why are GPS units so expensive

[NighthawkVTX]

with the advent of cell phones with apps like google maps, tom tom scout, and waze, why are gps units sooo expensive. I would have thought the prices would have come down. Some of the gps units I looked at are like $700, I even saw one for $1500!!!

[Paladin528]

I have been using a Garmin Nuvi on my bike for 5 years.  Not designed for a motorcycle but functionally IDENTICAL to the same generation Zumo for $450 LESS than the Zumo.  I use it rain or shine and it works with Gloves.
IMHO the "MOTORCYCLE SPECIFIC" GPS units are nothing more than a rip off.

My iPhone 6 works just as well or better than the Nuvi to the point that I dont use the Nuvi as much.

Oh yeah and it has bee through torrential rains and is still working without being covered. 

Zumo is Marketing spin for SEND ME MONEY

[gordonv]

Basic Supply and Demand.

You want one that does more, costs more $.

Want one that is interactive, costs more $.

A basic principle I learned from a co-worker about 15 years ago now, is never say No to a customer. Just tell them how much more it will cost. Let them decide if they still want it or not. Then when they say Yes, they do, then you make more profit.

I ride with a $50 GPS that is about 6 years old. Bought a newer less than 2 years ago, that I could update the maps, but it will not work on a USB power port, needs a cig lighter port. So I don't use it.

[Valkorado]

I ordered this puppy, and it seems to work great!

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Upgraded-8GB-4-3-Inch-Motorcycle-GPS-Navigation-IPX7-Waterproof-Global-Map-Support-WinCE-DIY/32310450490.html?spm=2114.01010208.3.2.Ix6dY3&ws_ab_test=searchweb201556_2,searchweb201644_3_505_506_503_504_502_10014_10001_10002_10017_10010_10005_10011_10006_10003_10004_10009_10008,searchweb201560_5,searchweb1451318400_-1,searchweb1451318411_6449&btsid=fceea091-8251-40aa-b0e7-75d4a83ad990

NOTE: If anyone considers one of these, make sure you get the 8gb version like this and not the 4gb models that look identical.  Only the 8gb models are capable of the "good" 3D map packages like iGo Primo, TomTom or Navitel.  Install the maps on the internal 8gb for speed and put your MP3s on the microSD card.

They have the same thing on eBay for a little more money.  It has what I wanted, at a price I could afford.  I am using iGo Primo maps (upgradable) on it, but it is also compatible with TomTom and Navicore maps among others.  Easily upgradable.  Runs WinCE 6 OS.  It has Bluetooth, MP3, FM.  Also comes with a nice sun visor, and a sturdy m/c handlebar mount.  Scroll down on linked page for more pics.  I've been playing with it and it seems well built and snappy.  Now I've just gotta figure out how to get the Interstate stereo to receive bluetooth on aux and I'll be in business!

[Paladin528]

See thats my issue.  The Nuvi and the Zumo are functionally IDENTICAL but the Zumo is $450 more. What am I paying for exactly?  If I was getting something for the money I might consider it but just calling it a MOTORCYCLE GPS ain't gonna cut it

[Bighead]

My GPs was less than $100.

[Paladin528]

I have Bluetooth on my interstate.
I bought an adapter from Amazon that plugs into the Accessory cable under the right side cover.  I ran a USB cable from a power adapter to keep it powered (its has an internal battery but only good for a few hours).  It all stashes under the cover and now when I switch to AUX I can listen to bluetooth from my phone.
The adapter sound quality is not spectacular but it was only like $15.  More of a test than anything.  I will try to find a better option

[Valkorado]

I have Bluetooth on my interstate.
I bought an adapter from Amazon that plugs into the Accessory cable under the right side cover.  I ran a USB cable from a power adapter to keep it powered (its has an internal battery but only good for a few hours).  It all stashes under the cover and now when I switch to AUX I can listen to bluetooth from my phone.
The adapter sound quality is not spectacular but it was only like $15.  More of a test than anything.  I will try to find a better option

