GPS's
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Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,328
Likes: 154
From: Lake City, Florida
The Garmin app loaded onto my Iphone sounds like what would solve the smartphone slow loading problem.
As far as the vibration problem, most of the viewing of a GPS or a smartphone is going to be at red lights or pit stops. On my EG Limited the handlebars shake a lot at idle, I tried mounting the the GPS with the suction cup to the inside of the windshield right above dash, also shakes too much. I was think of sticking it on with the suction cup to the chrome gas cap door and adding one of those hoods to shade the screen.
Thanks for all the replies.
As far as the vibration problem, most of the viewing of a GPS or a smartphone is going to be at red lights or pit stops. On my EG Limited the handlebars shake a lot at idle, I tried mounting the the GPS with the suction cup to the inside of the windshield right above dash, also shakes too much. I was think of sticking it on with the suction cup to the chrome gas cap door and adding one of those hoods to shade the screen.
Thanks for all the replies.
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 707
Likes: 470
From: IA
One thing to point out: The Harley branded zumo 590 has an MSRP of $799. I bought mine through a 20% off dealer for $540. That is still more than a "cheap" unit, but it's significantly less than $800. It does make a difference.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,017
Likes: 17
From:
After looking at the new Harleys and Indians with their 6 and a half and seven inch GPS's. Hmm? I can't justify buying a new bike just for that, especially when the two I have are set up just right now and are just getting broken in. A 2010 FLHTK and a 2008 KLR650
I can buy a 6 inch Garmin auto GPS with traffic, voice commands, pinch to zoom, adjustable brightness screen for the bright sun etc. for $165.
Why are the motorcycle specific GPS's $6-800? I get it that they're waterproof and maybe build to a anti vibration rougher standard.
So, are any of you using auto GPS's on your bikes. If so, how are they working out for you? And how and where did you mount them? Seems that the handle bars just shake too much for any GPS.
I can buy a 6 inch Garmin auto GPS with traffic, voice commands, pinch to zoom, adjustable brightness screen for the bright sun etc. for $165.
Why are the motorcycle specific GPS's $6-800? I get it that they're waterproof and maybe build to a anti vibration rougher standard.
So, are any of you using auto GPS's on your bikes. If so, how are they working out for you? And how and where did you mount them? Seems that the handle bars just shake too much for any GPS.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 229
From: Saskatchewan
I have been using my iPhone 5S on a RAM mount and it survived a few major downpours and a snow storm even though it is not advertised as water resistant. I recently replaced the 5S with an iPhone 7+, the larger screen will be great for GPS apps, and it is advertised as water resistant.
When I travel to the US I use Maps.me and download the maps for the areas I intend to travel to before I leave home or by free wifi on the road. Data roaming can get quite pricey and the data is always turned of when I'm in the US. They are not the prettiest maps but the searchable details always impresses me for a free product. I have even found many hiking trails in the parks included.
Most smart phones do not need a cell network connection for GPS to work. Google and Apple maps do need a network to download map data, Google does have some downloading capabilities. Most smart phones advertise "Assisted GPS" which does use the cellular network to assist the on board GPS chips. The cell assisted GPS features help the built in GPS chip to be faster and more accurate till the GPS chip can acquire enough info for positioning from the satellites.
When I travel to the US I use Maps.me and download the maps for the areas I intend to travel to before I leave home or by free wifi on the road. Data roaming can get quite pricey and the data is always turned of when I'm in the US. They are not the prettiest maps but the searchable details always impresses me for a free product. I have even found many hiking trails in the parks included.
Most smart phones do not need a cell network connection for GPS to work. Google and Apple maps do need a network to download map data, Google does have some downloading capabilities. Most smart phones advertise "Assisted GPS" which does use the cellular network to assist the on board GPS chips. The cell assisted GPS features help the built in GPS chip to be faster and more accurate till the GPS chip can acquire enough info for positioning from the satellites.
Last edited by Sparkee...; Jan 4, 2017 at 01:26 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
nope, it is not garmin. and correct, you cannot add any memory to the infotainment, but you can use a thumb drive.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,017
Likes: 17
From:
My guess is there has to be some extra free memory for map updates and custom routes. Though I'm curious if the HD nav can use the custom route if it only resides on a thumb drive. I've been to the HD site where you can create custom routes and it looks similar to the Garmin app, but runs off the web browser.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,328
Likes: 154
From: Lake City, Florida
Well, I rode with my new $165 Garmin nuvi2689LMT from Lake City down to Horseshoe Beach on the gulf coast today with the GPS suction cupped to the gas tank door taking roads that I never rode before, about seventy miles each way.
