GPS

[Drew55]

Thinking about upgrading my old Garmin, it works most of the time. I like TYRE and use Google maps often. I cannot spend more than 400. I was thinking the new Tom Tom Rider or the Garmin Zumo 660.

Any thoughts????

Thanks in advance
Drew

[Serk]

I used to be a big advocate of dedicated motorcycle-centric GPS units over smart phones, but as time goes on, that's SLOWLY starting to change. With newer phones being weather resistant, and the systems are so much more advanced, it's harder to justify a dedicated GPS.

Having said that, I've got a Zumo 660 (And has a Zumo 550 before that) that I still use and love. But, it's gone from being used all the time in whatever vehicle I'm in to being for the motorcycle only, I use a phone on a holder when in a car now running Waze.

If I were starting over now it'd be hard to justify a stand alone and not just figure out a way to mount my Note 4 and run Waze.

Having said all that, the Zumo 660 has been solid and a great performer for me for several years now. I had some problems with my 550 in the past but Garmin's customer service was some of the best out there and they took care of me quite satisfactorily.

[Drew55]

Thanks for your input,
My only problem with WAZE is creating a custom route.
If my memory suits me correctly that is not yet an option and why I am still considering a GPS.
All the best
Drew

[Serk]

Thanks for your input,
My only problem with WAZE is creating a custom route.
If my memory suits me correctly that is not yet an option and why I am still considering a GPS.
All the best
Drew

Good point, it's hard to beat a stand alone GPS for custom routing... Waze will come up with a few routes IT likes and let you choose from them, but setting up a complex custom route would be nigh impossible with it...

[wiggydotcom]

I also like Waze and use it on my Note 4 just for the added police notifications. But for a GPS that I've used a LOT on my Valkyrie, I have a Garmin 2595. It's a great GPS and has voice activation that works very well in a car. I don't think I've tried the voice activation part at speed on the bike but doubt that would work with my loud pipes.

I'm not knocking the Zumo's but can't see spending that kind of money. My Garmin works with gloves and with my Interstate it's pretty protected by the windshield from light rain(if it's heavy rain, I can just put a baggy over it) and save the $400+ more that a Zumo costs.

I bought the 2595LMT(lifetime maps and traffic) as a refurbished unit about 2 yrs ago and paid 115 with full warranty. New at that time was about 175.

Check it out and see if it'd work for you. I had an existing RAM mount from an old GPS that I could use for the 2595 on the Valk.

[flsix]

I'm also looking to get set up with a GPS of one flavor or another. Looking forward to others giving their opinions on what works well for them.

[BnB Tom]

  Still use my semi-indistructable Zumo 550.  Have done a couple of repairs but nothing major. 

  I really like my Iphone 6 with Google's mapping capabilities.  BUT, not waterproof or glove friendly. 

  HOWEVER.  Cell phones rely on ...   what ... Cell Towers    

  My Zumo can receive satellite signals most anywhere that I would ever be on or in my bike or car.  

  That being said, there is still the 'death by gps' phenomenom.  People trust the directions without question and end up lost.  

  A little common sense, and attention to the limitations of available  equipment (and $$), and you will find the best solution for YOU. 

[G-Man]

  That being said, there is still the 'death by gps' phenomenom.  People trust the directions without question and end up lost.  

A buddy and I were in the car, somewhere in NJ (worst highway and major road configuration in the 22 states I've driven in thus far),  and the GPS told us to enter a highway on the RIGHT.  Unless there's a clover like pattern with the on-ramps, you can't enter on the right, right?  So we ignored and looked for a entrance to the highway from the left.  We did this 3 times until we finally agreed to listen to the GPS and sure enough, a right turn put us on a road with more turns that there needed to be with a sign to an on-ramp on the right about 1/4 ahead.

That's what you get for knowing "too much" I guess.   

