Map updates?
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 1,276
Likes: 1,018
From: Eastern Ont.
The Map updates can be a trick con job job. They will sell you an update that is no different than what you have. then a month latter release a new one. Last time I purchased one . It did not show roads in my area that had been done for 3 years.
For the most part my 2020 has been ok. There is always a minor thing like Motel that is just off an exit on wrong side of the road.
It will be a cold day in hell before I pay for another update.
For the most part my 2020 has been ok. There is always a minor thing like Motel that is just off an exit on wrong side of the road.
It will be a cold day in hell before I pay for another update.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,993
Likes: 20
From: Southeast GA
when I bought my Garmin Some had free lifetime updates and some didnt. I had to find one that did and got one of those.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,385
Likes: 1,412
From: Northern NJ
I've tried rebooting, I've tried different USB ports, I've tried running my laptop without any peripherals (no USB hub, etc.), I've tried inserting the drive before starting the app, I've tried inserting the drive after starting the app, I've purchased a newer USB thumb drive, I've reformatted my USB thumb drives as FAT32 (quick format and full format).
This was posted on a different forum.
I just installed the Maps Update (Not the Dealership Locations Update) for the Navigation System on my 2016 Harley-Davidson Ultra Limited. I have the Boom! Box 6.5GT Infotainment System. Naviextras.com is the website where Maps Updates are purchased and downloaded, and there is a link on Harley-Davidson's website under "Owners" and the specific Infotainment System you have - "Maps Update".
I am creating this post to share information about the Maps Update, not to start a debate on whether the update is worth the $149.95 versus using GPS on my phone, Google Maps, etc. I like the Infotainment System and have used the Navigation System many times but I know it's not for everyone. AND, if I couldn't afford the $149.95, I would not have installed it. With that being said, I know there are some members out there that are interested in the Maps Update, so this is what I learned . . .
First, I had to export data from my Navigation System to create a "Fingerprint File" using a 16GB (minimum) USB Flash Drive. After turning my ignition switch to Accessory, I inserted the USB Flash Drive and then clicked "Okay" when the message "No Playable Media Found". Next, I went to "Setup", "System Information", "Navigation", "Export for Update" and finally selected "USB". The Fingerprint File allows the Naviextras to learn what software your Infotainment System and Navigation System currently has.
There is a toolbox app that needs to be installed on your computer "Naviextras Toolbox" which can be downloaded from Naviextras.com. I plugged my USB Flash Drive into my computer and the Naviextras Toolbox took over from there. This is where I selected the update based on my Infotainment System and region I live in (for me - North America and the "non" CVO package), paid for the download, etc. It took a long time for the information to download to my USB Flash Drive - over a half-hour, but eventually everything downloaded successfully. From there, installing the software on my Infotainment System was the same as performing the regular software updates . . . I plugged the Flash Drive into the Infotainment USB port and the Infotainment System took over. It also took some time - over a half-hour for the download to be completed, so patience is definitely needed. The download was successful and my Navigation Maps have now been updated. I will probably do this update every couple years and this was the first time I've done the updates since purchasing the bike brand new in February 2016. Note: Because we still have snow in Minnesota, I have not had the bike out yet this Spring. I did pull up the Navigation System on my Infotainment System and everything seemed to be working as it should.
Final thoughts: This was the first time I performed the Maps Update and this is what I went through to make the installation work for me. I am by no means an expert so take that for what it's worth. I just wanted to share what I learned in the event that someone else is interested in updating the Navigation Maps. I had a couple "Hick Ups" along the way, but those were PC related issues, not Harley-Davidson issues. And as I stated at the beginning, It was my choice to purchase the updates and install them because that is what I like.
How-To: BOOM! Box GTS Intercontinental Map Replacement | Harley-Davidson
I am creating this post to share information about the Maps Update, not to start a debate on whether the update is worth the $149.95 versus using GPS on my phone, Google Maps, etc. I like the Infotainment System and have used the Navigation System many times but I know it's not for everyone. AND, if I couldn't afford the $149.95, I would not have installed it. With that being said, I know there are some members out there that are interested in the Maps Update, so this is what I learned . . .
First, I had to export data from my Navigation System to create a "Fingerprint File" using a 16GB (minimum) USB Flash Drive. After turning my ignition switch to Accessory, I inserted the USB Flash Drive and then clicked "Okay" when the message "No Playable Media Found". Next, I went to "Setup", "System Information", "Navigation", "Export for Update" and finally selected "USB". The Fingerprint File allows the Naviextras to learn what software your Infotainment System and Navigation System currently has.
There is a toolbox app that needs to be installed on your computer "Naviextras Toolbox" which can be downloaded from Naviextras.com. I plugged my USB Flash Drive into my computer and the Naviextras Toolbox took over from there. This is where I selected the update based on my Infotainment System and region I live in (for me - North America and the "non" CVO package), paid for the download, etc. It took a long time for the information to download to my USB Flash Drive - over a half-hour, but eventually everything downloaded successfully. From there, installing the software on my Infotainment System was the same as performing the regular software updates . . . I plugged the Flash Drive into the Infotainment USB port and the Infotainment System took over. It also took some time - over a half-hour for the download to be completed, so patience is definitely needed. The download was successful and my Navigation Maps have now been updated. I will probably do this update every couple years and this was the first time I've done the updates since purchasing the bike brand new in February 2016. Note: Because we still have snow in Minnesota, I have not had the bike out yet this Spring. I did pull up the Navigation System on my Infotainment System and everything seemed to be working as it should.
