Garmin reviews

[baldo]

Gents and ladies,

I'm considering making the jump to a specific for motorcycle GPS. I've got my eye on the Garmin 595LM. I was wondering if anyone here has it, and if they could share their thoughts.

Thanks

[michaelyoung254]

I have a Garmin Zumo 660, and I love the device, but in my opinion, the mapping software (BaseCamp) really sucks!   

BaseCamp gets some decent reviews, but if you're like me, and like to plan routes specific routes instead of whatever the default route that the program chooses, it is VERY user unfriendly. In fact, I find it to be a pain in the ass!

In its defense, perhaps if I used it MUCH more whereas I became very proficient at it, maybe it wouldn't be so difficult to use. Unfortunately, I don't get to constantly plan riding routes that outside of my local area; therefore, I don't see me being able to plan routes all that often.
 

[scooperhsd]

I think you should consider the Zumo 396LMT-S - it's the current model, and right now you can get it for 25% off (but it is still $300) ( and it's cheaper than the Zumo 595 you mentioned). Traffic is obtained by using your Smartphone with the SmartPhone Link app. it does have an MP3 player, but you need an micro SD card for your tunes (and maybe eventually for maps). Audio to listen to your MP3s would need to be through a Bluetooth compatible helmet / headset (also to let you hear the directions). An automotive GPS will not connect to your headset.

Basecamp has a steep learning curve. There are videos on youtube that explain s0me (or they maybe from Garmins website). That said , if you look on the Internet, you can find ways to import tracks from other programs (including Harley Davidson's). There might even be a way to import a Google maps track.

One more thing on the 396 - It can update connecting directly to your Wifi without using a computer. Just need to have a way to power it while doing it. But using the Garmin Express app on your computer lets you keep all your Garmins in sync with favorites. The automotive mount / cable is extra - what's included in the package is what you need to use it on your motorcycle.

All things considered - I wish I could justify the money to buy it myself, but I already have 3 automotive Garmins and a holder that protects them from the elements on my Valk, as well as a powercable connected to the accessory terminal for them.

[Serk]

I bought a Zumo 550 when they were new (And very expensive) then upgraded to a Zumo 660 a few years later, but have switched to 100% cell phone running Waze since and am much happier with that setup.

To each their own and all that, but this is working for me a lot better than the stand alone units were.

[scooperhsd]

The thing I don't like about cell phone GPS is that they can be reliant on cell phone data coverage for maps. I know - Google maps can download offline maps (and I have a pretty good chunk of the areas local to me downloaded), but the Garmin types have the maps onboard - the 396 has North America (not just USA).

[3W-lonerider]

i have the new 396 garman. it replaced a 220 garman. it has alot more features than my 220 did, like being able to download routes unto a card and install it into the gps. plus the bluetooth feature which i will probably never use.
the only thing i miss about the 220 is the backtrack feature.
i'm still trying to find a sunshade for the new one. but it seems very readable in the sunlight even without one..
as far as basecamp. i got very frustrated trying to use it for the first couple of weeks, watched alot of tutorials on it and started copying what i was watching. i'm still not an expert with it. but making routes is pretty easy once you get the hang of it.
there are 2 ways to make routes using a track and using way points. i use the track feature. still have yet to be able to make a route using waypoints.

[hubcapsc]

The thing I don't like about cell phone GPS is that they can be reliant on cell phone data coverage for maps. I know - Google maps can download offline maps (and I have a pretty good chunk of the areas local to me downloaded), but the Garmin types have the maps onboard - the 396 has North America (not just USA).

Android and Apple cell phone users can load maps.me,
download whatever you need of openstreetmap data
to use offline. I have it on a 10.5 inch iPad, and on
my iPhone...

Doesn't google map data expire in a month or so?

-Mike

[scooperhsd]

The thing I don't like about cell phone GPS is that they can be reliant on cell phone data coverage for maps. I know - Google maps can download offline maps (and I have a pretty good chunk of the areas local to me downloaded), but the Garmin types have the maps onboard - the 396 has North America (not just USA).

Android and Apple cell phone users can load maps.me,
download whatever you need of openstreetmap data
to use offline. I have it on a 10.5 inch iPad, and on
my iPhone...

Doesn't google map data expire in a month or so?

-Mike

Yes , and that's another  rant  ... 

