GPS Worth It?
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,183
Likes: 1
From: Lenexa, KS (KC)
GPS Worth It?
I'm considering getting a Zumo 550, but wonder if it's really worth it. I know it would come in handy on trips, but I don't take that many each year. For those who have one, is it something you find yourself using even around town? Are there other features that make this a worthwhile purchase year round?
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,282
Likes: 2
From: Broadview Heights, OH
I went with the 550 because I wanted the bluetooth and the car mount. I love it, we use it frequently even driving around town. I love being able to drive aimlessly on the bike, get myself hopelessly lost (which I seem to be able to do very easily), and tell the Zumo "Go Home" and it finds the way for me. Makes my trips around the area much more fun.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 5,331
Likes: 56
From: north of Daytona
I don't have a zumo...I use a Nuvi....but I don't think I would ride on a poker run
or a weekend trip without it. There are to many good things to say about them...and if you really want to get LOST, you can always turn the sucker off.
But if you happen to be tooling along.....and the nearest town you passed was 15 miles back and you notice you need gas......what do you do? Go back 15 miles or do what I would: Search the GFPS for the nearest gas station (It may be a mile in the direction you are going). Need a hospital? search the GPS. Ever wonder if there is a Mexican Resterant on the route/ride you are on? Can't feel your cell phone vibrating on your pants belt at 65 mph? Hook it up by 'blue-tooth' and see on the GPS when you get a call. Try navigating Orlando FL with a paper map... Allot of people poo-poo GPS....and that's fine with me. But the Zumo 550 would be an excellant choice if you do decide.
Chuck
or a weekend trip without it. There are to many good things to say about them...and if you really want to get LOST, you can always turn the sucker off.
But if you happen to be tooling along.....and the nearest town you passed was 15 miles back and you notice you need gas......what do you do? Go back 15 miles or do what I would: Search the GFPS for the nearest gas station (It may be a mile in the direction you are going). Need a hospital? search the GPS. Ever wonder if there is a Mexican Resterant on the route/ride you are on? Can't feel your cell phone vibrating on your pants belt at 65 mph? Hook it up by 'blue-tooth' and see on the GPS when you get a call. Try navigating Orlando FL with a paper map... Allot of people poo-poo GPS....and that's fine with me. But the Zumo 550 would be an excellant choice if you do decide.
Chuck
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,500
Likes: 332
From: Blue Grass (KY)
I've had several Garmin units and now have the Zumo 550. I love it...don't go anywhere without it, car or bike....have XM, weather and traffic...also you can load music on the SD card,,,,cool.
I like be able to see the road ahead too, no surprise curves....I use it more and more....
I would get the 550 over the 450 ( which has been discontinued)..you get the car mount with the 550, also blue tooth available, XM, etc....plus if you should ever want to resale it, the 550 will bring more.
I like be able to see the road ahead too, no surprise curves....I use it more and more....
I would get the 550 over the 450 ( which has been discontinued)..you get the car mount with the 550, also blue tooth available, XM, etc....plus if you should ever want to resale it, the 550 will bring more.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,184
Likes: 0
From: The Peoples Republic of Massachusstts
Tater,
I got my 550 earlier this year. We find it very useful. Average trips on week ends are 75 to 200 miles per day. Use it for gas a restaruants. We like to not use it till we get lost. Some times just follow a route number and see where it goes then just touch the home button and we are home in short order. Some time we just scroll over to an area on the map and save the location and end up at some out of the way place and see some interesting things in our riding area that we never would have considered.
I have 3 different units and find the 550 the best one.
I got my 550 earlier this year. We find it very useful. Average trips on week ends are 75 to 200 miles per day. Use it for gas a restaruants. We like to not use it till we get lost. Some times just follow a route number and see where it goes then just touch the home button and we are home in short order. Some time we just scroll over to an area on the map and save the location and end up at some out of the way place and see some interesting things in our riding area that we never would have considered.
I have 3 different units and find the 550 the best one.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 752
Likes: 0
From: North East, Florida
I've been using the faring mount Quest II for about 3 years now. Could I get by without it? Yes! But all in all its fun to map a trip. Didn't need Bluetooth because I don't wan't to talk when I ride. If you got the cash, go for it.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,341
Likes: 714
as a raod captain it makes planing rides easy ,go get lost and it will remember your exact route so you can duplicate it agian with no surprises. and when your really lost hit the home button.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 11,467
Likes: 2,996
From: Charleston, SC
I'm using the super entry level Nuvi 200. What a fun and handy tool. Does everything I need it to do and only 100 bucks. Yes, the Zumo 550 is awesome and a fine choice for serious riders. I'd like to get one someday. For now the Nuvi is working out great. It was a gift from the kids.
lp
lp
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,890
Likes: 73
From: MA
I don't have one yet, but I have been researching them online and here on HDF. This past Saturday I was at the dealer and they had the MoCo GPS set up on display. I started playin' with it, tryin' different things. The big thing for us when toolin' around the countryside is where is there a Dunkin Donuts. Momma's gotta have the coffee fix, me I don't touch the stuff. Anyway I punched in Dunkin Donuts and it pulled up several that were in the area. I tried restuarants such as Applebees, 99 and they also came up, all with directions on how to get there. Then I tried gas stations and more info on them came up. Momma had to drag me outta there. I am pretty much sold on getting one. I am going for the Zumo 450. I don't need bluetooth. I ride so so that I don't have to answer a phone. It's my time. The biggest plus for the Zumo is that it is waterproof.
Last edited by soos; Dec 29, 2008 at 07:41 PM.