The Garmin nuvi GPS was easily bright enough to see on a sunny day. With it stuck to the gas cap door it's real easy to reach and enter addresses and zoom in and out etc. The 6 inch screen is great for a 64 year old with bifocals. When the bike was fast idling when I first started her up the GPS was vibrating quite a bit, but once rolling and later after the bike warmed up and idled down the vibration was almost non existent.
The Garmin nuvi GPS was easily bright enough to see on a sunny day. With it stuck to the gas cap door it's real easy to reach and enter addresses and zoom in and out etc. The 6 inch screen is great for a 64 year old with bifocals. When the bike was fast idling when I first started her up the GPS was vibrating quite a bit, but once rolling and later after the bike warmed up and idled down the vibration was almost non existent.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 6,085
Likes: 1,128
From:
Well, I rode with my new $165 Garmin nuvi2689LMT from Lake City down to Horseshoe Beach on the gulf coast today with the GPS suction cupped to the gas tank door taking roads that I never rode before, about seventy miles each way.
The Garmin nuvi GPS was easily bright enough to see on a sunny day. With it stuck to the gas cap door it's real easy to reach and enter addresses and zoom in and out etc. The 6 inch screen is great for a 64 year old with bifocals. When the bike was fast idling when I first started her up the GPS was vibrating quite a bit, but once rolling and later after the bike warmed up and idled down the vibration was almost non existent.
The Garmin nuvi GPS was easily bright enough to see on a sunny day. With it stuck to the gas cap door it's real easy to reach and enter addresses and zoom in and out etc. The 6 inch screen is great for a 64 year old with bifocals. When the bike was fast idling when I first started her up the GPS was vibrating quite a bit, but once rolling and later after the bike warmed up and idled down the vibration was almost non existent.
Something simple like having the power cord held to bike rather close to the unit.
The last thing you want is for the GPS to break loose and for you to have a "catch" instinct as a pothole comes into view.
The power cord can be attached to the unit a little more securely.
Something simple like a self stick cable tie wrap mounting point at bike and on back of GPS.
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I went through 2 Garmin Nuvi's in 4 years. Handlebar mounted they did get quite a bit of vibrations. One just quit, the other got soaked in a rainstorm and gave up the ghost. I went to a Zumo 4 years ago. With the fairing mount and nav interface it is a lot like having a built in system except it is removable and can be used in other vehicles. It has been in all kinds of weather and I've not had any problems. I think there is value in getting a motorcycle specific unit even if the cost is higher.
Also, as has been said before, if you travel to remote areas a cellphone is useless.
Also, as has been said before, if you travel to remote areas a cellphone is useless.
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 46
Likes: 11
From: New England
I have been on a mission to find the right navigation system for years. Some riders can just get on a bike for a days ride and just go, wherever... I fall into the other camp. My OCD and ex Navy brain likes to know where I am at any given moment. Just a personality quirk. Being married, I am used to having a lady tell me to turn left here, merge right there.
Personally, I think the displays on the new Indians are frakin dangerous. These things are bad enough in a car. I guess i am easily distracted... On a bike that is bad JuJu.
I use a cheaper Garmin (2987?) I bought refurbed for <$100. I figured i could get through 6 of them before I get to the cost of a Zumo. I use a Ram mount. I have a preference for audio directions. I find them a lot less distracting. I only use the visuals to confirm a difficult branch of the road or a round-a-bout. Unless I know I am going to be somewhere where the phone signal is sketchy (northern Maine ect) I relly on my Iphone and an app called InRoute. The nice thing is you can download the maps local to your phone if you have the memory. One of the issues I have always had with GPS units is they really only do routes either as shortest or quickest. Neither of which are great for riders. I think the Zumo's and TomToms do have bike route modes, but then that is a lot to pay for a convenience feature (for me). With InRoute i can lay out mey days route exactly as I want. You CAN do the same with garmin if you want to invest the time to learn Basecamp or Tyre for TomTom.
Personally, I think the displays on the new Indians are frakin dangerous. These things are bad enough in a car. I guess i am easily distracted... On a bike that is bad JuJu.
I use a cheaper Garmin (2987?) I bought refurbed for <$100. I figured i could get through 6 of them before I get to the cost of a Zumo. I use a Ram mount. I have a preference for audio directions. I find them a lot less distracting. I only use the visuals to confirm a difficult branch of the road or a round-a-bout. Unless I know I am going to be somewhere where the phone signal is sketchy (northern Maine ect) I relly on my Iphone and an app called InRoute. The nice thing is you can download the maps local to your phone if you have the memory. One of the issues I have always had with GPS units is they really only do routes either as shortest or quickest. Neither of which are great for riders. I think the Zumo's and TomToms do have bike route modes, but then that is a lot to pay for a convenience feature (for me). With InRoute i can lay out mey days route exactly as I want. You CAN do the same with garmin if you want to invest the time to learn Basecamp or Tyre for TomTom.