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New GPS?
- Thread starter Kingz
- Start date
jcthorne
Well-known member
Many are installing Garmins on the new BRP Connect bikes as the navigation on phone with link to bike screen does not work well at all. The 2020s have the Garmin as an option again. We also found out the power wiring harness for the Garmin is still on the 18 and 19 RTs to add a Garmin to them.
billybovine
Active member
I actually really don't miss my Garmin at all. But I don't use BRP Connect to display my phone on the dash. My phone is mounted on the handle bars. I like that much better. That way I can use any GPS app I want. Also any other apps I want want because the phone screen is not locked.
eddieshep999
Active member
I’m about to change my 2015 RT for a 2018 F3T
Having read about the connect system I have just purchased a new Zumo 396 with lifetime maps included
This replaces my Zumo 660 which I had on my first Spyder in 2010 it has been updated with the latest maps having purchased lifetime maps several years ago for a one-off fee
The Zumo comes with a car kit so I can use it for the Spyder or my car
I can’t take BRP connect with me when using the car and I will not need to purchase any map updates
Also Garmin updates their software from time to time and with the Zumo 396 any updates can be made over Wi Fi no need to make a special trip to a Cam am dealer my nearest is over 110 miles each way
Having read about the connect system I have just purchased a new Zumo 396 with lifetime maps included
This replaces my Zumo 660 which I had on my first Spyder in 2010 it has been updated with the latest maps having purchased lifetime maps several years ago for a one-off fee
The Zumo comes with a car kit so I can use it for the Spyder or my car
I can’t take BRP connect with me when using the car and I will not need to purchase any map updates
Also Garmin updates their software from time to time and with the Zumo 396 any updates can be made over Wi Fi no need to make a special trip to a Cam am dealer my nearest is over 110 miles each way
I use a waterproof phone pouch from Amazon. You can still use the phone when it is in the pouch.
LifeLongRider
New member
A vote for BRP Connect
I've read all of the complaints about BRP connect, but personally, I've come to like and appreciate it. I have "Sygic Maps Premium Connected" downloaded to my phone and I it displays just fine on my instrument panel. My phone (Samsung Galaxy J3 -Android) is plugged in to the USB connector in the glove box and is also connected thru Bluetooth to BRP Connect (both required to make Sygic Maps work properly. The route guidance works just fine, audio is thru all six speakers on my F3 Ltd, volume will blow your doors off and I have no complaints with it.
Yes, I also have a Garmin Zumo 660LM, but if I didn't already own a Garmin I would not go out and buy one based on my experience with Sygic Maps and BRP Connect.
Between the two, I'd say that the Garmin is more user friendly for finding POI's on the fly while traveling (gas stations, food, etc) mainly due to ease of using the touch screen. But just for traveling to a destination, I think the Sygic Maps is just as good as the Garmin. No problems with it what-so-ever. Dependable - hell yes - been using it for a few months now and it has been completely reliable.
I'll add that I do not use a Bluetooth communicator on my helmet, I ride and travel alone and find the six speakers on my Spyder just fine (despite what the nay sayers are saying). I use BRP connect mainly for the onboard navigation feature.
Yes, there is definitely a learning curve to use BRP Connect correctly, sometimes it can be difficult, but in the end, I think it's great for what I use it for :2thumbs:
I've read all of the complaints about BRP connect, but personally, I've come to like and appreciate it. I have "Sygic Maps Premium Connected" downloaded to my phone and I it displays just fine on my instrument panel. My phone (Samsung Galaxy J3 -Android) is plugged in to the USB connector in the glove box and is also connected thru Bluetooth to BRP Connect (both required to make Sygic Maps work properly. The route guidance works just fine, audio is thru all six speakers on my F3 Ltd, volume will blow your doors off and I have no complaints with it.
Yes, I also have a Garmin Zumo 660LM, but if I didn't already own a Garmin I would not go out and buy one based on my experience with Sygic Maps and BRP Connect.
Between the two, I'd say that the Garmin is more user friendly for finding POI's on the fly while traveling (gas stations, food, etc) mainly due to ease of using the touch screen. But just for traveling to a destination, I think the Sygic Maps is just as good as the Garmin. No problems with it what-so-ever. Dependable - hell yes - been using it for a few months now and it has been completely reliable.
I'll add that I do not use a Bluetooth communicator on my helmet, I ride and travel alone and find the six speakers on my Spyder just fine (despite what the nay sayers are saying). I use BRP connect mainly for the onboard navigation feature.
Yes, there is definitely a learning curve to use BRP Connect correctly, sometimes it can be difficult, but in the end, I think it's great for what I use it for :2thumbs:
billybovine
Active member
My phone is a Samsung A8. It has a dirt and water intrusion rating of IP68. I think that's good for being submerged in 1 meter (3 feet) of water for 30 minutes. Little bit of rain won't hurt it.
Check the specs on your phone. Many new phones have a water resistance rating.
Flamewinger
New member
I would never buy a stand alone GPS unit like Garmin or TomTom. Their processors are way slower than smartphones. I use Sygic and it works great in the dash. Creating routes on the phone is much faster than trying to do one in a Garmin unit. I enjoy the iTunes Radio even though I have to start the music before I connect it to the bike. The only reason many want to use a Garmin is because they're used to it and anything new takes time to learn and, it seems, many don't want to do that.
I can enjoy FM or phone music in either the headset or speakers and the speakers are loud enough that I shut them off when in city traffic. TomTom app is still available but Garmin took theirs off because many are wanting free stuff like Waze or Google Maps. $40 isn't all that much compared to a stand alone $500-600 unit. You can download Google maps but that takes time and it's much easier to just open Sygic and make a route. New technology is here to stay and if you don't get used to it, in the long run, you loose.
