• There were many reasons for the change of the site software, the biggest was security. The age of the old software also meant no server updates for certain programs. There are many benefits to the new software, one of the biggest is the mobile functionality. Ill fix up some stuff in the coming days, we'll also try to get some of the old addons back or the data imported back into the site like the garage. To create a thread or to reply with a post is basically the same as it was in the prior software. The default style of the site is light colored, but i temporarily added a darker colored style, to change you can find a link at the bottom of the site.

Garmin Zumo XT - how readable; mountable; & lockable are they?

MNBK

MNBK

Member
I have a 2016 F3T and am thinking about a GPS I have read the reviews and other information about the XT. I have a couple of questions:

Is it really easy to read the screen during sunny days?

Where have most of the users mounted it?

Is there a type of lock that can be installed so it can be left on the spyder?

Thanks for any information you can provide.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
MNBK said:
I have a 2016 F3T and am thinking about a GPS I have read the reviews and other information about the XT. I have a couple of questions:

Is it really easy to read the screen during sunny days?

Where have most of the users mounted it?

Is there a type of lock that can be installed so it can be left on the spyder?

Thanks for any information you can provide.
Click to expand...

I had a 2015 RTL. It is difficult to read in sunlight even with a shade over the top. But, you can bluetooth it to your intercom if you have one and it will speak directions into the intercom. I had it mounted in front between the bars. The mount had a quick release and you could easily take it off and store it in the frunk, back, or side pods and lock things up.:2thumbs:
 
Yes there are a number of mount options that either lock or release for said storage elsewhere. I would disagree a little on the visibility in daylight. For me in sunlight here in KS I think it is very visible without any kind of shade, best GPS visibility I've had over phones and other GPS units. It does have a brightness adjustment, make sure it is all the way up.
 
milryder said:
Yes there are a number of mount options that either lock or release for said storage elsewhere. I would disagree a little on the visibility in daylight. For me in sunlight here in KS I think it is very visible without any kind of shade, best GPS visibility I've had over phones and other GPS units. It does have a brightness adjustment, make sure it is all the way up.
Click to expand...

:agree:
 
The XT has the best screen of all the Garmin Zumos. It is much brighter than prior models. The XT has it's down-sides though. It no longer supports TPMS or VIRB cameras And all data transfers are now via wifi - no USB ports.

Locking mounts are available but they are costly. Best to remove and carry or lock in a compartment when leaving the bike.
 
Baron14y said:
I had a 2015 RTL. It is difficult to read in sunlight even with a shade over the top. But, you can bluetooth it to your intercom if you have one and it will speak directions into the intercom. I had it mounted in front between the bars. The mount had a quick release and you could easily take it off and store it in the frunk, back, or side pods and lock things up.:2thumbs:
Click to expand...

Are you sure you are referring to the XT, Baron? We get some verrrrry bright summer days out here and I have never had an issue seeing the screen clearly. On my previous 590, yes it was an issue……on the XT, no.

Pete
 
RayBJ said:
The XT has the best screen of all the Garmin Zumos. It is much brighter than prior models. The XT has it's down-sides though. It no longer supports TPMS or VIRB cameras And all data transfers are now via wifi - no USB ports.

Locking mounts are available but they are costly. Best to remove and carry or lock in a compartment when leaving the bike.
Click to expand...

I certainly don’t find data transfer via wi-fi a down side, Ray (horses for courses). I drive into my garage, which has a wi-fi extender, and if there are any updates the XT performs them before shutting down. For me, that is a huge bonus as I am always up to date. I agree completely with the “pop it out of the cradle and into a saddlebag” option. I can’t see the need for a lock as the XT is sooooooo easy to remove with a single button.

Pete
 
I have a Garmin Zumo 595LM and keep the brightness all the way up with no problems in sunlight..... And we DO have a bit of sunlight here in Arizona. I believe the XT is even better. As for a lock, take a look at Zumolock. Less expensive and every bit effective for use daily. I do remove the GPS for motel overnights. Zumolock is a 2 part locking system. One for the GPS and another for ram mounts. Then you can use one of many options for ram mounting your GPS. If you do decide to order a Zumolock, have patience. They are made in and come from the Netherlands. Good product though. Good luck..... Jim
 
I’m from Salina, Kansas with lots of bright sunny days. I haven’t had any difficulty seeing the center-mounted screen. It has day, night and automatic modes. You can also adjust the angle of the screen. I quick disconnect mine and put it in the rear case if I leave my Spyder unattended. Hope this helps.
 
The XT has a very bright screen, much better than earlier models - especially the 595 which was among the worst. And the XT most definitely has a USB port through which you can do updates and file transfers in addition to WiFi. USB works perfect on windows computers but is wonky on Macs (I use a program Commander One with the Mac).
 
Peteoz said:
Are you sure you are referring to the XT, Baron? We get some verrrrry bright summer days out here and I have never had an issue seeing the screen clearly. On my previous 590, yes it was an issue……on the XT, no.

Pete
Click to expand...

I stand corrected. I had a Zumo 590LM.:dontknow:
 
As for security of the RAM mounts, a cheap way to discourage a casual thief is to replace the wingnut on the arm with a nyloc nut. Granted, it can be un-bolted with tools but so can the RAM mount bolts if mounted to the bars.
 
Another huge plus to the XT, if you have a SXS get the Garmin Tread. It is an XT on steroids. Simply move it from mount to mount!!
 
Like the others have said, the XT screen is easily readable in bright light. I rode Sunday in 96 degree weather with the sun blaring down and not once could I not see it. Best screen on a GPS I have ever seen.

I have it mounted between the bars with the Lamonster riser mount. You do have to glance down a little to see it but it is not bad. THere isn't a good way to mount it above the dash on the newer 2020+ models that I have found.

I don't worry about a lock because it pops right off the mount with one hand with one button and I just toss it in the rear trunk when I want to leave the bike and not worry about it getting stolen.
 
FrogmanDave said:
:roflblack:



I like that a lot. I've never seen one before. I could design something and 3d print it but for $10 you can't beat this thing.
Click to expand...

That RAM lock is part of what you get when purchasing a Zumolock. I do like not having to worry about my GPS when taking breaks, meal stops, and when the gas station says you need to come inside for a receipt. But it is still easy to remove for overnight motel stays..... Jim
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

V
My very old Garmin GPS is not usable in sunlight, will newer ones work better?
Replies
11
Views
1K
djh3
djh3
SLICE
Garmin Zumo XT vs iPhone 14 plus
Replies
13
Views
3K
troop
troop
troop
Anyone here ever need Garmin service? Cost? Any experiences?
Replies
12
Views
2K
troop
troop
upsdoctor
Has anyone installed a Garmin XT2 and Touratech Lock with Helibars? Any pics? Will it fit?
Replies
5
Views
192
jzeiler
jzeiler
Blake33
2025 RT Ltd GPS/Navigation - will it work with Android phones, or must I have an iPhone & headset?
Replies
6
Views
495
Jetfixer
Jetfixer
Back
Top