What's The Best Value on a GPS?
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 200
Likes: 0
From:
RE: What's The Best Value on a GPS?
here is my .02...
I like Garmin products, they are nearly bulletproff and their support is great, the Mapping software is top notch as well. However, for the bike you have to go with the bigger models, the handhelds don't really cut it on the road and this means expensive. 800.00 to 1500.00 was too much for me to justify the expense. The Streetpilot series is by far the best, no moving parts, upgradeable memmory etc.
I chose to go with the 2610, it has been around a long time, is proven reliable and since Garmin just discontinued the model you can find great deals on them. Garmin has promised to support the models forever, and they have released two upgrades for the software and firmmware since they discontinued it. I found mine on Ebay for 450.00, this included the mapping software, a carrying case, 2MB smartcard, two 12v auto adapters, a 12v household adapter, two portable car mounts, and the remote control. It cost me another sixty bucks to get the mounting kit and parts to wire it into the bike. 500.00 installed and operational is well worth the price, I cannot live without the thing now. I so far have had zero problems. and I am very happy with my choice. By far the best value right now, just make sure you get the newest Mapping software, and the unlock code.
Check out Ebay, lots of deals and great accessories...
http://electronics.search.ebay.com/g...1QQsacatZ34288
[IMG]local://upfiles/13556/15DC3FEBC540495AA2FFB1005321D90C.jpg[/IMG]
I like Garmin products, they are nearly bulletproff and their support is great, the Mapping software is top notch as well. However, for the bike you have to go with the bigger models, the handhelds don't really cut it on the road and this means expensive. 800.00 to 1500.00 was too much for me to justify the expense. The Streetpilot series is by far the best, no moving parts, upgradeable memmory etc.
I chose to go with the 2610, it has been around a long time, is proven reliable and since Garmin just discontinued the model you can find great deals on them. Garmin has promised to support the models forever, and they have released two upgrades for the software and firmmware since they discontinued it. I found mine on Ebay for 450.00, this included the mapping software, a carrying case, 2MB smartcard, two 12v auto adapters, a 12v household adapter, two portable car mounts, and the remote control. It cost me another sixty bucks to get the mounting kit and parts to wire it into the bike. 500.00 installed and operational is well worth the price, I cannot live without the thing now. I so far have had zero problems. and I am very happy with my choice. By far the best value right now, just make sure you get the newest Mapping software, and the unlock code.
Check out Ebay, lots of deals and great accessories...
http://electronics.search.ebay.com/g...1QQsacatZ34288
[IMG]local://upfiles/13556/15DC3FEBC540495AA2FFB1005321D90C.jpg[/IMG]
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,184
Likes: 837
From: KMHT KFMY
RE: What's The Best Value on a GPS?
I have an ancient magellin (garmin) gps315..... they are all over ebay for 50 bucks.
if you don't need detailed mapping, and just need basic functions, for 50 bucks it's bang for the buck.
if you don't need detailed mapping, and just need basic functions, for 50 bucks it's bang for the buck.
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 683
Likes: 3
From: Tallahassee, FL
RE: What's The Best Value on a GPS?
Regarding the 2610, how do you attach it to the bike? From the ads and literature I read, it does not appear to have a handlebar clamp.
Thanks
After more searching, I realize there is an adapter kit for bikes. Is that the best way to go?
Thanks
After more searching, I realize there is an adapter kit for bikes. Is that the best way to go?
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 350
Likes: 1
From: Illinois
RE: What's The Best Value on a GPS?
I really like my Garmin 2610. It has guided me home (Illinois) without fault from Virginia. It just got me out to Tucson and back last week. Go to getfeetwet.com for pricing.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,697
Likes: 0
From: Indiana
RE: What's The Best Value on a GPS?
OK this will get laugh. I too am interested in a GPS. One problem when I am wearing my prescription sunglasses I can't read the map because I don't have BI-Focuals in them. May I will just have to buy a new pair of tinted prescription sunglasses.
Also the Garmin in the Harley parts book has a true map I understand but the Harmon Kardon module available for their radios does not.
Does anyone use the HK system and like it?
Dan
Also the Garmin in the Harley parts book has a true map I understand but the Harmon Kardon module available for their radios does not.
Does anyone use the HK system and like it?
Dan
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
From:
RE: What's The Best Value on a GPS?
Another vote for the Garmin 2610. I use a Ram mount and hook it to the cigarette lighter. I did buy a 2 way splitter for the lighter plug because the Garmin plug would hit the gas tank with a hard left turn.
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 533
Likes: 1
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 674
Likes: 0
From: Minnesota
RE: What's The Best Value on a GPS?
I use the Garmin 2730, Has XM radio and plays Audio Books or MP3's.
Ram handlebar mount with locking Garmin base and hardwired into the bike.
I love it.
Have also used garmin 2720 and GPS Map 76
Ram handlebar mount with locking Garmin base and hardwired into the bike.
I love it.
Have also used garmin 2720 and GPS Map 76
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 200
Likes: 0
From:
RE: What's The Best Value on a GPS?
Hey Jeepin,
One of the reasons the I2 and I3 are so inexpensive is that they are "consumer" grade and NOT waterproof. I wouldn't use one on a bike.
http://www.garmin.com/products/spi3/spec.html
The 26xx and 27xx series have ruggedized cases and are IP7 waterproof.
http://www.garmin.com/products/sp2720/spec.html
One of the reasons the I2 and I3 are so inexpensive is that they are "consumer" grade and NOT waterproof. I wouldn't use one on a bike.
http://www.garmin.com/products/spi3/spec.html
The 26xx and 27xx series have ruggedized cases and are IP7 waterproof.
http://www.garmin.com/products/sp2720/spec.html