Thought of trying a different GPS than Zumo 660

[dshogman]

Well, it was a good thought - inexpensive Nuvi at Costco, a couple of Ram parts and mount it to the hole location on the adjustable handlebars. Wrote Garmin to ask about the power cord and received a mild scolding in return. Yes, I knew it would not be waterproof but as I don't ride that much in the rain, so what. But I was also told in no uncertain terms that the Nuvi could not take the vibrations etc of a motorcycle ride and that if used on a motorcycle, the warranty would be void. Suggested that I get with the Zumo 660. Guess I'll start searching the forum for posts on the 660.

[shelbydave]

I'm running an old Nuvi 205. Since I paid about $60 for it refurbished, I figured it was a good test subject. I had to tap into the speaker wiring, to add an external audio jack, and ran that back to my Sena SM-10, so she can put ideas into my head while riding.
For power, I just bought one of the cords you plug into a cig lighter, pulled out the board, and hooked it into my fuse box.

With the ram mounts, I haven't seen any issues with vibration, but water is another issue... If I get caught in the rain, I stop, and put that thing in the trunk - until I figure that out

I thought aout one of the Aqua-boxes, but those things just look so big! I may make one myself...

[Bob Denman]

You literally can wrap them up in a sandwich baggie...

[bill51]

that what I do. work great

[lyonsden]

I've been using a Nuvi 765t for almost 2 years and 14K miles no problems. I ordered the factory mount and wiring off of amazon. Works great. I use a sandwich bag when it rains.

[captblack]

I use a Nuvi 1490, mounted using Ram parts mounted where the temp gauge was and using the gauge light power. Mounting bracket is from Ram and I got the cord from amazon. Works great with no vibration problems. I have a sun shield which helps with the rain but I do store it away in a heavy downpour. I don't care about the audio so it works great for me ... I got all the Ram parts from GPS City.

[Chupaca]

have the nuvi 1300 for over a year on a modified Ram mount, working fine. Been in a couple downpours where stopping was not an option and fared fine. Baggie or plastic wrap when possible. If they make one specific they will never admit the others will work especially at those prices. Jmo...!!

[NancysToy]

Been using a Nuvi 550 for the last three years with no problems.

[dshogman]

Thanks for all the advice - I'm going to stick with the Nuvi and get some Ram mount parts for it - and carry a plastic baggie in case of rain. I figure I can go through 4 of them for the price of the Zumo and I really don't use all the other bells and whistles.

[mcaccamise]

i agree 100% mine is a Nuvi 1490 had it about a year with a sun shield and ram mount and its great also has bluetooth that sinks with my i phone music and phone calls u can buy lots of bags for the price of a zumo 660.
Mike

[Dragonrider]

I've had a Zumo 550 for three years without a problem… I have a buddy with a NUVI 550 ($99-$199 on EBay). It's waterproof, and works a treat. I just helped my BIL put one on his Magna, for a 2300 mile trip - worked without a hitch………. That's the way I would go, if I needed to do it again.

[billybovine]

Power cable.
Power cable.jpg

[pro10is]

Been using a Nuvi for two years with no problems whatsoever, even in the pouring rain (with nothing more than a baggie and elastic band). I refuse to spend $600 for a Zumo then worry about it getting stolen. The Nuvi cost me $60 for a refurb and works perfectly. You could buy ten of these for what a Zumo costs.

[Highwayman2013]

I had a Zumo 665 and lost it. I just can't see spending that much again. I think in the future I'll go this route as well.

[fyrertuck]

I have a nivi 1390LMT first on my GW then the RT. First use a small bag and a rubber band in the rain and as for power cord go to amazon. Look for the one with 1 amp or higher. I will have to look for the part number. I have wire up many bike for car GPS and they work find.

You will need a sun shade. I make my own out of plastic.

[TuckMiddle]

You must be a classy guy. Nice handle, 1390 to get you there and riding a Spyder. You in Maggie Valley this week? I'm at the Comfort Inn and will be at Lamont's.
Just like most, using ram mounts, Garmins cable that came with it and you've got to have a sunshade and a small sandwich bag
for the rainy days or a rain jacket pocket works well.
Tuckmiddle

[NancysToy]

Been using a Nuvi 550 for the last three years with no problems.

Well, so much for that theory! Mine wouldn't fire up the very next morning. I went to the store across the street from our motel and they had one GPS...a low end Nuvi. Of course it was a different shape and size. I used zip ties and Gorilla tape to fasten the car mount to my RAM mount, and we hit the road. Hope this one lasts until we get home.

