Garmin Zumo XT GPS

[da prez]

  Just started looking again. Is this unit worthwhile . JP cycle has it for $399.99 but I did not see a mount listed.  Amazon has it for $389.99 with mount.  Using paper maps while riding the Valk is a bad idea. 

                                            da prez

[scooperhsd]

Garmin's Motorcycle GPS's come with handlebar mounts. However - you may need to get a base if you want to use it in a cage as well. At least on my Zumo 396.

[carolinarider09]

I have used Zumo GPS devices since about 2006, now using a Garmin 595. 

Two things (well three). 

Frist, there is a forum that is just there for Garmin devices and they do respond to questions and seem to be pretty accurate.

https://www.zumouserforums.co.uk

Second, You will need to use Basecamp to build routes with the XT.  While you can enter a destination into the GPS (well at least that is an option on the 595), it would take some work to build a route on the device. 

I found Basecamp to be a real pain to learn (compared to what I was using for my Garmin 665 which was Microsoft Streets and Trips).

Third, my Garmin 595 came with both the car mount and  motorcycle mount. 

[scooperhsd]

Last time I checked - Harley Davidson had a map  planning site that you could upload trips into your Zumo. It is MUCH easier to use than BaseCamp.

Edit - site is https://maps.harley-davidson.com/map/create

[ridingron]

I think I read that it was being phased out. Replacing with the Zumo XT II. Just to be special, it comes with a similar (not the same) mount that does not interchange with the XT.

Maybe why the sale?

[Hook#3287]

I've got the Garmin Zumo XT on my Wing and I bought another mount for my Atv.  Swapping it from one to another is a breeze.  Also very easy to remove and store in the bags.

I use my older Garmin on my Valks.

I like the Garmin system as I'm used to it.

That looks like a good price for that unit.

[Jess from VA]

I write turn by turn on paper and painter's tape it on the inside of the shield.   

It has to be bold large print, I don't ride with my trifocals (just tinted single vision distance lenses).  When riding, I like to use the whole lens, not just the top.  I can usually do it on one piece of paper. 

When possible, I follow another rider with a mounted GPS or cell phone.   Occasionally, this results in some funny circles and doubling back with the leader making angry gestures and cursing his GPS. 

Don't cell phones have GPS, and if so, why a separate GPS?   (I have neither, just curious.)

[HayHauler]

I write turn by turn on paper and painter's tape it on the inside of the shield.   

It has to be bold large print, I don't ride with my trifocals (just tinted single vision distance lenses).  When riding, I like to use the whole lens, not just the top.  I can usually do it on one piece of paper. 

When possible, I follow another rider with a mounted GPS or cell phone.   Occasionally, this results in some funny circles and doubling back with the leader making angry gestures and cursing his GPS. 

Don't cell phones have GPS, and if so, why a separate GPS?   (I have neither, just curious.)

I can answer that one.  The reason for 2 of them is that google maps are not too good if cell service is spotty.  At that point, the Garmin is king.  Garmin saved our butts when in Wyoming a few years back.

Hay 
Jimmyt

[Jess from VA]

Thanks Jimmy.  I've been told about cell service coverage before (as GPS) but forgot.

And some of the best riding just might be where cell service is sketchy.

I also recall being told that having your cell phone bounce out the holder on the bike is a more expensive loss (and with more personal info if not destroyed) than losing a GPS. 

[Oss]

if you watched Itchy Boots,  Noraly's tablet fell off the mount a week ago somewhere
in Turkey and is now using just her cell phone.

I still write directions on index cards and tape them to my tank bag

Then I can turn off the phone and ride in blissful silence

Not everyone needs music and such whilst moseying about

[old2soon]

     Sometimes I like pulling into a fuel stop or a grocery store fer the ol standby-ask a local!  I've used the GPS in my phone But on the scooter the phone hard to hear and dang near impossible to see with dark shades on. I've also put directions on paper. As an old time trucker I carry a road atlas on long trips. And case Anyone fergitted-you aint Never lost on a M/C you iz taking an alternate route!  RIDE SAFE.

[fudgie]

I use paper maps and study them for months prior to a trip. I double check myself at gas stops. As a wing owner I held out on a gps. This summer coming back from Utah my route in Co had a major detour. I had to plan a different route the night before which was frustrating. Used my phone which was a pita. A month later, I bought the cheapest garmin I could at wal mart. Bought mount and parts from Arkon Mounts and it works great. Still carry a atlas tho.

[scooperhsd]

I prefer to use Garmins, but occaisionally end up using my cell phone. What I LIKE to do on my cell phone is to use the "Offline Maps" feature of my Android phone (and works regardless of cell reception). I also like to have the old reliable Rand McNally Road atlas when on a long trip. Also on a long trip - I'll often have a backup Garmin with me as well.