[Valkorado]

HOWEVER.  Cell phones rely on ...   what ... Cell Towers    

I'm using Sygic on a smartphone.  

http://www.sygic.com/en/gps-navigation

It allows you to download state maps to your micro SD card so you don't need cell reception.  With bluetooth enabled I can hear voice commands through my intercom.  With a car dock app (big icon "buttons") I can easily switch between telephone (voice prompt dialer) to mp3 player to Sygic with a gloved finger.  Sygic is around $20 and includes free lifetime program and map updates.  Maps are updated 4x a year.

BTW I'm using an older smartphone with my RAM mount so if it were to get lost, broken or stolen I'll still have a phone with me.

[PAVALKER]

I'm using my Garmin Nuvi 660, it has an MP3 player, SD Card Slot,  FM modulator,  blue tooth to hook up to my phone, traffic receiver built in original power adapter,  and a few other features  I don't use all that often.  Works for my needs very well in the truck, car or bike.  However, I am not sure if it does preplanned routes.... Never played with that and will have to check.  The Nuvi 660 is not a newer model, but has more features than some others that are new.....and the prices on eBay have come down considerably. 

[hubcapsc]

GPS is built into most phones and tablets, no service required.

Openstreetmap data is free and very good.

Osmand is an app that consumes Openstreetmap data and is easy
to create custom routes with... just as easy as google, I think. $5
for the "full powered" version.

It was a learning curve for me, because I've never had a smart phone
or a tablet, they're not really like "normal" computers...

-Mike

[Big Rig]

I use que cards with the GPS as a back up.

Jot the route numbers you plan to ride, right arrow for right turns, left arrow for left turns before each numbers gives you directions. I use the GPS when the route number signs are missing...

I have no problem getting to or home from away where...

I know, i know...not what you were looking for....it is 0 degrees here right now and I can not ride for all the snow and salt on the roads...so Google maps is my friend. 

Good luck with your selection....and what ever path it takes you on. 

[BobB]

Somehow, over the years, I managed to avoid getting a GPS.  Maybe I didn't mind being lost, or maybe the motorcycle friendly units were just to expensive.  I have found the mapping and GPS Apps on my iPhone 4S to be handy.  I made a handlebar mount for the phone using a belt clip so I can have GPS, tunes or take pictures/video thru the windshield.  The glove friendly thing was at least partially solved by putting a slit across the last knuckle of the index finger in my left hand glove.  I can expose the finger to use the touch screen. 

[Tailgate Tommy]

I have a Garmon Nuvi 665 motorcycle version. ~$700.00  and another 100.00 for lifetime maps. Works pretty good in sunlight with a screen shade.
http://www.amazon.com/GlareStomper-320-Shade-Visor-Screens/dp/B002LV1EXS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1424468260&sr=8-2&keywords=gps+screen+shade

Has XM & weather which I cancelled because I never used it. Sound of the XM radio was way to low to hear through my IS speakers used the 3.5 mm plug under the side cover. Tried a HJC IS Max BT helmet with a chatter Box and Bluetooth to the Garmin but not much success with that either.
I always carry my phone and a map as a backup and try to follow someone who knows where they are going  

Oh, and it works great with gloves.

[MarkT]

Have used a Zumo 550 since they came out.  It's my 5th Garmin GPS.  I began using them when they were first available for civilian use - before they stopped deliberately degrading the signal.  Have never carried a map since.

The Zumo550 was expensive, and I've had it replaced three times, once under warranty and twice for a "refurbed" one - which wasn't, it was really brand new.  Cost for that was $150 IIRC, for a $600 unit.  Some time ago I paid for lifetime map updates which is 4X /yr - a bit over $100 for that.  Garmin CS is top shelf.  The ZUMOs are immersible to some mil spec, and are viewable in direct sunlight.  Not true of earlier models. 550 has touch screen and glove, left-hand buttons.  Supports SD cards, I have used up to 16Gb.  Supports exactly 1000 MP3 tunes (will not see #1001), XM & weather & traffic though I don't use them.  Can load all of North America into the SD card so you don't have to be selective.  Supports trip planning and also downloading tracks - has come in handy in traffic court though whether it helps for the latter depends on the court - I have been able to support my case twice in small venues, and been shot down because a knowledgeable DA will object that it has to be presented by an "expert".  I AM a degreed Applied Computer Scientist, and a GPS is an Applied Computer, but I'm not a "recognized GPS expert" and I was afraid if I pushed the issue the DA would claim I could have manipulated the log file - which is true.  But then I'd be a liar, what's the point of my testifying at all after giving my oath, if they can claim I'm a liar? Using a GPS to fight a speeding ticket or even a red-light ticket (did that too), can be a challenge if you represent yourself even after studying jurisprudence and books on fighting traffic tickets. Garmin GPS's are claimed (certified?) by them to be accurate to 0.1mph and about 9ft - far better than all the problems associated with police radar units.

