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  1. #1
    Active Member Texas Al's Avatar
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    Default GPS Recommentations

    Hi all. I am looking for an inexpressive GPS with a bright display to use around the local area. I have tried a couple but the display was not bright enough to see. Any recommendations?
    2021 900 Ace , Black & Gold

  2. #2
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    I use a Zumo 396. Most of the time I am entirely OK with the brightness. I have it set to full brightness and always have it in night mode which I find works best for me. I would love to get some kind of shroud to shade it for when the sun comes over my shoulder and hits the screen but i haven't seen anything yet.

    I have a Bluetooth headset to hear the instructions and warnings so honestly the need to read the screen is not a big priority. It is handy to see the name of the next cross street coming when I haven't entered a destination though.

  3. #3
    Very Active Member JayBros's Avatar
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    Artillery lends dignity to what would
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    Cognac 2014 RT-S

  4. #4
    Very Active Member pidjones's Avatar
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    I havd a Garmin Zumo 396 and it is the worst GPS I've ever owned. Bright enough, but very hard to use.
    "Love 'em all.... Let GOD sort 'em out!"
    2021 RTL Dark Chalk Metallic with comfort seat
    1978 GL1000 w/'75 engine show bike
    1976 RD400c

  5. #5
    Very Active Member EdMat's Avatar
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    Not the cheapest solution but the best that I have found is the Garmin Zumo XT. The display can't be beat in any light conditions. I really like throwing it in adventurous mode.
    Last edited by EdMat; 08-10-2021 at 03:29 PM. Reason: Brain dead and couldn't type XT correctly
    2019 RT Limited , Phoenix Orange

  6. #6
    Very Active Member RayBJ's Avatar
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    Not a lot of waterproof GPS models available. Garmin Zumo XT is the current best. Tom Tom has one too but it's not very popular.
    If you don't need a waterproof model, maybe a much cheaper Garmin Nuvi will work.
    Have you tried using your smartphone mapping? Lots of GPS apps out in the wild.

    I use a Zumo 595 and find the screen plenty bright - except in glaring sunlight. I use a shroud like JayBros listed for those times.
    '20 Spyder RT: Bajaron swaybar. Vredestein tires, Pedal Commander, Elka front shocks, GPS/USB/12V handlebar mount, Heli-Bars, Radar Detector, KOTT grills & vents, Shad top case, chin & DRL LEDs.
    2020 RT base , Chalk White

  7. #7
    Active Member ButterSmooth's Avatar
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    For me, the poorest bang-for-the-buck would be my Zumo XT. They do have great support and they do fix stuff, but you do have to call them once and a while. And for my area the maps suck.
    Head in the game, eyes down the road... 2020RT
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  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by EdMat View Post
    Not the cheapest solution but the best that I have found is the Garmin Zumo XT. The display can't be beat in any light conditions. I really like throwing it in adventurous mode.
    Another vote from me for the Zumo XT

  9. #9
    Active Member Baron14y's Avatar
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    I have a Zumo590. I have had a sun shield on it. No help. No matter how I angled it, the screen washed out. Fortunately it is BT to my helmet and tells me where to turn, which, since I seldom go anywhere that I do not already know the directions, is redundant. But, it is waterproof and holds a lot of music.

  10. #10
    Very Active Member rjinaz86323's Avatar
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    Zumo XT. Works great, lot of great features, and super bright
    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2018 F3 Limited - Intense Red Pearl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

  11. #11
    Very Active Member Mazo EMS2's Avatar
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    I really like my Garmin Nuvi 396. Simple, fair price, weather proof, hardwired docking with quick release, lots of great motorcycle features....
    2021 RT Limited

    2016 RTS , Pearl White

  12. #12
    Active Member george123's Avatar
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    Another vote for the Zumo XT. Screen is bright enough to see easily even in bright sunlight.


    2022 Spyder RT Limited Sea to Sky Mystery Blue

  13. #13
    Very Active Member Peteoz's Avatar
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    If your budget runs to it, it’s hard to beat the Zumo XT. All the reasons have been detailed above. I have never had a better GPS.

    Pete
    Harrington, Australia

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  14. #14
    Very Active Member IdahoMtnSpyder's Avatar
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    I find my Samsung Tab A 8.0 tablet with the Sygic app works quite well for a GPS. The only time I have a hard time seeing the screen is when the sun is shining directly on it from behind me. I have an anti-glare screen protector on it that makes for a huge improvement for cutting down on light glare.

    2014 Copper RTS

    Tri-Axis bars, CB, BajaRon sway bar & shock adjusters, SpyderPop's Bumpskid, NBV peg brackets, LED headlights and modulator, Wolo trumpet air horns, trailer hitch, custom trailer harness, high mount turn signals, Custom Dynamics brake light, LED turn signal lights on mirrors, LED strip light for a dash light, garage door opener, LED lights in frunk, trunk, and saddlebags, RAM mounts and cradles for tablet (for GPS) and phone (for music), and Smooth Spyder belt tensioner.
    2014 RTS , Copper! (officially Cognac)

  15. #15
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    I simply have an attachment for my Mobil phone on the handlebars. Then I use google maps. It shows up to date traffic queues second for second and automatically finds a new route if there has been an accident ahead. Shows where speed cameras are and can record your route so you can see it on a map after. Cant beat google maps.

  16. #16
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    your phone? i can't even remember when was last time i had a separate gps.
    if its not water proof or resistant, there are waterproof case/mount and whole lotta choice of mount. i personally like mount from value accessory that replaces one of bolt for handlebar with longer bolt.
    its all in one, really, music/gps.
    6 states down 42 states to go

  17. #17
    Active Member SpyderGoldwingOwner's Avatar
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    the best GPS currently available is the Zumo XT
    2020 Can-Am Spyder RT
    2018 Honda Goldwing DCT

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