Strider
Member
Posts: 1409
Why would anyone shave a cow like that?
Broussard, Louisiana
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« on: June 08, 2011, 12:31:02 PM » |
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I know, I know.....I am Mister Map (never leave a state welcome center without one). But just wondering....in case....just in case....... (I know that the earth will change directional paths if I ever got one)...but...... What is a good, rugged GPS that is less than $200, motorcycle mountable (and survivable) with Bluetooth capabilities...Oh, and largest screen for these old eyes. Main thing is that there is NO way I am going to spend $500 or something for one. I have been searching on the web, and there are just TOO many choices.... Any advice would be greatly appreciated.... Thanks. Strider (Mr Map)...... I think there are actually laws against me even considering a GPS.  |
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« Last Edit: June 08, 2011, 12:48:49 PM by Strider »
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Serk
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« Reply #1 on: June 08, 2011, 12:47:49 PM » |
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Not trying to be antagonistic, but you can get a cheap GPS, but you'll eventually get a $500+ one anyway...
Zumo... I'm on my second one (First one still works, just wanted the bigger screen, stereo tunes for Bluetooth, etc... 550 and now a 660)
Prices are getting better though, paid $800 for my 550, but only $500 for my 660...
(Also keep in mind when comparing non-motorcycle GPS with motorcycle specific ones, you need to add the price of a RAM Mount to the non-motorcycle specific GPS, since the Zumo's at least come with the car mount AND a motorcycle mount out of the box.)
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Never ask a geek 'Why?',just nod your head and slowly back away...  IBA# 22107 VRCC# 7976 VRCCDS# 226 1998 Valkyrie Standard 2008 Gold Wing Taxation is theft. μολὼν λαβέ |
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Bob E.
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« Reply #2 on: June 08, 2011, 12:49:31 PM » |
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I used to feel the same as you about maps ve gps...until I bought one. Now I love having it and never take a trip without it. Personally, I like the garmin stuff and would stay away from Magellan. I've heard horror stories about magellan gps's failing then not being able to get any sort of customer service. I know one guy that bought one, it failed after a couple months, he sent it in to magellan as per the warranty and after talking to their customer service, and it was never seen again, then they claimed to have never heard from him even though he had spoken to them about the problem. My brother and my mother-in-law both have tom-tom's and like them. And my dad just bought one, but I don't think he's used it yet to form any opinion. Go to www.garmin.com and they have a gps comparison/search feature. You just select the options you want...like blue-tooth, waterproof, mp3, wide screen...whatever you want. And it will tell you all of the gps's they sell with those features. Then you can pick the one you like best (based on price, maybe??) and then search for a vendor online or at the store like walmart, sams club, best buy, wherever. |
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ChromeDome
Member
Posts: 2175
Aurora, IL.
60 miles West of Chicago!
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« Reply #3 on: June 08, 2011, 01:33:35 PM » |
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Based on the responses to my question on this topic, I just bought a Garmin Nuvi 550. The biggest selling point was the 8 hour battery life vs. the 4 hour Zumo, since I really don't want to wire it into the bike. I got mine from the Garmin Outlet Store, refurbished with a 1 year warranty from Garmin for $200.00 plus free shipping. Also ordered a few other items and went to Ram to get the Ram mount, saved about $30.00 for the mount, and spent around $370 for everything.
This will be my 3rd GPS (all Garmin) and each one has been an upgrade. Even though I will program my route into the GPS I don't live & die by it like some people. It is just another tool and for me it is like having the Rand McNally right there.
Let me know if you want the link to the outlet store.
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MarkT
Member
Posts: 5196
VRCC #437 "Form follows Function"
Colorado Front Range - elevation 2.005 km
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« Reply #5 on: June 08, 2011, 05:17:01 PM » |
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I wouldn't cut corners on the GPS either. I've had 5, all have been upgrades, been using since they were first available for users. Current one is a Zumo 550, works as an MP3 and/or Sirius player as well (with the optional antenna and a subscription). Got the lifetime updates, worth it since that costs only a little more than one map update and it amounts to 4 updates a year indefinitely (Or until I upgrade again), covers all of North America. I will get one with internet connectivity next. Wish I had doppler weather radar but last time I checked, that was not reasonably priced yet, so I've been looking at that as an ap on a smart phone. Look for a memory card socket that will use not less than 4GB cards. A fast processor is also a plus. I have mine hard wired to the Valk & the Wing - wouldn't be without it, and I haven't used paper maps in years. I haven't used the traffic function or weather reports as they are less useful to me, and require a Sirius subscription, who I won't support after they screwed their customers when they acquired XM.
BTW, the Zumo 550 is motorcycle-specific - weather proof, set up for left hand gloved operation, with buttons and touch screen and quick-release rugged mount. I think it's also built extra rugged to survive heavy vibration / abuse. All of which are useful on a bike. And adds to the cost.
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« Last Edit: June 08, 2011, 05:23:25 PM by MarkT »
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Dougger
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« Reply #7 on: June 08, 2011, 06:16:18 PM » |
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Warren, I have the Zumo 550, waterproof and has the Ram Mount for the motorcycle and the suction cup mount for the car and 2 power cords.