I can enjoy FM or phone music in either the headset or speakers and the speakers are loud enough that I shut them off when in city traffic. TomTom app is still available but Garmin took theirs off because many are wanting free stuff like Waze or Google Maps. $40 isn't all that much compared to a stand alone $500-600 unit. You can download Google maps but that takes time and it's much easier to just open Sygic and make a route. New technology is here to stay and if you don't get used to it, in the long run, you loose.
IdahoMtnSpyder
Active member
Don't dismiss old technology too quickly! The twine knotter on modern hay balers is the same mechanism patented nearly 120 years ago and used on grain binders! :thumbup:
JayBros
Well-known member
Thanks much, Billy.
Northofthesix
Member
I installed Genius Maps on my phone to use with BRP Connect on my 2018 RTL when I bought it and find it a nuisance....map is too small and hard to read on the screen, although I find the directions are in a larger font. Also found the voice commands annoying... thing screeches "Youre going too fast" constantly lol. I will look for a dedicated gps unit over the winter ... anyone had experiences with the TomTom vs Garmin on Spyders?? Wondered if there are issues installing them given Garmin seems BRP's choice. I have always used TomToms or Magellans in my cars over the years.
Flamewinger
New member
Sygic is cheaper and easier to use. There are features in the setting that you can adjust to it doesn't tell you "Your're going to fast". Smartphone GPS is much easier than the standalone slow ones are.
ThreeWheels
Active member
Yes.
I'm getting the optional GPS mount with the 2020 RTL.
I'll move my existing Zumo 590 over to the new bike.
Bfromla
Well-known member
:sour: not entirely true on that:lecturef_smilie: some of us simply make most out of stand alone units:doorag: especially if you like hiking:doorag: nice relaxing ride to good trails, middle of nowhere & quite nice to still have a device that you can drop a pin location to find where you parked after wandering around (on & off trail)enjoying sights on foot for hour or so nojoke:clap: handy at large events too when closest free parking is 1/4-1/2 mile away
opcorn: SOME not All:thumbup:
PMK
Active member
Lately, Garmins have been driving, pardon the humor, us nuts. Not on the Spyder so much, but it would not matter. Either incorrect directions at random times, or the Garmin not wavering from the route it almost demands you adhere too.
A recent long distance trip, with the wife navigating, had her using a simple phone app to sort the desired route vs the Garmin demanding we use its route. Essentially we were head south out of Boston towards home in Florida. We wanted to avoid New York City and much of I95 along the east coast. Any easy route and more relaxing drive, but longer travel time. For whatever reason, the phone app was fine with it, but the Garmin was not.
Regardless, each has its place. Will research Sygic and a few of the other non Garmin apps. Kind of sad Garmin does not have more processor power and the ability to alter the route by dragging the touch screen.
Actually, thinking about this, at tne last map update from Garmin, the device wanted a memory card installed. I did and everything seemed fine. On this recent trip, the Garmin continually displayed it was not able to display the entire route. Wonder if the 660 will have similar issues on the Spyder.
billybovine
Active member
:sour: not entirely true on that:lecturef_smilie: some of us simply make most out of stand alone units:doorag: especially if you like hiking:doorag: nice relaxing ride to good trails, middle of nowhere & quite nice to still have a device that you can drop a pin location to find where you parked after wandering around (on & off trail)enjoying sights on foot for hour or so nojoke:clap: handy at large events too when closest free parking is 1/4-1/2 mile away
Maybe I don't understand what you are trying to say. But everything you describe can be done by your smartphone and often better. So carrying an extra device that does not work as well. Seems like not a good idea.
seaweed
Member
Flamewinger, I have a question for you.
I looked at sygic and found that it is on sale for $13.99 until 13 Oct, 2019 but my issue is as follows:
You need to have and use email on an Android phone in order to send a map generated on their web site to the phone. I do not use email on the phone nor want to. Is there any other way to send the generated map to the phone???
I looked at sygic and found that it is on sale for $13.99 until 13 Oct, 2019 but my issue is as follows:
You need to have and use email on an Android phone in order to send a map generated on their web site to the phone. I do not use email on the phone nor want to. Is there any other way to send the generated map to the phone???
EdMat
Well-known member
My 2 cents worth.
Rever. Forget it. Even if you buy the additional in app add ons it sucks dirty pond water. Display on a 2019 RTL dash is almost worthless.
Sygic. Displays nice. Distance to next turn, direction, etc is very good. Setting up a simple trip to Nashville from Clinton, MS using the Natchez Trace Parkway requires at least 10 via points to keep from getting sidetracked on State roads. If going using the Interstate its very fast and offers 2 different routes. Would be great if it allowed you to set up a route when you had to use a bunch of via points on the computer and then download to the phone.
Garmin. Old reliable. Only required 2 via points for it to set up the trip and stay on the Trace.
Rever. Forget it. Even if you buy the additional in app add ons it sucks dirty pond water. Display on a 2019 RTL dash is almost worthless.
Sygic. Displays nice. Distance to next turn, direction, etc is very good. Setting up a simple trip to Nashville from Clinton, MS using the Natchez Trace Parkway requires at least 10 via points to keep from getting sidetracked on State roads. If going using the Interstate its very fast and offers 2 different routes. Would be great if it allowed you to set up a route when you had to use a bunch of via points on the computer and then download to the phone.
Garmin. Old reliable. Only required 2 via points for it to set up the trip and stay on the Trace.
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