I want to add a GPS to my ultra but don't want to pay the price of the Harley Garmin. what are my choices any input helpful

 

The only logical choice is a Garmin Zumo. And the best place to mount it is the bar with the HD handlebar mount kit.

But I suspect this is not what you want to hear. So with that I will add just get a phone mount such as RAM and use a smartphone that you probably already have?

BTW, HD didn't use Garmin Zumo units for any other reason than they are designed for motorcycles. You can get a very nice one now for about $400.00 and never have to worry about the weather or vibration affecting it. Just rock solid and lifetime map updates for free are a big bonus.

 

Agreed, buy a nice mount and use your phone.

 

I have a Garmin 590 (non-HD) and use a RAM mount on my handlebars. It is waterproof. I plan and run custom routes using Basecamp.

Mounting setup similar to this:




If you're not a hardcore map user (planning/running custom routes or managing/leading big rides for groups of people) phone may work, but, personally would not want to put my phone on my bars for multiple reasons- rain, dirt/dust getting into the unit, having it fly off the bars while riding (have seen that happen). Too much personal data on my phone to use it in that manner. YMMV

 

Im about to try this device, on its way. Its a Windows CE device that loads free navigation apps from various places and inexpensive compared to major suppliers. Seems to have all needs covered; waterproof, handlebar mount, power cables and sun shroud. Let you know how it works out. Ive been using an old garmin I had laying around but cant see in bright light.

 

I use the Kuryakan Fairing Mount. Works great with my phone which I use for my GPS. Google Maps.
Should work fine for any GPS unit as well.

 

I'd appreciate an update once you've used it awhile. Can you create and load custom routes into it?

 

The smartphone would work right up to the point when you lose cell signal, where I ride 90% of the time. Go to Yellow Stone, don't plan on using your phone, I was just down to the Back of the Dragon in VA, trying to use my phone to check the weather radar, not happening. I have the HD Zumo 660 mounted to handle bars with a RAM mount. I use a map of the state, I'm in, to set up routes using intersections. I can go to a place I've never been and hit all the good roads like I've lived there my whole life, without any cell signal needed period.

 

There is one way around this. With Google Maps you can download the map to your cell phone and if you lose cell service Google Maps will still navigate using GPS.

 

As long as you're using a navigation app that stores maps on the device, no cell signal needed for navigation. Google maps can do this, Copilot and here we go (among others) only work that way.