Zumo GPS

thehueg · #1 05-15-2008, 03:40 PM

I have to replace a GPS and am leaning towards the Garmin Zumo 550 as it's specifically designed for motorcycle use. The manufacturer lists as being included "in the box", 1) Motorcycle mount with mounting hardware and
2) motorcycle power cable.

For those of you who've bought this item, is the mount really ready-to-go or do you wind up buying a bunch of additional items? I already have a RAM Mount with the AMP style 4-hole bracket. Second, is the power cable one that I can hard wire to the bike as I did for the previous GPS or is it designed for the cigarette lighter on my UC. If it comes with a ready-to-go mount and the right hardwire cord, I'll probably order it.

RoadKing52 · #2 05-15-2008, 03:49 PM

I don't think you will be diapointed with this unit. I've had mine for over a year now and I still love it. The RAM mount that comes with itcan be used with ether the u-bolt that will go on the handlebars or the 2 bolt bracket and ball for the cluch cradle mount. The hard wire is just that, it must be wired into the bike or you can pick up a cigarette lighter plug at radio shack if you prefer that type. Good Luck

a21m · #3 05-15-2008, 03:54 PM

Comes with everything you need. You can hardwire it in, but I put mine to the cig lighter. Even comes with a car mount to make it portable from vehicle to vehicle.

You will find a ton of threads on zumo if you do a search. Also, check out zumoforums.com for an incredible wealth of info.

Also, if you are on the fence about the xm antennae, get it. It is great on the open road to have xm.

RonH · #4 05-15-2008, 04:03 PM

I just got mine and love it! It comes with everything you need for stock bars. I had to order a larger U-bolt for my 1.25" bars. And I hard wired it to the Euro plugs next to the headlamp plug.

Gart · #5 05-15-2008, 05:20 PM

Watch out where you buy it from. There are a "lot" of scams on the internet. Some will post a low price and then call you and state that you need to buy overpriced accessories. Everything you need, including the car mount, will be in the box.

Check resellerratings.com before you buy and look at the store's feedback. Buy from a reputable dealer.

I think RonH just got his from pcnation as well as many others. Good service, good price.

njdiver · #6 05-15-2008, 06:43 PM

I have the Zumo 450, I mounted it to the fuel door with a bracket I bought from Kuryakan. I didn't like the way it looked on my handle bars. I'm very happy with the performance of the unit. I hard wired it and keep it locked in the bracket all the time.

bagman1 · #7 05-15-2008, 06:57 PM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: RonH

I just got mine and love it! It comes with everything you need for stock bars. I had to order a larger U-bolt for my 1.25" bars. And I hard wired it to the Euro plugs next to the headlamp plug.

Where did you get the 1-1/4 clamp? Would someplace like Orchard Supply carry a simple u bolt? Just got my zumo today and am going to mount it this weekend.

R8BOOMER · #8 05-15-2008, 08:33 PM

I love my zumo 550. You will have to buy the cable to run fron the output on the zumo to the input of your radio as that is NOT included in the kit. Pretty straight forward install.

Sharknose · #9 05-16-2008, 09:07 AM

A little goodie that they don't include--but you should consider getting--is available online. It's a version of the "security screw" that has an oversized head that you can unscrew with your fingers instead of that incredibly small, hard to use screwdriver that comes with it. Go HERE. I think Garmin intends for that screw to be so difficult to remove that it provides a measure of security. But for me, I feel better being able to take the unit of the bracket quickly and easily so I can carry it with me or lock it in a saddlebag.

OregonRoadKing · #10 05-16-2008, 09:25 AM

The Zumo is an amazing unit. The only problem I see is the funky little security screw. Sure its hard to remove the unit from the bracket without the little wrench. If I was going to steal it, I'd just take the whole bracket and the unit. That would be much easier. Way too easy.