I'm looking at this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MILENNIA-BLUETOOTH-DONGLE-ADAPTER-WORKS-W-SELECT-REAR-RCA-AUX-IN-FOR-12V-STEREO-/281902799505?hash=item41a2b75a91:g:2isAAOSwJkJWjYPJ&vxp=mtr
It powers from 12v.  Not sure if the RCA jacks will work, but RCA to 3.5mm adapters are available anywhere.  I'm no electrician.  Any ideers how we could make this setup work?  I know I'll figure it out this summer, but it may take me some head scratching.

EDIT:  I didn't realize we have a 3.5mm female aux connection under the right side panel!     This may not take any head scratching at all!  Should be an easy way to go, AUX will mean BT from now on!

[hubcapsc]

I have a tomtom motorcycle gps, I will install it eventually.

gpses don't seem to work like I want them to.

I want to plot a route, and then if I miss some waypoints, whether its on purpose
or because I was enjoying the ride and not looking at the gps, I want it to figure
out where I am and lead me back towards my route, forgetting about missed way
points.

In other words, I want it to understand that my goal is the end point, and that if
it finds me to be at some arbitrary off-route position, it needs to help me get
back to the route at the closest place, and not try to lead me back to the
first missed waypoint.

The tomtom has a function that will help - you can pop missed waypoints
off the stack manually with the press of a button. That might not be bad,
depending on how many waypoints you missed. Routes that you
might generate by exporting a gpx file from google maps (or whatever)
seem to have millions more waypoints than needed... but perhaps
that problem could be solved with a gpx optimizer...

-Mike "I like the red book"

[Led]

Garmin TRIES to keep up with major highway improvements.....which includes detours.........

We went on a trip this year depending on an internet GPS.  It kept trying to bring us back to the detour that was closed!  So we were on our own after that.....

A FULL FLEDGED and dedicated GPS system is still the way to go, but since a lot of Folks rely on the internet, the "dedicated" systems seem to be getting more expensive.

As said before......"supply and demand"........probably less demand in this case.  It comes down to, what is it worth to you? 

[Novavalker]

I have been using a Garmin Nuvi on my bike for 5 years.  Not designed for a motorcycle but functionally IDENTICAL to the same generation Zumo for $450 LESS than the Zumo.  I use it rain or shine and it works with Gloves.
IMHO the "MOTORCYCLE SPECIFIC" GPS units are nothing more than a rip off.

My iPhone 6 works just as well or better than the Nuvi to the point that I dont use the Nuvi as much.

Oh yeah and it has bee through torrential rains and is still working without being covered.  

Zumo is Marketing spin for SEND ME MONEY

You must have a magical Nuvi.....lol. They are NOT waterproof and will fry if they get wet. On my trip to Sturgis last summer a friend left his wing uncovered and it rained overnight. Nuvi was toast.
As for using an Iphone in place of a good GPS? That's great way to eat up your data in hurry. You couldn't ride in the States very long without racking up a sizable cell phone bill.
I bought this recently:
http://www.gpscity.ca/garmin-zumo-660lm.html
It came with all the ram mounts and electrical harness for hooking it up to the bike.
With the exchange rate that works out to about 320.00 USD.

Buy a Nuvi and you have to purchase the ram mounts separately. Having to plug the GPS into a cigarette lighter isn't appealing for me.

I started using Garmin Basecamp software. I can customize my route and transfer to the GPS.
http://www.garmin.com/en-CA/shop/downloads/basecamp
There are plenty of Youtube videos on how to use Basecamp.

[SteveBC777]

Thumbs up on the Zumo 660.

Yes, it's quite expensive, but it is also very much motorcycle focused and designed. Includes all the hardware such as mounts and weatherproof wiring, also mounts and wiring to use in your car/truck too. Even has a quality case to put the unit in when not in use and a cover for the mounting bracket.

