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Dec 19, 2007 | 11:42 AM

#11

Ron H

Cruiser

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 134

Likes: 0

From: Falls Church, VA

RE: GPS

I am very pleased with my Zumo 550.It is acomplete package. It includes a RAM handlebar mount and a suction cup windshield mount if you want to move it to your car. Easy to read, even in bright sunlight, and waterproof. I especially like the ability to plan a route on my PC and download it to the Zumo. (Some other Garmin GPS units allow this, too.)

Dec 19, 2007 | 01:57 PM

#12

btefft

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 3,290

Likes: 1

From: Columbus, Ga

RE: GPS

What lrntowrench said is what I have on my 550. Great device.

Hack

Quote:

ORIGINAL: lrntowrench

Quote:

ORIGINAL: questor

Problem with Zumo 550:
A GPSshould be able to provide basic navigational information, right. Wrong!

While Garmin added a lot of nice bells and whistles with Bluetooth and MP3 capability, it failed to include such basic functions as altitude and a compass that functions while the unit is navigating to a waypoint.

It also fails to provide a heading indicator or any reference of direction on the route page.

You can toggle to the trip information page and get a basic heading readout (N,S,W,E) but not a true compass heading.

Wow! Harsh - and completely inaccurate words - about the Zumo.

I'm holding my 550 in my hand. If you press the 3rd button from the top twice (from the main menu, or once from the nav display enroute to waypoint), it takes you to the exact navigation screen you say does not exist. I'm looking at a compass rose with the specific heading also displayed numerically in the center. The speed is on the top right. Elevation is right below speed. GPS accuracy is right below elevation, and time is right below that. It is extremely easy to see and the compass rose gives you both the graphical compass display and the digital heading together so you get the best of both worlds.

I've had a whole bunch of GPS units. More than 15 not including the built-in COMAND system in my car with Navteq based GPS. The Zumo is not completely perfect, but it is the closest to perfect of any unit I've ever touched. The biggest problem I've had is with Bluetooth compatibility with my phone, but that's my phone issue and not the Zumo.

Dec 19, 2007 | 02:44 PM

#13

HOGinit

Cruiser

Joined: Dec 2007

Posts: 201

Likes: 0

From:

RE: GPS

It depends on what you want, I went to Garmin web site and compared models, PIA but I don't want a cell phone, I bought a bike to get away from phone, just me, I don't want MP-3, I want a fast nav system, and ended up with the 2720 l and it works for me. considerably cheeeeeper than the Zumo and other models there may be one that you will like better or meets your needs better than the 2720,2610 maybe or the 28xx I just lined them up and compared features. This is my third GPS I have found that in a couple of years all of them stand a good chance of being rebuilt by Garmin, So why not buy a rebuilt one to start with ????? at a considerable saving. I like dealing with Darryl at TVNAV.com square shooter and has always been very high on customer service. I also have looked at Lowrance and TOM TOM and always ended up back at Garming again just me. My suggestion is make a list of the features that you want and compare and call Darryl with any questions that you have. Also just for info, while I was comparing I found that Garmin website listed the Zumo as being able to store only one route, That was a major detractor for me since I may have as many as 20 routes stored in the GPS at any one time. I questioned this, it just didn't make any sense and sure enuf The website was in error. So compare, question then decide which one works best for you;.

Dec 19, 2007 | 04:08 PM

#14

lrntowrench

Cruiser

Joined: Dec 2007

Posts: 161

Likes: 0

From:

RE: GPS

Quote:

ORIGINAL: IndyRider

I 2nd what lrntowrench said. The Zumo 550 is one of the best GPS's I have owned and I have had a few.

Nice screen that can be seen in the sunlight, glove friendly and all the information you need.

By the way lrntowrench what phone do you have? I am having problems with my Motorola Q 9M from Verizon.

Currently using a Verizon Treo 700w. Verizon mucks about with Bluetooth on a number of devices, and typically has far more issues than ATT/Cingular with respect to Bluetooth. Verizon limits some Bluetooth functionality unfortunately. I was able to reliable get mine to connect - however actually using it was a completely different story. Caller ID just plain didn't work. All I really cared about was being able to see when a call was coming in and knowing who was calling. Then i could pull over if it were important enough to take. Unfortunately, no dice.

Dec 19, 2007 | 04:17 PM

#15

lrntowrench

Cruiser

Joined: Dec 2007

Posts: 161

Likes: 0

From:

RE: GPS

Quote:

ORIGINAL: GWinginit

Also just for info, while I was comparing I found that Garmin website listed the Zumo as being able to store only one route, That was a major detractor for me since I may have as many as 20 routes stored in the GPS at any one time. I questioned this, it just didn't make any sense and sure enuf The website was in error. So compare, question then decide which one works best for you;.

Yup. However https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=135&pID=414shows 50 routes can be loaded at any time in the Zumo550

Dec 19, 2007 | 04:28 PM

#16

pirateheadman

Cruiser

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 198

Likes: 3

From: McDonough, GA

RE: GPS

Zumo 450 on my SG. I love it. I don't want bluetooth, so I didn't go for the 550. 450 lets you put in tunes with an SD card and plugs right into the front of the Harmon-Kardon.

Dec 19, 2007 | 04:35 PM

#17

Storm_law

Advanced

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 85

Likes: 0

From: Chatsworth, CA

RE: GPS

I got a Garmin C330 for $179.00. I did a write up on my Blog which you can read by clicking here.

As far as what is best. You can spend big bucks on the Zumo or look around. My C330 does exactly what I need. I could not see paying more for stuff I did not want or need.

Dec 19, 2007 | 04:48 PM

#18

bulldogmoe7

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2006

Posts: 6,095

Likes: 0

From: clearwater, fl

RE: GPS

i cant tell you what gps to buy. i hear a lot about the zumo be good. i am sure it is.
i personally have the garmin nuvi 650. i like it a lot. no its not water proof, doenst have bluetooth, it does have mp3, but can you really hear it doing 20mph on a harley?
if you go for anything but a zumo you will need a mount. i got mine at gpscity.com they seemed to be the cheapest and the shipping was quick.