That's a point I should've mentioned above, to make sure the Zumo's master volume is set to 100%. It is at 70% by default, IIRC. Even set to 100% the volume wasn't acceptable on my unit, and with MP3Gain it is now only passable, and I would like more. I will likely use the HD head unit's MP3 player most of the time, then switch to the Zumo's player when I want the voice directions to be heard through the speakers.

 

Check out the ride planner on the HD site. It now allows export of routes in the Zumo format so you can transfer them to your device. Many folks share their routes.

 

You mentioned that it plugged into the AUX port on the radio. Does it come with the wire or did you buy it as an accessory? Do the directions play through the radio?

 

The answer is YES. When you plug the patch cord into the AUX port, the radio will default to the aux mode. The navigation prompts and MP3 player that is built into the Zumo will play thru the radio to the speakers or the headset, whichever you choose with the fairing switch. If you don't want to listen to the output of the Zumo you simply select the radio function you want, but then the prompts will not be heard.

With the Zumo master volume set to max you use the handlebar volume switch to control it. There's also another volume control to set different percentages of the total volume separately for navigation prompts and MP3s. When a prompt is given, the MP3 is silenced and the prompt is heard. if you want it to be softer or louder than the music, you just set the differential volume control for the result you want.

Most complaints about insufficiant volume are a result of the operator having either the master volume or the differential volume control set too low. The radio can only amplify what is fed to it.

The wire is available at any electronics store. It's a stereo patch cord with a 1/8" jack on each end and costs about $5.

 

Great thread! I'm going to download some of the info, My Zumo is great, but Friday it went to sleep for about 10 minutes? Anyone know how to reset it? I kept pushing buttons... All of sudden it woke up.

 

Please help a non-techie who is ready to pull the trigger and get a Zumo 550.

I've searched and it appears I can get audible directions by patching between the 550 and the radio on my '07 FLHTC. I don't care to listen to the radio or CDs. Does or can the patch between the unit and the stereo system mute the radio except for directions?

I plan on wiring the gps to the spare spade connector on the headlight circuit and ground it to the radio ground. Is there an easy way to install battery tender style connectors so that I could swap it from one bike to another? The other bike doesn't have a cigarette lighter or a radio.

I'm not into blue tooth, talking on a cell phone while going down the road or listening to an MP3 player or whatever. I'm getting the 550 because of its other features especially the accessories necessary to use it in the truck also.

 

The patch cord is plugged into the aux port on the stereo. You will only recieve navigation prompts when you are in aux mode. If you are in am/fm mode, you will not hear the navigation prompts.

If I were planning on switching the zumo back and forth between two bikes, I would buy a second motorcylce mount and leave a mount on each bike and just transfer the zumo in and out of the mounts.

Dennis

 

There is also a "master volume" that my guess is you have turned down. Use the hard button at the bottom, that will bring the volume control on the screen, then you can use the second hard button to raise the master volume level. I have found that with the master volume all the way up, i'm often having to lower the MP3 output level on the volume screen to avoid distortion.

 

You might also check out "Harley Ride Planner". http://rideplanner.harley-davidson.com/ There are thousands of "Rider Submitted Routes" and also "Great Roads". You will need to sign up to login to be able to create your own or pick an already submitted route. To keep it, share it or download it, you will need to save it to your profile. After it's saved, you click on GPS Syncronization to download it to your Zumo. I've been using this site a lot lately and am very happy with it.

 

Great info, Im looking at the fairing mount as I am not thrilled about handlebar clutter