affordable GPS
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 347
Likes: 3
From: Virginia
Went through the same thing. Buddy has a new 550 on his bike. Me, I went the more inexpensive route and have had great luck.
Purchased a new Garmin 255W; large screen easy to read on the bike. Can't hear the voice but it is easy to see how far to the next turn and the name of the road you are turning on. Purchased the 2 yr full replacement warranty from BB so if anything happens I can get a replacement. Total cost under $150.
got the ram mount and quick release from www.mountguys.com and put on left handlebar of the Ultra Classic. $50.
Wanted it hardwired into the bike. Purchased the barewire kit and wired it into the accessory plug on the headlight. $20.
Very neat and clean system. Works great except in the brightest light behind you at a reasonable cost.
Purchased a new Garmin 255W; large screen easy to read on the bike. Can't hear the voice but it is easy to see how far to the next turn and the name of the road you are turning on. Purchased the 2 yr full replacement warranty from BB so if anything happens I can get a replacement. Total cost under $150.
got the ram mount and quick release from www.mountguys.com and put on left handlebar of the Ultra Classic. $50.
Wanted it hardwired into the bike. Purchased the barewire kit and wired it into the accessory plug on the headlight. $20.
Very neat and clean system. Works great except in the brightest light behind you at a reasonable cost.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 192
Likes: 1
From: NC
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,320
Likes: 306
From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
When you're considering a GPS, you should first decide on how you want to use it.
Inexpensive GPS units are typically designed to simply guide you from point A to point B with the only option being, via "the fastest" or "the shortest" route. If you look at the technical specs list for these units you find a spec called ROUTES, and in this case it will be listed as ROUTES=0.
If you are interested in preplanning your trip route via the roads of your choice, then you'll want/need a higher end unit. These typically start in ~$250.00 range. On these units, in the technical specs section you will find the Routes spec listed as ROUTES=10 or more.
Inexpensive GPS units are typically designed to simply guide you from point A to point B with the only option being, via "the fastest" or "the shortest" route. If you look at the technical specs list for these units you find a spec called ROUTES, and in this case it will be listed as ROUTES=0.
If you are interested in preplanning your trip route via the roads of your choice, then you'll want/need a higher end unit. These typically start in ~$250.00 range. On these units, in the technical specs section you will find the Routes spec listed as ROUTES=10 or more.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,906
Likes: 145
From: SE Louisiana
Hmmm... just upgraded to an I-Phone and that is one application that I just hadn't thought about -- but it's a great idea! How are you going about getting the digitized manual?
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 866
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
I know you said no phones, but my new Droid does turn by turn voice directions. If you want a large, easily readable, bright screen you can look at, well, your options are limited. Most of them will be $500 or more.
I'll also second the paper map idea because I've done it that way and it works better than you might think.
I'll also second the paper map idea because I've done it that way and it works better than you might think.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,234
Likes: 106
I have a garmin nuvi 750 on my Heritage. It's not waterproof but a clear shower cap takes care of that.
Large screen. The brightest screen on the market. It voices the turn directions. Good POI. Multiple stops on trips. You can import routes via sd card. Also can use it as mp3 player.
Thing was $450 new. I know, I paid it for one. You can find them online for around $100 - $120.
Large screen. The brightest screen on the market. It voices the turn directions. Good POI. Multiple stops on trips. You can import routes via sd card. Also can use it as mp3 player.
Thing was $450 new. I know, I paid it for one. You can find them online for around $100 - $120.
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 494
Likes: 60
From: Colorado Rockies
I have and use a Garmin Quest I purchased off of eBay. Factory refurbished, 1 yr warranty, been using it 3 years no problems. Paid $125 for it and $36 for a Ram mount for the bike. I ride all day with it and then come home and throw it on the charger over night and it is ready the next day. Best thing about it is it will operate up to 20 hours on a charge or you can add a 12v power outlet to your bike and never worry about charging it. The screen is a little small, but you get used to that and it is loaded with features.
I am with you there. GPS works good for me but I need the visual of a map to get the most out of the GPS. Sometimes the damn thing is just wrong.
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Tourer
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 329
Likes: 1
From: Oldsmar, FL
I bought a cheap tom-tom about a year ago, for $99.00. Got a ram mount, and hardwired it to the battery. The thing has worked great. I got an extra power cord so I can easily move it into my truck when I need it there. It's not waterproof, but I found that a small baggie over the unit does the trick when it starts raining. The only thing more I'd like in a GPS is the ability to load routes, but I probably wouldn't use that too often anyway. I mostly use it when I get lost riding somewhere and need to get back to familiar territory. Hasn't failed me yet.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 282
Likes: 0
From: Michigan NE LP
sorry i gotta pimp on the iphone. its handy as a shirt pocket. got my tunes. gps. star map. camera. video camera. time-lapse camera (awesome). angle finder. instant G-force readings. the weather + current radar. alarm clock. and police scanner. working on getting my service manual digitized so i'll always have it.
there are a billion awesome aps, i just haven't tried them all.
there are a billion awesome aps, i just haven't tried them all.
Walt MI/USA