I've been using my TomTom GPS, which I have been quite comfortably switching across between my car and bike ... Only issue is 'only sometimes' I find the suns glare to be a problem ... Problem solved 99% of the time by just fixing a 'brow' / sun visor to the unit and no more problems.
Its under the protection from the windscreen wind and rain, power is straight out of my top glove box with no mods needed .. how easy is that ...
I just re-check the security of the units adhesion before I start to ride for the day ... no problems ...
So why do most go looking for 'a special' GPS and mounts to suit ... Got me beat !
I just use my phone, which is in the glove box, as long as the lady tells me where to go I don’t need to look at a GPS. But I believe that the Motorcycle specific units have some features like twisty roads which may be fun.
2017 F3T-SM6 Squared Away Mirror Wedgies & Alignment
2014 RTS-SM6 123,600 miles Sold 11/2017
2014 RTL-SE6 8,600 miles
2011 RTS-SM5 5,000 miles
2013 RTS-SM5 burned up with 13,200 miles in 13 weeks
2010 RTS-SM5 59,148 miles
2010 RT- 622
When I had both my Spyder and a Suzuki 2 wheeler I used my car GPS on both with no problems, I would only carry a Ziploc bag to cover it if there was rain. Why pay hundreds more for a motorcycle unit that was only water proof, my opinion. In fact I changed GPS 3 times over the years and what I spend on all 3 would have been the cost of one of the motorcycle units.
The Garmin 590 GPS that came with my limited, came with the car mount also. I use it on both.
Because it is designed for a motorcycle, the screen is a mat finish, not glossy at all, and I have never had a problem reading it in the bright sun. We were in Utah for two weeks in July and it was nothing but bright sun, never had a problem reading it, no glare because of the mat finish.
I just use my phone, which is in the glove box, as long as the lady tells me where to go I don’t need to look at a GPS. But I believe that the Motorcycle specific units have some features like twisty roads which may be fun.
ha ha ha ... my lady hasn't told me where to go for a long time .... guess we must be mellowing !
Using the same Nuvi 50LM for the past 7 years. Installed the post and Ram ball in center of handlebars. I keep a sandwich bag in the glove box in case of rain. Not fancy but works
Bump Skid - Spyderpops
Wrap - Wrapmyspyder
swaybar - Bajaron
Sena 20D & SM10
3 PC Mesh Zippered Lid Net Set - TricLED
A arm LED's - Safety LED's - TricLED
Mirror Sequential turn signals
Glo-riders
LED rear turn signals and reverse lights
Front Grills
Third Brake light
Larson Scanner
Light Up - Sue Hopper
Phone GPS's have gotten so good that I don't use my TomTom much anymore.
When life throws you curves, aim for the apex
Current stable: 09 Thruxton / 09 FZ6
Sold List: 97 Ninja500R, 03 SV650K3, 01 Ducati 750Sport Dark, 73 CB350/4, 03 F650GSA, 08 Gixxer600, 03 Gixxer600, 91 VFR750F, 09 KLX250, 06 Thruxton 900, 08 Spyder RS , 12 Street TripleR, 15 RC390, 02 VFR800, 09 KLX250S, 10 F650GS JLohPhotos
... Motorcycles are kind of like Baskin Robbins... You're looking at 31 flavors of ice cream, don't you kind of want to know what they all taste like?...
I never had a GPS until I got one 10 years ago for my motorcycle (Garmin 450). I liked it so much I have a mount for it in both my (10-year-old) cars.
Both my RTLs came with a Garmin, so now I have 3 - all motorcycle units. Yes, they're pricey. But, they're rugged, weatherproof and reliable. They also have the glare-resistant screen and oversized touch controls for use with gloves. Also, the cradle is pretty secure and the one for the 450 actually locks the unit to the cradle with a (included) small, knurled screwdriver.
So, I guess I did what you're suggesting only in reverse.
It's a Garmin Nuvi something or other. My first one went 10 years before the screen died so I replaced it with this.Lives happily on the suction mount,easy to remove and stow.