GPS question

[RYDRS]

Any suggestions on what GPS to buy for the spyder that is fairly inexpensive and works well? Bluetooth not necessary.

[BillGargan]

There are several choices. Garmin is -- by most measures -- the best. TomTom also makes one. All are available in the $650 to $1,000 range -- depending on which model and how hard you shop. I paid $640 for my Zumo 660.

There are no inexpensive GPS units that are waterproof and ruggedized.

Garmin Zumo 660 had some early firmware issues that have been resolved. That is what I put on my bike last Saturday.

You can get a lower priced GPS that is not made for use on a motorcycle and put it in a waterproof Ram case. It works but is not user friendly this way -- and the mounting hardware adds $100 or so.

[one50npump]

Ive used my $125 Tom Tom for about 10000 miles now with no problems at all. If it rains I take it off, but its had no problems from bouncing or anything like that. I have the Ram mount cradle for the TomTom and the Ram mount balls on all my bikes, so I can use it on whatever bike. I've seen no need to spend any more than that.

[Director]

Any suggestions on what GPS to buy for the spyder that is fairly inexpensive and works well? Bluetooth not necessary.

Paul, if you are willing to look at non-current models, there are some great buys out there. I have a Garmin 2610 which I purchased a couple of years ago for less than $200.00. It works great and is waterproof. It is recommended for motorcycle use. Similarly, the 2620 is another StreetPilot unit that is good for motorcycle use, and there are some used and refurbished units out there, like this one on eBay:
http://cgi.ebay.ca/Garmin-StreetPilo...d=p3286.c0.m14
You might give RadioWorld in Toronto a call and see what they have, as their GPS line is pretty complete. I actually bought my 2610 from them.
Hope this helps.

Bruce

[RYDRS]

Thanks Bruce. Does the sunlight impair the ability to see the screen?

[Director]

Thanks Bruce. Does the sunlight impair the ability to see the screen?

Paul, direct sunlight will wash the screen out (not completely, but it can be hard to see). However I have a Touratech sunshade which pretty well takes care of that problem.

Cheers,

Bruce

[sabunim5]

If you don't care about bluetooth, the Garmin 450 is a good option. I wish I had gotten it instead of the 550 as I used a wired system not bluetooth. Could have spent the difference traveling or buying other mods.

[NancysToy]

I have a Lowrance XOG, after I saw Dltang's. Got it for a bit over $100 at Cabella's online. Supposedly weather resistant, but I doubt it, and haven't tested it. Small screen, but adequate for my purposes, Spyder, bike, car, or truck. No buttons, so it doesn't take well to gloves (or fat fingers). I bought a RAM mount specifically for it at GPSCity.com. Bought a USB power cable to fit my dash Powerlet outlets from Powerletproducts.com. Doesn't last on battery very long. Nothing fancy, but it is cheap, and it works.

[dltang]

I have a Lowrance XOG, after I saw Dltang's. Got it for a bit over $100 at Cabella's online. Supposedly weather resistant, but I doubt it, and haven't tested it. Small screen, but adequate for my purposes, Spyder, bike, car, or truck. No buttons, so it doesn't take well to gloves (or fat fingers). I bought a RAM mount specifically for it at GPSCity.com. Bought a USB power cable to fit my dash Powerlet outlets from Powerletproducts.com. Doesn't last on battery very long. Nothing fancy, but it is cheap, and it works.

Yup, I have the same thing or I should say had. I know have a GPS program on my iphone so that is my GPS. I could sell you my XOG for $75 if you'd like, including the RAM Mount for it (not the ball though). My main issue with the XOG is that sometimes it takes so dog on long to find your initial position. Once it has you, it works fine. The other thing is there were really no instructions to speak of, and what they did have were very poor. So it is mostly self teach with trial and error in how to use it. The screen does wash out in the sunlight a bit and it is small. Like Scotty said though, for low cost, it is pretty darn functional. By the way, I have had it in the rain and no problems what so ever. I also have been able to load music and photos on the SD Card so I can listen while riding. The directions will interrupt your music if you have it set that way.

[irish2themax]

How many times has this been asked?

[widowmaker2011]

Any suggestions on what GPS to buy for the spyder that is fairly inexpensive and works well? Bluetooth not necessary.

It comes down to TomTom and Garmin , alot of it is personal preference. I had (have) a Garmin which was ok and went to the new TomTom Rider2 about 3 months ago and am very happy. The Garmin would washout in the sun and the TomTom has a built in sunshade and even in direct light is very very visible. I prefer its functionality , but thats just my opinion. The Rider2 comes with the Scala Rider 2 blue tooth headset as part of the package. I already had a pair of Scala Rider 2 headsets and was very happy with their abilities so I knew what I was getting. I found it at bestbuy for under 400 bucks on sale . I just rode through 350 miles of drenching rain and hail and it never let me down.

[Director]

How many times has this been asked?

But we just never get tired of debating the merits about the many GPS choices out there...

[Dragonrider]

I have a $99 Magellen in the map pocket on my tank bag, and ran a 12v lead via a plug under the bag. It's waterproof, reasonably user friendly, and cheep.