I've had one here in Thailand now for over 6 years, it's taken me all over Thailand, Laos and Cambodia, much of it ( especially in Laos ) on roads so rough they jar every bone in your body, monsoons lasting days too and never had any issues with the Zumo.

Some of my mates here have used Nuvi units or other cheaper çar GPS's, but without exception they have had problems relating to vibration or water ingress.

So for me at least, the extra expense for the Zumo is worthwhile.

Steve......

[Steve K (IA)]

See thats my issue.  The Nuvi and the Zumo are functionally IDENTICAL but the Zumo is $450 more. What am I paying for exactly?  If I was getting something for the money I might consider it but just calling it a MOTORCYCLE GPS ain't gonna cut it

Can you download into the Nuvi a turn-by-turn route that you made on your PC? 

[Ramie]

I have Bluetooth on my interstate.
I bought an adapter from Amazon that plugs into the Accessory cable under the right side cover.  I ran a USB cable from a power adapter to keep it powered (its has an internal battery but only good for a few hours).  It all stashes under the cover and now when I switch to AUX I can listen to bluetooth from my phone.
The adapter sound quality is not spectacular but it was only like $15.  More of a test than anything.  I will try to find a better option

I would be interested in something like this, do you have a link?  I've seen some but the ones I've seen look like you have to have them somewhere you can access them to turn them on every time you start the bike.

[Gryphon Rider]

As for using an Iphone in place of a good GPS? That's great way to eat up your data in hurry. You couldn't ride in the States very long without racking up a sizable cell phone bill.

There is a free iPhone app called Navmii that doesn't require cell data, because your phone holds the data.  You install a separate Navmii app for each country.  The Canada version includes all regions of Canada, but for the US version you download the states that you need.  The Canada version uses 855MB of storage.  For the US version I have Montana, South Dakota, and Wyoming installed and it requires 255MB.  Not requiring cell data also means you're not hooped when in an area without cell service.  There may be other GPS apps out there that don't require cell data.

[..]

https://duckduckgo.com/?q=navmii+gps&ia=apps

[msb]

I have a tomtom motorcycle gps, I will install it eventually.

gpses don't seem to work like I want them to.

I want to plot a route, and then if I miss some waypoints, whether its on purpose
or because I was enjoying the ride and not looking at the gps, I want it to figure
out where I am and lead me back towards my route, forgetting about missed way
points.

In other words, I want it to understand that my goal is the end point, and that if
it finds me to be at some arbitrary off-route position, it needs to help me get
back to the route at the closest place, and not try to lead me back to the
first missed waypoint.

The tomtom has a function that will help - you can pop missed waypoints
off the stack manually with the press of a button. That might not be bad,
depending on how many waypoints you missed. Routes that you
might generate by exporting a gpx file from google maps (or whatever)
seem to have millions more waypoints than needed... but perhaps
that problem could be solved with a gpx optimizer...

-Mike "I like the red book"

  lol...I couldn't count how many of these pics I have over the years. Most of the co-pilot's and my longer rides over the decades have not had a particular destination in mind... just a head out date and return home date. Have found many unexpected jewels travelling that way, but have also relied on a lot of roadside "map sessions" or "talk to the locals sessions" to find the best routes or our way home. Have a basic Garmin Nuvi now to help us out in a pinch and the cell phone to check weather conditions, but still prefer to "freelance" whenever we can.

[Novavalker]

See thats my issue.  The Nuvi and the Zumo are functionally IDENTICAL but the Zumo is $450 more. What am I paying for exactly?  If I was getting something for the money I might consider it but just calling it a MOTORCYCLE GPS ain't gonna cut it

Can you download into the Nuvi a turn-by-turn route that you made on your PC? 

I think Basecamp works with Nuvi too.

