GPS recommendations

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Mar 3, 2010 | 12:53 PM

howa

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Advanced

Joined: Apr 2008

Posts: 55

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From: NE

GPS recommendations

It's probably been asked before but here goes: I'm looking for suggestions for a GPS that I can switch back and forth between bike and car. I'm verry good with directions but I'm looking for something that can help me out with rural roads for those long weekend runs. Price is a factor so I'm looking for a unit that offers basic mapping. I don't need bells & whistles.

Thanks

Mar 3, 2010 | 01:14 PM

kpiskin

Intermediate

Joined: Sep 2009

Posts: 42

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Why carry a gps and a phone? Buy a droid. Problem solved.

Mar 3, 2010 | 01:25 PM

Woodchuck

Road Master

Joined: Oct 2006

Posts: 832

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From: Vermont

Not trying to be a smart a$$, but if price is a factor, save up until you can afford a Garmin Zumo 550 or 660.

They are made to take vibration and are pretty much waterproof. Using it is intuitive compared to a Megellan I used and the POS navigation unit in my Subaru. You can use "avoidances" to stay off interstates and major highways if you want. The controls are easy to use when on the bike.

Both come with a cradle for mounting in a vehicle that has a speaker to get audible directions. To get the cradle, buy from Garmin rather than purchasing the HD unit. This GPS is perfect for what you are looking for (except for the price).

The Zumo 550 is pricey but I have been very pleased with the setup both on the bike and in the truck.

Last edited by Woodchuck; Mar 3, 2010 at 01:28 PM. Reason: Added "Zumo"

Mar 3, 2010 | 01:34 PM

rochkes

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Jan 2008

Posts: 4,351

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From: Illinois

+ 1 for the Zumo. I have the 550. I didn't think I needed all the bells and whistles either. I only decided to pay the extra dollars for the vibration and rain resistance, but I use more and more of it's features as time goes buy. Other than the price, it is GREAT.

Dennis

Mar 3, 2010 | 01:37 PM

hojones

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2006

Posts: 5,535

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From: Salem, Va.

+1 for the Zumo 550. Very good unit and has a ton of features plus it's PC based.

Mar 3, 2010 | 02:00 PM

Orion1369

Cruiser

Joined: Jan 2008

Posts: 216

Likes: 4

From: Rincon, GA

Take a look at
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?...SERIES_NUVI500 it is waterproof, touch screen works with gloves on, reasonable price and a pretty good unit. I have had mine for about a year and no problems at all.

Last edited by Orion1369; Mar 3, 2010 at 02:28 PM.

Mar 3, 2010 | 02:00 PM

Desoto

Cruiser

Joined: Sep 2008

Posts: 182

Likes: 1

From: Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada

I use a Tomtom XL330 with a Ram Mount holder and it works real good. Seen a few on Ebay going for around $110. Like the Garmin, the Tomtom is very user friendly. Ran a smaller version for years without problem then I switch to this only only because I wanted the wide screen. It has a big speaker on the back and I can hear instruction clearly over my Monster Ovals if the radio is not playing too loud. Since Ram Mount didn't make the cradle for this gps model at the time of purchase, I bought the Tomtom ONE XL cradle instead. I only need to mout the cradle upside-down and it works perfectly. It hold the gps tight. If I encounter rain, I put a clear Ziploc bag over it. I will make a leather and clear vinyl cover for it someday. Sure, it's not made for motorcycles but for the money...