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I think TomTom are more affordable than Garmin. I see on TomTom site that they have been advertising an upcoming release for a motorcycle unit....forever. No clue when that will happen but I've been kind of waiting for that and gauging how much I might miss one on the bike. I'd almost prefer a radar detector so I could use 6th gear more often.
If you download Garmin USA, it stores maps on your phone that way you do not need cell service to use GPS on your phone. If you want the GPS position to lock in quicker, have a look at Bad Elf. They make a variety of devices. Some of them plug into your phone while others work via blue tooth.
Combine that with a Mophie battery/case and you are good to go.
Thanks for the advice and recommendations everyone. I was looking at that new TomTom gps that's supposed to come out in a week or so but still not sure. Would it be bad to look at getting one used? I don't really know how well these things hold up but if they last a while then used might be a good option. Also thanks for recommending an app, I'm definitely going to have to check that out.
I see that you are in Northern Va. I have a GPS you can have. It's an older Magellan that I've used for a lot of trips and it's very reliable and built for a motorcycle (waterproof, vibration resistant, etc.). The only problem is, it is no longer supported by Magellan so map updates aren't available for it and in this area it could lead to some confusion. I also have the back part of the mount that attaches to the GPS for a RAM mount but not the clamp and arm that attaches to the handle bars. Let me know if you are interested and we can meet some where. Might be a cheap way to find out if a GPS will do what you want.
P.S. If you are interested in it shoot me a PM. There is a lot of activity on these boards and some of these threads get buried pretty quick.
Last edited by monkeyboy22; Aug 19, 2015 at 10:14 AM.
iPhone 6 in a Lifeproof case mounted with Ram X-mount.
Charger cable run to phone on handle bar.
Tom Tom USA and Canada app. (Paid $50 several years ago)
Maps are stored on the phone, works without cellular connection.
Case is waterproof.
App interfaces with your contacts for directions and with third party social media searches when in range of cell towers.
You don't need cell service to use your smartphone anywhere. Just pick the area of the country where you'll be riding, and/or your route, and save it to your phone. Done.
I have an old Android phone with a free GPS app that works without cell or data connections. Download a state map and hit the road. I just slip the phone in a pocket and pull it out when needed.
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