[Paladin528]

I have Bluetooth on my interstate.
I bought an adapter from Amazon that plugs into the Accessory cable under the right side cover.  I ran a USB cable from a power adapter to keep it powered (its has an internal battery but only good for a few hours).  It all stashes under the cover and now when I switch to AUX I can listen to bluetooth from my phone.
The adapter sound quality is not spectacular but it was only like $15.  More of a test than anything.  I will try to find a better option

I would be interested in something like this, do you have a link?  I've seen some but the ones I've seen look like you have to have them somewhere you can access them to turn them on every time you start the bike.

No link handy.  It's not a perfect solution as you do need to access it to turn it on. The sound quality is not spectacular either.  There might be better units out there but I really haven't looked that hard

[Paladin528]

See thats my issue.  The Nuvi and the Zumo are functionally IDENTICAL but the Zumo is $450 more. What am I paying for exactly?  If I was getting something for the money I might consider it but just calling it a MOTORCYCLE GPS ain't gonna cut it

Can you download into the Nuvi a turn-by-turn route that you made on your PC? 

Unfortunately my nuvi does not support routing. But neither did the same generation Zumo.  The nuvi is still going strong.

[Pappy!]

Like them or not, that is one Hell of a price for the Zumo 660LM !!!
$329 shipped to your door. 

[Kunkies]

I own a Gamin zumo 390 with dedicated maps, "curvey roads" (awesome feature), and TPMS.   Wouldn't trade it for anything.

p.s.  I like hubcaps rearview mirror, where can I get THOSE? 

[h0race]

I'm using this app on an old iPhone which is not connected to any service:
http://www.igonavigation.com/igo-my-way-for-iphone
I have a home made 3D printed handlebar mount and power from my battery saver port to the phone.
My old phone is strictly GPS and I have it bluetoothed to the helmet for directions.  I used the Australian version when I was there on business.  I let it access the network since I was expensing it and it told me to slow down when coming up to congested areas.  I can say one time it saved my bacon when cresting a hill in a 60Kmh zone and there was a light with everyone stopped.  I felt a chill because I almost didn't believe it!

oh, and I think I paid a little less than $30 for it.... but I did already have the older phone laying around that I was using as an iTouch.

[Memor86]

i also have the bluetooth adaptor on my interstate... and have always used the google maps applications for like 5 years. never had a problem reaching my destination and it was absolutely free.

[hubcapsc]

i also have the bluetooth adaptor on my interstate... and have always used the google maps applications for like 5 years. never had a problem reaching my destination and it was absolutely free.

It only works when you have service, right?

-Mike

[Paladin528]

Google maps now lets you download specific sections of a map so it can be used off line.
I mainly use it on my iPhone 6.  Data usage is relatively low if you do not use the "Satellite" view.  I used my phone in the US for a week navigating for under 10 bucks

[IamGCW]

I use a nuvi and for backup I use a free application called "HERE" on the iPhone.  It allows full downloads of maps, currently I have all of north america loaded.  In other words it works without cell phone coverage.  It is a blue icon with a diagonal word "here" on it.

Check YouTube for videos on making a Nuvi water resistant.

Gil

[Dark]

I have the Zumo 550 and really like it. Being able to route is a must have for me on the bike.
I've used a car Tom Tom on the bike when just trying to get from A to B quickly. Worked well but the display on a bright sunny day is hard to see. I also got caught in the rain with it one time & to my surprise it kept on going.
Bright display, routing & weather proofing is what some extra dollars got me at the time of the Zumo purchase.

[BOZ]

Garmin NUVI is the way to go for great functionality and low price. No, it is not waterproof, but just cover it with a plastic freezer bag when it rains. You can still see and touch the screen, and it is protected from the elements. It's worked for me for many miles and several years (so far).

[t-man403]

I have a tomtom motorcycle gps, I will install it eventually.

I have the TomTom Rider as well and as I type, it's on the other computer loading the latest maps.
I will wire it in on the bike before spring. I like that it uses bluetooth to call out directions which I think will be a big help in finding my motel wherever I am, especially in higher traffic areas.