[Hook#3287]

I write turn by turn on paper and painter's tape it on the inside of the shield.   

It has to be bold large print, I don't ride with my trifocals (just tinted single vision distance lenses).  When riding, I like to use the whole lens, not just the top.  I can usually do it on one piece of paper. 

When possible, I follow another rider with a mounted GPS or cell phone.   Occasionally, this results in some funny circles and doubling back with the leader making angry gestures and cursing his GPS. 

Don't cell phones have GPS, and if so, why a separate GPS?   (I have neither, just curious.)

Jess, someday you might have to join the 90's and get a cell phone.

I use my phones google maps when in my cage and it works well.

I prefer to have my cell in my pocket when on a bike.

About once or twice a year, I'll get on my ride, plant a pin somewhere on my GPS map, hit avoid highways and enable shortest route and follow where it leads.

I've found many excellent roads, I've past by for years, doing so.

[HayHauler]

I write turn by turn on paper and painter's tape it on the inside of the shield.   

It has to be bold large print, I don't ride with my trifocals (just tinted single vision distance lenses).  When riding, I like to use the whole lens, not just the top.  I can usually do it on one piece of paper. 

When possible, I follow another rider with a mounted GPS or cell phone.   Occasionally, this results in some funny circles and doubling back with the leader making angry gestures and cursing his GPS. 

Don't cell phones have GPS, and if so, why a separate GPS?   (I have neither, just curious.)

Jess, someday you might have to join the 90's and get a cell phone.

I use my phones google maps when in my cage and it works well.

I prefer to have my cell in my pocket when on a bike.

About once or twice a year, I'll get on my ride, plant a pin somewhere on my GPS map, hit avoid highways and enable shortest route and follow where it leads.

I've found many excellent roads, I've past by for years, doing so.

Hook, this is our exact plan when heading to Inzane every year.  Put in the final destination, avoid highways/tolls, and just follow where she leads us.  It has resulted in some awesome roads, but led us down a couple of roads that are under construction.  All in all, a great way to travel the country and stay out of terrible traffic jams.

Hay 
Jimmyt

[Jess from VA]

Jess, someday you might have to join the 90's and get a cell phone. Smiley

Not happening.     (actually, a buddy gifted me a very basic one, but after a few hours with it pissing me off, I stuck it in my china cabinet with the rest of the stuff I never use.)

Inzanes and other trips, I usually use interstates for part of the trip, but use some nice riding roads on both ends of the trip.  This cuts down on the length/size of my turn by turn directions taped to the windshield.

And I pick the times to be on the interstate with the least traffic possible (usually early). 

[Avanti]

Scenic app. No cell connection needed. I run my phone on airplane mode. All maps are in the phone.  I  can set up any route, anywhere, and change it anytime. A route saved with a phone connection can be opened in my wife’s phone anywhere with a connection and is then saved to a folder in her phone.

[da prez]

  I am thinking I want a basic waterproof GPS for the bike. I tried using the phone and it did the maps , but was hard to read. Caught it once when it came out of the holder.  I have a low tech Garmin I like n but can not get the new program without funding the national debt. It is cheaper to buy new with program.  I do not care about the high-tech crap.  B A S I C

                                                       da prez

[Hook#3287]

  I am thinking I want a basic waterproof GPS for the bike. I tried using the phone and it did the maps , but was hard to read. Caught it once when it came out of the holder.  I have a low tech Garmin I like n but can not get the new program without funding the national debt. It is cheaper to buy new with program.  I do not care about the high-tech crap.  B A S I C

                                                       da prez

Well prez, the XT can be as basic as you want, that's the way I use it.

It's got all kinds of dodads and could probably follow the stock market if you wanted, but I don't use any of that crap.

Basic GPS and a good one.  Seems well built, supposed to be weather proof and will take a beating, plus the mount seems solid as long as you make sure you click it in correctly.

[Avanti]

I rarely look at my phone all directions are audio to my helmet. Sometimes I just put my phone in my saddle bag where it can also be plugged in.

[Jess from VA]

I rarely look at my phone all directions are audio to my helmet. Sometimes I just put my phone in my saddle bag where it can also be plugged in.

Wow that's impressive. 

The closest I ever came to that was the wife behind me smacking me on the helmet.  The harder the smack, the more she wanted me to slow down. 

[henry 008]

Hmm... my wife did almost the exact same thing. I(we) would be having fun on a spirited ride, but when I start dragging pegs I'd get a slap on the helmet and she would say "REMEMBER WHOS BACK HERE!"   
  

[Jess from VA]

When the slaps turn to rabbit punches to the back of the head it's definitely time to slow down. 

I no longer take any backseaters (and one Interstate is set up pure solo).  I adore women, but have stopped pursuing any for the rest of my life.  And even 110 lbs of top heavy weight also cramps my riding style (and short legs).