Motorcycle GPS

[JRWW]

I have done some research and want a quality unit and found Garmin and Tom Tom seem to have the features I'm looking for.
Looking for a dedicated motorcycle GPS for my 2010 RTS SE5, any thoughts, advice, experience would be greatly appreciated?

Regards
John



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[frenchek]

gps

I have had the garmin on 3 of my bikes, 2 Harleys, a victory and now my rt. never had a problem {you know how a Harley shakes } they have been in all conditions-wet-heat and cold. would not be without one. good luck with whatever you choose.

 

[NancysToy]

There are all kinds of Garmins, from the automotive units that can only be used in dry weather, to the waterproof 550 Nuvi, to the motorcycle friendly Xumo series. Look at the features you want or need, and go from there. Also look at the mounts available, if factory-look integration is a factor for you.

 

[JRWW]

Thanks for the replies, at this stage I'm leaning towards the Garmin Zumo 390LM which has the ability to add TPMS, need to purchase the sensors for each wheel as an accessory. Being a tech lover it ticks all the boxes for me.
Anyone have this model on their bike and if so your thoughts?


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[ulflyer]

I have a Garmin 760 Nuvi and find that it has to have an address as well as the town to work. I really don't know much about GPS but was told that Garmins are all like that, whereas on the Tom Tom all you need is the Town. The only time I'll ever use it is on a trip and I want something that is simpler to operate just to get me from town to town.

Suggestions appreciated. Anyone want to swap?

 

[bobnaquin]

I have a Tom Tom Rider 2 (about $700) that appears to be bulletproof. That is the end of the list of things I like about it. The items you need to get it on the bike will run to $200. They are not bulletproof. I have had to change out the $100 plus cradle once.

I added a Nuvi 255 ($75) which is way more useful. If it gets so wet that it doesn't work any more I will buy another at the next town. The items needed to get it hooked to the bike are probably $50- maybe less. They are not bulletproof.

While the Tom Tom has Bluetooth it doesn't work with the Sena headsets I now use so they are now both equal in that department. Calls to both Tom Tom and Sena ended with, "well it should work". The Nuvi never pretended to.

I have dropped the Nuvi 255 off of the bike at 40 mph. I went back and got it. It still works fine. I have had it out in the rain but honestly it does not get that wet when moving. But, if I think about it I throw it in the tank bag when I am out in the rain, which is seldom any more.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[edmarino]

In My Opinion it is not worth it to spend several hundred dollars to buy a water proof unit when all you need is a baggie to put over it, should you be out in the rain and need the unit mounted. They do sell water proof covers, for certain models but the baggie is universal.

 

[MMcc]

NavFree

Just trying out the NavFree app for smartphones on my iphone 4s. Down load maps and do not need wifi or cell signals to keep it working. Cell phone pairs with helmet so if wet iphone is in trunk and I can just hear the directions. Best part is Free although there is a purchase version with more features. Planning on a European trip this summer so will download those maps when the time comes. Learned about it from my friend in Denmark.

 

[Riker]

I use a basic Garmin with baggie was needed ( although rarely ride in the rain ). The techie stuff is cool though :yes:

 

[Papa]

I agree with a Roger. I've ridden 8 hours in a down pour (on my way to Cuba MO) and the Zumo was there for me the entire trip with no problems at all. If you are just riding around town I guess any unit will be ok. If you take long trips I would go with a unit that you know will make it through all weather conditions.


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[DrewNJ]

I'm using an inexpensive Nuvi 40lm. Bought it with the intention of if it got wet and ruined I'd buy another. I don't even bother with a Baggie in the rain. It's been well over 2 years and no issues at all. Plus, if it gets swiped by a scumbag thief, I'm not to upset....
I could care less about Bluetooth on a nav. I can see where I'm going with no issues.


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[billybovine]

I have a Garmin 760 Nuvi and find that it has to have an address as well as the town to work. I really don't know much about GPS but was told that Garmins are all like that, whereas on the Tom Tom all you need is the Town. The only time I'll ever use it is on a trip and I want something that is simpler to operate just to get me from town to town.

Suggestions appreciated. Anyone want to swap?

On a garmin if you only want directions to a town or city and not a specific address, you need to choose the "Cities" menu under the "Where To? menu.

 

[billybovine]

I'm using an inexpensive Nuvi 40lm. Bought it with the intention of if it got wet and ruined I'd buy another. I don't even bother with a Baggie in the rain. It's been well over 2 years and no issues at all. Plus, if it gets swiped by a scumbag thief, I'm not to upset....
I could care less about Bluetooth on a nav. I can see where I'm going with no issues.


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I used an inexpensive 255W for a couple years and for the most part was pleased with it. My ST came with the Zumo 660. I am pleased with it as well and like the bluetooth to helmet. On all my gps I have set up the Garmin lock so that I have the satisfaction if scumbag thief comes along it will be useless to him/her. I have also set up the splash screen with my cell number so if it ever becomes misplaced a good samaritan can return it.

 

[wyliec]

I have a Garmin 760 Nuvi and find that it has to have an address as well as the town to work. I really don't know much about GPS but was told that Garmins are all like that, whereas on the Tom Tom all you need is the Town. The only time I'll ever use it is on a trip and I want something that is simpler to operate just to get me from town to town.

Suggestions appreciated. Anyone want to swap?

It seems to me that just a town without the state won't work. There are many states that have the same named cities/towns.

 

[Magdave]

In My Opinion it is not worth it to spend several hundred dollars to buy a water proof unit when all you need is a baggie to put over it, should you be out in the rain and need the unit mounted. They do sell water proof covers, for certain models but the baggie is universal.

In my opinion it is not worth buying any of them as long as you have an Android phone and Bluetooth. Google maps works exactly the same as my Garmin Nuvi I have run them side by side. The only thing you will need is a Bluetooth charging source and cable that reaches your jacket pocket. :thumbup:

 

[billybovine]

It seems to me that just a town without the state won't work. There are many states that have the same named cities/towns.

From the cities menu after you type in the name of the city it will display a list of cities with the same name to choose from.

 

[jthornton]

I just use my eye phone mounted to the dash and plugged in to the USB charger. I melt in the rain...

JT

 

[ulflyer]

On a garmin if you only want directions to a town or city and not a specific address, you need to choose the "Cities" menu under the "Where To? menu.

Thanks Billy....didn't even know it was in the menu! Maybe I can now get some use out of it on the way to Springfield.

 

[Pirate looks at --]

Not Mine

I have a Garmin 760 Nuvi and find that it has to have an address as well as the town to work. I really don't know much about GPS but was told that Garmins are all like that, whereas on the Tom Tom all you need is the Town. The only time I'll ever use it is on a trip and I want something that is simpler to operate just to get me from town to town.

Suggestions appreciated. Anyone want to swap?

I have the Garmin that came with my RT LTD, I plug in cities all the time. Just programmed about 10 cities for my Girl Friends all Girl Spyder Weekend.

 

[MidTNDawg]

One more Garmin vote

I have had several Garmins and one Tom-Tom. I took the Tom-Tom back after a week or two. I have been pleased with every Garmin.