GPS Options For the RT

[TOPDOGJIM]

I see the Garmin Zumo 660 with everything needed for $800+ is there something cheaper yet plug and play? I hate getting lost on a trip, so I need something soon. We have our annual "wrench party" next month and the guys will help as needed. One guy does all the electrical stuff and he is really good at it.

Any thoughts before I invest in the $800 model?

I did a search and read a ton of post, did not find my answer.

Thanks, Jim

 

[CyncySpyder]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Garmin-zumo-660-GPS-Receiver-/120881904808?pt=GPS_Devices&has

How bout that one for $630?

 

[ZippE]

Don't look - Just listen - GPS

I hooked my GPS up to the sound system through the trunk audio jack. I find it easier to navigate (even in my car as well as Spyder) by listening to the voice commands. I don't really need to look at the GPS, and find the navigation works effectively every time. When I stop for a break, I can check the GPS visually to get bearings, but the voice prompts do a great job (in fact better than watching the maps) everytime, at least for me. My GPS does the job fine at $150 and isn't exposed to the elements attached to the handlebars or dash. Just like the more expensive models, my GPS is upgradeable online and can take me anywhere in No. America.

 

[spyderdmb1621]

Gps

Recalculating...

I hooked my GPS up to the sound system through the trunk audio jack. I find it easier to navigate (even in my car as well as Spyder) by listening to the voice commands. I don't really need to look at the GPS, and find the navigation works effectively every time. When I stop for a break, I can check the GPS visually to get bearings, but the voice prompts do a great job (in fact better than watching the maps) everytime, at least for me. My GPS does the job fine at $150 and isn't exposed to the elements attached to the handlebars or dash. Just like the more expensive models, my GPS is upgradeable online and can take me anywhere in No. America.

 

[NancysToy]

Depends on what you mean by plug-n-play. There are cheaper waterproof GPS units, although you may have to forego some features like the integrated audio. An external GPS on an aftermarket or RAM mount will be easier to install. In addition, you can get a mount and harness for the Zumo 660/665 series units from BRP without the GPS, but that GPS series is expensive and the installation is far from plug-n-play.

 

[Dragonrider]

I have a Zumo 550 - all of the advantages of the Big Brother, but priced in the $400 to $550 range.

 

[HICKORY]

This is what I am thinking about doing.
-Garmin GPS about 150.00 (I already have this)
-Brica holder http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11757013
-Add a plug in the the front area which I want to do any way. Of course you do not have to add the plug

If you do not add a plug you are only out 170.00 If you need sound you can plug a earbud into the Garmin.

 

[lyonsden]

I see the Garmin Zumo 660 with everything needed for $800+ is there something cheaper yet plug and play? I hate getting lost on a trip, so I need something soon. We have our annual "wrench party" next month and the guys will help as needed. One guy does all the electrical stuff and he is really good at it.

Any thoughts before I invest in the $800 model?

I did a search and read a ton of post, did not find my answer.

Thanks, Jim

I bought the Garmin 765t from bestbuy refurbished for $109. It has all the bells and whistles except not waterproof. Then I add the mount and wiring from BRP for $139 off of amazon. It works great!
It mutes the music and driving instructions come out the RT speakers.

Pic of what I bought. Part # 219400318 $139 on amazon

 

[prmurat]

Have a Zumo 550 with a wire all the way to the trunk for sound... A Kewlmetal mount... Got XM at the same time !

 

[TOPDOGJIM]

I bought the Garmin 765t from bestbuy refurbished for $109. It has all the bells and whistles except not waterproof. Then I add the mount and wiring from BRP for $139 off of amazon. It works great!
It mutes the music and driving instructions come out the RT speakers.

Pic of what I bought. Part # 219400318 $139 on amazon
View attachment 42714

How hard was it to wire using the BRP kit?

 

[lyonsden]

How hard was it to wire using the BRP kit?

Not hard. You take a couple of covers off of the right side and then I popped the speaker cover out. I think you're supposed to take the headlight out to fish the wiring but I just did it with a clothshanger. There is a plug on the right side behind the saddlebag that you plug the harness into. I do remember thinking that the plug wouldn't fit then I figured out that you have to pull this little pin cover off of the plug on the spyder before it will plug in. The power wiring that comes with the garmin I cut the lighter plug off and wired it to the gps power wires and fed it all up through the handlebars. I did order a little ball mount for the garmin that had 4 screws to hold it to the BRP bracket. I think it was like $3.99 I could find the number if you want. That way I can leave the power hooked up to the garmin bracket and the garmin just snaps off at the push of the bottom button. Works just like the factory one as far as I can tell. The mounting and wiring from BRP comes with pretty good instructions. Any other questions let me know.

 

[nyfdtsdemt]

Pictures????

