What GPS do you have

[Chupaca]

I just clip it to whichever vehicle i am driving. It's a garmin about three years old....but if you want a really good one made for your ryde check zoozmc.com they have my next one. My problem is i seldom use one.

[al0vely]

Going to use one I have owned for a couple of years - Garmin 52LM.
Hoping to get the mounting bracket and power cord installed today.

[Fjrwillie]

Use Garmin Nuvi 1490LMT (Lifetime Maps and Traffic), sometimes 2 mounted to handle bar one for over route and the other for the next destination. Not waterproof but both have lasted thru some major rains. One of them is 4 years old which makes it ancient in the GPS world.

Willie

[PistonBlown]

First used Copilot (GPS software) on various phones. Have also tried Drive.

Several issues with this:

• Most phone systems including Copilot don't let you plan the route, they just give you what it thinks is the best route to the next point. On more than one occasion this turned out to involve gravel roads!
• Never found a good waterproof case for the phone (the RAM mount Aqua Pro one was really useless).
• Almost impossible to operate with gloves
• On more than one occasion it couldn't get a satellite fix - had this with three different types of phone, possibly to do with the lack of satellites above NZ:-)

Tried the Navman from my wife's car in my tank bag but:

• Sunlight could make the screen unreadable
• Almost impossible to operate with gloves
• Route planning software wasn't really suited for the sort of riding I did and didn't let me plan the route in detail i.e. choose roads
• Picked routes that were ok for cars but not the best for a motorbike.

So in the end I relented and bought a Garmin Zumo 590LM and so far this was worked well:

• Comes with mount so easy to attach, can position so no sunlight issues
• Works well with gloves
• Waterproof and sturdy but rather chunky (about 4 times the thickness of the Navman).
• Several useful extra features. Like being able to connect to my mobile for live traffic warnings and music streaming. Also like the speedo view where it just shows you a large speedo - helps when I'm in speed limit areas as the Spyder one is a bit "optimistic":-)
• Has a motorcycle mode when picking routes which actually does a good job
• Has a portrait mode that I prefer on the bike, use landscape in the car.
• Basecamp the route planning software is a pain in the neck to learn and the interface looks like it was written in the 1990's by someone reading one of those "You too can learn to program in 21 days" books but once you get your head around it you can plan your routes in detail

[vided]

stinking_badges.jpg

[irvin48]

garmin nuvi 57lmt attached to my navigator sometimes[read-wife].
and also maps. wife doesnt like to hold it while riding. irv

[murphybrown]

I've owned Garmin..Tom Tom and forgot name (forgot name is in my trailer)!! They get me lost..misguided and frustrated. I've traveled over 120K on my Spyder using GET PERSONAL SERVICE ... yep talk to REAL people. Before I leave I have studied my maps...yep those old fashioned maps (used to get AAA cause they were free..but recycled paper doesn't take kindly to my 'abuse')...recently purchased Butler Maps for Motorcycles (yep I'm realllllly liking them).
So as I prepare to head to Red Rock Rally (1200 miles--not counting any side trip adventures)...my routine..first grab map of US...then narrow down to states I will be traveling through. I use Mapquest on phone (ipad) to check mileage....I map out my trip ... when I get into an area I will use my iphone MAPS to pinpoint a motel, restaurant, gas, whatever I'm wanting. (even that has failed more than I can remember....so than I just stop and talk to folks!!!).
Yep don't like real GPS and won't waste anymore $$ on one...

[Msmoto]

I have just ordered a Zumo 595LM from Garmin, trading in my Zumo 550 which was no longer working. The 550 had two solo cross country trips on it from years ago, was very nice when it could handle the maps.

The good news, for shipping this back to Garmin, I get 20% off on my new 595LM. Also, the current 590 from BRP is a discontinued unit, and the 595 has many upgrades apparently.

I am a map/GPS user, basically I know where I am going, but like to have the GPS to keep me alert. I travel with an Airstream behind a Dodge truck as well, and use two Garmin units in this, one monitoring engine data, the other my routing.

Over all, I find the GPS frustrating out of the box, the programming of routes, etc., seems beyond my abilities. But, by using way points I find I get the route I want, and usually on a tank bag, the appropriate map is there as well, or when towing, I have the maps beside me. In any case, having a basic understanding of where I am going is IMO essential.

[drhunt204]

Garmin 660 GPS. I just added a micro card to it with music on it. I a little disappointed in how it doesn't show up better in bright sunlight. However, I am enjoying the music!

[bcer960]

Thanks for all the input. I looked into all the options given here and decided on the TomTom 400.

The biggest reason for wanting a GPS, is we are from Canada, so phones aren't an option, too much data usage in the USA. Paper maps are great for planning but not so good in the wind...

We are heading to the Norcal rally in a few days, I have the trip all planned out on google maps, but can't take the PC on the bike either.........

Thanks again

[jcthorne]

I use a Garmin 2797LMT because the 7" screen is MUCH easier to read. Been using this one for about 5 years in a motorhome and several bikes.

