Hey guys, long story short, my Dad is 64 and has a flip phone. He's not into blasting music while driving or smart phones.

I owe him big time right now and I know he wants a gps for his Harley and all I know is he wants one that's for a bike and is waterproof. I want to make sure he has a headset of some kind so he isn't staring at the gps and winds up crashing.

I can't seem to find the right one online. So many options and most are all about the apps and smart phone and music, etc. I want a good gps, and a headset/ear piece so he can hear the GPS.

Any suggestions? I'd like to stick around $500 all said and done.

thanks!

 

Zumo 660 is made for motorcycles. Works great and is waterproof and glove friendly.

 

You didn't mention what model or year of bike he has. If he has a newer one with the BOOM system, then it might be possible to buy the harley wired headset, and wiring harness so he doesn't have to blast the speakers to hear the GPS.

If he has an older bike, and your dad refuses to use a smartphone, and insists on sticking with his flip phone, then you're pretty much going to be restricted to a standalone GPS device mounted to the handlebars.

Honestly, the best way to solve this problem is with a smartphone and a bluetooth headset, like a SENA. My riding buddy and I have them, and they're wonderful. GPS instructions right in your ear, and the phone stays in your pocket. And, you can answer calls with one touch of your glove on the side of your helmet. Doesn't get any easier.

 

Another vote here to use a smartphone. There's plenty of free apps about. Some of them can redirect you around traffic (Waze), but obviously need a data plan. But there's plenty where you can download the maps onto them. They are much easier to keep up to date (map wise) than a standalone GPS because of the cell data / wifi connectivity. But personally, I paid the few $ (for a few years access) for TomTom. It has traffic and a "windy roads" option for motorcycles. Also, it has the clearest display arrangement of any I've seen. On a bike, you want to be able to just glance and get all the information without having to focus on tiny details hidden away on the screen. TomTom solves this the best for me.

I use a bluetooth headset with speakers in the helmet. But you can also get earbuds which are also earplugs. I don't find they block enough of the exhaust noise (but are OK for wind noise), but YMMV. You can get little bluetooth headphone adapters for peanuts (eg off Amazon/ebay) so you don't have cables dangling around.

All-in-all, you can get a pretty sweet satnav setup very cheaply, and which performs better, than a standalone GPS unit.

 

I travel with friends who use cellphones to navigate. They are cheap; only reason to use a cell. My Zumo functions excellent and is weatherproof. Period. Updates are not a big deal; at home before a trip.
And I DON'T take calls while riding. Ever. I have that option...

 

Smart phone. Most up to date. Grab it and easily search where something is. Then next holiday buy him FOBO system to keep him safe.

 

Check this out, good price on a ZUMO 665 in the for sale forum
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/multi...o-665-gps.html

 

If you opt for smart phone, get a Bad Elf GPS to add to it. It makes the GPS position lock in quickly without the use of cell towers. This is especially useful in remote areas.

Get the Garmin USA app with an iPhone 6S, a Mophie case, and a Bad Elf GPS receiver and you are golden.

A dedicated GPS that is specifically made for bikes is ridiculously overpriced.

https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/cOnT...cycles-p1.html

Compared to an automotive type is $100-$200

Here is a link to the Bad Elf products.

http://bad-elf.com/

Personally, I keep my iPhone in a mophie case in my pocket. When I stop for gas or pee, I pull my phone out to check my position. If I am going somewhere specific, I memorize the next few turns of my route before rolling back out.

If a mounted system is preferred, here are some nice options.

http://www.leadermotorcycle.com/

So, lots of options depending on what you want and how much you want to spend.

 

I have 2 Garmin zumos for both my bikes. I love them and I also have a detachable cable so the bike looks clean when I am not touring

 

while that may be somewhat true, you can get a garmin 660 from gps city for $329. and the motorcycle specific units are weatherproof, and have much better backlighting so you can actually see the screen in the daytime. I bought an automotive unit as my first foray into the gps thing. it was money wasted, imo.

http://www.gpscity.com/garmin-zumo-660lm.html