[pacog1943]

Well, it was a good thought - inexpensive Nuvi at Costco, a couple of Ram parts and mount it to the hole location on the adjustable handlebars. Wrote Garmin to ask about the power cord and received a mild scolding in return. Yes, I knew it would not be waterproof but as I don't ride that much in the rain, so what. But I was also told in no uncertain terms that the Nuvi could not take the vibrations etc of a motorcycle ride and that if used on a motorcycle, the warranty would be void. Suggested that I get with the Zumo 660. Guess I'll start searching the forum for posts on the 660.

Hi, I use my iPad Mini mounted to my dash as my GPS, works great. That way I don't need a Garmin or whatever, already had the iPad mini, larger screen too. Make a great day, Paco.

[DCSpyderLover]

Hi, I use my iPad Mini mounted to my dash as my GPS, works great. That way I don't need a Garmin or whatever, already had the iPad mini, larger screen too. Make a great day, Paco.

We want to mount our existing GPS / Bluetooth enable phones & need a USB2 charger vs. the mount provided for the Garmin on the ST-Limited .. Any guidance on how we should proceed? Thanks in Advance!

[lookerjdc]

I have an old nuvi 1490 and have the ram mounts and baggies and it work fine EXCEPT

I cant figure out how to make maps with the Garmin Basecamp software and transfer the routes to the nuvi

yes, there is a transfer to device option in the Base camp software but when I check my device....... no route

I did this for hours before leaving for the owners event and could not get it to work

I am now looking for a different GPS unit

[shelbydave]

I have an old nuvi 1490 and have the ram mounts and baggies and it work fine EXCEPT

I cant figure out how to make maps with the Garmin Basecamp software and transfer the routes to the nuvi

yes, there is a transfer to device option in the Base camp software but when I check my device....... no route

I did this for hours before leaving for the owners event and could not get it to work

I am now looking for a different GPS unit

I don't think the Nuvi can accept routes. It seems to need to think for itself, then nag when you go your own way. What I have had some success with is to plan the route using Base camp, or Tyre, then create waypoints along the route. I then add those waypoints to a list, and transfer the list to the garmin. I then have to select waypoints as via points when planning the trip using the GPS.

If the Zumo will accept full routes from Base camp, then I may be adding that to my Christmas list.

[MouthPiece]

I'm disappointed with my Zumo 660. I say this because although the first year it performed flawlessly, I began having "sound and or loading issues" with it. I just feel like it was/is not worth the some $1,100.00 that I paid for it. I have to literally bang it on the back to get it to "somewhat" work.

Chris

[daveinva]

Based on earlier SL recommendations I sprung for a Nuvi 1490 last year to replace a really old GPS that wasn't working great.

Well, this one crapped out just the same-- it's been having trouble keeping a charge, and the connectors won't stay fastened to the unit, they rattle loose. So, it's constantly resetting itself, even while "plugged" in to my Powerlet on the dash. But take it off power, and the battery won't last more than an hour. Essentially, it's now useless to me, in less than a year.

Anyone know of any good GPS units that feature a *locking* power cord to the unit?

[Raknid]

I have had a Garmin GPSmap 60CSX for probably 10 years (guesstimate) and love it. Used on various bikes with handlebar RAM ball mounts. Performs great...waterproof...wire to Powerlets. I believe this model has since been replaced by the 62S. Only downside is small screen as it is a handheld.

[lyonsden]

Based on earlier SL recommendations I sprung for a Nuvi 1490 last year to replace a really old GPS that wasn't working great.

Well, this one crapped out just the same-- it's been having trouble keeping a charge, and the connectors won't stay fastened to the unit, they rattle loose. So, it's constantly resetting itself, even while "plugged" in to my Powerlet on the dash. But take it off power, and the battery won't last more than an hour. Essentially, it's now useless to me, in less than a year.

Anyone know of any good GPS units that feature a *locking* power cord to the unit?

If you buy a 765t, around $100 refurbished, it comes with a snap in mount and power cord that locks in. See pic.765ta.jpgI mounted this piece, the mount 765tb.jpgto the factory brp gps mount in the middle of the handlebars. The power cord snaps into the side of this mount and stays hooked up all the time. Then you just snap the 765t into the mount and it has worked flawlessly for about 2 years and 14k miles now.