Which GPS?

[M109Dreamer]

OK, so I have been hunting around for a good, programmable GPS for about a year now. I have come up zero luck. So I thought I would reach out here.
Here are the requirements for the GPS I am looking for:
1. Large enough screen for easy viewing
2. Must be programmable, I want to be able to plan a route and send, download, or link it some how to the GPS for a route that I plan. Instead of the GPS always rerouting me all the time.
3. Life time maps
4. Fairly good visibility in the sunlight, I know this can be a challenge some times.

I have tried using my cell as a GPS but haven't found an App that doesn't continually reroute me, which drives me crazy.

If you use a cell App, please post them up. I'm always up for using a new App as long as it's functional.

If I have left anything out to consider please let me know any recommendations.
Thanks,
Shane

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[bmwlarry]

I do all this with the Garmin Zumo 590. I use basecamp to do the planning and then send route to device.

 

[M109Dreamer]

I do all this with the Garmin Zumo 590. I use basecamp to do the planning and then send route to device.

What's base camp?

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[Fjrwillie]

What's base camp?

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BaseCamp is the route planning software from Garmin. It is free and uses the maps loaded to your unit. You can download the maps from the Garmin site as long as your unit is registered.

BaseCamp replaced MapSource which was the route planning software before BaseCamp. I still use MapSource as my trip planning software

Both pieces of software enables planning a detail route, places of interest and then down load to the GPS unit to follow.

There is a learning curve for both pieces of software, however once you get the hang of it, it opens a whole new world of traveling. You get to decide what roads you take and not letting the GPS decide how you get somewhere.

Willie

 

[remark2013]

I must be inept, because I for the life of cannot figure out how to use Base Camp! :banghead::banghead:

 

[M109Dreamer]

BaseCamp is the route planning software from Garmin. It is free and uses the maps loaded to your unit. You can download the maps from the Garmin site as long as your unit is registered.

BaseCamp replaced MapSource which was the route planning software before BaseCamp. I still use MapSource as my trip planning software

Both pieces of software enables planning a detail route, places of interest and then down load to the GPS unit to follow.

There is a learning curve for both pieces of software, however once you get the hang of it, it opens a whole new world of traveling. You get to decide what roads you take and not letting the GPS decide how you get somewhere.

Willie

Can you plan a route in mapquest or google maps and send it to you gps also, or do you have to use that specific app?

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[Highwayman2013]

I must be inept, because I for the life of cannot figure out how to use Base Camp! :banghead::banghead:

I'm right there with you.

 

[Fjrwillie]

Instructions on how to use BaseCamp

This may help some of you folks on how to approach BaseCamp.

http://www.newenglandriders.org/Learn_BaseCamp_PC.pdf

This was written by a good friend of mine, who is the NER BaseCamp guru.

Willie

 

[bmwlarry]

Something to remember!! When you hook up your device for map updates ... click the "advanced" button and choose "download to device AND computer". This will allow you to plan routes for your current map version without having the GPS attached to the computer.

 

[Mazo EMS2]

I just use the Garmin Nuvi 1450 that I use in my truck. It has lifetime map updates and I can do everything you're looking to do. I just bought a spare power cord for it and hardwired it on the bike. I personally use a free version of Tyre To Travel. It's a route planning program that's really easy to use, and it's free. It downloads to Garmin or TomTom. I've never tried BaseCamp. Maybe someday...

 

[JayBros]

Garmin Express Before Basecamp

Down Garmin Express before downloading Basecamp. This gives you the capability to upgrade both your GPS and Basecamp as Garmin introduces software upgrades.

 

[robmorg]

I do all this with the Garmin Zumo 590. I use basecamp to do the planning and then send route to device.

:agree:

That one, although a bit more pricey than most, is about the best you can get for a motorcycle. :thumbup:

 

[M109Dreamer]

I just use the Garmin Nuvi 1450 that I use in my truck. It has lifetime map updates and I can do everything you're looking to do. I just bought a spare power cord for it and hardwired it on the bike. I personally use a free version of Tyre To Travel. It's a route planning program that's really easy to use, and it's free. It downloads to Garmin or TomTom. I've never tried BaseCamp. Maybe someday...

I was looking at that very model today. How is it viewing during daylight on ths bike?

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[pitzerwm]

IMO none of them are very good in the sun, in a car no problem. You get use to it. Also IMO Garmin in the best. I have a 29xx something but I've had a number of them and they are all great. The customer service is also fantastic.

 

[nakerr]

I have the 590 on my Spyder and like it a lot. I also use Garmin's Navigon software on my iPhone. It is a full-fledged GPS program that I believe was originally from a company in Europe before Garmin bought it. It works well but I do not leaving my iPhone on external power as it seems to decrease the battery life.

 

[Mazo EMS2]

I was looking at that very model today. How is it viewing during daylight on ths bike?

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With bright sunlight directly behind, it's washes out a bit, but it's certainly not enough to consider it a "negative" about the unit.

 

[etaoin]

Unfortunately, Tyre to Travel is for Windows only. We Mac users will have to look elsewhere.