Oh, my Zumo makes plenty of volume - because I feed it through a preamp/mixer, then into a 400w Blaupunkt Class D amp, then into 4 Alpine 4" coax speakers.  The mixer has a knob volume control - you really want that, rather than the menu volume control.

Two things I want on my next unit - Doppler radar overlaid on the maps, and internet connectivity.  W/O sacrificing my bright screen, durability and weatherproof.  Until I can get that - I'll stick with this Zumo.

[scooperhsd]

I use my Nuvi 50 LM , and I have a holder that protects the GPS from the wet very adequately (see this link http://www.thegpsstore.com/Arkon-Handlebar-Mount-with-Waterproof-Case-for-5-GPS-P3787.aspx . My handlebar bag protects the 12V outlet / GPS power supply. Have been lusting for a Zumo, but hard to justify the price.

[Drew55]

I also like Waze and use it on my Note 4 just for the added police notifications. But for a GPS that I've used a LOT on my Valkyrie, I have a Garmin 2595. It's a great GPS and has voice activation that works very well in a car. I don't think I've tried the voice activation part at speed on the bike but doubt that would work with my loud pipes.

I'm not knocking the Zumo's but can't see spending that kind of money. My Garmin works with gloves and with my Interstate it's pretty protected by the windshield from light rain(if it's heavy rain, I can just put a baggy over it) and save the $400+ more that a Zumo costs.

I bought the 2595LMT(lifetime maps and traffic) as a refurbished unit about 2 yrs ago and paid 115 with full warranty. New at that time was about 175.


Check it out and see if it'd work for you. I had an existing RAM mount from an old GPS that I could use for the 2595 on the Valk.

Thanks for your input, do you know if the2595 allows custom routes thru google maps or TYRE?

[wiggydotcom]

I also like Waze and use it on my Note 4 just for the added police notifications. But for a GPS that I've used a LOT on my Valkyrie, I have a Garmin 2595. It's a great GPS and has voice activation that works very well in a car. I don't think I've tried the voice activation part at speed on the bike but doubt that would work with my loud pipes.

I'm not knocking the Zumo's but can't see spending that kind of money. My Garmin works with gloves and with my Interstate it's pretty protected by the windshield from light rain(if it's heavy rain, I can just put a baggy over it) and save the $400+ more that a Zumo costs.

I bought the 2595LMT(lifetime maps and traffic) as a refurbished unit about 2 yrs ago and paid 115 with full warranty. New at that time was about 175.


Check it out and see if it'd work for you. I had an existing RAM mount from an old GPS that I could use for the 2595 on the Valk.

Thanks for your input, do you know if the2595 allows custom routes thru google maps or TYRE?

Drew,
I've never tried importing Google Maps or Tyre but I just did a search for you and found the following article. Based on that, I'm going to say, "Yes, there is a way to integrate Google Maps destinations".  

If you google "Google maps with Garmin Nuvi 2595", you'll get a few different hits that seem to indicate likewise.
Here is one of them that's about 3 yrs old but you can read it and decide:
http://techchannel.radioshack.com/import-points-google-maps-garmin-nuvi-2599.html

If you do decide to go with a GPS, I highly recommend RAM mounts. They are rock solid and reasonable priced.   
http://www.rammount.com/

[Wizzard]

I absolutely love my zumo 550.  I have two of them like new with all the original box ect and would part with one if the price is right.

