Zumo 550 vs 660
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 868
Likes: 51
From: Illinois
I realize this subject has been beat to death. I've done a search and haven't seen quite what I'm after, which is info from someone who has owned and/or used both. They are both pricey and I want to get it right the first time. I like the concept of XM radio, BTW, just not sure I'll ever want to invest the additional, so I don't want that feature to be the deciding factor.
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
From: Durham
I just came across this review that may answer some of your questions.
http://www.webbikeworld.com/garmin-g...mo-660-review/
Good Luck
http://www.webbikeworld.com/garmin-g...mo-660-review/
Good Luck
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 30,875
Likes: 32,914
From: King George, VA
I've had a 660 since this past summer and I'm not all that impressed with it. Three times now it has routed me way off course from where I knew I should be going. The blue tooth link up to my Motorola has completely failed and I cant' get it to link up anymore. When it did link up, it took a while as I had to repeatedly respond with my cell phone that I wanted to approve the link.
Besides all that, the music link to the H-K on the bike is great.
Besides all that, the music link to the H-K on the bike is great.
Club Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,864
Likes: 3
From: Dallas, TX & Santa Fe, NM when I can find the time....
I've had a 660 since this past summer and I'm not all that impressed with it. Three times now it has routed me way off course from where I knew I should be going. The blue tooth link up to my Motorola has completely failed and I cant' get it to link up anymore. When it did link up, it took a while as I had to repeatedly respond with my cell phone that I wanted to approve the link.
Besides all that, the music link to the H-K on the bike is great.
Besides all that, the music link to the H-K on the bike is great.
As far as bluetooth, I use mine with a Scala headset and occasionally have pairing issues. I've determined my iPhone is the culprit more often than not. In my case, turning the bluetooth off and back on again fixes the issue. If that doesn't work, I turn the bluetooth off on the phone. Because there are so many bluetooth devices around...I'm guessing there will be issues due to interference now and again because the Zumo gets confused about what exactly to pair to.
As far as taking your eyes off the road to look at and operate the Zumo, well, I agree you are putting yourself at more risk and feel that's about as safe as texting while driving...most everyone thinks they are the exception and can do it safely. I have no qualms about admitting I am a much better/safer rider when I'm not futzing with the Zumo or radio, or anything else that divides my attention or takes my eyes off the road. While there are times I do not use my bluetooth (such as when wearing a half helmet), I much prefer to use my Scala/ bluetooth headset to receive directions. Just feel it's a lot safer.
BTW, I had the 550 and now have the 660. Prefer the 660, but the 550 is a fine gps for sure & I wouldn't talk anyone out of it. 6 one way, half a dozen the other.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 6
From: Indiana
Here's a side by side comparion for you, straight from Garmin's site:
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/compare....areProduct=414
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/compare....areProduct=414
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,410
Likes: 8
From: Knoxville, TN
I don't have any hands on experience, but my buddy has the 550. He likes it, but after a side by side comparison at the Garmin site the 660 offers more and is $100 less. When I return to the states I will be purchasing the XM module for the factory radio, so the 550 doesn't really offer anything more IMO...
These factory radios go bad, regularly.
If this happens, you're either stuck with buying another factory radio to the tune of $800 bucks to utilize the XM module...or you've wasted $500 on the module by going with an aftermarket stereo.
The Garmin XM can be found online for under $200 bucks.
Couple the Garmin XM with a mount from RAM and you're all set.
Again, this is just my opinion.
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 234
Likes: 2
From: Midland NC
I have both the the 550 and the 660. I got the 550 for my Bday and got the 660 when I bought my 2010 Ultra. I kind of like the 550 better (more used to it), it seemed to be easier to use the buttons one the side were more convenient on the 550 than the "screen buttons" on the 660. The 660 screen appears to be more clear when you look at it. I don't have a problem with having to look at the GPS screen at the wrong times. We ride in a group of 6 or more MCs a lot. The audio is plugged into the HK radio aux input so I get voice prompts before turns. I think mapping and driving with the GPS is safer than not, especially on strage routes. How many times have you missed a turn or had to just about lock it up when your turn came up too fast? I get several audio prompts as I approach an intersection. I have a 4G SD card in both and listen to the Gamin music if I am using the GPS. They both have (sometimes%
Last edited by vanman59; Dec 27, 2009 at 09:49 AM.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 642
Likes: 3
From: Bellmawr, New Jersey
I had a 450 Zumo on my Ultra Classic. I already had the XM module so I didn't need a 550 and I got a killer deal on the 450. As far as the 550's XM capability, obviously you only have XM when the unit is mounted on the bike, so if you only mount the Zumo for trips, you lose out on the XM around town.