The big selling point was that the XM was built in. Therefore, I didn't need two units on the handlebars.
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BonS
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« Reply #9 on: June 08, 2011, 07:42:01 PM » |
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Think "sunlight viewable". My TomTom was good enough until I got out into the sun. Add sunglasses and it might as well be turned off. On the other hand, the Garmin Zumo's are designed for this. No problem. I could have saved several hundred dollars on my GPS by buying a Zumo the first time!!
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Jess Tolbirt
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« Reply #10 on: June 08, 2011, 08:06:52 PM » |
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i have a cheap 100 dollar garmin, the mount that comes with it, (the windshield suction cup) works great stuck over the tach,,,we have found roads we would have never been on had it not been for the gps...also have you ever been stcck on the interstate in stand still traffic due to a wreck? the gps will take you around all that,,,dont leave home without it,,,
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ptgb
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« Reply #11 on: June 08, 2011, 08:23:49 PM » |
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Have never been on trips on the motorcycle without a GPS. It is so much more convenient than maps.
Many view them negatively because they choose the "road more traveled", putting you on main thoroughfares and highways to your destination. There is a place for that when you're traveling from area to area (obviously).
There is a great feature that is overlooked by some, that is great for rider's looking for the "road less traveled". Once we arrive at our destination hotel, we set the parking lot as our "HOME" location on the GPS. Then you can just go exploring the area and never have to worry about making 37 turns and getting lost out in the country (mountains, dessert, whatever). All you have to do is press the "GO HOME" button.
Anyway, have a Garmin Zumo 550 that was purchased when they were really pricey... but worth every penny. Probably going to upgrade to a Zumo 660 next year. I am really intrigued by the NEXRAD weather radar feature it has.
Just picked up a Garmin Nuvi 550 (waterproof) for my wife (JoJo) to put on her trike. I don't think it is bluetooth, but has all the other features you're looking for. Best price I found was $239 through REI.com... actually bought it from GPScity.com for $10 more, but purchased RAM mounting supplies etc. at the same time.
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« Last Edit: June 08, 2011, 08:28:33 PM by ptgb »
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 Lower Lakes 1000 - 07/07 & 09/10 * Bun Burner GOLD - 09/10 Lake Superior 1000 - 07/11 * Lake Michigan 1000 - 09/11 * Lake Huron 1000 - 09/11 Saddlesore 2000 - 09/11 * Ohio 1000 - 07/13 |
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tybme
Member
Posts: 335
1999 Valkyrie I/S
Topeka KS
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« Reply #12 on: June 09, 2011, 06:41:32 AM » |
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What kind of cell phone do you carry Strider? I too prefer paper maps to GPS but for those times I feel I want the electronic back up I downloaded a couple different GPS applications for my smart phone. They are low cost and while not as good as a true GPS they do what I want them to do.
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Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways. totally worn out, shouting, "Holy ****... What a Ride!"  |
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Ice
Member
Posts: 1223
Whatever it is, it's better in the wind.
On a road less traveled.
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« Reply #13 on: June 09, 2011, 06:52:31 AM » |
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I purchased my Zumo 450 (Garmin) a couple of years ago and I am happy to have it along even though I swear Mayham had a part in the map programming for the US, every once in a while it does get confused and tells me the cow pasture to my right is my hotel ( but that has only happend twice in 3 years), I did not have that problem in Europe. I agree there are cheaper ones out there but I have been literally all over Europe and the US with it and it is a great "tool". I do not rely solely on it though (recalculating!!!) but I have yet to find a GPS that does not do that every once in a while. I recommend the Zumo's to all that ask about GPS for motorcycles, they are waterproof (tested, every time I go to a SmokinJoe Ride  ) and the screen is readable in all conditions. I bought the ZUmo 450 becasue I did not need all the other wizmos that came with the 550 and 660. That's my 2....well I guess I got up to 5 cents Yuri |
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Strider
Member
Posts: 1409
Why would anyone shave a cow like that?
Broussard, Louisiana
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« Reply #14 on: June 09, 2011, 07:15:49 AM » |
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Tom, yes, can you send me the link please.
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Strider
Member
Posts: 1409
Why would anyone shave a cow like that?
Broussard, Louisiana
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« Reply #15 on: June 09, 2011, 08:05:15 AM » |
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Yo bro Tim, do you have the link? I went to Garmin and couldn't find a refurbished section - just almost full price discontinued section.
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Serk
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« Reply #16 on: June 09, 2011, 08:15:48 AM » |
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Yo bro Tim, do you have the link? I went to Garmin and couldn't find a refurbished section - just almost full price discontinued section.
This isn't the official Garmin refurb store, but this place has a lot of refurbed GPS', and is where I got my latest Zumo 660 from: http://www.drivengps.com/Refurbished/c221377-2-1/ |
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Never ask a geek 'Why?',just nod your head and slowly back away... IBA# 22107 VRCC# 7976 VRCCDS# 226 1998 Valkyrie Standard 2008 Gold Wing Taxation is theft. μολὼν λαβέ |
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