[Oss]

Fred Flintstone GPS   RIP  he fell off in Alabama almost a year ago

Write on paper exit/mile/which way to turn

when at bottom, stop turn paper over, continue



I do have gps several programs on the phone as well

[Drew55]

Again I appreciate all the suggestions. I do agree RAM mounts are fantastic. I have a very old Garmin NUVI 855 and love it. It has been on a RAM mount on the Valk Interstate for 4 years and it is dying slowly. However it has been discontinued by Garmin for years now. I have had 3 in 10 years......but for 79-89 bucks if they last 3 years I am Happy!!! What more can you ask for with refurb electronics.
Drew

I also like Waze and use it on my Note 4 just for the added police notifications. But for a GPS that I've used a LOT on my Valkyrie, I have a Garmin 2595. It's a great GPS and has voice activation that works very well in a car. I don't think I've tried the voice activation part at speed on the bike but doubt that would work with my loud pipes.

I'm not knocking the Zumo's but can't see spending that kind of money. My Garmin works with gloves and with my Interstate it's pretty protected by the windshield from light rain(if it's heavy rain, I can just put a baggy over it) and save the $400+ more that a Zumo costs.

I bought the 2595LMT(lifetime maps and traffic) as a refurbished unit about 2 yrs ago and paid 115 with full warranty. New at that time was about 175.


Check it out and see if it'd work for you. I had an existing RAM mount from an old GPS that I could use for the 2595 on the Valk.

Thanks for your input, do you know if the2595 allows custom routes thru google maps or TYRE?

Drew,
I've never tried importing Google Maps or Tyre but I just did a search for you and found the following article. Based on that, I'm going to say, "Yes, there is a way to integrate Google Maps destinations".  

If you google "Google maps with Garmin Nuvi 2595", you'll get a few different hits that seem to indicate likewise.
Here is one of them that's about 3 yrs old but you can read it and decide:
http://techchannel.radioshack.com/import-points-google-maps-garmin-nuvi-2599.html

If you do decide to go with a GPS, I highly recommend RAM mounts. They are rock solid and reasonable priced.   
http://www.rammount.com/

[wiggydotcom]

Drew, the 2595lmt is actually my third Garmin. My very first was the Street Pilot III or something to that effect. If you made a wrong turn, it took about 2 minutes for it to recalculate!  They've come a long ways.

[Lyn-Del]

I was thinking the new Tom Tom Rider or the Garmin Zumo 660.

Any thoughts????

i used to have Tom Tom Riders.  Until I needed some parts (replace a mount).  They had NO customer service, the parts could only be provided if the unit was under warranty AND I had the original receipt.  The fact that I had bought it from Tom Tom directly, and the mount was lost in Hurricane Ike didn't make a difference.  I didn't have the receipt, and that's all that mattered.  I wasn't asking for a free replacement, just wanted to buy the darned thing.

Garmin, OTOH, has a website that I can order mounts, cords, etc., from.  Any time.  No questions asked.  One of my car GPS units has a mount that messed up.  They replaced it, free.  It messed up again.  I was talking to them about another problem, mentioned that the mount had again malfunctioned.  I was surprised when a replacement showed up.  No charge.

I'd suggest you consider the Garmin.

[GareBear]

I bought the nuvi 2589 for my wife.   It takes voice commands, which works surprisingly well.  I was able to load up custom waypoints and routes from Google maps.    It also uses her smartphone via bluetooth to get live traffic and weather alerts.   

If they make one like this in the zumo line,  and with doppler radar, I'll buy it. Until then it's my galaxy s5.

[Lyn-Del]

I have the Zumo 590, it has the SmartLink feature.  My subscriptions to weather, traffic, etc. work on the three GPS units that have SmartLink.

With the Zumo 590, I can plot a route and "share" it with other 590s, no computer required.  Nice when riding with friends ... if traffic separates you, you aren't lost.

[blastedbugler]

I use a old TomTom One V3 now a few years old.
Wired in a earpiece socket & with mic's in the ears Jane tells me where to go.
With most GPS the screen is hard to read in the sun so verbal instructions are good.
Of course if it rains then a simple clip lock bag over the top keeps it dry
Bar mounts on E Bay are cheap
Blastedbugler