure to also research and include the price of a full RAM mount as well.

[wiggydotcom]

No doubt a Zumo is probably the best motorcycle specific GPS, but I just couldn't pull the trigger on the price.

Yes, the Zumo's are pricey, but do keep in mind they include a motorcycle mount as well. If you're looking at other than a Zumo, be sure to also research and include the price of a full RAM mount as well.

While I wasn't aware the mount was thrown in with the Zumo..I also bought a Ram mount for the Nuvi 1490t. The present cradle and holder are 45 bucks...for me, not a dealbreaker that would swing me to the Zumo.

[sandy]

The Zumo's come with MC and auto mounts. Power cables and USB cables also are included. The 550 only has 2 gig of memory so it's limited on map upgrades. The 660/665's have 4 gig and are better for upgrades. I have a 665 with a 16 gig card installed. On it is 125 music CD's. Over 1400 music tracks. Paid $700 through BikeBandit on black Friday.

[bscrive]

I bought a Nuvi a few years back for the bike, I have not used it once on the bike.  I just use maps.  Those stupid GPS' will get you messed up if you follow them.

[Chiefy]

I bought a cheap GPS, and a water proof mount for it.  I've used it twice.  Once at night, once during the day.  At night was fine.  I couldn't see it much during the day.  Any old cheap GPS will do, but try and find a mount/housing that will give the screen enough shade to work in the sun.  Have been meaning to fabricate something for mine.  But I just don't flat use it.  The time I used it during the day, I was just trying to compare the speedo and GPS mph.

[3W-lonerider]

i just bought a nuvi 550..paid 300 for it and the hardwire cable for the bike..comes with a ram mount and everything needed to use it on a bike or car..if your going to use the plug then you don't need a hardwire for it..debated between the zumo 220 and nuvi 550.both are waterproof and come with everything you need in the box..only difference was the 550 does not have bluetooth and the 220 does. did'nt need the bluetooth so did'nt need to pay an extra 100 for the 220.

http://www.gpscity.com/garmin-nuvi-550-automoto-kit.html

http://www.gpscity.com/garmin-zumo-220.html

http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-n%C3%BCvi-3-5-Inch-Portable-Navigator/dp/B001CT009O/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1330902256&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-3-5-Inch-Bluetooth-Motorcycle-Navigator/dp/B0035JERXY/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1330902289&sr=1-1

[scoot]

I have a Megelllan 2200t that I use on the bike. It is water proof, vibration proof and easy to use. It has  music and picture capabilities as well. Best they can be had for under $100. No, they don't come with a fancy smancy motorcycle RAM mount, but with a little good ol' American ingenuity a nice one can be custom made. Best thing is you will still have $400 to spend on other stuff.
http://magellan.factoryoutletstore.com/Category/CategoryListNoCache.aspx?category_id=0&search_term=2200t

[sugerbear]

i have a nuvi 2555. not waterproof, but that can be addressed easy enough.

5 in screen can see it nicely.  haven't put it on the bike yet but shouldn't be much of a problem.

paid $250 and very easy to operate.

[BF]

I have a Garmin Nuvi.  It's great in the truck for trips, but I tried on the bike once and you can't see in daylight.  

If I buy one for the bike, it'll be daylight readable and I'll look for the biggest screen I can find.  

[sugerbear]

magellin makes a 7in screen. don't know about the quality though.

[rmrc51]

Thanks for all of the info guys. Looks like I'll be going with one of the Garmins. 

[MacDragon]

This is a cheap Garmin Nuvi on the Ace that I have.


And I have the larger Garmin for the Valk. (no pic that I could find)
I have the Kuryakyn Powerpoint on both bikes for power.  It's a nice piece... all chrome little bullet.  At around $60 apiece... I could have gone cheaper for the same power source that wasn't as pretty. 

[rmrc51]

This is a cheap Garmin Nuvi on the Ace that I have.


And I have the larger Garmin for the Valk. (no pic that I could find)
I have the Kuryakyn Powerpoint on both bikes for power.  It's a nice piece... all chrome little bullet.  At around $60 apiece... I could have gone cheaper for the same power source that wasn't as pretty. 

I never thought of trying to use a suction cup windshield mount for the GPS. Does yours stay in place?

[Bob E.]

This is a cheap Garmin Nuvi on the Ace that I have.


And I have the larger Garmin for the Valk. (no pic that I could find)
I have the Kuryakyn Powerpoint on both bikes for power.  It's a nice piece... all chrome little bullet.  At around $60 apiece... I could have gone cheaper for the same power source that wasn't as pretty. 

I never thought of trying to use a suction cup windshield mount for the GPS. Does yours stay in place?

I wouldn't trust it...at least not without some sort of tether.  The one in my car falls off all the time.  But at least it just lands on the dash.

