Looking to purchase a Gps unit for the bike, what are you guys using or which one is better??

 

there are some threads and reviews--- my 2¢ is that my iphone works great- does everything I need it to do and i already own it.

there are a variety of apps if you want to find cheap gas or a campground or a...
there are even apps which will store maps on the unit if you think you will be out of a coverage area

my iphone has worked great for google maps turn by turn in North America, UK and Europe - the maps are updated constantly.
i use T-Mobile which offers internet at no extra charge in most international destinations-

I use a $12 mount or a clear front holster clipped to the fairing pocket bag

Mike

 

Depends on where you ride and what you want out of it. Phones are getting more durable and the new samsungs are water resistant. A harley can beat the crap out of bar mounted electronics. A dedicated GPS won't lose coverage in extreme rural area's. I have always used Garmin Zumo's.

 

There is no 'better', simply choice and variety! Living in the UK we get a lot of rain, so a waterproof unit is essential IMHO, which limits choice to a suitable unit. The major players with waterproof bike units are TomTom and Garmin. I've used my TomToms all over Europe as well as in the USA, on the bikes and in our cars. They both take a bit of getting used to, but it is possible to travel far and wide, taking in your chosen places of interest. Be sure to also use a map, for the bigger picture!

 

Whatever you decide to get, make sure it has life time map renewals so that you can keep it current.

 

I do have a Garmin Nuvi GPS with lifetime of MAPS. The issue is, there's no audio but I can see where I'm going. For my use, this is sufficient. I can't justify the cost of the Zumo line of GPS.
But for the most part, I use my Samsung Note 5 phone. As mentioned, there are a lot of great Apps out there. I've never run into a problem using my cell phone and I do travel State to State. For the few times that I've been caught in the rain, I'll just pull over and switch to the Garmin GPS. Works for me.

 

I've always had good luck with Garmin. Living in Texas it's easy to get into areas where cell phone coverage is spotty at best and none existent in others so I tend to just stick with a purpose built GPS for the bike.

As others have pointed out you might just want to try using your cell phone before spending the money on a separate GPS. You may find it's all you need for the riding you do.

 

If you download one of the GPS software packages onto your phone, instead of using Google Maps, you can use the phone when you're out of cell phone coverage.

Very few phones or GPS units are bright enough to be readily seen in the bright sunlight. Though my DeLorme PN-40 can be. But, that's not a unit that will make everyone happy, including me some times.

 

Garmin for me as well. I take it out of my car and use it on the bike. I've also been adding the HD dealers along my routes when I travel as a just in case and to get those free Tees.

 

Standard Garmin car GPS with a RAM Mount. Phones are fine for local areas that have good cellular coverage but inevitably I'm in an area without service when I need it the most so the GPS on a phone is useless at that point. Plus I like the speedometer on the Garmin; much more accurate than my bike speedo.