[Just Doo Me]

Paul how was your ride to Owen Sound? Next time we get out for a ride I can show you my setup.Garmin Nuvi 750 and ram mount with cradle which is now quite reasonable $$.It is not waterproof but you can always cover it with a baggie if need be.Has SD card for mp3 and line out for headset [speakers in my helmet]works well and 1/4 of the cost of a 550 or 650 Zumo.

[RYDRS]

Great ride back to the home town Jay. 700 kms round trip. No Spyder issues. Ran great. I will take a look at your setup next time around. Still doing some research on the topic. I think I might look at the Tom Tom Rider2 unit as it will work with my present setup.

[bone crusher]

Do yourself a favor and get a Garmin over the TomTom...I have the 550 and it works great...easy to update and add POIs...like for red light cameras and speed cameras...(www.poifactory.com)

The zumo is highly rated virtually everywhere....it is made specifically for a motorcycle.

I was going to get the TomTom but too many negative posts on various cycle boards...

You won't be unhappy with a garmin product and their customer service is absolutely amazing...something that cannot be said for any of the other companies...I also have a magellan and their customer service is a joke in comparison...

[wyliec]

Paul how was your ride to Owen Sound? Next time we get out for a ride I can show you my setup.Garmin Nuvi 750 and ram mount with cradle which is now quite reasonable $$.It is not waterproof but you can always cover it with a baggie if need be.Has SD card for mp3 and line out for headset [speakers in my helmet]works well and 1/4 of the cost of a 550 or 650 Zumo.

Is the 'line out' used with the voice prompt directions or just the mp3?

Thanks

[Lamonster]

I'm loving my Garmin 7200. I was waiting for the 660 but I ran out of time and had to get something for my Hollywood trip. The only down side is it's not waterproof but that's nothing a ziplock bag can't fix. It has a 7" screen and is really easy to read. You can fine a refurb unit for about $280 bucks on ebay. Mine has worked flawlessly for about 8,000 miles.

[Director]

Do yourself a favor and get a Garmin over the TomTom...I have the 550 and it works great...easy to update and add POIs...like for red light cameras and speed cameras...(www.poifactory.com)

The zumo is highly rated virtually everywhere....it is made specifically for a motorcycle.

I was going to get the TomTom but too many negative posts on various cycle boards...

You won't be unhappy with a garmin product and their customer service is absolutely amazing...something that cannot be said for any of the other companies...I also have a magellan and their customer service is a joke in comparison...

Garmin would always be my #1 choice.

Bruce

[Just Doo Me]

Is the 'line out' used with the voice prompt directions or just the mp3?

Thanks

It is used for both,voice prompt overrides the music goes mute then returns after prompt.You can also turn the voice to mute if desired.In a auto you can plug it into the auxiliary jack on the stereo in newer cars and have it come accross the car speakers.750 also has fm transmitter. 760 has bluetooth

[gazey]

I've had the Garmin Zumo 550 for a few weeks now. I was used to using a TomTom in my car before this. I like the Zumo but a gotta say I think the TomTom has better mapping software. The Zumo seems to take me all over the place to get anywhere. If I ask for the same address on the TomTom it takes me straight there.
It also seems to take a long time to react to recalculating a route if you miss a turn. I do miss the KM to destination feature from the TomTom too.

[musicarcade]

I have this unit as it is waterproof and I use it for kayaking as well as auto trips. I recently got a Spyder and want to find the correct mount for it. Garmin referred me to RAM mount, but their website doesn't have Can-Am on their easy to use list.
Any help??
Thanks!

[wyliec]

I have this unit as it is waterproof and I use it for kayaking as well as auto trips. I recently got a Spyder and want to find the correct mount for it. Garmin referred me to RAM mount, but their website doesn't have Can-Am on their easy to use list.
Any help??
Thanks!

Here's one way:

http://www.ram-mount.com/NewProducts...1/Default.aspx

http://www.ram-mount.com/Portals/0/S...mb149zga31.jpg


If you don't want to install on your handlebars, you can get a different ball type mount; look in the ram catalog on their website. They have ball mounts that can be mounted on your dash; or, if you plan on risers from nmn, you can get a ball mount which will attach to the risers; you can also get a ball mount that attaches to your clutch reservoir. The main thing is that you get the cradle and the (female) ball to ball connector that is part of the above mount. Then, select the last part (the ball mount) based on where you will install the gps.

[NancysToy]

GPS City has about any RAM mount you may want. They also have dedicated brackets for many popular GPS units.

[musicarcade]

Thanks for the help folks; I guess I should have given out a bit more info. I would like to mount this on my SE5's handlebar, and I cannot figure out what mount I can accomplish this with. I'd like to mount it on the right hand side. I just need to know the third piece of the puzzle- the proper mount for the handlebar. For one type mount, the u bolt doesn't look like a wide enough diameter, and the other option is the Brake/Clutch Reservoir mount, which I can't figure out how that attaches to the spyder since I am basically ignorant about motorcycles and have only owned a Spyder.

What would that mount attach to on the right handlebar?

or should I be looking and something else?