Garmin or Tom Tom ?

[fetermel]

I am looking at buying a new GPS for my 2013 STS. Any preferences on Garmin features verses Tom Tom. We are going to Colorado this summer and want one that will guide us thru the mountain roads. Thanks Joel.

[Little Blue]

I have used the Garmin GPS Units for 15+ years.
Found them to be very reliable. Be sure and get one with 'LT' life time updates.
Good Luck on your Mission. ....:thumbup:

[triplethreat]

I just bought a new Garmin XT and of course they have the Lifetime Maps. The big difference for me though, is the older Garmins with the lifetime maps feature, you had to use the "Garmin Express" software and actually hook the GPS unit up to the computer that had Garmin Express installed on it. With the new Garmin XT, it automatically updates via you home WiFi or whatever WiFi you have access to. To me, this is a very nice feature and the XT has a nice size screen also..5.5" and a ton of other features. I vote for the Garmin.

[robhowen]

I've had Garmins for longer than I can remember and I've never been disappointed. I have the Garmin XT and ditto everything that Triplethreat said.
Rob

[Mazo EMS2]

Another vote for Garmin. They really seem to have it together, and have for as long as I've used them. Bias? Yes, but I've never owned anything else to compare. I also agree with the newer ones being top notch. I have a 396 LT and like the fact that I can just turn it on and let it update on my home wifi. I do like to upload routes to it though, and that still requires a cable with the program I use. (MyRoute App) That's a whole different can of worms though.

[carbonation]

Garmin.
180025

[Steve W.]

Yet another vote for Garmin, but I will admit that it's an uninformed decision. I have never used a Tom Tom or anything else besides a Garmin. Have been using Garmins for 15+ years and have appreciated all the updates in technology.


I do like to upload routes to it though, and that still requires a cable with the program I use. (MyRoute App) That's a whole different can of worms though.
I enjoy planning a tour, as well. I also use my GPS for daily tracking of miles traveled so I can get an accurate number of miles for reimbursement from work. Some of the newer Garmin units require talking to your computer with BaseCamp, which is not very friendly for the way I keep track of miles, so I have an older Nuvi model that allows me to use Map Source. Garmin no longer supports Map Source, but it still work fine. As long as it still works, I will keep using it.

.

[JayBros]

Throw another log on the Garmin pile; I use a Zumo 590 on the Spyder and a Nuvi in my old cage mini-van.

If you are going through CO, by all means get a Butler motorcycle map for the state, https://www.butlermaps.com/motorcycle-road-maps/colorado-map/. It has many of the most popular and scenic routes in the state and is waterproof. If you have any experience with Garmin BaseCamp you can create routes in it from the Butler map and download them to your Garmin GPS. I spent a week last summer riding many of the Butler routes and had a blast. Don't hesitate to PM me if you'd care to pick my brain about my trip.

[Lew L]

Garmin 660LM-------- Had it for at least 5 years, works perfect.

[bcer960]

Ok, I'll buck the trend. I have a Tomtom Rider 400. Works great, 35,000 miles on it in 3 years

[ARtraveler]

Re TomTom: Don't those two mallets get in the way when you are not sending messages?


Sorry...I just could not resist that. :roflblack:

[troop]

OK, you couple of XT owners. Can you use the included USB/mini USB cable as a power cord/charger while on the bike? Or is it a data read only cable for the computer ? I'm also guessing a standard Garmin 12v gps plug/cord would also work ? Don't really plan on hard wiring it as I use one of these ...

[fjray]

I've had a Garmin 660 for years and a Nuvi in the truck. The Nuvi is really old and doesn't have lifetime maps but I just scored a 660lm off the goldwing forum for 140.00. Came with everything so now I have all I need for all the rolling stock.:D

[Haze]

I just installed a new Garmin 396 on my 2013 STS. The bluetooth is great. Pairs easily with my SENA SMH10 headset.
I'm still working on mastering all the nuances of the optional software package installed on the cell phone.
Has lifetime maps and is easy to update. The screen display is bright and clear even in bright daylight.
No complaints.

[Flamewinger]

If you have a smartphone you can get TomTom app for $40 To bad Garmin took their app off as many want the free Waze or Google Maps.

[PMK]

I have a few Garmin automotive units and the Spyder has the 660lm.

Sadly, even with current updates our Garmins get worse and worse about making navigation mistakes. Very discouraging to follow the Garmin directions only to not be at your destination and must use a cell phone and Google Maps or similar to finally get there.

No experience with any of the Tom Tom devices.

Simply shop wisely. At this time, I do not have a best answer.

[fetermel]

Thanks for all the reply's. I will look into the Garmin line since it's seems to be the most popular choice. I have plenty of time to do my research. Thanks again. Joel

[SPECTACUALR SPIDERMAN]

Can't speak for tom tom but i am quite happy with garmin

[Farm23]

This is a question from a non garmin or tom tom user. In my car I only use my google maps, so what is advantage of using something else on the bike. I am getting a Ryker when all this virus stuff is over so I wonder am I missing something. I do have garmin in my plane but that is another story.

[CopperSpyder]

This is a question from a non garmin or tom tom user. In my car I only use my google maps, so what is advantage of using something else on the bike. I am getting a Ryker when all this virus stuff is over so I wonder am I missing something. I do have garmin in my plane but that is another story.

If you use google on your phone and want to get a good phone holder and use it that is fine. Pros and cons to everything. But it will work fine if that's what you like. I have a Garmin that has a bigger screen and more glove friendly then a phone.

[triplethreat]

If you use google on your phone and want to get a good phone holder and use it that is fine. Pros and cons to everything. But it will work fine if that's what you like. I have a Garmin that has a bigger screen and more glove friendly then a phone.

Another huge advantage to using GPS vs. cellphone and Google, beside the things mentioned above. Google requires cell service to constantly keep the maps updating as you travel (unless you download the area to your phone before travel). If you don't download AND you travel in a place that has sketchy cell service or a weak signal or something less than 4G....you will lose the ability to keep getting your location and travel directions.

[troop]

Another huge advantage to using GPS vs. cellphone and Google, beside the things mentioned above. Google requires cell service to constantly keep the maps updating as you travel (unless you download the area to your phone before travel). If you don't download AND you travel in a place that has sketchy cell service or a weak signal or something less than 4G....you will lose the ability to keep getting your location and travel directions.

TT, do you know the answer to my question in post #12 ? Thanks

** Got my answer from Garmin. The included USB/mini USB cable is data read only. Any prior Garmin automotive 12V plug/cable will power it up on the bike. You need the traffic type cord for traffic updates. **

[Farm23]

Ok I can see a bigger screen and easier to use with gloves worthwhile.

[triplethreat]

TT, do you know the answer to my question in post #12 ? Thanks

** Got my answer from Garmin. The included USB/mini USB cable is data read only. Any prior Garmin automotive 12V plug/cable will power it up on the bike. You need the traffic type cord for traffic updates. **

Oops.....I missed that question in #12! I plan on doing one of two things. 1. Remove the left side panel and tap into the provided accessory wiring that comes off of Fuse#6 and then on to the base of the provided mount...or... 2. Buy an Anker 15,000 maH USB battery pack to provide either charging power or operating power to the XT. More than likely I will go the route of running power up to the base and leave it setup to that the power is switched on when the key is on.

[Gator37]

have one of each, prefer the Garmin.