OTOH - Garmin updates their maps 3-4 times a year (every 3-4 months) - and I've always said "what good is a GPS without current maps? "

[baldo]

I think you should consider the Zumo 396LMT-S - it's the current model, and right now you can get it for 25% off (but it is still $300) ( and it's cheaper than the Zumo 595 you mentioned). Traffic is obtained by using your Smartphone with the SmartPhone Link app. it does have an MP3 player, but you need an micro SD card for your tunes (and maybe eventually for maps). Audio to listen to your MP3s would need to be through a Bluetooth compatible helmet / headset (also to let you hear the directions). An automotive GPS will not connect to your headset.

Basecamp has a steep learning curve. There are videos on youtube that explain s0me (or they maybe from Garmins website). That said , if you look on the Internet, you can find ways to import tracks from other programs (including Harley Davidson's). There might even be a way to import a Google maps track.

One more thing on the 396 - It can update connecting directly to your Wifi without using a computer. Just need to have a way to power it while doing it. But using the Garmin Express app on your computer lets you keep all your Garmins in sync with favorites. The automotive mount / cable is extra - what's included in the package is what you need to use it on your motorcycle.

All things considered - I wish I could justify the money to buy it myself, but I already have 3 automotive Garmins and a holder that protects them from the elements on my Valk, as well as a powercable connected to the accessory terminal for them.

Well I took your advice and went with the 396. It'll be here in a few days.

I had an automotive for the trip to Billings, but I wasn't fast enough to get it into the plastic bag when we hit rain, and ZAP.....Gone.

I'm looking forward to this, I hope I can figure it out.

Thank you for your suggestion, and the rest for their thoughts.

Bob

[Skinhead]

I have a Garmin Zumo 660, and I love the device, but in my opinion, the mapping software (BaseCamp) really sucks!   

BaseCamp gets some decent reviews, but if you're like me, and like to plan routes specific routes instead of whatever the default route that the program chooses, it is VERY user unfriendly. In fact, I find it to be a pain in the ass!

In its defense, perhaps if I used it MUCH more whereas I became very proficient at it, maybe it wouldn't be so difficult to use. Unfortunately, I don't get to constantly plan riding routes that outside of my local area; therefore, I don't see me being able to plan routes all that often.
 

^^^^This^^^^^  +1

[Skinhead]

I bought a Zumo 550 when they were new (And very expensive) then upgraded to a Zumo 660 a few years later, but have switched to 100% cell phone running Waze since and am much happier with that setup.

To each their own and all that, but this is working for me a lot better than the stand alone units were.

Serk, I like Waze as well, but is there a good way to plan a specific route, or import a streets and trips (gpx file) route into Waze?

[hubcapsc]

The thing I don't like about cell phone GPS is that they can be reliant on cell phone data coverage for maps. I know - Google maps can download offline maps (and I have a pretty good chunk of the areas local to me downloaded), but the Garmin types have the maps onboard - the 396 has North America (not just USA).

Android and Apple cell phone users can load maps.me,
download whatever you need of openstreetmap data
to use offline. I have it on a 10.5 inch iPad, and on
my iPhone...

Doesn't google map data expire in a month or so?

-Mike

Yes , and that's another  rant  ... 

OTOH - Garmin updates their maps 3-4 times a year (every 3-4 months) - and I've always said "what good is a GPS without current maps? "

That must be important somewhere... dynamically changing cities maybe? My old
maps books are good for everywhere I go, and they're years old. I admit to not
being the typical gps user... On this day Punisher's gps would have taken us on
the Interstate, my red book won though, and we went through the countryside
on a barely paved road somewhere in Wisconsin....



-Mike

[scooperhsd]

Nothing wrong with using the good old fashioned paper maps for trip planning either. I use the paper so you can see all the options, then put waypoints into my GPS to follow the route. If the wife and me were going on a long, cross country/cross continent trip, we would have all the GPS AND our phones AND current paper maps (we usually buy a new one every other year or so).  Call it another one of my OCD  traits

[Serk]

I bought a Zumo 550 when they were new (And very expensive) then upgraded to a Zumo 660 a few years later, but have switched to 100% cell phone running Waze since and am much happier with that setup.

To each their own and all that, but this is working for me a lot better than the stand alone units were.

Serk, I like Waze as well, but is there a good way to plan a specific route, or import a streets and trips (gpx file) route into Waze?

Not that I've found... What I do is when I'm planning out my route, generally the day before, I'll plot out what I want on the computer using Google Maps and see what specific waypoints I need to make it autoroute me how I want to go, then I email myself the specific list of waypoints, the next day I'll pull those from the e-mail and into Waze to force it to route me the way I wanna go. Not 100% effective, but good enough for government work.