Final thoughts: This was the first time I performed the Maps Update and this is what I went through to make the installation work for me. I am by no means an expert so take that for what it's worth. I just wanted to share what I learned in the event that someone else is interested in updating the Navigation Maps. I had a couple "Hick Ups" along the way, but those were PC related issues, not Harley-Davidson issues. And as I stated at the beginning, It was my choice to purchase the updates and install them because that is what I like.
How-To: BOOM! Box GTS Intercontinental Map Replacement | Harley-Davidson
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,263
Likes: 935
From: Clearwater, Fl
Originally Posted by cachocat
I have a 2015 Ultra Limited I purchased new in late 2014. I've been trying to update my maps over the past few weeks and I'm having an awful time getting the GTS Toolbox to work. It simply WILL NOT recognize my USB drive, no matter what I try. I've called support twice, and while they've tried to be helpful, it's just not working. The customer service rep on my second call acknowledged they are aware of the issue and are working on it with Naviextras. No expectation of a time frame to resolution. No workaround process to provide to customers. Mind you, I've worked in the IT field for over 30 years. I've tried rebooting, I've tried different USB ports, I've tried running my laptop without any peripherals (no USB hub, etc.), I've tried inserting the drive before starting the app, I've tried inserting the drive after starting the app, I've purchased a newer USB thumb drive, I've reformatted my USB thumb drives as FAT32 (quick format and full format).
The bike recognizes the thumb drives fine. My computer recognizes the thumb drives just fine. I was able to update my BoomBox version without any trouble. I was able to export my bike's fingerprint to the thumb drive without any trouble. This damned Toolbox app is simply garbage if you ask me.
I asked the customer service rep if they could provide a manual way to purchase the map update and get the file sent via email so I can put it on the drive and let my bike import it. Nope. The rep said he'd send me email that I can reply to with my bike fingerprint file and my Naviextras login information. I asked if this included my password. "Yes", was the reply. I've been working in IT security since 2008, so I couldn't help but explain to him why asking for a person's password was a terrible thing to do. A company should never ask a user for their password and a user should never provide it. I still have not received the email, but I'll give them the rest of the day on that. Normally I would expect to get it within minutes of completing the call to the help desk. If it's not sent out right after the call, it's not uncommon for the rep to move on to the next customer and it is forgotten. We'll see.
This customer and user experience is just AWFUL. I attempted to update my maps about three or four years ago and simply gave up because the instructions were so vague and unusable. When I tried again a few weeks ago, I was optimistic that the Toolbox app might make things easier. That's a big fat NOPE!
Harley - your name is on the product. Don't give excuses about this being a third party product. You own the partner relationship with Naviextras. Do something! This should be an easy technical fix. Get it done and get a patch out so your users can get a working version of the Toolbox application. Also, make this easier. Updating software on anything these days should be something anyone's grandmother can do. It's bad enough that the price for GPS map data updates is higher than other comparable mapping updates in the industry. Knowing that the map data is stale isn't helpful either. Lots of new roads in the Phoenix area every year. This isn't good for the brand.
The bike recognizes the thumb drives fine. My computer recognizes the thumb drives just fine. I was able to update my BoomBox version without any trouble. I was able to export my bike's fingerprint to the thumb drive without any trouble. This damned Toolbox app is simply garbage if you ask me.
I asked the customer service rep if they could provide a manual way to purchase the map update and get the file sent via email so I can put it on the drive and let my bike import it. Nope. The rep said he'd send me email that I can reply to with my bike fingerprint file and my Naviextras login information. I asked if this included my password. "Yes", was the reply. I've been working in IT security since 2008, so I couldn't help but explain to him why asking for a person's password was a terrible thing to do. A company should never ask a user for their password and a user should never provide it. I still have not received the email, but I'll give them the rest of the day on that. Normally I would expect to get it within minutes of completing the call to the help desk. If it's not sent out right after the call, it's not uncommon for the rep to move on to the next customer and it is forgotten. We'll see.
This customer and user experience is just AWFUL. I attempted to update my maps about three or four years ago and simply gave up because the instructions were so vague and unusable. When I tried again a few weeks ago, I was optimistic that the Toolbox app might make things easier. That's a big fat NOPE!
