My GPS is worthless

[peterparker]

Howdy gang,

Why have a touring model with a POS for a GPS???

I have a 2014 RT LTD that came with a Garmin Zumo 660. I like the ease of being able to take the gps off of the bike but I really hate the fact that you can't see anything on the screen in sunlight. I tried adding a Glare Stomper but that was a waste of money. I would like to get a replacement for the 660 that you can actually read in sunlight and would probably opt for a bigger screen. It looks like the mount that is on my RT is wired in so something that would fit that mount would be nice too. If the thing was not waterproof, no biggie. I will pull over and stick it in the trunk at the same time that I put my wallet in there when caught in the rain.

Anybody got suggestions?

Bill
The Woodlands
Texas

 

[Dragonrider]

There are a couple of aftermarket "screen protectors" that provide decent solutions for that problem - there are also sun shields, that fit around the outside of the GPS.

Some folks rely on the audio directions from the 660 - running through the stereo..

 

[Orange Spyder Man]

have you tried to adjust the angle ? I found it helps..

osm

 

[RTL1330]

New Garmin Zumo 590LM

Howdy gang,

Why have a touring model with a POS for a GPS???

I have a 2014 RT LTD that came with a Garmin Zumo 660. I like the ease of being able to take the gps off of the bike but I really hate the fact that you can't see anything on the screen in sunlight. I tried adding a Glare Stomper but that was a waste of money. I would like to get a replacement for the 660 that you can actually read in sunlight and would probably opt for a bigger screen. It looks like the mount that is on my RT is wired in so something that would fit that mount would be nice too. If the thing was not waterproof, no biggie. I will pull over and stick it in the trunk at the same time that I put my wallet in there when caught in the rain.

Anybody got suggestions?

Bill
The Woodlands
Texas

Bill, the new 2015 RTL come with Garmin bigger better GPS. I was looking at 2015 but got a sale deal on 2014 so got the 660 also.
look at the 590LM specs. Pretty sure same mounts.

Terry

 

[Professor]

There are a couple of aftermarket "screen protectors" that provide decent solutions for that problem - there are also sun shields, that fit around the outside of the GPS.

Some folks rely on the audio directions from the 660 - running through the stereo..

How do you do that?

 

[MisterP]

How do you do that?

if you turn off any Bluetooth connectivity on the Garmin, it sends voice navigation to the audio system. That's how I have mine set up.

 

[Eagle1]

I have the 660 and gps Bluetooth to my Sena headset in my helmet. I also have my phone, music and intercom to my Sena. Hands free operation.

 

[Bob Denman]

Your GPS is fine...
If you put a 25" screen down in the middle of the handlebars; you'd STILL have sunlight and glare keep you from being able to read it. :banghead:
Get one of JT's mounting brackets, and just place it up on top of the dash... :thumbup:

 

[PMK]

Probably the real question is, regardless of brand or model, what GPS will work well in direct sunlight?

I have several Garmins, two for hiking, two car Nuvis and the 660. None are great in direct sunlight and all require me to angle the screen.

Since the Garmin came with you machine, did it include the entire accessory kit items as if bought separately?

We got the BRP Garmin kit, and while it provides the same setup as yours, it also included RAM mounts and the adapter to fit the RAM mount to the oem BRP Garmin mount.

If the BRP wire harness were longer, you could easily move the Garmin to be placed on top of the glareshield with one of the currently sold flat brackets that uses the two existing screws.

This is one example, there may be others.

http://gnipsel.com/spyderstore/index.php?route=product/product&path=63&product_id=50

PK


Wanted to add, having thought about this a moment, adding in extensions to each harness would be pretty simple and done right simple plug and play.

 

[OverHillAndDale]

On a previous bike I had a Garmin Zumo 550 (I think), and I've used a TomTom Rider model. It seems all LCD screens have the bright sunlight issue. I liked the way I could create my own color scheme on the TomTom because I was able to create one with with higher contrast, but it was still not very usable in direct bright sunlight. Just the nature of the beast.

 

[finless]

Pretty sure all GPS' have an issue with direct sunlight.

I mounted mine under the dash fairing and this solved it for most the time.
Only time there is a problem is when the sun is at my back and able to get between me and the GPS.
I am very happy with this placement.
In my opinion it's also easier to see while riding as you don't have to look down at your handlebars.

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/...IY-GPS-mount-and-hookup-with-12V-outlet-video


Bob

 

[PrairieSpyder]

Your GPS is fine...
If you put a 25" screen down in the middle of the handlebars; you'd STILL have sunlight and glare keep you from being able to read it. :banghead:
Get one of JT's mounting brackets, and just place it up on top of the dash... :thumbup:

:agree:

With the device mounted on the handlebar, tilting it down would make it hard to see while trying to watch the road. With the device mounted above the dash, instead of on the handlebar, it's closer to eye-level, it's easier to see every time and tilting it down in sunny conditions won't keep you from seeing the screen.

[I almost "disliked" your post, Bob!]

 

[rcdurango]

Many moons ago

I did this to fix the problem.

 

[cbell1]

Dash Mount

I'm a fan of the top of dash location for the gps. On my '13 RT Ltd I rerouted the cable, disassembled the dash and mounted my gps as in post #13. The cable runs along the right side of the spyder and the connections are at the right rear corner of the fuel tank. I believe the '14 RT is routed the same way. I have a '14 RT now and intend to mount my zumo 660 using JT's dash mount and a 6 inch ram arm to bring the gps out to the edge of the dash. I'll also add a hood to reduce the glare. Link below for the hood and JT's mount. Btw, the mount for the 660 and the new 590LM are not the same per the Garmin website.

http://www.priushood.com/gazu660665su.html

http://gnipsel.com/spyderstore/index.php?route=product/product&path=63&product_id=50

 

[bmwlarry]

Something I have noticed is when I am riding "into the sun", if the GPS angle is not right, I get tremendous refection of my high vis jacket! I have to admit a black jacket would be a pretty good fix, in that situation!!

 

[Bob Denman]

:agree:[I almost "disliked" your post, Bob!]

I've also been having trouble with this adjustment... :banghead:

 

[Dragonrider]

I'm NOT a fan of putting anything in my line of sight (dash top), but that's just me. I've had a Garmin 500, & 550 on various bikes, with the 550 on my 2010 RT - and found the bar mount to be satisfactory 95% of the time. On my 2014, I have a Montana, which is FAR better in bright sun, but not perfect.

 

[Cruzr Joe]

After reading several complaints about sun glare on GPS Screens, i tried something and while it is not perfect, it helps quite a bit.

Get a small sheet of dark window tint and apply it to your GPS Screen, and turn the GPS brightness all the way up.

It is not perfect but it works. (as far as i can tell)


Cruzr Joe

 

[Professor]

if you turn off any Bluetooth connectivity on the Garmin, it sends voice navigation to the audio system. That's how I have mine set up.

I never turned any Bluetooth on, but maybe it's on by default. I'll check it out. Thanks!!!

 

[finless]

I'm NOT a fan of putting anything in my line of sight (dash top), but that's just me. I've had a Garmin 500, & 550 on various bikes, with the 550 on my 2010 RT - and found the bar mount to be satisfactory 95% of the time. On my 2014, I have a Montana, which is FAR better in bright sun, but not perfect.

I am with you there as far as on top of the dash... This is why I found a happy compromise and that is just "under" the dash to the side!
Benefit is you get a "sun shield" most the time except when the sun is behind you and to your left.

Bob