Please

 

[lyonsden]

Please

I'm sorry but I don't have any pictures and I would have to tear it apart to take some. It really is not a hard job if you buy the mount and wiring that I listed above. The instructions that come with it are very good.

 

[Ga Blue Knight]

Kewmetal makes a Garmin 550 mount that mounts up just like the 660 mount supplied on the RT Ltd. it wires up slightly differently but with the addition of an XM ant. You also get sat radio. The Antenna is about $125, the mount $60 and the Garmin 550 around $450. Total cost is about $635 not counting wires screws etc. all plays through the I Pod wire and out through the speakers.

 

[captblack]

I use a Garmin 1430 (I think) standard unit. It works great for what I need. I don't care to hear the directions (especially when they are wrong) and since I pre-plan my trips I use it for quick reference and back-up.

I use a RAM mount installed where the temp gauge was and use the 12v line for the gauge light for power. Works great and ease to deal with.

 

[JuanJax]

Me, I use my phone! Via Bluetooth and Aux Port - it Works beautiful!!!

Here the load down. My phone, an iPhone 4S - although any phone with decent app will do the trick.

The GPS app I use?
MotionX GPS ($3.99) plus voice command subscription ($24 for the year).

Keep my iPhone in my pocket for the most time, but when needed I pull it out and mount in on my Just Mobile Xstand Go (ST-169A) ($40). I can see an listen to my navigation directions.

How?
The phone is connected to my audio system wirelessly via the AUX port (I do have the iPhone connector for my Spyder but do not use).

Wirelessly?
Yes, using a Bluetooth A2DP Adapter - Miccus BluBridge mini Jack RX ($40.00). The phone is paired with this device. The beauty is I have full iPod music streaming wireless HiFi to the aux port. I get to stream even Pandora or any Internet Radio including XM, if I had a subscription. When direction are needed, MotionX actually fades to blend the music with the directions/instructions (ducking the music sound).

The only drawback to this setup is waterproofing the iPhone. Which can be done with a leafproof case. I personally chose to buy a Mophie case which is actually a battery extender which works nicely on longer trips. The iPhone with the mophie battery case runs for over 16hrs. Continues music playing, some browsing, navigation and occasional email checks. You can always charge the phone with the rear port while still enjoying music, gps directions and shielding from the rain if necessary.

Overall, this solution has been much more cost effective for me without having to do many mods to mount and wire external GPS. Oh, btw. MotionX gps offers real time traffic, up-to-date maps and even 3D maps.

 

[Flight Risk]

I see the Garmin Zumo 660 with everything needed for $800+ is there something cheaper yet plug and play? I hate getting lost on a trip, so I need something soon. We have our annual "wrench party" next month and the guys will help as needed. One guy does all the electrical stuff and he is really good at it.

Any thoughts before I invest in the $800 model?

I did a search and read a ton of post, did not find my answer.

Thanks, Jim

I found my Zumo 660 for $615 at Sears Online..........

 

[Grandpa Spyder]

I just let the wife tell me where to go, I'm use to it.

 

[Harley]

I just let the wife tell me where to go, I'm use to it.

I know, I am in the same boat. (helmet intercom)

 

[flybuddy]

Here the load down. My phone, an iPhone 4S - although any phone with decent app will do the trick.

The GPS app I use?
MotionX GPS ($3.99) plus voice command subscription ($24 for the year).

Keep my iPhone in my pocket for the most time, but when needed I pull it out and mount in on my Just Mobile Xstand Go (ST-169A) ($40). I can see an listen to my navigation directions.

How?
The phone is connected to my audio system wirelessly via the AUX port (I do have the iPhone connector for my Spyder but do not use).

Wirelessly?
Yes, using a Bluetooth A2DP Adapter - Miccus BluBridge mini Jack RX ($40.00). The phone is paired with this device. The beauty is I have full iPod music streaming wireless HiFi to the aux port. I get to stream even Pandora or any Internet Radio including XM, if I had a subscription. When direction are needed, MotionX actually fades to blend the music with the directions/instructions (ducking the music sound).

The only drawback to this setup is waterproofing the iPhone. Which can be done with a leafproof case. I personally chose to buy a Mophie case which is actually a battery extender which works nicely on longer trips. The iPhone with the mophie battery case runs for over 16hrs. Continues music playing, some browsing, navigation and occasional email checks. You can always charge the phone with the rear port while still enjoying music, gps directions and shielding from the rain if necessary.

Overall, this solution has been much more cost effective for me without having to do many mods to mount and wire external GPS. Oh, btw. MotionX gps offers real time traffic, up-to-date maps and even 3D maps.

I
I use the same setup, 4S, motionx and wireless headset. I put the iPhone in the rear trunk and plug it in. Safe from weather and always has power.