Harley - your name is on the product. Don't give excuses about this being a third party product. You own the partner relationship with Naviextras. Do something! This should be an easy technical fix. Get it done and get a patch out so your users can get a working version of the Toolbox application. Also, make this easier. Updating software on anything these days should be something anyone's grandmother can do. It's bad enough that the price for GPS map data updates is higher than other comparable mapping updates in the industry. Knowing that the map data is stale isn't helpful either. Lots of new roads in the Phoenix area every year. This isn't good for the brand.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 3,820
Likes: 587
From: Michigan
I have a 2015 Ultra Limited I purchased new in late 2014. I've been trying to update my maps over the past few weeks and I'm having an awful time getting the GTS Toolbox to work. It simply WILL NOT recognize my USB drive, no matter what I try. I've called support twice, and while they've tried to be helpful, it's just not working. The customer service rep on my second call acknowledged they are aware of the issue and are working on it with Naviextras. No expectation of a time frame to resolution. No workaround process to provide to customers. Mind you, I've worked in the IT field for over 30 years. I've tried rebooting, I've tried different USB ports, I've tried running my laptop without any peripherals (no USB hub, etc.), I've tried inserting the drive before starting the app, I've tried inserting the drive after starting the app, I've purchased a newer USB thumb drive, I've reformatted my USB thumb drives as FAT32 (quick format and full format).
The bike recognizes the thumb drives fine. My computer recognizes the thumb drives just fine. I was able to update my BoomBox version without any trouble. I was able to export my bike's fingerprint to the thumb drive without any trouble. This damned Toolbox app is simply garbage if you ask me.
I asked the customer service rep if they could provide a manual way to purchase the map update and get the file sent via email so I can put it on the drive and let my bike import it. Nope. The rep said he'd send me email that I can reply to with my bike fingerprint file and my Naviextras login information. I asked if this included my password. "Yes", was the reply. I've been working in IT security since 2008, so I couldn't help but explain to him why asking for a person's password was a terrible thing to do. A company should never ask a user for their password and a user should never provide it. I still have not received the email, but I'll give them the rest of the day on that. Normally I would expect to get it within minutes of completing the call to the help desk. If it's not sent out right after the call, it's not uncommon for the rep to move on to the next customer and it is forgotten. We'll see.
This customer and user experience is just AWFUL. I attempted to update my maps about three or four years ago and simply gave up because the instructions were so vague and unusable. When I tried again a few weeks ago, I was optimistic that the Toolbox app might make things easier. That's a big fat NOPE!
Harley - your name is on the product. Don't give excuses about this being a third party product. You own the partner relationship with Naviextras. Do something! This should be an easy technical fix. Get it done and get a patch out so your users can get a working version of the Toolbox application. Also, make this easier. Updating software on anything these days should be something anyone's grandmother can do. It's bad enough that the price for GPS map data updates is higher than other comparable mapping updates in the industry. Knowing that the map data is stale isn't helpful either. Lots of new roads in the Phoenix area every year. This isn't good for the brand.
The bike recognizes the thumb drives fine. My computer recognizes the thumb drives just fine. I was able to update my BoomBox version without any trouble. I was able to export my bike's fingerprint to the thumb drive without any trouble. This damned Toolbox app is simply garbage if you ask me.
I asked the customer service rep if they could provide a manual way to purchase the map update and get the file sent via email so I can put it on the drive and let my bike import it. Nope. The rep said he'd send me email that I can reply to with my bike fingerprint file and my Naviextras login information. I asked if this included my password. "Yes", was the reply. I've been working in IT security since 2008, so I couldn't help but explain to him why asking for a person's password was a terrible thing to do. A company should never ask a user for their password and a user should never provide it. I still have not received the email, but I'll give them the rest of the day on that. Normally I would expect to get it within minutes of completing the call to the help desk. If it's not sent out right after the call, it's not uncommon for the rep to move on to the next customer and it is forgotten. We'll see.
This customer and user experience is just AWFUL. I attempted to update my maps about three or four years ago and simply gave up because the instructions were so vague and unusable. When I tried again a few weeks ago, I was optimistic that the Toolbox app might make things easier. That's a big fat NOPE!
Harley - your name is on the product. Don't give excuses about this being a third party product. You own the partner relationship with Naviextras. Do something! This should be an easy technical fix. Get it done and get a patch out so your users can get a working version of the Toolbox application. Also, make this easier. Updating software on anything these days should be something anyone's grandmother can do. It's bad enough that the price for GPS map data updates is higher than other comparable mapping updates in the industry. Knowing that the map data is stale isn't helpful either. Lots of new roads in the Phoenix area every year. This isn't good for the brand.
Have you upgraded your radio? If you have, you shouldn't need a map database update: they only seem to update every 2 years & the GTS radio upgrade hasn't been available a full 2 years yet,so its' map datadase won't be that old yet.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,275
Likes: 241
From: Highlands, NJ
Just bought a Garmin Zumo XT with lifetime updates for the Pan America I'm waiting on. I'll put a mount on the Ultra just in case. All the major auto/MC companies are charging for updates to their GPS and most of their maps are outdated or suck anyway.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 7,964
Likes: 6,859
From: NC
Automobiles are the same way. Updates are costly. And not as good as a standalone GPS unit.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,892
Likes: 551
From: NH
Map updates are provided by 1 or 2 companies which are completely separate from the GPS manufacturers whether Garmin standalone or integrated systems in cars and bikes...these few map updating companies are under-staffed and waaaay behind with actual map updates, so in essence not worth the $$ to update...no way to tell what they have actually updated...
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