[old grouch]

rmrc51-- I have the Nuvi 550.  Works just fine, pretty simple to use, readable in daylight, but just.  Waterproof.   I have a Ram mount that screws into one of the handlebar clamp bolts.  I would NOT use a suction cup mount.  It will NOT stay put.  Even with a tether, you are still gonna grab at it when it shakes off!  Not a good idea, even on a trike!  Stan

[highcountry]

I got a refurb Nuvi 500 which is weatherproof and does everything that I want from a GPS.  You can get one less than $200.

http://www.tigergps.com/refurbnuvi500.html

[BonS]

One more thought on sunlight readability: your sunglasses. They can make a huge difference with these screens. Don't really know why, polarization perhaps. But, if you're making visual comparisons while you're shopping take your favorite pair with you. Even my Garmin 665 is a bit marginal for me when I'm wearing my favorite sunglasses. As I said before my TomTom was terrible in sunlight and with my sunglasses on it disappeared.

[Rams]

Well, I guess I'm the only one here that is happy with my TomTom Rider.   I'll admit daylight viewing can be tuff if, the sun is shining on the  screeen but, so far, I've really enjoyed having it.  Though, I did mute the sound and bluetooth.  Just got didn't want to listen to it.  But, that's just me.

[jer0177]

This is a cheap Garmin Nuvi on the Ace that I have.


And I have the larger Garmin for the Valk. (no pic that I could find)
I have the Kuryakyn Powerpoint on both bikes for power.  It's a nice piece... all chrome little bullet.  At around $60 apiece... I could have gone cheaper for the same power source that wasn't as pretty.  

I never thought of trying to use a suction cup windshield mount for the GPS. Does yours stay in place?

I wouldn't trust it...at least not without some sort of tether.  The one in my car falls off all the time.  But at least it just lands on the dash.

I've used the suction cup mount on my Shadow (Memphis Fats shield) and on the Valk IS shield.  It worked great on the Shadow, but my IS shield is delaminating, so the suction cup fell off sometime during an overnight garage test, even without the GPS hung in it.  

I found a guy on ebay selling an aluminum post with a ball milled onto the end of it that's the same size as the garmin mount ball, mount and used a Kury "universal mirror mount" bracket clamp to hold it to the handlebars.  Works great, and looks pretty nice too.

[FPG52]

Another  for the Garmin Zumo... aside from being waterproof the locking system is built for bikes so a specialty locking system (screwdriver) allows you to secure it on the bike... when I am off for long periods I take it off but for a quick stop I feel secure leaving it mounted. Others may do the same just not sure.   Also as someone else mentioned it is set up to load audio on the system so you do not need a separate MP3 player.  I often use it just for the music and not as GPS.  And once you get used to it not hard to use.  only downside... cost.  If you can afford it I believe it is worth it... good luck with your choice.

[Jess Tolbirt]

the windshiels suction cup mount works great mounted onto the tach, fits perfectly and hangs on...

[rmrc51]

Another  for the Garmin Zumo... aside from being waterproof the locking system is built for bikes so a specialty locking system (screwdriver) allows you to secure it on the bike... when I am off for long periods I take it off but for a quick stop I feel secure leaving it mounted. Others may do the same just not sure.   Also as someone else mentioned it is set up to load audio on the system so you do not need a separate MP3 player.  I often use it just for the music and not as GPS.  And once you get used to it not hard to use.  only downside... cost.  If you can afford it I believe it is worth it... good luck with your choice.

You mentioned that you can also load music on the Zumo? I was going to get an iPod to hook into the "Motorcycle Tunes" stereo system. Can I just hook up the Zumo in it's place? If so, then I'll definitely go with the Zumo!!!

[Bob E.]

Another  for the Garmin Zumo... aside from being waterproof the locking system is built for bikes so a specialty locking system (screwdriver) allows you to secure it on the bike... when I am off for long periods I take it off but for a quick stop I feel secure leaving it mounted. Others may do the same just not sure.   Also as someone else mentioned it is set up to load audio on the system so you do not need a separate MP3 player.  I often use it just for the music and not as GPS.  And once you get used to it not hard to use.  only downside... cost.  If you can afford it I believe it is worth it... good luck with your choice.

You mentioned that you can also load music on the Zumo? I was going to get an iPod to hook into the "Motorcycle Tunes" stereo system. Can I just hook up the Zumo in it's place? If so, then I'll definitely go with the Zumo!!!

Yep..Zumo has a built in MP3 player.  And the Zumo 665 even has built-in satellite radio.

[rmrc51]

Another  for the Garmin Zumo... aside from being waterproof the locking system is built for bikes so a specialty locking system (screwdriver) allows you to secure it on the bike... when I am off for long periods I take it off but for a quick stop I feel secure leaving it mounted. Others may do the same just not sure.   Also as someone else mentioned it is set up to load audio on the system so you do not need a separate MP3 player.  I often use it just for the music and not as GPS.  And once you get used to it not hard to use.  only downside... cost.  If you can afford it I believe it is worth it... good luck with your choice.

You mentioned that you can also load music on the Zumo? I was going to get an iPod to hook into the "Motorcycle Tunes" stereo system. Can I just hook up the Zumo in it's place? If so, then I'll definitely go with the Zumo!!!

Yep..Zumo has a built in MP3 player.  And the Zumo 665 even has built-in satellite radio.

Thanks Bob,

I'll definitely be going with the Zumo!