I saved money and use my iPhone for navigation with the boom audio case (magnetic pouch). Use the $700+ dollars to put some mods on the bike.

 

I use maps for roads and my smartphone if I need to find gas stations, hotels, restaurants, etc. The GPS is nice, but why spend $700 when your smartphone can do the same function and more.

 

Does it work with gloves on?

...because it's a pain in the **** to have to pull over, dig out the phone, and pull up the maps.


The option is that the GPS is readily available in live view, can tell you in advance when to start switching lanes, and even show you the terrain on a much larger screen. I also know that at times, my "smartphone" does not have signal, including both rural and non-rural areas.

 

It does not work with gloves on, but how often are you going to switch destinations within the course of a trip. If you need to find gas and food, there are signs for that. I like it and it gives a real time view. $700 is a lot of money for something a phone can do. I understand about dead spots, of course I have verizon and have had no trouble. I don't think you have to have phone signal for GPS

 

That I don't know. Next time I'm out in the sticks or without a signal, I'll try to remember to bring up the maps and see what happens. AT&T here (when I have a signal) with an iPhone 4s as well.

 

Yea I know Verizon has more coverage than AT&T, It has worked for me so far, good luck. I did download Motion X GPS for the iPhone, it is by far the best gps app for the iPhone

 

That is what I have and I love it ! !

 

I have a Zumo 550 - Garmin version, not HD. I've looked at the new ones (660?) and don't see enough added value to justify the cost. I'd pick up an older 550 if I were you.

I've got the RAM mount on my electra glide with the cable hard wired and a smaller ball type mount on my Dyna with a patch cord I made up that plugs into my battery tender pigtail. Along with the car mount for my truck I'm covered pretty much anything I drive.

I've never updated mine (keep thinking about it but never get around to it) and I've had it about 4 years. I get "off road" on really new roads I elect to take, but if I follow what it tells me I never fail to get where I'm going.

 

I've searched for a GPS thread so I can ask someone who has experience with a Zumo/Garmin GPS unit. Recently I bought a used Z450. I'm figuring is out. I will use this more in my vehicle than on my bike. Mostly I'll use the Compass & Fuel features on the bike, but in the car I'm very confused about the Traffic antenna>GTM20. I asked about it on the Zumo forum, but I have s suspicion that forum is operated by Garmin and I won't get a straight answer there.

The GTM20 is the traffic cable/antenna which can alert the GPS of any traffic problems ahead. This cable is all over Ebay with prices of $25 up to the Garmin price of $120. My confusion is about whether or not this antenna actually needs a paid-for lifetime subscription for the FM traffic alert system.
I'm not a XM/other user. I thought the FM traffic alert was a free-to-use system close to metro areas and I'm wondering if the ebay GTM20 cables with the lifetime subscription is referring to that FM alert system? That 'lifetime' subscription is the big selling point on all the ebay sellers, but I just don't know what that actually means? Some sellers say their $35 cable needs you to pay Garmin for a lifetime subscription and others say their $35 cable comes with a lifetime subscription.....??

I hope I explained this correctly....don't know where else to ask. Thanks for any help about this. I appreciate it.