[Belrix]

I'm not familiar with the TomTom but one feature I use on the Zumo is the ability to plan routes. If I want to get from, for example, Meeker to Denver, CO (last weekend's trip), it takes me the 3.5 hour way via the interstate and 25 miles of boring road. If I go by way of Steamboat Springs and Estes Park, it takes 6.5 hours and I get beautiful views the entire way.

Route planning lets me put Steamboat and Estes in as waypoints and the Garmin routes me up and over the continental divide.

Very cool since the fast way, IMO, is usually the boring way.

Of course, I could do this without routing by going first to Steamboat, re-setting to Estes, then finally to home but I think it's cool to do it all in one swoop.

I wish (hear me Garmin?) I could plan the route on the computer, save it and feed it into the Garmin somehow. Not possible, I don't think.

[bcer960]

I wish(hear me Garmin?) I could plan the route on the computer, save it and feed it into the Garmin somehow. Not possible, I don't think.

This is one feature the TomTom 400 has.

[Belrix]

This is one feature the TomTom 400 has.

I'm going to have to check that out when the Zumo goes belly-up.

[Motorcycledave]

iPhone

[Mazo EMS2]

I just use a standard garmin that you would use in car. Used it for 10,000 + miles no problems and a lot more cost effective.

Sent from my SM-N930P using Tapatalk

Ditto. Mine is a Garmin Nuvi 1450. Works great. I bought a second power cord, so one stays on the bike, and one stays in the truck. If it looks like rain, I'll slip a sandwich bag over the top of it.

[justcalldon]

I have the Garmin 660 and it is great!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[PaladinLV]

Using Garmin 660LM same one since 2009.
Used with my Harleys and now with my Spyder.
Lifetime free maps and compatible with most Bikes.

All the above r my reasons

AJ

I tried to do a search on this, but the site says there are too many posts.

What GPS are you using, and why?

Thanks

[PaladinLV]

I wish (hear me Garmin?) I could plan the route on the computer, save it and feed it into the Garmin somehow. Not possible, I don't think.

You are joking right?
I plan my routes and have been planning my routes on computer and saving to my Garmin since Garmin became available and for 7 years on the 660.

AJ

[Belrix]

You are joking right?
I plan my routes and have been planning my routes on computer and saving to my Garmin since Garmin became available and for 7 years on the 660.

AJ

I guess it's time to get the manual out again. [emoji4]

Sent from my LG-H901 using Tapatalk

[Steven Young]

But using Google maps means you are reliant on having a phone signal, jkm. Don't you ever lose reception?
Pete

Google maps can download maps for Off Line use of large areas. Just used my iPhone on a 5 hr ride with No Cell service....No problems using Google Maps.

[roofus7044]

I use a TomTom rider after the vibration on my Kawasaki concours killed my Garmin that was made for use in the car. It's waterproof and works well when you are wearing gloves. I don't use Bluetooth in my helmet so I can't speak to how well that part works. At approximately $250 new I feel it is a good compromise for a motorcycle specific GPS. I'm sure there are better ones out there but they also cost a lot more.

[Peteoz]

Thanks for all the input. I looked into all the options given here and decided on the TomTom 400.

The biggest reason for wanting a GPS, is we are from Canada, so phones aren't an option, too much data usage in the USA. Paper maps are great for planning but not so good in the wind...

We are heading to the Norcal rally in a few days, I have the trip all planned out on google maps, but can't take the PC on the bike either.........

Thanks again

bcer, don't dismiss phones because of too much data usage......you can buy a Tom Tom, Navigon or Garmin app for your iPhone or other phone for much cheaper than buying the whole GPS shebang. Navigon North America is $90. It gives you all the features of the full GPS, but keeps it handily part of your phone. It usually comes with lifetime maps, and it gets the signal from satellite, not phone towers, so there is no data usage and no phone tower black spots. It also means that you only have to Bluetooth your phone to your headset to get all your phone and GPS features without the GPS middleman.

The only two major downsides I have found with this setup on the iPhone are -

You can't use gloves, but a weatherproof Otter box or similar fixes that......and of course, the keyboard is small.

The hot Aussie sun overheats the iPhone, so I have the Garmin as a fallback for those extreme days.

Pete

[Dan McNally]

I guess it's time to get the manual out again. [emoji4]

Sent from my LG-H901 using Tapatalk

Download Base Camp from Garmin. It isn't the most user friendly thing, but once you master it, you can create routes and downpaod them to your Garmin.

I use the ZUMO 660 that came with my Spyder - it serves the purpose. I like being able to find the nearest gas station - that was a great feature riding home from Tucson, last year - As I approached an exit that had a gas station, I'd look at how far the next gas station was, before passing an opportunity to top off. Great for peace of mind crossing the desert.

[fencepost]

Garmin 590LM, this is by far the best Garmin I have ever had, Street Pilot, Street Pilot Ii, 2610, 550 and 665. I find the screen to the best Garmin has come out with for viewing during daylight.