Adding GPS/Navigation to my Softail....

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Jan 8, 2013 | 07:39 PM

#11

Bone Doc

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2012

Posts: 13,094

Likes: 13,026

From: Texas, USA

Quote:

Originally Posted by blastonerski

Thanks jreichart...looks good!!!! BTW, I just looked up the Garmin Zumo on Amazon....are they really that expensive??? What's the difference between that and a regular auto GPS?

Googling the difference between the Garmin Zumo and the Garmin Nuvi, this is a quote from a post I found:

The Zumo is tuned for Motorcycle use, while the Nuvi is tuned for more normal use. What does that mean? Well, a few things:

Zumo = waterproof rated. This doesn't mean you should go scuba diving with it, but it does mean that it's pretty safe in the rain.
Nuvi= Water resistant. This means you shouldn't panic if a few raindrops get on it, but that you should also avoid major water torture (like sustained rain and wind).

Zumo = tuned for gloved hands
Nuvi = tuned for regular fingers

Zumo = built for some degree of abuse. This doesn't mean that you should use it as a weapon against your ex, but does mean that it's built to be durable against constantly being mounted and unmounted from your bike mount, as well as the somewhat bumpier ride a unit can get on a bike as compared to today's cars.
Nuvi = Built to be portable, but expecting less mount/dismounts and a bit smoother ride.

That's my take anyway. Personally, I think the Zumos are nice, but a tad overpriced (I expect them to be noticeably more expensive than the Nuvi's, but the 2-3x thing seems a bit much)...

If I am not mistaken, Garmin throws in a tube of KY jelly with the Zumo to ease the pain in the wallet.

Jan 8, 2013 | 07:49 PM

#12

GinsengSullivan

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Joined: Sep 2012

Posts: 323

Likes: 18

From: Maryland

Quote:

Originally Posted by jreichart

I used to use a Garmin Zumo with a RAM handlebar mount. Ran the wires under the tank and hard wired it under the seat. Worked great, went cross country with it in 09 and had no issues at all. Not sure if I have any old pics, but I'll dig around a bit and see what I can find.

jreichart are you ever planning on another cross country trip? That is something I am definately planning on doing in the coming years and being that we live right across the ridge from each other (Braddock Htgs > Sharpsburg) maybe we could do the run together? or at the least maybe I could pick your brain sometime and get some of the critical info needed?

Thnx
Rick

Jan 9, 2013 | 01:07 AM

#13

PanHeadRich

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2010

Posts: 2,591

Likes: 68

From: Big Bear City, CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by TNB

Do you know if that mount will work with the Power Vision? Thinking about getting a GPS down the road and have yet to mount the PV since I figured I'd just toss it in the swingarm bag for autotuning.

I'm sorry, I don't know. You'll have to check their site or give them a call. http://www.rammount.com/products/motorcycles.htm#/

Quote:

Originally Posted by blastonerski

PanHeadRich, that's exactly what I want!

Is this the one:
http://www.amazon.com/RAM-Mounting-S...unt+motorcycle

Yes, but you'll also need the device cradle. You can look for the cradle for your model of GPS at this link: http://www.rammount.com/Products/GPS...Default.aspx#/ Their site makes it real easy to determine everything you'll need.

Jan 9, 2013 | 02:08 PM

#14

2002FLSTCI

Advanced

Joined: Apr 2012

Posts: 84

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From: Columbia, SC

I use a NUVI 1450 on my bike. I looked at the ZUMOs but I am not paying that price. I bought a waterproof case and bike mount (less than $50). The NUVI touch screen works fine through the plastic window with my gloves on. I can buy 4 NUVI 1450s before I get to the price of a ZUMO. I have been running my NUVI on my bike for a year now and in my truck for 2 years total with no issues.

Jan 9, 2013 | 02:25 PM

#15

Lightyear68

Tourer

Joined: Jul 2012

Posts: 492

Likes: 139

From: Bel Air, MD

Leadermotorcycle mount is the way to go. I chose the ball mount option to work with my Nuvi, and ran a cigarette lighter adapter from my battery tender connector to the Nuvi to keep it running.

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Adding GPS/Navigation to my Softail....-mb-ch-a__38954.1328248739.315.315.jpg

Jan 9, 2013 | 02:49 PM

#16

Otang

Intermediate

Joined: Dec 2012

Posts: 48

Likes: 0

From: Dallas/Fort Worth

I did the zumo on the handlebar mount as well. I have it wired under the tank but also utilized the additional connection to run through the Boom speakers allowing me to use the satellite radio and hear the "you missed the turn dumbass" or ""recalculating"" in her words. Great little setup!

Jan 9, 2013 | 04:00 PM

#17

beasleyiv

Road Master

Joined: Feb 2010

Posts: 1,237

Likes: 61

From: Albany, OR

Quote:

Originally Posted by TNB

Do you know if that mount will work with the Power Vision? Thinking about getting a GPS down the road and have yet to mount the PV since I figured I'd just toss it in the swingarm bag for autotuning.

This works with PV. You need a mount that is AMPS type.

http://www.gpscity.com/ram-mount-amp...am-b-178u.html

Jan 9, 2013 | 04:24 PM

#18

TNB

Road Master

Joined: Jul 2010

Posts: 1,132

Likes: 0

From: Las Vegas

Quote:

Originally Posted by beasleyiv

This works with PV. You need a mount that is AMPS type.

http://www.gpscity.com/ram-mount-amp...am-b-178u.html

Thanks. I'll probably be attending CES this Friday. I also noticed that Garmin has announced some new models, so I my current plan is to inquire about motorcycle GPS's. GPS City is also local, so hopefully they will have some reps at CES.