[WoodyFL]

I use Routeconverter to map and import to GPS. Nice tool to have. It will save your route to a GPX file that you can import into a GPS.
I have an old Garmin Nuvi that I'm looking to replace. Good info on here to help decide what would be the best solution.

Here's the link to Routeconverter

https://www.routeconverter.com


Bob

[scooperhsd]

For those I sent the link on the sunvisor for your 396 - I got one for myself to go over the holder/cover for my car GPS  - looks like it will work perfectly. For that matter - it should also work on car GPS's in the car as well.

[Novavalker]

I have the Garmin Zumo 660. Money well spent. BaseCamp isn't user friendly.

Someone steered me towards:

https://www.harley-davidson.com/us/en/explore/ride-planning/plan-your-route.html

I believe it uses an older version of google maps. I can easily plan routes on the Harley road planner, save it and drag it onto the SD card on my Zumo.

If you like planning your own routes this is the way to go.

[vanavyman]

I run a Zumo 595LM on my 2009 Goldwing with the TPMS monitoring system built in and am very happy with it.  Nice sized screen and the touch screen is very responsive.  Have a Zumo 665LM that I share between my Valkyrie and wife's Valkyrie Trike.  Nice GPS but getting a little dated.  Use a TOURATECH lock on each of the Valkyrie's to keep the 665 secure from growing legs and walking away.  Have not bought one for the 595 yet so end up putting it in the trunk each time we stop
Dan.  

[Oss]

I have to replace my old set up which fell off the bike in Alabama

It was a waterproof GPS holder and inside I wrote on paper the directions having the night before used a real map.

Miles to next turn, route number and which way to turn got me over 6000 miles without getting lost once (unless I wanted to of course)  Stop and turn paper over after the 6th turn or so to new road.
Now I just write stuff and put paper in plastic sheet and tape it to my tank bag

Waze rocks the NYC area, has never done me wrong.

Oss

Wouldnt mind a few of Mikes red books, those sound terrific.

[Bighead]

The thing I don't like about cell phone GPS is that they can be reliant on cell phone data coverage for maps. I know - Google maps can download offline maps (and I have a pretty good chunk of the areas local to me downloaded), but the Garmin types have the maps onboard - the 396 has North America (not just USA).

Android and Apple cell phone users can load maps.me,
download whatever you need of openstreetmap data
to use offline. I have it on a 10.5 inch iPad, and on
my iPhone...

Doesn't google map data expire in a month or so?

-Mike

Yes , and that's another  rant  ... 

OTOH - Garmin updates their maps 3-4 times a year (every 3-4 months) - and I've always said "what good is a GPS without current maps? "

That must be important somewhere... dynamically changing cities maybe? My old
maps books are good for everywhere I go, and they're years old. I admit to not
being the typical gps user... On this day Punisher's gps would have taken us on
the Interstate, my red book won though, and we went through the countryside
on a barely paved road somewhere in Wisconsin....



-Mike

This. I carry a road atlas that was sold at HD dealers several years back and it is by far better than any GPS I have used.

[vanavyman]

I like a good map but I'm spoiled.  When leading a group of bikes really like the turn by turn directions.  I gave up writing down and trying to read it a while ago.  I'm distracted enough when riding the bike looking at scenery.  One big improvement on the Zumo 595 over the 665 is the screen is brighter and easier to see during the day.  I'd like it even brighter.  I ended up ordering this Sun Shade for my 595.  Pricey but works great.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/332609315058?ul_noapp=true

 

[scooperhsd]

Ok - anybody else who wants to check for a sunvisor for GPS -

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AC3F8G6/?coliid=I1J7Z1QACD6NTH&colid=22YJMEITIPYNU&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

[scooperhsd]

I have the Garmin Zumo 660. Money well spent. BaseCamp isn't user friendly.

Someone steered me towards:

https://www.harley-davidson.com/us/en/explore/ride-planning/plan-your-route.html

I believe it uses an older version of google maps. I can easily plan routes on the Harley road planner, save it and drag it onto the SD card on my Zumo.

If you like planning your own routes this is the way to go.

This looks to be MUCH easier than BaseCamp, and it is using the same Here maps that Garmin GPS are using.
Really easy to save on my 2 most advanced Auto GPS (Nuvi 2597 and DriveSmart 51), need to check for my Nuvi 50 that I keep on my Valk.